Eurobike / Markt: The first thing that catches the eye at the VOTEC stand at this year's Eurobike is the new logo. The simple new design should fit the realignment of the traditional brand and also point the way to the future. We were shown the innovations in the road sector, from gravel to cross to disc racers.
VOTEC VRX
The VRX model is brand new for the coming season. It is aimed at racing bike enthusiasts who like to ride off-road, who don't want to avoid gravel paths and forest highways, but want to explore them and are looking for the right bike for exactly this area of use. Classic cyclocrossers were the model, but VOTEC made cuts here and there for the VRX: The wheelbase is longer, the steering angle is flatter and the bottom bracket has moved downwards compared to the classic CX geometry.
In addition, the head tube has been lengthened to achieve a slightly more upright, more comfortable riding position. VOTEC places the VRX in a hybrid position between the new 'drawer' gravel and the classic cyclocross - consequently there will also be the corresponding complete wheels for both construction variants, which share the aluminum frame and the carbon fork. The only difference between the VRX-C (C for Cross) and VRX-G (G for Gravel) variants are the tires. While the new X-One (33mm) from Schwalbe is used in the Cross version, the new G-One in 35mm replaces it in the Gravel-Votec. Thru-axles at the front and rear also improve the rigidity of the bike.
There will also be two equipment variants for each model. The Comp versions come with a 2×11 105 Shimano groupset and R24 Spline wheels from DT Swiss, while the higher-end Pro model will be equipped with a SRAM Rival 1×11 group and R23 Spline from DT Swiss. The price tag for the Comp model is €1.499 and €1.699 for the Pro.
Stephan Geiß from Votec briefly introduces you to the VRX and the new VRD in the video:
VOTEC VRd
The new VOTEC VRd is the first and so far only racing bike with disc brakes in the VOTEC portfolio. The triumph of disc stoppers on the road is unlikely to be stopped, so it is only logical that more and more manufacturers are reacting to this development. As with most other bikes in this class, the brakes are fitted using the new Flatmount standard.
The rear triangle and fork have been completely redeveloped and optimized for the special requirements and loads of disc brakes. The brakes themselves come from TRP: The HyRD+ works semi-hydraulically and comes with 160mm rotors at the front and rear. For the drive, VOTEC relies on the proven 105 group from Shimano and the DT Swiss R24 Spline wheels are also in the upper equipment range. The price of €1.499 for the VOTEC VRd is extremely fair given the good equipment.
Leave a Comment