Market: At least since the summer of 2015, when VOTEC surprised with a new logo, a new identity and a new appearance, the southern German manufacturer from the Stuttgart area has once again been one of the "big ones" in the bicycle sector in this country. The bikes are particularly attractive in terms of price and offer a lot for their money - we took a closer look at the road bike portfolio.
Votec VRX - The all-rounder
The VOTEC VRX, newly introduced this year, embodies the universal approach of a racing bike, which is very popular with many buyers. The area of application of the bike lies somewhere between endurance and cross, between asphalt and gravel, between sporty and relaxed - in plain English: The VRX from Votec is the ideal basis for a gravel bike. But what distinguishes this from a classic racer? In addition to obvious things like the ample tire clearance (up to 40mm on the VRX), there are also minor changes to the frame geometry that are invisible at first glance, but which have a strong impact on the driving experience.
The VRX has a noticeably longer wheelbase than a classic racer and thus offers a rather good-natured straight-line stability, especially off the beaten track, and helps the driver to maintain control. Two other factors are the slightly slacker steering angle of ~71° and the lowered bottom bracket, which do well with the off-road performance of the plain black all-rounder.
The versatility of the frame is also taken into account at VOTEC with the available equipment variants: There is a VRX-C and a VRX-G variant, with the C standing for cross and the G for gravel. Both lines share the same basis, namely the noble-looking black aluminum frame and the full carbon fork. Likewise, all wheels on the VRX platform come with disc brakes. Apart from that, the selection of components and attachments is tailored to the respective area of application.
Drive: Shimano 105 2x11s
brakes: TRP HyRd 160mm
impellers: DT Swiss R24 Spline
Tire: Schwalbe X-One 33 PaceStar
Price: 1.499€
Drive: SRAM Rival 11s 11-36
brakes: SRAM Rival 160mm
impellers: DT Swiss R23 Spline
Tire: Schwalbe X-One 33 PaceStar
Price: 1.699€
Drive: Shimano 105 2x11s
brakes: TRP HyRd 160mm
impellers: DT Swiss R24 Spline
Tire: Schwalbe G-One 35 OneStar
Price: 1.499€
Votec VR - The price/performance racer
At a time when the prices for sports bikes - whether road or MTB - are constantly rising and are sometimes reaching the level of small cars, newcomers or returnees who do not want to spend a fortune on their sports equipment often look down the drain. The VOTEC VR is really a ray of hope here: The racing bike comes with an aluminum frame and modern geometry, full carbon fork, solid, functional equipment and is already available for less than €1000.
VOTEC offers price-conscious buyers two equipment variants: The VOTEC VR model comes with Mavic Aksium wheelset, Shimano 105 drive and rim brakes for €999. In contrast, the VRd variant, which was newly presented in 2016, offers disc brakes from TRP and DT Swiss R24 wheels – if you opt for the disc brake variant, you have to shell out €500 more. But there is also a solidly equipped bike at a price where you can't even get the entry-level models elsewhere.
The geometry of the aluminum frame changes to the limit of endurance, but with a sporty touch. Due to the long head tube, however, it should be much more relaxed in the saddle than on uncompromising racehorses and these properties make the VR a good choice for longer distances or simply as a training bike for all conditions.
VOTEC VR
Drive: Shimano 105 2×11
brakes: Shimano Tiagra rim
impellers: Mavic Aksium Elite
Tire: Mavic Yskion 25mm
Price: 999€
VOTEC VRd
Drive: Shimano 105 2×11
brakes: TRP HyRD 160mm
impellers: DT Swiss R24 Spline db
Tire: Continental Grand Prix 4000s II 25mm
Price: 1.499€
Votec VRC - The thoroughbred racer
The Votec VRC is made for the racers out there - for those who want unconditional performance. All models come with the in-house developed carbon frame and carbon fork. These come with the latest standards: Di2-Ready, internally routed cables and lines and press-fit bottom bracket. The four equipment variants cover almost the entire spectrum, from the solid entry-level range with Shimano 105 and Mavic aluminum wheels to the high-end range with Dura-Ace and Cosmic Carbon rims.
The pricing of the VRC is also interesting: the entry-level model costs just €1.599 and the top model also costs 'only' an affordable €3.699. The geometry is a bit sportier than that of the VR, but still a bit more comfortable than many other carbon race bikes on the market.
Drive: Shimano 105 2×11
brakes: Shimano 105
impellers: Mavic Aksium Elite
Tire: Mavic YKSION 25mm
Price: 1.599€
Drive: Shimano Ultegra
brakes: Shimano 105
impellers: DT Swiss R23
Tire: Continental Grand Prix 4000s II 25mm
Price: 1.999€
Drive: Shimano Ultegra
brakes: Shimano Ultegra
impellers: Mavic Ksyrium Pro Exalith
Tire: Mavic Yksion Pro Powerlink 25mm
Price: 2.699€
Drive: Shimano Ultegra Di2
brakes: Shimano Ultegra
impellers: Easton EA90SL
Tire: Continental Grand Prix 4000s II 25mm
Price: 2.799€
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