Vitus Sentier 29 VRX Review
- Price: $2,099
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 29″ Aluminum
- Gear: 1 × 12
What we like about it: The dropper seatpost allows you to adjust your riding position in time for a more comfortable ride.
What we don’t like about it: The plain black paint job may make some people feel monotonous.
Rating: (4.8/5)
Vitus has done a lot of research on mountain bikes and this is reflected in the Vitus Sentier 29 VRX, which offers a good balance between performance and price. As a result, I decided to give this very affordable product a good test.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications as well as other versions of this bike.
Additionally, at the end of the review, we will also compare several best bike models. If you want to know more about bike reviews, don’t hesitate to follow us.
Riding Experience
I had heard that Iwen Park in North Dakota was a great trail option, so I decided to take the Vitus Sentier 29 VRX and tackle one of the blue trails called the Forum Tower Loop.
I booked my hotel via IHG Hotels & Resorts and hit the road.
Climbing
After riding through an open and flat grassy area, I hit the first climb, which was long but not too steep.
The Vitus Sentier 29 VRX’s lightweight aluminum frame didn’t weigh me down and I was able to ride it without changing gears.
After a stone bridge I really entered the Forum Tower Loop, probably because not many people came here this time of year and the weather was good, the grass grew deep on both sides of the road.
To be honest, the road here was quite confusing and I almost went wrong a few times, but the Nukeproof Horizon V2 Riser handlebars on the Vitus Sentier 29 VRX were flexible enough to get me back on track in time.
The 12-speed Shimano SLX M7100 drivetrain was also very helpful, with accurate and responsive shifting that allowed me to get into the right gear in a timely manner when I was feeling a little overworked.
I must also mention that the Vitus Sentier 29 VRX gave me a very comfortable ride, the dropper design allowed me to adjust my riding position at any time according to the terrain, and the Vitus Lock On grip felt very well suited to me.
Downhill
Although the Vitus Sentier 29 VRX is only a hardtail mountain bike, I was pleasantly surprised by its downhill performance.
As I navigated the narrow roads, the occasional tall tree trunk on either side of me required me to concentrate more, and my fear of unfamiliar terrain kept my hands on the brakes, forcing me to squeeze them often.
The slightly stiff feel of the brakes gave me good feedback, but a long grip made my fingers feel a bit tired.
Also, due to the external alignment, the Vitus Sentier 29 VRX produced a slight cable-to-body noise when riding over some bumps, but it’s perfectly acceptable.
Speaking of bumps, thanks to the 130mm travel Fox Performance Float 34 fork, the rebound was smooth and my arms barely ached.
All in all, the Vitus Sentier 29 VRX is a promising hardtail cross-country mountain bike that performs well on both climbs and descents.
Specification
The Vitus Sentier 29 VRX is a hardtail trail bike with a mid-range Fox Performance Float 34 fork.
It has a clean look and doesn’t look cluttered despite the external cable routing.
At the same time, the Vitus Sentier 29 VRX offers a relatively upright riding position compared to its counterparts, which brings a more comfortable riding experience.
In terms of tires, the Vitus Sentier 29 VRX features a wide Schwalbe Magic Mary 29×2.4″ wheel set with good traction.
Moreover, the large tread pattern provides good grip for riding on complex surfaces and there was no slippage during my ride.
As for the drivetrain, the Shimano SLX M7100, 12 Speed, 32T Narrow Wide Chainring Crank with Shimano SLX M7100, 12 Speed, 10-51T Range Flywheel makes the Vitus Sentier 29 VRX fully capable of handling various ramp challenges with ease.
The Shimano SLX M7100 hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent braking performance and are very sensitive.
Finally, the vitus Sentier 29 VRX also features a dropper design that allows you to adjust your riding position in time for changes in terrain, resulting in a more comfortable experience.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Fox Performance Float 34 fork damping and rebound effect are excellent.
- 29 x 2.4″ large diameter wheelset can maintain good passability during the ride.
- The taller Stack provides a more upright riding position and is friendly to older riders.
- The design of the dropper allows you to adjust the riding position in time to make the ride more comfortable.
- Shimano SLX M7100 Hydraulic Disc braking system provides adequate safety.
What don’t we like about it?
- External cable routing method tends to accumulate dirt.
FAQs
- How does it perform off-road?
The bike uses a moderately heavy Fox Performance Float 34 fork, with moderate travel and stiffness, making it ideal for climbing and descending.
- What is the weight of this bike?
It uses a relatively lightweight Sentier Aluminium 6061-T6 Double Butted frame, and at 11.9 kg the whole bike doesn’t weigh much on me.
- How do I choose the size of this bike?
It is friendly to riders of all heights and is available in 3 sizes. Here we provide you with a size chart, but of course you do not have to follow this standard. The best way to find the most suitable size is to test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’5″ – 5’11” | MD |
| 5’9″ – 6’3″ | LG |
| 6’1″ – 6’8″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Sentier Aluminium 6061-T6 Double Butted, IS disc brake mounts, BSA threaded BB, Boost hub spacing – 148mm x 12mm thru axle. Specifications: 179mm Length, 18mm Thread Length, M12xP1.5 Thread Pitch BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Color: Racing Green |
| Fork | Fox 34 Float Performance Series 29″, 130mm travel, GRIP damper, Float air spring, 34mm stanchions, tapered alloy steerer, Boost hub spacing – 110mm x 15mm bolt through axle |
| Rear Shock | N/A, N/A |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano BB52, BSA Threaded BB, 73mm Shell |
| Headset | Acros AZX-212-CO R5, ZS44/28.6 upper & ZS56/40 lower to suit 1-1/8″ upper tapered to 1.5″ lower headtube |
| Stem | Nukeproof Neutron, 6061 Alloy, 45mm length, 31.8mm Handlebar Clamp Diameter, 0° Rise |
| Handlebar | Nukeproof Horizon V2 Riser, 6061 Alloy, 25mm Rise, 9° Back Sweep, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter, S & M: 760mm Wide, L: 780mm Wide, XL: 800mm Wide |
| Saddle | Nukeproof Neutron, Black, Steel Rails |
| Seatpost | Brand-X Ascend Dropper, Remote lever, 31.6mm Diameter, S: 100mm drop, M: 125mm drop, L & XL: 150mm drop |
| Grips | Vitus Lock On, N/A |
Wheels
| Rims | DT Swiss M 1900 Spline, 29″, 28H, Presta Valve, Tubeless Ready Rim Tape Installed |
| Front Hub | DT Swiss M 1900 Spline, 28H, 6 Bolt Disc Fitment, 110mm x 15mm |
| Rear Hub | DT Swiss M 1900 Spline, 28H, 6 Bolt Disc Fitment, 148mm x 12mm |
| Tires | Schwalbe Magic Mary, 29″, 2.4″, Evo, Super Trail, TLE, Addix Soft |
| Disk Rotors | Shimano RT66 or SRAM CenterLine, 180mm Front & Rear, 6 Bolt Hub Fitment |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT M8100, 12 Speed, Shadow Plus, Long Cage |
| Front Derailleur | N/A, N/A |
| Crank | Shimano SLX M7100, 12 Speed, 32T Narrow Wide Chainring, 170mm Crank Length |
| Shifters | Shimano SLX M7100, 12 Speed, Rapidfire Plus |
| Cassette | Shimano SLX M7100, 12 Speed, 10-51T Range |
| Chain | Shimano SLX M7100, 12 Speed, 114 Links |
| Chain Guide | N/A |
| Brakes | Shimano SLX M7100 or SRAM DB8, Post Mount, Shimano: Front Caliper: Four Piston, Rear Caliper: Two Piston; SRAM: Four Piston Calipers |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Frame material | Kits | Driveline | Tires |
| Cannondale Trail Women’s SE 3 | Click View | Aluminum | Shimano Deore, FSA | 1 × 11 | (F) WTB Breakout, 29×2.3″ / (R) WTB Trail Boss, 29×2.25″ |
| Santa Cruz Chameleon R Plus / Carbon C / 27+ | Click View | Carbon | SRAM NX Eagle | 1 × 12 | Front: Maxxis Rekon 27.5×2.8″, EXO, TR, Rear: Maxxis Rekon 27.5×2.8″, EXO, TR |
| Trek Roscoe 9 | Click View | Aluminum | Shimano XT, SLX | 1 × 12 | Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, 29×2.60” |
| Giant Fathom 1 | Click View | Aluminum | SRAM NX Eagle, SX Eagle | 1 × 12 | Maxxis Ardent Race 27.5×2.6″, folding, TR |
Vitus Sentier 29 VRX vs Cannondale Trail Women’s SE 3
The Cannondale Trail Women’s SE 3 uses an 11-speed Shimano Deore M5100 drivetrain compared to the vitus Sentier 29 VRX’s 12-speed Shimano SLX M7100 drivetrain, which has more gears for better climbing performance.
In addition, the 120mm travel RockShox Judy Silver TK fork on the Cannondale Trail Women’s SE 3 is shorter and less dampening than the 130mm travel Fox Performance Float 34 fork on the vitus Sentier 29 VRX.
At nearly $500 less, the Cannondale Trail Women’s SE 3 offers a great value for beginners or those on a budget. But if you’re looking for more, then the Vitus Sentier 29 VRX is the one to go.
Vitus Sentier 29 VRX vs Santa Cruz Chameleon R Plus / Carbon C / 27+
What surprises me most about the Santa Cruz Chameleon R Plus / Carbon C / 27+ is that it uses a lighter carbon fiber frame, especially for riders who need to climb a lot to take some of the load off.
However, if you are a beginner, I recommend you choose the Vitus Sentier 29 VRX with an aluminum frame.
After all, no one can guarantee that you will not fall or crash in the introductory trail riding, and the Vitus Sentier 29 is obviously more robust and durable.
And speaking of damping, while both the Vitus Sentier 29 VRX and the Santa Cruz Chameleon R Plus / Carbon C / 27+ have 130mm travel forks, the former’s Fox Performance Float 34 fork is a bit higher grade than the latter’s Fox entry-level Rhythm Float 34 fork, which is a bit higher grade and made of stronger and more durable material.
Second, the Santa Cruz Chameleon R Plus / Carbon C / 27+ has a smaller wheelset diameter of 27.5″, which provides a lower center of gravity and a more stable ride compared to the Vitus Sentier 29 VRX.
However, the 29″ Schwalbe Magic Mary tires on the vitus Sentier 29 VRX have better traction.
In short, both bikes are excellent and you can choose according to your needs.
Vitus Sentier 29 VRX vs Trek Roscoe 9
First, Trek Roscoe 9’s internal cable routing design keeps the whole bike looking cleaner and tidier, even in muddy terrain. It also keeps dirt from collecting on the frame, making daily cleaning a breeze.
In addition, it also prevents the external cable wiring from colliding with the body and causing rattles during bumpy road rides.
Second, the two bikes are not identical in style: The Vitus Sentier 29 VRX uses a Fox Performance Float 34 fork and the Trek Roscoe 9 uses a Fox Rhythm Float 36 fork.
The former is moderately heavy and has moderate travel and stiffness, making the Vitus Sentier 29 VRX ideal for both climbing and descending.
The latter has a larger diameter shock tube and even uses many of the same technologies as the FOX 38, including stiffer domes and fork bleeder to reduce pressure build-up and keep the fork supple, but with over 200 grams less weight.
This makes the Trek Roscoe 9 a popular choice for medium- to long-distance trail riders.
Learn More: Is Trek Roscoe 9 A Good Bike? [Trek Roscoe 9 Review]
Vitus Sentier 29 VRX vs Giant Fathom 1
The Giant Fathom 1 features balanced geometry with a 75-degree seat tube angle that puts riders in a powerful pedaling position on climbs, while a more relaxed 66-degree head tube angle increases rider confidence and control on technical descents.
In addition, the lightweight ALUXX SL aluminum hardtail frame provides agile acceleration and maneuverability to help riders climb and turn efficiently and quickly.
Once you’ve ridden both bikes off-road, it’s easy to see that the Giant Fathom 1 is a bit more aggressive, which is better for riders who are more speed-oriented, and the lower riding position reduces wind interference.
However, if you’re more focused on comfort, like me, the taller Vitus Sentier 29 VRX is a better choice, giving you a more upright riding position that’s easier on the lower back and hips.
Summary
Above is our test of the vitus Sentier 29 VRX, which has excellent climbing and descending abilities.
In our opinion, the Vitus Sentier 29 VRX is a bike worth buying. All together we gave it a high score of 4.8.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring other similar bikes, we have reviewed a variety of bikes at different price points that you might find interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews as well.
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