VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX Review
- Price: $2,299
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 29 inches
- Gear: 1×12
What we like about it: With excellent geometry and carefully-selected components, it exerts powerful performance at a solid price.
What we don’t like about it: There is only one paint color, which is difficult to match the likes of all riders.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX has undergone key changes in its geometry and construction over its predecessor to provide an excellent riding experience for more levels of riders in more types of terrain.
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
The VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX has a much looser-feeling geometry after being optimized, and I have more expectations of its ability when descending.
The external cabling design, with the dark green paint color, has a more rugged exterior shape, which is really cool.
For this I took the VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX with me and booked it at IHG Hotels & Resorts to go to the closest mountain bike park to my house. There are winding wooded trails, long rocky roads and lots of jumps with big drop-offs.
Climbing
The VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX’s steep, effective seat tube angle balanced the geometry and put my body in the best climbing position as I rode towards the start on the summit, ensuring that my pedaling could deliver power effectively.
Although the basic RockShox Deluxe Select R shock didn’t have a locking feature, Vitus had adjusted the Horst Link suspension layout to provide reasonable pedaling efficiency.
As a result I could feel strong upward traction, giving me the illusion of riding an XC mountain bike.
Also, the 30T cassette with the 10-51T flywheel was so helpful for me to ride on steep grades, I could just use a few larger flywheels and the good grip of the outer tire made me ride all the way to the descent departure point on the top of the hill without spending too much energy.
All in all, although the VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX is not light, it benefits from a good frame shape and adequate gear ratios, allowing me to handle those pesky uphill sections as well.
Decline
It’s the drops that are the test of a great full-suspension bike.
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork and RockShox Deluxe Select R rear guts provided 140mm of shock travel front and rear as I maneuvered the VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX down a big drop.
It also had the same Evol air spring as the Fox34, giving it great landing support as well.
On the messy gravel filled sections, the VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX’s large 29″ wheelset and 2.3″ outer tire with a loose head tube angle made this surface as easy as a flat road. I could ride fast and smoothly on this section.
When coming to the winding trails, I needed to take the brakes frequently.
The VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX used Shimano MT501 brakes with 180mm front and rear discs. With reliable braking ability, it was able to keep the speed down as much as possible.
In a word, the VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX is an affordable and powerful full-suspension trail mountain bike.
Specification
The VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX is available in four sizes (S-XL) of 6061 aluminum frame and all come standard with a 29″ wheelset.
The external cabling design sets a stage for easy maintenance of the bike, making the Brand-X Ascend drip remote lighter and faster to operate.
The rear shock absorber adopts the mounting mode of trunnion, which can achieve a more stable shock absorption operation and increase the strength of the shock absorber.
The large space in the front triangle can support full-size water bottle installation. The protective patch on the rear lower fork reduces the noise generated by chain slap during the ride.
In terms of suspension the VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX uses its signature four-bar suspension design, which offers 140 mm of rear wheel travel.
Video
Other versions
The VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX has a redesigned frame geometry with new cost-effective components that make it the best full-suspension trail bike at this price point.
For this reason we offer a full-suspension trail bike with the same 6061 aluminum frame under the same brand, but with some upgrades in components, still with a cheaper price. It also gives the hesitant rider more options.
VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 AMP
Both VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 AMP and VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX have the same frame, and most of the same components, but the former uses a higher grade in some components that positively affect the riding experience.
First of all, on the front fork, MYTHIQUE 29 AMP uses RockShox Pike Select RC with a more sensitive initial stage, better for gravel road vibration filter.
When it comes to the brakes, the higher-grade Shimano SLX M7100 has better braking ability and can adjust the front and rear travel of the brake handle.
Next, the VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 AMP uses the Shimano SLX M7100 shifter and the Shimano XT M8100 rear derailleur for a smoother shifting feel and better rear derailleur tension.
Below, we will list in detail the specific parameters of the VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX and some other brands of full-suspension trail bikes at similar prices for your reference.
What do we like about it?
- Excellent geometry of the frame is in line with carefully-selected components and powerful performance at a competitive price.
- The new Mythique has made key changes to its geometry and construction to make it more capable, reliable and inspiring to ride.
- Trunnion shock absorber for smoother shock-absorbing operation and also increased sturdiness.
- Vitus’ adapted Horst Link suspension layout provides reasonable pedaling efficiency and good comfort when braking.
- The loose geometry combined with the 29-inch wheelset has strong passing, stability when descending.
- The frame design of the external cabling has a more rugged appearance and facilitates daily maintenance of the cables.
What don’t we like about it?
- There is only one paint color, which is difficult to meet the liking of all riders.
FAQ
- What kind of rider is it for?
Vitus focused on further improving the performance of this bike by tweaking the geometry and kinematics to provide more confidence for beginners and more versatility for experienced riders, making it suitable for everyone to ride.
- What kind of wheelset does this bike use?
Front wheelset: Vitus KT DHF112, 32H, 6 Bolt Disc Fitment, 110mm x 15mm.
Rear wheelset: Vitus KT H5ER Microspline, 32H, 6 Bolt Disc Fitment, 148mm x 12mm.
- How to choose the right size for this bike?
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 |
| 5’3″ – 5’7″ | S |
| 5’7″ – 5’10” | M |
| 5’10” – 6’3″ | L |
| 6’3″ – 6’7″ | XL |
VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX Specs
Build
| Frame | Mythique 6061-T6 Alloy, Redesigned set tube for max. dropper insert, bridgeless seat stays for max. mud clearance, double row bearing in rear triangle for stability and reliability, post disc brake mounts, BSA threaded BB, external cable routing, Boost hub spacing – 148mm x 12mm thru axle. UDH hanger, rubber frame protection, Max Rec. Chainring: 34T, Max Rec. Tyre: 29″ x 2.5″, Max Rec. Rotor: 200mm BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Hanger Standard: UDH Tire Clearance: 2.5″ Color: Racing Green |
| Fork | Marzocchi Bomber Z2 29″, 140mm travel, Rail damper, Float air spring 34mm stanchions, tapered alloy steerer, 110mm x 15mm thru axle, 44mm offset |
| Rear Shock | RockShox Deluxe Select R, 185mm x 55mm, trunnion |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano or Nukeproof, BSA Threaded BB |
| 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 Reach, 0° Rise, 31.8mm Handlebar Clamp Diameter |
| Handlebar | Nukeproof Neutron V2 Riser, 6061 Alloy, 25mm Rise, 9° Back Sweep, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter, S & M: 760mm Wide, L & XL:780mm 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, Black |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano SLX M7100, 12 Speed, Shadow Plus, Long Cage |
| Front Derailleur | N/A, N/A |
| Crank | Shimano Deore M510 or Race Face Ride, 12 Speed, 30T Narrow Wide Chainring, 170mm Crank Length |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore M6100, 12 Speed, Rapidfire Plus |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore M6100 or Sunrace CSMZ800, 12 Speed, Shimano: 10-51T Range, SunRace: 11-51T |
| Chain | Shimano Deore M6100, 12 Speed, 116 Links |
| Brakes | Shimano MT501 or SRAM DB8, Post Mount, Shimano: Two Piston Caliper, SRAM: Four Piston Caliper |
Wheels
| Rims | WTB ST Light i30 TCS 2.0, 29″, 32H, Presta Valve, Tubeless Ready Rim Tape Installed |
| Front Hub | Vitus KT DHF112, 32H, 6 Bolt Disc Fitment, 110mm x 15mm” |
| Rear Hub | Vitus KT H5ER Microspline, 32H, 6 Bolt Disc Fitment, 148mm x 12mm |
| Tires | Maxxis High Roller II, 29″ x 2.3″, EXO Casing, Tubeless Ready |
| Disk Rotors | Shimano RT56 or SRAM CenterLine, 180mm Front & Rear, 6 Bolt Hub Fitment |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Damping stroke | Frame material | Brake Type | Driveline |
| Giant Stance 29 1 | Click View | 120mm rear, 130mm front | Aluminum | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
| Norco Fluid FS A4 | Click View | 130mm rear, 140mm front | Aluminum | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 11 |
| Diamondback Release 29 2 | Click View | 130mm rear, 140mm front | Aluminum | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
| CUBE STEREO ONE22 HPC TM 29 | Click View | 120mm rear, 130mm front | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX vs Giant Stance 29 1
The VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX has a longer shock travel compared to the Giant Stance 29 1, which can handle more intense descending rides.
In terms of damping components, the former Marzocchi Bomber Z2 has better support and lubrication than the latter Crest 34 SL RCL.
On the drivetrain kits, MYTHIQUE 29 VRX uses Shimano SLX M7100 mixed with Shimano Deore M6100 components, with a smoother shifting feel than the Stance 29 1 SRAM SX Eagle. The former also employs the higher-grade Shimano MT501 for braking.
So, with both bikes being similarly priced, the VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 has better components and more powerful performance, making it a more worthwhile choice.
Learn More: Is Giant Stance 29 2 Worth Buying? [ Review]
VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX VS Norco Fluid FS A4
VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX and Norco Fluid FS A4 both have excellent aluminum frames and nice geometry.
As to the drivetrain, the former has a higher component level than the latter, making the shifting feel more silky-smooth, and the higher speed also brings stronger climbing performance.
In terms of braking components, the MYTHIQUE 29 VRX’s Shimano MT501 two-piston braking capacity and the Fluid FS A4’s Tektro HD-M535 four-piston, is similar in braking capacity.
Finally, with similar shock travel, the former’s Marzocchi Bomber Z2 braking capacity has better support than the latter’s RockShox Recon Silver RL for more intense descending rides.
Between these two bikes, the VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 is also more powerful, although it costs $300 more.
Learn More: Is Norco Fluid FS A4 Splendid? – [Norco Fluid FS A4 Review]
VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX VS Diamondback Release 29 2
Both the VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX and Diamondback Release 29 2 use an aluminum frame with external cable routing, but the former has a more aesthetically-pleasing frame shape, in my opinion.
In terms of damping, the latter’s Fox Rhythm Float 34 fork and Fox Float DPS EVOL LV rear shock have better support to handle big drop drops than the former’s Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork and RockShox Deluxe Select R rear shock.
But the MYTHIQUE 29 VRX has a longer rear wheel travel.
In terms of drivetrain, the Release 29 2 employs a full set of Shimano SLX M7100 components, which is really more appreciated than the mix of Shimano M6100 and M7100 in the MYTHIQUE 29 VRX.
When it comes to braking components, the latter Shimano SLX has better braking ability than the former Shimano MT501.
Finally, of these two bicycles, the latter has better components, but the price is $1100 more expensive than the former. The choice depends on what your budget is.
VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX VS CUBE STEREO ONE22 HPC TM 29
Comparing the VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX with the CUBE STEREO ONE22 HPC TM 29, the latter will be lighter due to the use of carbon fiber frame. This also helps save more effort when climbing.
The MYTHIQUE 29 VRX, speaking of damping, has a front and rear 140mm damping travel, which can cope with greater impact and intense descent riding, higher than the latter’s front 130mm rear 120mm.
In terms of drivetrain, the latter’s SRAM GX mix with SRAM NX is more crisp and clean in shifting feel than the former’s Shimano mix components.
Here is what the braking components of both bikes are. STEREO ONE22 HPC TM 29’s front: Shimano XT M8120 four piston with rear: XT M8100 dual piston is much better than the MYTHIQUE 29 VRX’s Shimano MT501 in terms of braking ability and feel of use.
For these two full-suspension trail bikes, if you have the budget to pay then I would recommend the carbon frame CUBE STEREO ONE22 HPC TM 29. On the other hand, if you don’t want to spend too much money, just go for the VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX.
Summary
Above is my ride review of the VITUS MYTHIQUE 29 VRX. In our opinion, VITUS has built this bike to the standard of equipment found on high-end bikes, giving it a great riding experience. That’s why we gave it a 4.8 rating.
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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