EUROBIKE 2015 | VOTEC VE and VC – It’s not just a new logo!
Looking back on such a monumental history for the company, you wouldn’t initially expect VOTEC to still be in the mood for their own further development, but just in time for EUROBIKE, this heritage-filled brand have given themselves a new lick of paint in the form of a new logo and a revised brand identity. Not just adorning the current models, the new logo takes pride of place on the direct order company’s newest enduro bike.
With their new enduro VE, VOTEC have tidily filled the gap between their all-mountain VM and the gravity VD bike. The frame takes modern geometry, with a long frame, slack head angle and steep seat angle. The 425 mm reach (size medium) and 65.5° head angle places the bike within the current realm of enduro bikes, rendering it an appealing choice for many riders.
Using a flip-chip the geometry can be switched to suit the ride, opting for either 160 or 170 mm suspension, and the high and low-speed set-up which influences the head angle, seat angle and height of the bottom bracket. In total there are four settings to choose from, with a wide enough spectrum for almost any rider to find their niche. With 170 mm travel, a 0.5° slacker head and seat angle and a 5 mm lower bottom bracket, the bike is even better equipped to take on descents, harmonizing perfectly with the stock 170 or 180 mm forks. The prototype on show at EUROBIKE featured a slightly different geometry set-up, varying from the production model through the lengths of the seat tube and top tube.
The designers have deliberately optimized how the Horst-Link rear performs to ensure that it works best with the characteristics of modern air shocks. The VE isn’t front derailleur-compatible, and the frame has been optimized to take a 1x front chainring with 28-32 teeth.
Available from spring 2016, the bike will come in three build specs, retailing between 2,599 € and 3,799 €. The entry-level VE PRO offers a solid spec with RockShox’s latest Yari forks and SRAM’s GX 1×11 drivetrain. The top of the range model features high-end FOX suspension and MAGURA’s MT-7 brakes, leaving no room for desire. Coming as stock, it’s interesting to see the addition of Schwalbe’s PROCORE system on the ELITE and EVO models. Combined with the grippy Magic Mary tyres, the bikes appear fit to put through the wringer whatever the terrain. But with such a robust and stable build, perhaps it should come as no surprise that a compromise is called for when it comes to weight – the top of the range model tips the scales at a pretty hefty 13.8 kg.
Spec:
VOTEC VE PRO 1×11
Forks: RockShox Yari RC, 170 mm
Rear shock: RockShox Monarch Plus R
Shifting: SRAM GX 1×11 speed
Brakes: Shimano SLX
Wheelset: DT Swiss SPLINE E1900
Price: 2,599 €
VOTEC VE ELITE 1×11
Forks: RockShox Lyric RC, 180 mm
Rear shock: RockShox Monarch Plus RC3
Shifting: SRAM GX/X01 1×11 speed
Brakes: Shimano XT
Wheelset: DT Swiss SPLINE E1700
Price: 3,099 €
VOTEC VE EVO 1×11
Forks: FOX 36 FLOAT RC 2, 180 mm
Rear shock: FOX FLOAT X
Shifting: SRAM GX/X01 1×11-fach
Brakes: MAGURA MT-7
Wheelset: DT Swiss EX 471/350
Price: 3,799 €
Alongside the enduro-specific VE, VOTEC also presented a redesign of their VC hardtail, which has been tweaked and toned to orientate it even more towards trail riding. With 120 mm forks, 2.35′ tyres on wide rims and a remote lever-operated dropper post, this 29er has distinguished itself from the mass of XC-orientated hardtails. In two build specs, the VC will be available from the start of 2016 for 1,399 € and 1,999 €, with the top of the range model offering the choice between 2×11 and 1×11.
For more info head to votec.de.
Text: Moritz Dittmar Bilder: Sebastian Hermann
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