2020 Vitus Escarpe: Everything you need to know
The 2020 Vitus Escarpe is a full suspension aggressive trail bike with excellent capability when the terrain gets steep and technical. Vitus has designed it to be super fun at the trail centres, but it is also for smashing the singletrack all day. In this post, I am going to take a closer look at the details of the Vitus Escarpe to help you decide if it is the bike for you.
Who is it for?
The Vitus Escarpe is designed for riders that want a full suspension mountain bike that will be fun anywhere. If you spend a lot of your time riding at trail centres, but want a bike that will take you beyond them for big days out, the 2020 Vitus Escarpe is worth considering. It gives you an outstanding balance between fun and pedalling efficiency.
Details
The Vitus Escarpe comes with two different wheel sizes, 27.5″ and 29″. As with any mountain bike, the 27.5″ wheels will give you a more playful and nimble bike, while the 29er is what you should go for if straight-line speed is your thing.
The frame material is the 6061 aluminium that you find on throughout the Vitus range; there is no carbon option for this bike. But the design and material make the frame very stiff. This makes the super responsive and fun to ride. If your heart is set on a carbon bike, I recommend that you check out the new Nukeproof Reactor.
Prices for the Vitus Escarpe are pretty good for the specifications. The base model VR comes in at £2,299.99/$2,499.99 and goes up to £3,599.99/$3,999.99 and are available at Chain Reaction and Wiggle. I will go into the different specs shortly.
Suspension And Drivetrain
When it comes to suspension, the Vitus Escarpe has 150mm of travel on the fork and 140mm on the rear. The type of fork and shock you get all depends on the version you go for. But, you get the excellent RockShox Lyric Select Charger RC fork and the RockShox RS Deluxe Select+ RT shock on the VR. The VRS gets you the Fox Float 36 Performance fork and the Fox Float DPS Performance. The top of the range VRX has the Fox Float 36 Factory FIT GRIP 2 fork and the Fox Float DPS Factory shock. All these suspension options are pretty good and won’t leave you feeling like you have budget components. This also goes for the drivetrain, as you get 12-speed versions from either SRAM or Shimano. It is the same story with the brakes too, but obviously the more you spend, the better the components are.
Geometry
The geometry of the Vitus Escarpe is in keeping with the modern trend of low and slack. This trend is making mountain bikes to be more capable than their predecessors and blurs the lines between the different types of mountain bikes.
The geometry for the 27.5″ wheeled bike and the 29er is slightly different to cope with the different wheel sizes.
27.5"
29"
Ride Characteristics
The Vitus Escarpe’s suspension setup gives you a smooth and responsive stroke and excellent small bump management while being able to cope with big drops without a problem. Where it really shines, is when it is charging down steep descents.
This is thanks to the way the rear shocks system works. It gives you a bottomless feel and very supple characteristics at the top of the stroke. This is because the rear triangle floats between two linkages.
2020 Vitus Escarpe Models
Vitus Escarpe 27 VR
Specifications
- Frame: Escarpe 27.5″ 140mm travel full suspension frame, Boost, 6061 Alloy
- Fork: RockShox Lyrik Select Charger RC 150mm, 27.5″, Boost 15×110, 46mm OFFSET, MXL Stealth, Debonair
- Rear Shock: RockShox RS Deluxe Select+ RT, 185×50, Debonair, 2 Tokens, ML Tune, 380LB Lockout Threshold, Trunnion Standard
- Headset: ACROS, ZS 44mm/56mm
- BB Parts: Shimano BB52, Threaded 73mm BSA
- Handlebar: Nukeproof Horizon, AL7050, 25mm Rise, Back 9-deg, up 6-deg, Bar Diameter 31.8mm, Width – S-780mm, M-780mm, L-800mm, XL-800mm
- Stem: Nukeproof Neutron, 45mm, 31.8mm bar diameter, 0-deg rise
- Grip: Vitus, Tapered, single alloy clamp, sticky rubber
- Rims: WTB ST Light i30, TCS 2.0, 27.5″, 30mm inner diameter, 32-hole, Sleeved Joint
- Hubs: Front: Vitus DHF112, Boost 15x110mm, double sealed bearings, 32H, 6-Bolt; Rear: Vitus M5ER, Boost 12x148mm, double sealed bearings, 32H, Shimano 11-speed driver body, 6-Bolt
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Minion DHF, 27.5″x2.6″, 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR; Rear: Maxxis Maxxis Rekon, 27.5″x2.6″, 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR
- Spokes: Stainless-Steel, double-butted, black with brass nipples
- Chain: SRAM NX Eagle
- Crankset: SRAM NX Eagle, B148 DUB 170mm 32T
- Brakes: Front: SRAM GUIDE T, MatchMaker, 200mm Centerline Rotors; Rear: SRAM GUIDE T, MatchMaker, 180mm Centerline Rotors
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed
- Shifter: SRAM NX Eagle, MatchMaker-X Compatible 12-speed
- Freewheel: SRAM NX Eagle 11-50T, PG1230
- Saddle: Nukeproof Neutron
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend, 31.6mm, left hand remote lever, S-100mm, M-125mm, L-150mm, XL-150mm
- Rear Hub Axle: Vitus 12mm x 181mm, M12, Pitch 1.5mm x Length 20mm
- Chain Guide: MRP 1x CS, 28-34T ISCG-05 Black
Vitus Escarpe 29 VR
Specifications
- Frame: Escarpe 29″ 140mm travel full suspension frame, Boost, 6061 Alloy
- Fork: RockShox Lyrik Select Charger RC 150mm, 29″, Boost 15×110, 42mm offset, MXL Stealth, Debonair
- Rear Shock: RockShox RS Deluxe Select+ RT, 185×50, Debonair, 2 Tokens, ML Tune, 380LB Lockout Threshold, Trunnion Standard
- Headset: ACROS, ZS 44mm/56mm
- BB Parts: SRAM DUB BSA, MTB73
- Handlebar: Nukeproof Horizon, AL7050, 25mm Rise, Back 9-deg, up 6-deg, Bar Diameter 31.8mm, Width – S-780mm, M-780mm, L-800mm, XL-800mm
- Stem: Nukeproof Neutron, 45mm, 31.8mm bar diameter, 0-deg rise
- Grip: Vitus, Tapered, single alloy clamp, sticky rubber
- Rims: WTB ST Light i30, TCS 2.0, 29″, 30mm inner diameter, 32 hole, Sleeved Joint
- Hubs: Front: Vitus DHF112, Boost 15x110mm, double sealed bearings, 32H, 6-Bolt; Rear: Vitus M5ER, Boost 12x148mm, double sealed bearings, 32H, Shimano 11-speed driver body, 6-Bolt
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai, 29″x2.5″WT, 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR; Rear: Maxxis Minnion DHR II, 29″x2.40″ WT, 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR
- Spokes: Stainless-Steel, double-butted, black with brass nipples
- Chain: SRAM NX Eagle
- Crankset: SRAM NX Eagle, B148 DUB 170mm 30T
- Brakes: Front: SRAM GUIDE T, MatchMaker, 200mm Centerline Rotors; Rear: SRAM GUIDE T, MatchMaker, 180mm Centerline Rotors
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM NX Eagle, 12-speed
- Shifter: SRAM NX Eagle, MatchMaker-X Compatible 12-speed
- Freewheel: SRAM NX Eagle 11-50T, PG1230
- Saddle: Nukeproof Neutron
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend, 31.6mm, left hand remote lever, S-100mm, M-125mm, L-150mm, XL-150mm
- Rear Hub Axle: Vitus 12mm x 181mm, M12, Pitch 1.5mm x Length 20mm
- Chain Guide: MRP 1x CS, 28-34T ISCG-05 Black
Vitus Escarpe 29 VRS
Specifications
- Frame: Escarpe 29″ 140mm travel full suspension frame, Boost, 6061 Alloy
- Fork: Fox Float 36 Performance 150mm, 29″, Grip Damper, Kabolt 110, Offset 44mm
- Rear Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance, 3pos lever, Trunnion, Evol LV air spring, 0.8 Spacer, 185mmx50mm, custom tune
- Headset: ACROS, ZS 44mm/56mm
- BB Parts: Shimano BB52, Threaded 73mm BSA
- Handlebar: Nukeproof Horizon, AL7050, 25mm Rise, Back 9-deg, up 6-deg, Bar Diameter 31.8mm, Width – S-780mm, M-780mm, L-800mm, XL-800mm
- Stem: Nukeproof Neutron, 45mm, 31.8mm bar diameter, 0-deg rise
- Grip: Vitus, Tapered, single alloy clamp, sticky rubber
- Rims: Front: M1700 Spline 30, 29″, 30mm inner rim width, CenterLock, Boost 110x15mm; Rear: M1700 Spline 30, 29″, 30mm inner rim width, CenterLock, Boost 148x12mm, Shimano 12-speed MicroSpline
- Hubs: M1700 Spline
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai, 29″x2.5″WT, 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR; Rear: Maxxis Minnion DHR II, 29″x2.40″ WT, 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR
- Spokes: DT Swiss
- Chain: Shimano SLX 12-speed, CN-M7100
- Crankset: Shimano XT 12-speed, FC-M8100-1, HollowTech 2, 170mm, 30T, Chain Line 52mm
- Brakes: Front: Shimano SLX M7100, metal pad (with fin), 203mm rotor; Rear: Shimano SLX M7100, metal pad (with fin), 180mm rotor
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT 12-speed, RD-M8100, XT, SGS 12-Speed, Top Normal, Shadow Plus
- Shifter: Shimano SLX 12-speed, SL-M7100-R, 12-Speed RapidFire Plus
- Freewheel: Shimano SLX 12-speed 10-51T, CS-M7100-12
- Saddle: WTB Volt 142 COMP
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend, 31.6mm, left hand remote lever, S-100mm, M-125mm, L-150mm, XL-150mm
- Rear Hub Axle: Vitus 12mm x 181mm, M12, Pitch 1.5mm x Length 20mm
- Chain Guide: MRP 1x CS, 28-34T ISCG-05 Black
Vitus Escarpe 27 VRS
Specifications
- Frame: Escarpe 29″ 140mm travel full suspension frame, Boost, 6061 Alloy
- Fork: Fox Float 36 Performance 150mm, 29″, Grip Damper, Kabolt 110, Offset 44mm
- Rear Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance, 3pos lever, Trunnion, Evol LV air spring, 0.8 Spacer, 185mmx50mm, custom tune
- Headset: ACROS, ZS 44mm/56mm
- BB Parts: Shimano BB52, Threaded 73mm BSA
- Handlebar: Nukeproof Horizon, AL7050, 25mm Rise, Back 9-deg, up 6-deg, Bar Diameter 31.8mm, Width – S-780mm, M-780mm, L-800mm, XL-800mm
- Stem: Nukeproof Neutron, 45mm, 31.8mm bar diameter, 0-deg rise
- Grip: Vitus, Tapered, single alloy clamp, sticky rubber
- Rims: Front: M1700 Spline 30, 29″, 30mm inner rim width, CenterLock, Boost 110x15mm; Rear: M1700 Spline 30, 29″, 30mm inner rim width, CenterLock, Boost 148x12mm, Shimano 12-speed MicroSpline
- Hubs: M1700 Spline
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai, 29″x2.5″WT, 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR; Rear: Maxxis Minnion DHR II, 29″x2.40″ WT, 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR
- Spokes: DT Swiss
- Chain: Shimano SLX 12-speed, CN-M7100
- Crankset: Shimano XT 12-speed, FC-M8100-1, HollowTech 2, 170mm, 30T, Chain Line 52mm
- Brakes: Front: Shimano SLX M7100, metal pad (with fin), 203mm rotor; Rear: Shimano SLX M7100, metal pad (with fin), 180mm rotor
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT 12-speed, RD-M8100, XT, SGS 12-Speed, Top Normal, Shadow Plus
- Shifter: Shimano SLX 12-speed, SL-M7100-R, 12-Speed RapidFire Plus
- Freewheel: Shimano SLX 12-speed 10-51T, CS-M7100-12
- Saddle: WTB Volt 142 COMP
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend, 31.6mm, left hand remote lever, S-100mm, M-125mm, L-150mm, XL-150mm
- Rear Hub Axle: Vitus 12mm x 181mm, M12, Pitch 1.5mm x Length 20mm
- Chain Guide: MRP 1x CS, 28-34T ISCG-05 Black
Vitus Escarpe 27 VRX
Specifications
- Frame: Escarpe 27.5″ 140mm travel full suspension frame, Boost, 6061 Alloy
- Fork: Fox Float 36 Factory FIT GRIP 2 150mm, 27.5″, Light Compression Tune, HSC/LSC/HSR/LSR adjusters, Kabolt 110, 44mm Offset
- Rear Shock: Fox Float DPS Factory, 3pos lever, Trunnion, Evol LV air spring, 0.8 Spacer, 185mmx50mm, custom tune
- Headset: ACROS, ZS 44mm/56mm
- BB Parts: Raceface BSA 73mm, 30mm diameter
- Handlebar: Nukeproof Horizon, AL7050, 25mm Rise, Back 9-deg, up 6-deg, Bar Diameter 31.8mm, Width – S-780mm, M-780mm, L-800mm, XL-800mm
- Stem: Nukeproof Neutron, 50mm, 31.8mm
- Grip: Vitus, Tapered, single alloy clamp, sticky rubber
- Rims: Front: XM1501 Spline 30, 27.5″, 30mm inner rim width, CenterLock, Boost 110x15mm; Rear: XM1501 Spline 30, 27.5″, 30mm inner rim width, CenterLock, Boost 148x12mm, Shimano 12-speed MicroSpline
- Hubs: XM1501 Spline
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Minion DHF, 27.5″x2.6″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR; Rear: Maxxis Rekon, 27.5″x2.6″, 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR
- Spokes: DT Swiss
- Chain: Shimano XT 12-speed, CN-M8100
- Crankset: Raceface NEXT R carbon, 32T Shimano 12-speed, 170mm
- Brakes: Front: Shimano XT M8100, Metal Pad (with fin), 203mm rotor; Rear: Front: Shimano XT M8100, Metal Pad (with fin), 180mm rotor
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano XTR 12-speed, RD-M9100 Shadow Plus
- Shifter: Shimano XT 12-speed, SL-M8100-R, I-Spec EV
- Freewheel: Shimano XT 12-speed 10-51T, CS-M8100-12, 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-33-39-45-51T
- Saddle: WTB Volt 142 Race
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend, 31.6mm, left hand remote lever, S-100mm, M-125mm, L-150mm, XL-150mm
- Rear Hub Axle: Vitus 12mm x 181mm, M12, Pitch 1.5mm x Length 20mm
- Chain Guide: MRP 1x CS, 28-34T ISCG-05 Black
Vitus Escarpe 29 VRX
Specifications
- Frame: Escarpe 29″ 140mm travel full suspension frame, Boost, 6061 Alloy
- Fork: Fox Float 36 Factory FIT GRIP 2 150mm, 29″, Light Compression Tune, HSC/LSC/HSR/LSR adjusters, Kabolt 110, 44mm Offset
- Rear Shock: Fox Float DPS Factory, 3pos lever, Trunnion, Evol LV air spring, 0.8 Spacer, 185mmx50mm, custom tune
- Headset: ACROS, ZS 44mm/56mm
- BB Parts: Raceface BSA 73mm, 30mm diameter
- Handlebar: Nukeproof Horizon, AL7050, 25mm Rise, Back 9-deg, up 6-deg, Bar Diameter 31.8mm, Width – S-780mm, M-780mm, L-800mm, XL-800mm
- Stem: Nukeproof Neutron, 50mm, 31.8mm
- Grip: Vitus, Tapered, single alloy clamp, sticky rubber
- Rims: Front: XM1501 Spline 30, 29″, 30mm inner rim width, CenterLock, Boost 110x15mm; Rear: XM1501 Spline 30, 29″, 30mm inner rim width, CenterLock, Boost 148x12mm, Shimano 12-speed MicroSpline
- Hubs: XM1501 Spline
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai, 29″x2.5″WT, 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR; Rear: Maxxis Minnion DHR II, 29″x2.40″ WT, 3C MaxxTerra/EXO+/TR
- Spokes: DT Swiss
- Chain: Shimano XT 12-speed, CN-M8100
- Crankset: Raceface NEXT R carbon, 30T Shimano 12-speed, 170mm
- Brakes: Front: Shimano XT M8100, metal pad (with fin), 203mm rotor; Rear: Shimano XT M8100, metal pad (with fin), 180mm rotor
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano XTR 12-speed, RD-M9100, Shadow Plus
- Shifter: Shimano XT 12-speed, SL-M8100-R, I-Spec EV
- Freewheel: Shimano XT 12-speed 10-51T, CS-M8100-12, 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-33-39-45-51T
- Saddle: WTB Volt 142 RACE
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend, 31.6mm, left hand remote lever, S-100mm, M-125mm, L-150mm, XL-150mm
- Rear Hub Axle: Vitus 12mm x 181mm, M12, Pitch 1.5mm x Length 20mm
- Chain Guide: MRP 1x CS, 28-34T ISCG-05 Black
Are you going to buy a 2020 Vitus Escarpe?
I would love to know your thoughts on this? Please let me know in the comments section below. Also if you have any questions, I will be more than happy to answer them.
