2020 Vitus Sommet: Everything you need to know
2020 Vitus Sommet: Everything you need to know
Vitus mountain bikes give you serious bang for your buck. They are priced very competitively and have components that you would find on much more expensive bikes. The 2020 Vitus Sommet is an enduro mountain bike offering great capability and more accessibility. Here is my rundown of the 2020 Vitus Sommet to help you decide if it is the bike for you.
Who is it for?
The Vitus Sommet is a long travel enduro bike, so if you are the type of person that likes to ride more technical trails, but doesn’t want to spend premium brand money, this could be the bike for you. If you can, you should opt for the VR version, as the components are much better than the base level bike. However, if the base version is all you can stretch to, it is a good platform to add upgrades later on.
Details
The 2020 Vitus Sommet has had some upgrades since the 2019 version. Components have been updated and they now how much better quality suspension components, after complaints of poor quality from the Manitou Mattock Comp fork on the previous base model.
Depending on which version of the bike you buy, you get between 160mm and 170mm of travel on the forks from either Manitou, RockShox or Fox.
Most versions have 27.5″ and 29″ wheeled options to suit your personal preferences. The base model has a 1X10 Deore drivetrain, while all the others have 1X12 from Shimano and SRAM.
Some nice features that are worth mentioning are the threaded bottom bracket, for ease of maintenance and the neatly positioned cable routing under the down tube. The cable routing is protected by a plastic guard.
As I said above, if you can, try to buy the VR version (unless you are looking at the much higher end versions). The extra cash will give you an extra 10mm of travel on the fork and an SX Eagle 12 speed drivetrain, which will make climbing much easier. You will also get much more powerful brakes in the form of the SRAM Guide RE, which you will find on electric and higher end enduro bikes.
Geometry
Ride Characteristics
The geometry give the Vitus Sommet a well balanced ride. Climbing is a bit less efficient thanks to the relatively slack seat post angle, therefore the 12 speed versions are worth looking in to.
This is a bike that feels more at home on more technical terrain. it is lots of fun on downhills and is very responsive on technical trails. This is partly thanks to the supple feel and progressiveness of the shock.
The base level MT501 Shimano brakes are reliable, but not particularly powerful. Therefore, if you tend to ride lots of downhill trails at top speed, you should opt for the VR or be prepared to upgrade them later on. However, you do have to remember this is an enduro mountain bike that starts at £1,799/$1,999. This is an excellent price and if it allows you to ride the terrain you want to ride, it shouldn’t be sniffed at. The base level bike is a great platform to add upgrades to it as you feel like it and can afford it.
Vitus Sommet Models
Vitus Sommet 27
Specifications
- Frame: Sommet 27″ full suspension frame, 6061 Alloy, 160mm travel
- Forks: RockShox 35 Gold, 27.5″, 160mm, travel, Maxle Stealth, Boost 15x110mm, DebonAir spring, 44mm offset
- Rear Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select R, 205×62.5mm, DebonAir spring, 2 tokens, Trunnion mount, 22x8mm
- Brakes: Shimano MT501, resin pads without fin, 203mm rotors
- Shifter: Shimano Deore SL-M6000-IR, 10 speed, Rapidfire, I-Spec II
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano RD-M6000, GS, Shadow Plus
- Cassette: Sunrace CSMS2, 11-46T
- Chainset: SR Suntour Zeron, 32T, 170mm, GXP, 68/73mm, 53mm Boost
- Chain: KMC e10S, EPT, anti-rust
- Rims: WTB Serra i29, 27.5″, 29mm inner rim width
- Front Hub: WTB Serra i29, Boost 110x15mm, 6-bolt, disc
- Rear Hub: WTB Serra i29, Boost 148x12mm, 6-bolt, disc
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai, 27.5×2.5″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR; Rear: Maxxis Assegai, 27.5×2.5″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR
- Saddle: Nukeproof Neutron
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend, 31.6mm, left hand remote lever
- Seat Clamp: Vitus, 34.9mm diameter, quick-release lever
- Stem: Vitus, 50mm, 31.8mm diameter 3° rise, stack 45mm
- Bars: Nukeproof Neutron, 25mm rise, 31.8mm diameter
- Headset: Acros, zero stack 44/56mm
Vitus Sommet 29
Specifications
- Frame: Sommet 29″ full suspension frame, 6061 Alloy, 160mm travel
- Forks: RockShox 35 Gold, 29″, 160mm travel, Maxle Stealth, Boost 15x110mm, DebonAir spring, 44mm offset
- Rear Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select R, 205×62.5mm, DebonAir spring, 2 tokens, Trunnion mount, 22x8mm
- Brakes: Shimano MT501, resin pads without fin, 203mm rotors
- Shifter: Shimano Deore SL-M6000-IR, 10 speed, Rapidfire, I-Spec II
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano RD-M6000, GS, Shadow Plus
- Cassette: Sunrace CSMS2, 11-46T
- Chainset: SR Suntour Zeron, 32T, 170mm, GXP, 68/73mm, 53mm Boost
- Chain: KMC e10S, EPT, anti-rust
- Rims: WTB Serra i29, 29″, 29mm inner rim width
- Front Hub: WTB Serra i29, Boost 110x15mm, 6-bolt, disc
- Rear Hub: WTB Serra i29, Boost 148x12mm, 6-bolt, disc
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai, 29×2.5″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR; Rear: Maxxis Assegai, 29×2.5″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR
- Saddle: Nukeproof Neutron
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend, 31.6mm, left hand remote lever
- Seat Clamp: Vitus, 34.9mm diameter, quick-release lever
- Stem: Vitus, 50mm, 31.8mm diameter 3° rise, stack 45mm
- Bars: Nukeproof Neutron, 25mm rise, 31.8mm diameter
- Headset: Acros, zero stack 44/56mm
Vitus Sommet 27 VR
Specifications
- Frame: Sommet 27.5″ full suspension frame, 6061 Alloy, Boost, 160mm travel
- Forks: Manitou Mezzer Pro, 27.5″, Boost, 170mm, MC2 damper (HSC/LSC/LSR adjust), 44mm offset, Dorado Air Spring with IRT
- Rear Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance, 3-position lever, Trunnion mount, EVOL LV air spring, 205×62.5mm, 0.4 spacer, custom tune
- Brakes: SRAM Guide RE, 200mm Centerline rotors
- Shifter: SRAM SX Eagle
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM SX Eagle
- Cassette: SRAM SX Eagle PG1210, 11-50T
- Chainset: SRAM SX Eagle, Boost 148 DUB, 170mm, 32T
- Chain: SRAM SX Eagle
- Rims: WTB ST Light i30, TCS 2.0, 27.5″, 30mm inner rim width, sleeved, 32H
- Front Hub: Vitus DHF112, Boost 15x110mm, double sealed bearings, 32H, 6-bolt
- Rear Hub: Vitus M5ER, Boost 12x148mm, double sealed bearings, 32H, 6-bolt
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai, 27.5×2.5″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR; Rear: Maxxis Assegai, 27.5×2.5″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR
- Saddle: Nukeproof Neutron
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend, 31.6mm, left hand remote lever
- Seat Clamp: Vitus, 34.9mm diameter, quick-release lever
- Stem: Nukeproof Neutron, 45mm, 31.8mm diameter, 0° rise
- Bars: Nukeproof Horizon, AL7050 Aluminium, 25mm rise, backsweep 9°, upsweep 6°, 31.8mm diameter
- Headset: Acros, zero stack 44/56mm
Vitus Sommet 29 VR
Specifications
- Frame: Sommet 29″ full suspension frame, 6061 Alloy, Boost, 160mm travel
- Forks: Manitou Mezzer Pro, 29″, Boost, 170mm, MC2 damper (HSC/LSC/LSR adjust), 44mm offset, Dorado Air Spring with IRT
- Rear Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance, 3-position lever, Trunnion mount, EVOL LV air spring, 205×62.5mm, 0.4 spacer, custom tune
- Brakes: SRAM Guide RE, 200mm Centerline rotors
- Shifter: SRAM SX Eagle
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM SX Eagle
- Cassette: SRAM SX Eagle PG1210, 10-50T
- Chainset: SRAM SX Eagle, Boost 148 DUB, 170mm, 32T
- Chain: SRAM SX Eagle
- Rims: WTB ST Light i30, TCS 2.0, 29″, 30mm inner rim width, sleeved, 32H
- Front Hub: Vitus DHF112, Boost 15x110mm, double sealed bearings, 32H, 6-bolt
- Rear Hub: Vitus M5ER, Boost 12x148mm, double sealed bearings, 32H, 6-bolt
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai, 29×2.5″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR; Rear: Maxxis Assegai, 29×2.5″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR
- Saddle: Nukeproof Neutron
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend, 31.6mm, left hand remote lever
- Seat Clamp: Vitus, 34.9mm diameter, quick-release lever
- Stem: Nukeproof Neutron, 45mm, 31.8mm diameter, 0° rise
- Bars: Nukeproof Horizon, AL7050 Aluminium, 25mm rise, backsweep 9°, upsweep 6°, 31.8mm diameter
- Headset: Acros, zero stack 44/56mm
Vitus Sommet 27 CR
Specifications
- Frame: Sommet 27.5″ full suspension frame, Carbon front triangle, 6061 Alloy rear, 160mm travel
- Forks: RockShox Lyric Select Charger RC, 27.5″, Maxle Stealth, Boost 15x110mm, DebonAir spring, 37mm offset, tapered, C2
- Rear Shock: Fox Float DPX2 Performance, 3-position lever, Trunnion mount, EVOL LV air spring, 205×62.5mm, 0.6 spacer, custom tune
- Brakes: SRAM Guide RE, 200mm Centerline rotors
- Shifter: Shimano Deore SL-M6000-IR, 10 speed, Rapidfire, I-Spec II
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM NX Eagle
- Cassette: SRAM NX Eagle PG1230, 11-50T
- Chainset: SRAM Descendent Eagle, Boost 148 DUB, 170mm, 32T
- Chain: SRAM SX Eagle
- Rims: WTB ST Light i30, TCS 2.0, 27.5″, 30mm inner rim width, sleeved, 32H
- Front Hub: Vitus DHF112, Boost 15x148mm, double sealed bearings, 32H, 6-bolt
- Rear Hub: Vitus M5ER, Boost 12x148mm, double sealed bearings, 32H, 6-bolt
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai, 27.5×2.5″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR; Rear: Maxxis Assegai, 27.5×2.5″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR
- Saddle: Nukeproof Neutron
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend, 31.6mm, left hand remote lever
- Seat Clamp: Vitus, 34.9mm diameter, quick-release lever
- Stem: Nukeproof Neutron, 31.8mm diameter 0° rise, 45mm
- Bars: Nukeproof Horizon, AL7050, 25mm rise, backsweep 9°, upsweep 6°, 31.8mm diameter
- Headset: Acros, zero stack 44/56mm
Vitus Sommet 29 VRS
Specifications
- Frame: Sommet 29″ full suspension frame, 6061 Alloy, Boost, 160mm travel
- Forks: Fox Float 36 Performance, 170mm, 29″, GRIP Damper, Kabolt 110, 44mm offset
- Rear Shock: Fox Float DPX2 Performance, 3-position lever, Trunnion mount, EVOL LV air spring, 205×62.5mm, 0.6 spacer, custom tune
- Brakes: Shimano SLX 7120, 4-piston, metal pads with fin, SM-RT70 203mm rotors
- Shifter: Shimano SLX SL-M7000-IR, 12 speed, Rapidfire Plus, I-Spec EV
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT RD-M8100, SGS, top normal, Shadow Plus
- Cassette: Shimano SLX CS-M7100-12, 10-51T, Hyperglide+
- Chainset: Shimano XT FC-M8100-1, Hollowtech II, 170mm, 32T, chainline 52mm
- Chain: SRAM SLX CN-M7100
- Rims: DT Swiss E1700 30, 29″, 30mm inner rim width
- Front Hub: DT Swiss E1700 30, Boost, 15x110mm, Centerlock
- Rear Hub: DT Swiss E1700 30, Boost, 12x148mm, Centerlock
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai, 29×2.5″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR; Rear: Maxxis Assegai, 29×2.5″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR
- Saddle: WTB Volt 142 Comp
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend, 31.6mm, left hand remote lever
- Seat Clamp: Vitus, 34.9mm diameter, quick-release lever
- Stem: Nukeproof Neutron, 45mm, 31.8mm diameter, 0° rise
- Bars: Nukeproof Horizon, AL7050 Aluminium, 25mm rise, backsweep 9°, upsweep 6°, 31.8mm diameter
- Headset: Acros, zero stack 44/56mm
Vitus Sommet 27 CRS
Specifications
- Frame: Sommet 27.5″ full suspension frame, Carbon front triangle, 6061 Alloy rear, 160mm travel
- Forks: Fox Float 36 Performance, 27.5″, 170mm, GRIP damper, Kabolt 110, 44mm offset
- Rear Shock: Fox Float DPX2 Performance, 3-position lever, Trunnion mount, EVOL LV air spring, 205×62.5mm, 0.6 spacer, custom tune
- Brakes: Shimano SLX 7120, 4-piston, metal pad with fin, SM-RT70 203mm rotor
- Shifter: Shimano SLX SL-M7100-IR, 12 speed, Rapidfire Plus, I-Spec EV
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT RD-M8100, SGS, top normal, Shadow Plus
- Cassette: Shimano SLX CS-M7100-12, 10-51T, Hyperglide+
- Chainset: Shimano XT FC-M8100-1, Hollowtech II, 170mm length, 32T, chainline 52mm
- Chain: Shimano SLX CN-M7100
- Rims: DT Swiss E1700, 27.5″, 30mm inner rim width
- Front Hub: DT Swiss E1700, Boost, 15x110mm, Centerlock
- Rear Hub: DT Swiss E1700, Boost, 12x148mm, Centerlock
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai, 27.5×2.5″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR; Rear: Maxxis Assegai, 27.5×2.5″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR
- Saddle: WTB Volt 142 Comp
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend, 31.6mm, left hand remote lever
- Seat Clamp: Vitus, 34.9mm diameter, quick-release lever
- Stem: Nukeproof Neutron, 31.8mm diameter 0° rise, 45mm
- Bars: Nukeproof Horizon, AL7050 Aluminium, 25mm rise, backsweep 9°, upsweep 6°, 31.8mm diameter
- Headset: Acros, zero stack 44/56mm
Vitus Sommet 29 VRX
Specifications
- Frame: Sommet 29″ full suspension frame, 6061 Alloy, Boost, 160mm travel
- Forks: Fox Float 36 Factory, 170mm, 29″, FIT GRIP 2 Damper, light compression tune, HSC/LSC/HSR/LSR adjusters, Kabolt 110, 44mm offset
- Rear Shock: Fox Float DPX2 Factory, 3-position lever, Trunnion mount, EVOL LV air spring, 205×62.5mm, 0.6 spacer, custom tune
- Brakes: Shimano XT M8120, 4-piston, metal pad with fin, MT800 203mm rotors
- Shifter: Shimano XT SL-M8100-R, I-Spec EV, 12 speed
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano XTR RD-M9100, Shadow Plus
- Cassette: Shimano XT CS-M8100-12, 10-51T
- Chainset: Race Face NEXT R, Carbon, 32T Shimano, 170mm
- Chain: Shimano XT CN-M8100
- Rims: EX1501 Spline 30, 29″, 30mm inner rim width
- Front Hub: EX1501 Spline 30, Boost 110X15mm, Centerlock
- Rear Hub: EX1501 Spine 30, Boost, 148x12mm, Centerlock, microspline
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai, 29×2.5″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR; Rear: Maxxis Assegai, 29×2.5″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR
- Saddle: WTB Volt 142 Race
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend, 31.6mm, left hand remote lever
- Seat Clamp: Vitus, 34.9mm diameter, quick-release lever
- Stem: Nukeproof Horizon, 50mm, 31.8mm diameter
- Bars: Nukeproof Horizon, AL7050 Aluminium, 25mm rise, backsweep 9°, upsweep 6°, 31.8mm diameter
- Headset: Acros, zero stack 44/56mm
Vitus Sommet 27 CRX
Specifications
- Frame: Sommet 27.5″ full suspension frame, Carbon front triangle, 6061 Alloy rear, 160mm travel
- Forks: Fox Float 36 Factory, 27.5″, FIT GRIP 2, 170mm, light compresson tune, HSC/LSC/HSR/LSR adjusters, Kabolt 110, 44mm offset
- Rear Shock: Fox Float DPX2 Factory, 3-position lever, Trunnion mount, EVOL LV air spring, 205×62.5mm, 0.6 spacer, custom tune
- Brakes: Shimano XT M8120, 4-piston, metal pad with fin, MT800 203mm rotors
- Shifter: Shimano XT SL-M8100-R, 12 speed, I-Spec EV
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano XTR RD-M9100, Shadow Plus
- Cassette: Shimano XT CS-M8100-12
- Chainset: Race Face Next R, Carbon, 30T Shimano, 170mm length
- Chain: Shimano XT CN-M8100
- Rims: EX1501 Spline, 27.5″, 30mm inner rim width
- Front Hub: EX1501 Spline, Boost 110x15mm, Centerlock
- Rear Hub: EX1501 Spline, Boost, 148x12mm, Centerlock, microspline
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Assegai, 27.5×2.5″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR; Rear: Maxxis Assegai, 27.5×2.5″, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR
- Saddle: WTB Volt 142 Comp
- Seatpost: Brand X Ascend, 31.6mm, left hand remote lever
- Seat Clamp: Vitus, 34.9mm diameter, quick-release lever
- Stem: Nukeproof Horizon, 50mm, 31.8mm diameter
- Bars: Nukeproof Horizon, AL7050 Aluminium, 25mm rise, backsweep 9°, upsweep 6°, 31.8mm diameter
- Headset: Acros, zero stack 44/56mm
Hello Tom, I must say that this article is very helpful and informative. I heard about Vitus Sommet from my friend but I did not know that it is such a quality bike. I enjoy riding a bike with my friends so I think that Vitus Sommet 29 VR would be a perfect fit for me. I like the design and color and it is pretty affordable. I will definitely inform some of my friends about this.
Hi Danijel,
Thanks for your comment. The Vitus Sommet along with the other Vitus mountain bikes are great value for money. They are also great fun to ride, which os the most important part!
Hi Tom,
My boyfriend is into mountain bikes and let me tell you that your blog is one of the sites he reads religiously. He is currently thinking about upgrading from the old bike that he has for years now, and I am trying to help him in the research. I also want to pay a part of the full price as a gift for the new year. The Vitus Sommet 27 seems like a great deal and not extremely priced compared to other mountain bikes. Do you think I should direct him to this one?
Hi Kate,
It is great that my website is getting to the right people! What bike he chooses depends on the type of terrain he rides. If he just rides local relatively tame trails, this bike will be overkill as it is an enduro bike. Have a look at my guide on how to choose a mountain bike before you make a decision.
Hello Tom! Thank you very much for writing about this mountain bike. I also have two mountain bikes at home, one for me and one for my child. We both love cycling together. To be honest, I don’t really understand what a good mountain bike is. When I bought this bike, I just went to the bicycle shop, then chose the type of bicycle we liked and pay for it. However, indeed after being used for more than two years, I felt slamming from our bikes, a little more rough.
Since you are an expert, can you share with me the difference between ordinary mountain bikes and Vitus Sommet? And if you don’t mind, for VR types with the usual ones, on a scale from 0-10, what number would you give for VR compared to the usual one?
Thanks
Hi Asmadi,
Thanks for your comment.
If you are just riding around with a child, the Vitus Sommet may be a bit too much. It is built for more technical terrain. However, to answer your question, the VR has better components than the base level bike. This means it would be cheaper in the long run, as you wouldn’t feel the need to upgrade so soon. Also the components are better quality and will last longer.
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