2023 Vitus

Mythique 29 AMP Mountain

When we tested the original Mythique 29 back in 2019, we were blown away by the suspension performance, build kit and frame quality. But we criticised the 29in version for having an overly tall BB height, because it would have cost Vitus nothing to get it right in the first instance and we’re picky that way. So although it quickly became one of the best budget full-suspension bikes on the market, it wasn’t perfect.  Fast forward to 2023, and we’d have been happy if Vitus had simply addressed our single complaint about the original bike. Instead it’s gone several steps further and produced a brand new alloy Mythique frame that wouldn’t look out of place on a bike costing double the money.  Frame With so many updates it’s hard to know where to begin, so let’s start where we left off. The BB height on the 29er is now 328mm, that’s almost 20mm lower than the original, and puts the rider in, rather than on, the bike. Vitus has also slackened the head angle a touch, so it’s down from 66º to 65.3º. The seat angle has been steepened up 1.5º too, placing the rider more forward for climbing. To stop the cockpit feeling cramped with the more upright seated riding position, the reach has also grown by 10mm. There are still two versions – 29in and 27.5in – where both platforms have 140mm travel. But Vitus hasn’t just tweaked the geometry and sizing, it’s improved the overall frame quality too. From the one-piece welded rocker link and trunnion mount shock, to the bridgeless seatstays and double complement of bearings on the pivots, the new Mythique is built to last. Even the alloy pivot hardware looks like something you’d find on a Santa Cruz or similar boutique bike. All of the tubing profiles are customised too, where the complex hydroformed seat tube assembly, that houses the rocker link pivot, gives the bike a really fluid form.  One major difference between the Vitus and the Polygon Siskiu or Jamis Faultline, which we tested head-to-head, is the width of the main pivot. It’s much wider than on the other two bikes, so not only will this improve stiffness, it should make the bearings last longer too. Cable routing is also external, where the addition of small cable clamps on the main pivot and chainstay yoke stop the brake hose and rear derailleur cable migrating as the suspension compresses. Factor in the custom chainstay protector and rubber protection that extends up the inside of the drive-side seatstay, and the Mythique delivers a whisper silent ride with zero cable rattle or rubbing.  Suspension Vitus uses its signature four-bar suspension design to deliver a claimed 140mm travel. We measured vertical rear wheel travel at 135mm, so 5mm shy, but given how effective the rear suspension on the Mythique is at tracking terrain, you’ll never feel short changed. And while the basic RockShox Deluxe Select R shock does not have a lock out, the Mythique pedals …Continue reading »

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The 2023 Vitus Mythique presents incredible value in a world of ever increasing price rises with a thoroughly modern 140mm aluminum trail bike

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The Vitus Mythique 29 VRS is a solid performer at the budget end of the scale. The 1x12 drivetrain is a real advantage and the geometry suits whatever kind of riding you fancy, while the tyres are a great spec for UK use. While some components underperform – the X-Fusion fork and Shimano brakes most notably – they're okay for the price. What's more, the Mythique is a bike worth upgrading, and for new riders looking for their first full suspension trail bike (without destroying the bank account), it’s a sensible choice.

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Antony checks out the Vitus Mythique, another great budget trail bike with full suspension to add to your shopping list.

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