Vitus has just launched its redesigned Nucleus 27 VRX, which features an excellent value for money build, paired with truly up to date long and slack geometry that should make for excellent handling in steep and rough terrain.
Better still, all of this comes in at just £699.99.
We’ve got the bike in for review but thought we’d take a closer look at this budget-priced performer before it’s sent into the collective grubby mitts of BikeRadar’s test team.
2019 Vitus Nucleus 27 VRX specs and pricing
- Frame: 6061-T6 frame
- Fork: Suntour SF19 Raidon 32 Boost 120mm
- Shifters: Shimano Deore M6000
- Brakes: Shimano MT-400
- Derailleur: Shimano Deore M6000
- Cassette: Shimano CS HG-500 11-42
- Crankset: Suntour Zeron 32t
- Chain: KMC X10EL
- Front tyre: Schwalbe Magic Mary 27.5 x 2.35
- Rear tyre: Schwalbe Nobby Nick 27.5 x 2.35
- Bars: Nukeproof Neutron
- £699.99
- Buy the Vitus Nucleus 27 VRX from Wiggle or Chain Reaction Cycles
Long, slack and great value for money
On paper, the Nucleus 27 VRX presents absolutely phenomenal value for money, with a decent Suntour SF19 120mm travel air spring fork, Shimano’s dependable non-series MT-400 brakes — which use a longer-than-average lever for maximum power — and a 1x10 Shimano Deore groupset.
However, the real standout feature is the geometry, with a bang-on-trend long and slack (455mm reach and a 66.5-degree head angle in a size large) frameset that should provide truly capable and confident handling in steep and rough terrain.
The cockpit is also properly sorted, with generously wide (780mm on a size large) bars from Nukeproof that are paired with a stubby 50mm stem.
The bike doesn’t come with a dropper post, but this is an increasingly affordable upgrade and few bikes at this price include one anyway.
- BikeRadar Bargains: great dropper post deals
- Best dropper posts 2018: buyer's guide and recommendations
For those that prefer 29ers, a larger-wheeled version of the Nucleus is available in VR and VRS level builds.
We have high hopes for this bike and are really looking forward to spending some more time on it and its squishier, trail-focussed sibling, the Escarpe 29 VRX, which we also have in for review.
While there is no specific international pricing available, Vitus bikes are available exclusively from Chain Reaction Cycles or Wiggle, and both offer international postage.
- Buy the Vitus Nucleus 27 VRX from Wiggle or Chain Reaction Cycles
Be sure to check out our full overview of the 2019 Vitus mountain bike range for the full story on all the new bikes!
