VITUS SUBSTANCE CRS-2 ETAP AXS RIVAL
Vitus has earned a reputation for producing high-quality bikes at an affordable price, and the Substance CRS-2 is no exception. With a 2x12 electronic groupset and a full carbon frame, you'd pay nearly twice as much for a similar spec from some of the bigger bike brands. However, while the extra gears and light weight surely enhance to the experience, the frame design is fundamentally important, and Vitus has done an excellent job there as well.
The Substance leans toward the tough, long-distance gravel end of the spectrum. It has 650b tires, bottle mounts on the fork legs and the underside of the downtube, as well as rack and pannier attachment points. For journeys lasting months rather than days, metal tubes are preferable to carbon tubes, although the Vitus Substance is a lightweight and effective rig for week-long trips. The 650b x 47mm or 700c x 42mm rated maximum tyre clearance sells this bike short. They felt there was enough room for 650b x 2.1in tyres up front, as well as going wider in the back. Sticking to the recommended tyre widths prevents you from riding this bike on some terrain – or at the very least makes it slower than, say, a totally fat Canyon Grizl.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Frame: Vitus Substance UD Carbon
- Fork: Vitus Substance UD Carbon
- Groupset: SRAM Rival eTap AXS // 43/30t x 10–36t
- Wheels: Prime Kanza 650b Aluminium Disc wheelset
- Tyres: WTB Venture TCS Road Plus 650b x 47 tyres (Max: 650b x 47mm or 700x42c)
- Weight: 9.6kg
REASONS TO BUY
- Excellent 2x12 SRAM AXS Rival groupset
- Good range of mounting points
- Confident and stable handling
REASONS TO AVOID
- Internal rim width is a little narrow by today’s standards
- Not best suited for tight and twisty riding
Website: 99spokes.com/en/bikes/vitus/2021/substance-crs-2-etap-axs
