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General Category >> Technical >> VTX test ride
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Message started by FlyingLaZBoy on Apr 15^th, 2019, 8:02am

Title: VTX test ride
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Apr 15^th, 2019, 8:02am

Had a chance to take a VTX Black out on a 40k test ride today, from John's - I did the Lancaster 23 mile route... ProOne tubeless tires, disk brakes, 153 cranks, and Rotor chainrings 52/40/26, seat reclined to max. Oh, my....

Sweet ride - I almost didn't miss my full suspension from the SprintX. I think the seat support being halfway down the seat helps reduce shock transfer from the rear wheel, and I know the ProOnes helped, too.

Handling was superb, as expected, with great high speed turn stability. Downhills at 30+ were rock solid. Hill climbing on the "5 mile hill" 8% grade was about 1mph faster than on my SprintX, staying above 9mph - the lower trike weight and Rotor rings undoubtedly helped - and I didn't have to use the 26T granny.

Typical flat rolling speeds were 20-22mph, top flat speed was 28mph, and it felt good overall, but I don't have a direct speed comparison to the SprintX on this route... however, the VTX is probably a bit faster, if for no other reason than better aerodynamic profile than my Sprint.

The new wider neckrest is a definite improvement - wider, and cushier... However, about the only thing I didn't really like was the fixed handlebar position - you can't tilt it forward/back or change the width -- this left my upper arms almost vertical, increasing wind resistance.

Overall, I would have to say that this is a great machine... if I had the chance to try it in 2016 before buying the SprintXfs, I probably would have chosen the VTX... Getchaone!

>> note on the Rotor elliptical chainrings: This was my first ride using them, and I immediately noticed that it was easier getting through the pedaling "dead zone"... I didn't notice any particular erratic change in pedaling rpm, it was just "easier"... and I LIKE it... and there were no shifting irregularities. Kinda makes sense, since it creates a lower/easier gear through that pedaling dead zone. I may just have to spend some bucks...

Title: Re: VTX test ride
Post by jayg on Apr 15^th, 2019, 9:31am

FlyingLaZBoy wrote:

Had a chance to take a VTX Black out on a 40k test ride today, from John's - I did the Lancaster 23 mile route... ProOne tubeless tires, disk brakes, 153 cranks, and Rotor chainrings 52/40/26, seat reclined to max. Oh, my....

Sweet ride - I almost didn't miss my full suspension from the SprintX. I think the seat support being halfway down the seat helps reduce shock transfer from the rear wheel, and I know the ProOnes helped, too.

Handling was superb, as expected, with great high speed turn stability. Downhills at 30+ were rock solid. Hill climbing on the "5 mile hill" 8% grade was about 1mph faster than on my SprintX, staying above 9mph - the lower trike weight and Rotor rings undoubtedly helped - and I didn't have to use the 26T granny.

Typical flat rolling speeds were 20-22mph, top flat speed was 28mph, and it felt good overall, but I don't have a direct speed comparison to the SprintX on this route... however, the VTX is probably a bit faster, if for no other reason than better aerodynamic profile than my Sprint.

The new wider neckrest is a definite improvement - wider, and cushier...

Overall, I would have to say that this is a great machine... if I had the chance to try it in 2016 before buying the SprintXfs, I probably would have chosen the VTX... Getchaone!

>> note on the Rotor elliptical chainrings: This was my first ride using them, and I immediately noticed that it was easier getting through the pedaling "dead zone"... I didn't notice any particular erratic change in pedaling rpm, it was just "easier"... and I LIKE it... and there were no shifting irregularities. Kinda makes sense, since it creates a lower/easier gear through that pedaling dead zone. I may just have to spend some bucks...

Paul, how much does a basic VTX cost?

Title: Re: VTX test ride
Post by FlyingLaZBoy on Apr 15^th, 2019, 11:19am

jayg wrote:

Paul, how much does a basic VTX cost?

Going through their configurator, choosing BB7 disc brakes and 10-speed gearing, 52/39/30 triple with short cranks, total comes out to ~$4500 delivered

Paul

Title: Re: VTX test ride
Post by Phantom Rider on Apr 15^th, 2019, 2:51pm

Jay is not going to ride the GRP seat, it weighs a whole pound more than the CF, so there goes another $700.

It’s is a very sweet ride, I spent some time on the same one Paul rode and feel in love with it. Better hurry though, I just got wind of a price increase from a dealer.