Following the success of its VIPA XC/marathon race bike, Momsen Bikes has expanded its VIPA range with the introduction of the VIPA Trail, an extension of the brand’s commitment to delivering bikes that are fun to ride, easy to maintain, sensibly specced and realistically priced. The XC/marathon models have been re-named for 2018 to VIPA Race so as to separate the two different styles of suspension and riding preferences.
The VIPA Trail comes in two models, VIPA Trail One and VIPA Trail Two with a third, ‘rolling chassis’ option for those that want a more customised ride. Bristling with Trail-bike tech, including robust Boost hub wheels, relaxed frame geometry, more direct steering, climb-anything 2×11 gearing and a dropper seatpost (Trail Two), this full-carbon, 120mm-travel 29er ticks all the right boxes.
Couple this with realistic pricing and you have a package that packs a Trail-bike power punch that’s sure to daze Momsen’s opposition and further build the brand’s credibility, both in South Africa and abroad.
“The success of the VIPA Race bike, launched back in 2013, confirmed that we were spot on in our quest to deliver a XC/marathon bike that didn’t have proprietary technology, which pushes up both the buying price and the maintenance costs, but which is loaded with reliable big-brand components at a reasonable price,” says Victor Momsen, founder of Momsen Bikes.
“We have been working on the VIPA Trail model for the past two years and are pleased to deliver what we believe to be the best value full-carbon Trail bike in South Africa. Our VIPA Trail One, sells for R59 995. That price for a sweetly specced, full-carbon 120mm-travel 29-inch wheel Trail bike will be hard to beat,” says Momsen.
But the focus with the VIPA Trail isn’t only value for money, with ride quality being the highest priority. The parts spec on each model shows that no compromises have been made and that reliability is a significant factor with Fox, Rock Shox, Stan’s and Shimano all featuring prominently.
Momsen confirms that the maturing of the South African market over the past couple of years has been a driving force behind the development of the VIPA Trail.
“I’ll admit that we didn’t complain about the South African obsession with short-travel XC/marathon bikes, which is part of the reason the VIPA Race model has done so well. But there’s definitely been greater appreciation for comfort and control in a bike in the past couple of years as committed riders become more aware of the benefits of a more relaxed geometry with a little more suspension travel,” adds Momsen.
While the VIPA Trail was designed and specced to tackle South African multi-hour trail riding missions, it’s also the ideal bike for a large chunk of the marathon/stage race market.
“As the number of newcomers have developed into discerning mountain bikers, demand has grown substantially in the 120mm-travel 29er Trail bike category in South Africa. Think of it as a choosing a SUV over a Sedan… Being South African-based, we are acutely aware of South African quirks and idiosyncrasies and have ensured that the VIPA Trail satisfies that demand with international standard quality and reliability,” adds Momsen.
VIPA TRAIL FRAME
- Signature low-leverage suspension design (similar to the successful VIPA Race)
- Monocoque front triangle with internal cable routing (various cable routing options and covers provided)
- Carbon seatstays and chainstays with Boost 148×12 mm rear end
- Designed for both 2x and 1x drivetrain options
- Optional internal Shimano® Di2 battery holder – allowing for enclosed battery fitment whilst still allowing dropper seatpost compatibility
- Available in 4 frame sizes – S, M, L, XL
- Internal cable routing for dropper seatpost
- Seatpost diameter: 31.6mm
- Bottom bracket: Pressfit 92mm
VIPA TRAIL 1 highlights: VIPA TRAIL 1
Full-carbon frame with Boost width rear stays; Rock Shox Reba RL Boost fork; Fox Float Evol DPS 120mm Shock with CTD adjustability; Shimano 2×11 drivetrain.
VIPA TRAIL 2 highlights: VIPA TRAIL 2
Full-carbon frame with Boost width rear stays; Rock Shox Revelation RC Boost fork; Fox Float Evol DPS 120mm Shock with CTD adjustability; Shimano XT 2×11 drivetrain; Stan’s ZTR Arch S1 wheelset.
VIPA TRAIL Rolling Chassis: Frame Kit
Standard Build: Full-carbon frame with Boost width rear stays; Fox Float DPS Performance 120mm Shock with CTD adjustability; Stan’s ZTR Arch S1 wheelset; Rock Shox Reba RL 120mm Boost fork.
Premium Build: Full-carbon frame with Boost width rear stays; Fox Float DPS Factory 120mm Shock with CTD adjustability; Stan’s ZTR Arch MK3 wheelset; Rock Shox Pike RCT3 120mm Boost fork.
For more information on the VIPA Trail as well as other Momsen Bikes models, head over to: Momsen Bikes
