The Vitus Gravity Project: Developing the VT-01 Downhill Bike

The Vitus Gravity Project: Developing the VT-01 Downhill Bike

VITUS GRAVITY PROJECT

VT-01

The Vitus Gravity Project is the start of an open-ended, access-all-areas development story to help push the boundaries of Vitus gravity bikes. It all starts with our first prototype mule: the VT-01. 

The Vitus VT-01 downhill prototype

By sending our athletes Kyle Strait, Joe Smith, and Callum Morris to some of the world's biggest downhill races and freeride events, we’re going to learn, test, and develop ideas that will guide our future mountain bike design. 

There’s no deadline, no launch date, and we’re probably not going to make any money. But what we will do is gather learnings that only this type of real-world testing can provide, and pass on any performance benefits to the real, everyday riders who ride our bikes.

Testing two mules variations of the Vitus VT-01 gravity bike

Design Engineer, Orlando Appleby, had been working on what we are now calling the VT-01 (VT for Vitus, 01 because it’s the first prototype) as a passion project. When Vitus began speaking with Kyle Strait about coming on board, the development team was floored with the details and introspection Kyle offered in bike setup and development. We knew Kyle was more than a rider, he was a partner for the whole team. 

Kyle Strait at Vitus HQ testing the Vitus VT-01 gravity bike
Kyle Strait at Vitus HQ testing the Vitus VT-01 gravity bike
Kyle Strait at Vitus HQ testing the Vitus VT-01 gravity bike

Vitus has the engineering talent in house, and with a swath of skilled riders — including Hardline podium alumni Joe Smith and Callum Morris — to support, it was time to show off just how committed we are to the process and our athletes. 

The Vitus VT-01 downhill prototype

Episode one kicks off with Vitus athletes Kyle and Callum spending a day testing with Orlando and Product Manager, Ben Irwin, and R&D Engineer, Chris Brown, at the test tracks near Vitus HQ in Northern Ireland. The next day, the team heads to the Belfast office to discuss the origins of this latest prototype as well as walk through the process every Vitus bike goes through before landing at your local trail. 

The Vitus VT-01 downhill prototype
The Vitus VT-01 downhill prototype
Callum Morris on the Vitus VT-01 downhill prototype

Callum Morris is a young, up-and-coming rider itching to make it on the World Cup Downhill circuit. Kyle Strait has been a professional racer and rider since before Cal was born and has more riding experience than most will see in their lifetime. Vitus seeks input from all points on the spectrum when it comes to creating a bike. Mash that intel with our own team’s tenacity for getting loose on the trails and the result is a winner. 

Kyle Strait and Callum Morris on the Vitus VT-01 downhill prototype

Dig in and enjoy all the gritty details, then make sure to stay tuned for future episodes. Next stop: Joe Smith and Kyle Strait take on Red Bull Hardline! 

VT-01 GEOMETRY AND TECH SPECS

Here are the setups Kyle, Callum, and Joe are currently testing. 

  • Reach: 465mm / 470mm / 475mm (via adjustable headset) 

  • Stack: 638mm 

  • Chainstay Length: 450 / 455mm (DH) or 430 /435mm (Rampage) 

  • Headtube Length: 110mm 

  • Headtube Angle: 63° 

  • Wheelbase: 1290.5mm (@ 470mm Reach & 450mm CSL) 

  • Bottom Bracket Drop: 20mm 

  • Fork Offset: 48mm 

  • Shock Size: 225 x 75mm

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