Vitus Rapide 29 CRS Mountain Bike - £1,899.99

XC hardtail descriptions are typically littered with overstatement; like Rocketship, course-crusher and game-changer. Yawn. The Vitus Rapide CRS Mountain Bike does all the talking for itself, on the flowing trails, the marathon days and in the frenetic cross country races.

No need to lay it on thick or exaggerate, just have fun and get the job done. The joy of this proven race-ready carbon hardtail is that it easily meets the demands of cross-country, with stiffness that converts power instantly into trail speed and obedient handling that gives you back precious seconds. Attack the climbs, attack out of corners and back yourself to attack off the front. The Rapide CRS instills that level of confidence.

The lightweight carbon frame is equipped with components that are dialled for performance. Rockshox SID SL Select forks can be instantly locked out with the OneLoc remote so that you can carry speed up and over climbs. A 12-speed Shimano SLX groupset is a knowing sign that this bike is reliable no matter the raceday conditions. If you want to go chasing for the front of the pack then this bike has the pedigree. But it’s pointless being able to smoke the climbs if the bike then lets you down in the descent, because XC racing is about having the all-round edge and you need a bike that can rail the racing line. And that’s what makes it fun, right? Racing on a bike that feels fast and delivers for you as a rider.

When you need acceleration and traction they are available and when you hit the technical stuff and the nervy descents the control and balance keep the handling honest. You’re less tense. Looser, fresher and less fatigued. A lightweight hardtail, yes, but the Rapide CRS brings both comfort and performance.

Superlight carbon fibre frame with fast, responsive handling and efficient climbing capabilities