{"id":49406,"date":"2023-05-12T13:00:13","date_gmt":"2023-05-12T11:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=728189"},"modified":"2023-05-12T13:36:07","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T11:36:07","slug":"the-vitus-venon-evo-is-our-road-bike-of-the-year-for-2023","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/the-vitus-venon-evo-is-our-road-bike-of-the-year-for-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"The Vitus Venon Evo is our Road Bike of the Year for 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"

Performance, aero, gravel, women’s and budget winners also revealed <\/p>

By George Scott\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 12 May 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Our Road Bike of the Year is now in its 15th year. After months of testing and putting 25 of this year\u2019s hottest drop-bar machines through their paces in the world\u2019s biggest and most-trusted bike showcase, we\u2019re proud to announce our winner \u2013 the all-new Vitus Venon Evo.<\/p>\n

This year, we\u2019re celebrating the all-rounder, with the Venon Evo representing the next generation of endurance road bikes<\/a>. With a lightweight carbon frame, mudguard mounts and clearance for 45c tyres, the Vitus Venon Evo can be all things to all riders \u2013 and excels in doing so.<\/p>\n

Head to our Vitus Venon Evo review<\/a> to find out why it had what it takes to win our top award \u2013 or read on to discover our sub-category winners for aero, performance, women\u2019s, gravel and budget road bikes.<\/p>\n

What we tested<\/h2>\n

Our 2023 test covers six categories for drop-bar bikes, with the Vitus Venon Evo RS Aero Force AXS, to give our \u00a34,699\/$4,699\/\u20ac4,899 SRAM-equipped build its full name, also topping the endurance billing.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, we\u2019ve tested everything from go-fast aero road bikes to dedicated gravel bikes, and the latest women\u2019s-specific bikes to racy all-rounders.<\/p>\n

Our annual test once again displays everything that is innovative and inspiring about modern bike design. Historic brands, major sellers and newer kids on the block are all present and correct. And, whisper it, there are even bargains to be had in 2023\u2019s finest crop.<\/p>\n

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Our test team put 25 bikes through their paces to find our 2023 Road Bike of the Year winner.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Sayers \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

If you want even more Bike of the Year goodness, on top of our road champions, we\u2019ve announced our mountain bike winners<\/a>, and we\u2019ll be publishing all of our reviews over the next month.<\/p>\n

But for now, let\u2019s take a closer look at the Vitus Venon Evo and the rest of our Road Bike of the Year category winners.<\/p>\n

Introducing our Road Bike of the Year, the Vitus Venon Evo RS Aero Force AXS<\/h2>\n

While the Vitus Venon Evo was only officially launched today<\/a>, our senior technical editor, Warren Rossiter, has had a pre-launch sample of the brand\u2019s revamped endurance bike as part of this year\u2019s test. Over to you, Warren.<\/p>\n

Warren Rossiter\u2019s verdict<\/h3>\n
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The Vitus Venon Evo is our overall Road Bike of the Year for 2023.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Sayers \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

\u201cWell, let me start with a bold statement \u2013 the Vitus Venon Evo RS Aero Force AXS is everything an endurance bike should be and more.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe idea behind the latest Venon Evo was to make an endurance bike that would appeal to as many riders as possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo that\u2019s lightness and handling that would appeal to racers, year-round readiness for serious all-weather enthusiasts, and versatility to appeal to riders who want to switch it up between road and gravel.<\/p>\n

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Vitus has reimagined the Venon Evo as an endurance road bike with gravel credentials.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Sayers \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

\u201cOver the past few years, we\u2019ve seen bikes become ever-more niche and segmented, all of which can make choosing a new bike difficult.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn the road, do you go back to aerodynamics with a speed machine like another of our contenders, the Giant Propel? Or is a flighty, lightweight road racer like the Enve Melee more your style?<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the speed-infused comfort from Scott\u2019s Contessa or cost-effective performance from Cannondale\u2019s Optimo?<\/p>\n

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The Venon Evo is available in road and gravel builds. We tested a SRAM Force AXS-equipped road spec with Prime Primavera 44 carbon wheels.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Sayers \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

\u201cAnd if gravel is your thing, do you venture towards the mountain bike world with the trail-capable Giant Revolt X or take aim at gravel races with BMC\u2019s fully focused Kaius?<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, for us here at BikeRadar, we\u2019re embracing the all-rounder instead.<\/p>\n

\u201cVitus has achieved something seriously special with the new Venon Evo. A bike that\u2019s as good as any endurance bike on the road, but which has versatility at its heart.<\/p>\n

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The 28c Michelin Power Cup Classic tyres provide bags of grip and comfort.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Sayers \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

\u201cYou can get huge 45c tyres into the frame to make it into a very capable gravel machine. Or add mudguards and high-volume road tyres to turn it into a long-distance audax rider and beyond.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts low weight and lively handling bring that all-important smile to every ride, so it combines the sensible with the sensational.<\/p>\n

\u201cBest of all, the build comes with aero carbon wheels, carbon fibre finishing kit and a SRAM Force AXS wireless drivetrain at a price (\u00a34,699\/$4,699\/\u20ac4,899) very few can match.<\/p>\n

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Vitus\u2019 direct-sales model ensures there\u2019s plenty of value-for-money on offer, too.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Sayers \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

\u201cAgainst a backdrop of inflation and sky-rocketing bike prices, Vitus needs to be applauded and celebrated for delivering value and versatility, alongside all-round quality and, crucially, the fun factor.<\/p>\n

\u201cA very rare thing indeed in 2023.\u201d<\/p>\n