The value-for-money of this rig blew reviewers away.
The Energie loved cyclocross, gravel and winter commutes.
Reviewers agreed that the Energie was rapid when thrashed.
Responsive and immediate handling aided sharp changes in direction.
The wide, tapered steerer was extra stiff under steering and braking loads.
Pearlescent colors in gold and emerald were highly shmick.
Owners reported that the Energie stayed comfortable on long rides
The frame was stiff, sturdy and shaped with carrying in mind.
Decent quality was evident across all components.
Geometry angles and tubing lengths were well thought-out.
Maximum clearance is for tires at 700x45c, 29×2.1 or 650bx50c.
Wide tires made for a comfortable ride on a stiff frame.
On Force models, their 1x groupset shifted positively and dutifully.
Experts said this rig was reasonably lightweight and easy to shoulder.
Integrated fender mounts made mudproofing easy.
An ‘extras’ pack included useful tools and accessories.
The Energie is readily adapted to a 2x setup with a front derailleur.
WTB Cross Boss 35mm tires handled most offroad situations and resisted punctures well.

4 reasons not to buy

One reviewer felt gearing lacked a top-end for faster gravel or road-riding.
The alloy seatpost could be replaced with something more forgiving.
Build quality from one retailer could be very poor.
One owner said that headset and bottom bracket bearings wore out quickly.

Bottom line

This is obviously a loved bike. Vitus’s Energie made reviewers’ ‘Best of’ lists more than once. While this rig is aimed (and succeeds) at being a servant to the cyclocross circuit, what you get for the low price is a versatile, lightweight bike with geometry to see you across winter commutes, gravel-rides and even road-riding. Frame angles, tubing and a 1⅛" to 1½" steerer all worked together to combat lateral stresses and remain stiff under braking and steering loads during racing. While fat rubber fit easily, mud clearance was ample with traditional cyclocross tires in 33-35c. Complaints were few, but one reviewer did suggest replacing the alloy seatpost with something carbon. A single user said bearings wore out after months in wet, filthy conditions. A word of warning: be wary of one retailer that set up numerous Energies with excessively long cables and loose bolts, bearings and bottom-brackets. A great bike at a great price.

By Owen Jesse

Expert Reviews

90/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews

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Road.cc

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Overall, the Vitus Energie CRX is one hell of a package for the money, and it is a great bike to ride too, whether you’re racing or just playing around off the beaten track.

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You might want to trim some weight somewhere, but for less than a grand (£) it’s really hard to complain.

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For the money, you will be hard pushed to find a bike as well-specced as the Vitus Energie CRX eTap.

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off-road.cc

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In at number nine is the Vitus Energie CRX… It’s an absolute blast to ride thanks to sharp, fun handling… beating other similarly specced bikes on price.

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