VITUS Z X 1 EVO CRS ULTEGRA DI2
£3999 Is the Evo the ultimate affordable aero road bike?
Vitus has a rich history in cycling dating back to 1970s France. Despite some fallow years, the brand was revitalised in 2011 using a direct-to-consumer model. The ZX-1 is Vitus’s latest flagship aero race bike, designed in conjunction with the Silverstone-based aero specialist, Total Sim. Vitus says the new ZX-1 cuts aerodynamic drag compared to its predecessor by 18 per cent in a headwind, and up to 45 per cent in strong crosswinds. And the stout kammtail aerofoil tubes, hidden cables and deep-section carbon wheels certainly look the part.
Vitus doesn’t claim the bike is ‘X seconds faster than every other bike over 40km’. Partly because the new ZX-1 has only been benchmarked in the wind tunnel against its predecessor and its Vitus Vitesse sibling. Vitus points out that performance differences between aero road bike framesets are small, and pale into insignificance once a rider is involved. What matters is whether you can get into an aerodynamic position and stay there.
That’s true, however, Vitus has specced a non-adjustable, integrated handlebar. The Vision Metron 5D is an aero-dynamic bar/stem combination that will suit most people. However, if it’s not the right fit for you, it might be a pain as there’s no way to change the handlebar width or stem length. Stack height changes are also limited by the integrated top cap to about 5mm in either direction, unless you’re willing to cut the steerer tube. Fortunately, the bar isn’t proprietary, so you do have the option to swap it for a nonintegrated option.
In terms of fit, the longish reach and low stack figures (396mm and 562mm on my size large) mean the riding position is racy. The head- and seat-tube angles fall just on the less aggressive side of race-bike
geometry, sitting at 72.9 and 73.3 degrees, respectively. It’s a small difference but combined with the 1000.4mm wheelbase and 410mm chainstays, it adds a touch of stability without muting the bike’s responsiveness.
The ZX-1’s 8.07 kg weight won’t wow weight weenies but it’s competitive within its category. The reality is that weight isn’t a meaningful performance metric for aero bikes. Provided they’re in the same ballpark, a few hundred grams doesn’t make much difference to how fast you’ll be able to ride on anything but the steepest and longest climbs.
The chunky, sculpted frame tubes make it feel like none of your input is being wasted, and the stiff front end makes for a bike that’s precise and confident in the corners. It’s a rapid descender too, especially on good roads where you can take sweeping lines. Credit for some of this is due to Shimano’s hydraulic disc brakes, which provide heaps of power and control so you can push the bike’s limits more easily.
Like the brakes, the ZX-1’s Shimano Ultegra R8070 Di2 drivetrain is flawless, with accurate and reliable shifting no matter how you abuse it. The Reynolds AR 58/62 tubeless-ready carbon wheels are the star of the build, though. They handle excellently for deep wheels, even on gusty days, and the difference they make to your speed on flat and rolling roads is tangible.
The tyres are the only place the spec feels compromised. The 25mm Schwalbe One TLE tyres measure just over 27mm wide when inflated to 60 PSI and make for dependable training rubber, but there are faster options. They’d also help with comfort. The slim, dropped seatstays do a good job of managing big bumps at the rear, but it’s a focused ride overall. There is clearance for tyres up to 30mm for rough-stuff rides.
The Vitus ZX-1 is a bargain. Aero road bikes often have you considering whether you really need two kidneys, but that’s not the case here. If the integrated handlebar fits you, there’s little about the build that needs upgrading, and the frameset and components combine to make a fast and purposeful race bike. While the grey paint job might not excite on paper, it’s a great-looking bike and a joy to ride.
The stiff front end makes for a bike that’s confident in the corners. It’s a rapid descender too...