Our thoughts: The ideal all-purpose bike, performing far above its price point.
Vitus have released a fresh version of their super-popular Mythique full-suspension mountain bike which packs a huge performance punch with incredible value.
If you’re new to the Mythique platform, it’s a bike that’s made waves in the mountain bike scene, regularly outperforming other trail bikes in the category. And don’t just take our word for it – the Mythqiue has gained award after award from the likes of Pinkbike, Bike Radar and MBR Magazine. It’s become a fan favourite as a bike that performs well above its pricepoint.
Mythique award cabinet:
- Value MTB Bike of the Year Winner – Pinkbike
- Best trail bikes you can buy – 4.5/5 – Bike Radar
- “From the very first pedal stroke, the Vitus Mythique 27 VR felt purposeful and poised” – 9/10 – MBR
- Pocket-friendly and easily upgradeable, the Vitus Mythique is a solid performer and a fun ride – it’s a bargain of a trail 29er – off.road.cc
Vitus Mythique 2023 specifications
At the lower end of the price scale, the Vitus Mythique delivers strong performance. The Shimano drivetrain is a dependable workhorse, the geometry is ideal for any kind of riding, and the tyres are well-suited for all-round trail use.
Vitus Mythique 2023 mountain bike range
Vitus Mythique VR
Vitus Mythique VRS
Vitus Mythique VRX
Vitus Mythique AMP
| Mythique VR | Mythique VRS | Mythique VRX | Mythique AMP | |
| Wheel Size | 27.5″ & 29″ | 27.5″ & 29″ | 27.5″ & 29″ | 29″ |
| Colour | Black | Oryx Grey | Racing Green | Octane Red |
| Front Suspension | X-Fusion RC32 Boost 130mm | RockShox 35 Silver TK 140mm | Marzocchi Bomber Z2 140mm | RockShox Pike 140mm |
| Rear Suspension | X-Fusion 02 Pro R 130mm | RockShox Deluxe 140mm | RockShox Deluxe 140mm | RockShox Deluxe 140mm |
| Wheelset | WTB ST i30 | WTB ST i30 | WTB ST Light i30 | WTB KOM Trail i30 |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Deore 1×10 speed | Shimano Deore 1×11 speed | Shimano Deore/SLX 1×12 speed | Shimano Deore/SLX 1×12 speed |
| Price* (UK Only) | £1,599.99 | £1,899.99 | £2,099.99 | £2,399.99 |
What’s new for 2023?
Before we dive into looking at what’s new for 2023, let’s look at what’s different between the old and new Mythique.
The important stuff. We got the chance to take a closer look at the new Vitus Mythique – so let’s see what makes this bike the perfect one for shredding the trails in 2023.
Model on show: Vitus Mythique 27 VRS
Classic frame
The 6061-T6 alloy frame from the previous Mythqiue is carried over into the current model. With brake and gear cables that are externally routed on the top side of the down tube, maintenance is made simple.
The Mythique sports water bottle mounts for those long bike rides, and the chainstay has a stick-on ribbed chain slap protector to maintain the frame.
Improved geometry
With frame geometry that was already well-loved, Vitus sought to improve it with the 2023 model, producing a bike that people could grow with rather than outgrow.
The Mythique promotes greater control, especially on steeper sections, and positions you further over the bottom bracket for more effective climbing.
With the new Mythique, you can now insert a full dropper across all sizes, maximising movement and letting you put your weight back.
RockShox suspension
This particular model, the Mythique VRS, has 140mm of travel in both the front RockShox 35 Silver TK fork and RockShox Deluxe Select R shock (see above for full spec breakdown).
Under the pressure of intense riding, the Mythique continues to be great at taking on trail obstacles, and braking performance for increased confidence. The rear horst link suspension allows Vitus to increase the bike’s anti-rise (how much the suspension can compress when braking) and anti-squat (how much the bike is able to resist suspension compression). This basically means the bike is more efficient under intense riding.
Solid drivetrain
For the bike we were given, drivetrain duties are taken care of by Shimano’s Deore 11-speed. When we took the bike to the trails, shifting was seamless, and we’re all familiar with Shimano’s dependability.
You can also get a 10-speed version on the VR and 12-speed Deore/SLX drivetrain on the VRX and AMP models.
Perfect wheelset for UK weather
To cover all your needs Vitus have a range of 27.5 and 29 bikes in the Mythique collection (the AMP is only available in 29”).
The model we got our hands on comes with a WTB ST i30 wheelset with a set of Maxxis High Roller II tyres.
The Mythique comes with Shimano MT401 brakes which we found were super responsive even when soaking wet.
The other models in the Mythique line up come with WTB wheels too, along with Maxxis High Roller II tyres.
The extra bits
We asked and Vitus listened, the new Mythique now allows you to fit a long length dropper across all sizes. The model we got came with a Brand-X Ascend dropper seatpost with 150mm of travel.
Finishing kit on the bike includes a Nukeproof Neutron V2 riser handlebar, Nukeproof stem and Nukeproof saddle.
Our first thoughts – Vitus Mythique
We sent our Tech expert, Andy Ross, out for a weekend on the trails with the new Vitus Mythique 2023 – here’s what he had to say about it.
First impressions:
“Once I got onto the bike, moving across from my hardtail, it instantly felt great and knew I would feel a lot more traction on the rear compared to the hardtail. The improved geometry of the bike allowed for an easily comfortable fit with a couple of minor personal adjustments to fitting.”
Who’s the bike for? What trails is it suited to?
The bike is very suited to a mix of trails. I rode it on more flowing blue and reds but with 140mm travel front and rear this bike would have no issues handling anything including jump lines and big drops. This bike is suited for anyone looking to get their fist full suspension bike or wanting to size down a little travel front and back for maybe a winter version of their ‘big bike’.
First thoughts on the frameset?
The frameset is far better than the previous models. The new updated linkage in the bike not only looks a lot better but feels a little more stiff and aggressive compared to the previous model. The new top tube shape also feels a lot more up to date too.
What’s the geometry like?
The bike’s new top tube shape and new linkage give it a more aggressive riding feel. It has a much more contemporary shape than the enduro-style frames I’ve recently ridden.
How’s the spec?
When I was riding the VRS version of the bike, the 140mm of travel provided by the fork and rear shock worked wonderfully together. It was great that the fork had the ability to lock out on the fly because it made it easy for me to ride to the trailside without having to constantly bounce. The High Roller tyres were also excellent, very grippy on the trails.
The bike is suitable for riding up the steepest fireroads and down the steepest hills because it also comes with the complete Shimano Deore groupset.
| What we like ✔️ | What we don’t like 🔧 |
| ✔️Great Groupset ✔️Value for money ✔️Improved shape for modern riding ✔️Great clearance for dropper post | 🔧 Brake set could be a bit better for the range of the bike. 🔧 Tyres could be a little wider to accommodate for the heavier riders or more aggressive trails. |
Vitus Mythique Gallery
Check some awesome images of the new Vitus Mythique 2023.
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