VITUS NUCLEUS 27 VR

The name’s been recycled but there’s nothing warmed-up about this bargain trail hardtail

- Alan Muldoon

NEED TO KNOW

• Latest version of the Nucleus 27 VR gets a clutch rear derailleur and Box 1x8 drivetrain with a low bottom gear for improved climbing

• The lightweight alloy frame comes in four frame sizes and has internal routing for a dropper post upgrade

• An air-sprung Suntour fork delivers 120mm travel with adjustable rebound damping and a lockout

• WTB tyres come with softer rubber on the front for improved control in corners

• Hydraulic disc brakes with selfadjusting pads offer maintenance-free stopping power

• Also available in a version with 29in wheels for the same price tag

As a four-time winner of our Hardtail of the Year test, the Vitus Nucleus 27 VR needs no introduction. Even saying it’s the entry-level mountain bike to which all others are measured doesn’t do it justice, as it’s so far ahead of its closest rival that Vitus could easily sit back, do nothing and still watch the sales roll in.

But instead of resting on its laurels, Vitus has raised the bar once again. The 2021 Nucleus VR being the first bike at this price point to come with a clutch rear derailleur and all of the associated benefits of a proper 1x drivetrain.

On the face of it, the bike now has less than half the number of gears, but the same is true of any bike with a modern 1x drivetrain. So how do eight gears cover the range of 18? They don’t. It’s a compromise, but one that actually makes it easier to get up hills without having to dismount and push.

By swapping the 36/22t chainset and 11-36t cassette for a single 32t chainring and a 11-42 cassette, Vitus forgoes some of its top-speed gearing, but thanks to the 42t cog on the cassette it gains a much lower gear which really helps for winching up steep climbs.