The Votec seems to be popular. Although the mail order brand lists the VRC Pro on its homepage, the model was sold out in the partner shops of fahrrad.de and bruegelmann.de at the time of testing. On enquiry, we were informed that the fairly priced all-road bike with high-quality twelve-speed Ultegra will soon be available again. An Elite version with Dura-Ace Di2 and carbon cockpit (€5999) is also planned. The most eye-catching component is the thick seat knot into which the seat post clamp is integrated.
This is bolted to the top tube and can be removed together with the seat post, so that the seat height remains fixed during maintenance or transport. Due to the low position of the clamp, the aluminium seat post is noticeably springy. The front is much more rigid. In many riding situations, the tyres compensate for the weaknesses of the stiff carbon fork, but more than levelled gravel paths are not recommended, even with the maximum possible 35 mm tyres. The well-balanced riding position and good directional stability allow for longer, fatigue-free rides, even in bad weather thanks to the mudguard option. In sprint duels, the rather heavy Votec is at a disadvantage.
All all-road bikes in the test
Votec VRC Pro - facts and reviews
- Price3499 Euro
- Weight: 8,7 Kilo
- Frame/fork/steering bearing weight* 1318/410/62 grammes
- Frame sizes** XS, S, M, L, XL
- Seat/top tube/head tube 505/555/168 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR*** 583/389 millimetres/1.50
- Wheelbase/caster 1005/62 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift Shimano Ultegra Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes Shimano Ultegra (160/140 millimetres)
- Wheels/tyres (weights)**** Mavic Allroad S/Vittoria Terreno Zero 32 millimetres (f./h.: 1546/2002 grams)
Strengths: good price-performance ratio, easy to maintain
Weaknessessluggish acceleration, only option for mudguards
>> The Votec gets an overall TOUR score of 2.1
*Weighed weights
**Manufacturer information, test size bold.
***Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube;
STR (Stack to Reach)1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright sitting position.
****Impeller weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if necessary.
Julian Schultz
Editor
