In recent years, Vpace has blossomed into a specialist for all-terrain children's bikes. However, the young brand has its roots in the construction of titanium bikes. The T2ST Speedtraveller was the first of its kind almost ten years ago - and is still the bestseller today. An all-road bike that can be adapted to the terrain and intended use thanks to its huge tyre clearance, relaxed riding position and mounts for mudguards and pannier rack. The TRLX picks up on this recipe for success, but interprets the category in a more road-orientated way.
Vpace TRLX: On the edge of tyre freedom
Like all carbon and titanium models from the Swabian bike manufacturer, the TRLX can also be customised. The basis is a torsion-resistant and no-frills titanium frame, the geometry of which is based on long-distance marathon bikes. This allows you to sit upright in the saddle, but in combination with a long stem (120 millimetres), as on our test bike, it can also be more race-like. The Vpace TRLX underlines its sporty character with fast René Herse tyres. As the Bon Jon Pass, named after a mountain saddle on the US West Coast, also extends to 37 millimetres, it contributes noticeably to the high level of suspension comfort on the saddle and handlebars.
One small drawback: Due to the low clearance, dirt collects very quickly on the fork crown when riding off-road, which can cause the front wheel to lock up and push the all-road bike to its natural limits. Otherwise, the Vpace has no weaknesses worth mentioning and also scores with an unrivalled price in an otherwise high-priced environment - thanks to contract manufacturing in the Far East. "Our bikes rarely cost more than 5000 euros. Most of them are much cheaper," advertises company founder Sören Zieher.
For 4490 euros, the TRLX, whose frame is available for 1799 euros, has to make small compromises in terms of shifting technology, but the mechanical 11-speed Ultegra does its job perfectly. At just under 3100 grams, the in-house aluminium wheels are only slightly heavier than carbon models. The price includes stylish bottle cages - made of titanium, of course. In addition to the TRLX, Vpace offers four other titanium frames for customisation on its website - from classic road bike frames for rim brakes to adventure-ready gravel frames with bolt-on points for luggage.
The Vpace TRLX in detail
- TOUR grade: 2.2 (test winner)
- Price: 4490 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel: 8.6 kg
- Frame sizes: 54, 56, 58, 60
Geometry
- Seat / top / head tube: 565 / 560 / 190 millimetres
- Stack / Reach / STR: 602 / 373 millimetres / 1.62
- Stack+ / Reach+ / STR+: 661 / 577 millimetres / 1.15
- Wheelbase/caster: 1010/65 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra (2x11; 50/34, 11-28 t.) | Shimano Ultegra (2x11; 50/34, 11-28 t.) Grade: 2.0
- Brakes: Shimano Ultegra (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.5
- Tyres: René Herse Bon Jon Pass TC 35 mm (eff.: 37 mm) | Grade: 2.0
- Impellers: Vpace Disco 30
- Impeller weights: 1336/1749 grams (front/rear)
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Very good price-performance ratio, high spring comfort
- Minus: only four sizes, short guarantee
These are the other titanium bikes from the test
Jens Klötzer
Editor
