FIRST LOOK: Momsen Vipa Race Two
Forged in the untamed! Momsen Bikes have been designed in South Africa, to meet the demands of modern trail and XC riders.
Momsen Bikes might not be a familiar brand to you, unless you follow the U23 XCO National Series closely, or have been to South Africa to do some mountain bike races like the Cape Epic or perhaps Joberg2c, you might have come across the brand.
Born out of the need for a good value, full-suspension 29er mountain bike that can carry two water bottles within the mainframe, the Vipa Race makes part of Momsen's growing range that includes a 120mm 29er trail bike, alloy hardtails and a new gravel bike.
The Vipa Race Two hits the market at $5450 – no small amount of money, but for a bike with a full-carbon frame, Shimano XT 2×11 components and brakes, and Fox and RockShox suspension, it's right on the money for an XC and marathon bike.
The Vipa Race sports 80mm of travel in the rear, with 100mm up front. It comes in three sizes, small, medium, and the large we have on test. The frame runs internal cable routing, including the option for a Shimano SideSwing front derailleur.
The stem has a huge amount of drop, but as the head tube isn't crazily low it feels right when on the bike. The whole position on the bike is very centred and balanced.
So far, we like the balanced feel of the Vipa Race Two. Coming from the need for a bike to race over many hours, efficiency is key. Don't miss our review in our next issue!
