VOTEC VRC PRO in review

At just under € 3,000, the VOTEC VRC PRO is an absolute steal compared to the rest of the bikes in the group, despite being based on a completely new frameset. We’ve been able to exclusively test one of the first pre-production prototypes. Can it hold its own against the, in part, four-times more expensive competition?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best road bike of 2020 – 13 high-carat road bikes in review

The new frameset of the VOTEC VRC PRO is incredibly versatile, so we didn’t want to leave it out of this test, even with the significant price difference and the comparatively lower spec. In turn, we’re more interested in understanding the qualities and potential of the frame rather than criticising compromises made in the spec. Together with design studio vonrafael, VOTEC’s engineers have been working hard on the development of the VRC PRO.

The VOTEC VRC PRO in detail

Legendary cars such as the 1978 Martini Racing Porsche 911 SC are touted as inspiration for the design. The unique look combines classic details with clever solutions that create speed, efficiency and riding enjoyment. A central element is the design around the seat cluster, with a seat post clamp that is bolted into the frame and can be completely removed, together with saddle and seatpost. That avoids having to adjust your saddle height if you ever need to remove it. This also creates the unique design of the seat stays, which join the top tube without actually connecting to the seat post as they usually would. Additionally, the bike features internal cable routing, mounting points for mudguards, Mavic Speed Release axles, clearances for up to 700 x 35C tires and flat mount disc brakes for 160/140 mm rotors. Our XL test bike weighs 8.27 kg and costs € 2,999. The bike is equipped with a 2×11 Shimano ULTEGRA groupset with 52/36 t chainrings and 11–30 t cassette, Mavic Ksyrium i19 USD wheels and 700 x 28C Vittoria Corsa Control Graphene 2.0 tires. A VOTEC Werx Carbon seatpost with 20 mm offset is paired with Zipp Service Course SL components for the cockpit.

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The geometry of the VOTEC VRC PRO

Size	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Seat tube	461 mm	484 mm	503 mm	543 mm	586 mm
Top tube	519 mm	535 mm	558 mm	575 mm	595 mm
Head tube	128 mm	150 mm	176 mm	198 mm	225 mm
Head angle	71.5°	72.0°	72.5°	73.0°	73.0°
Seat angle	74.5°	74.5°	73.9°	73.9°	73.9°
Chainstays	414 mm	414 mm	414 mm	414 mm	414 mm
BB Drop	78 mm	78 mm	74 mm	74 mm	74 mm
Wheelbase	978 mm	991 mm	1,005 mm	1,017 mm	1,037 mm
Reach	368 mm	378 mm	388 mm	398 mm	410 mm
Stack	545 mm	567 mm	590 mm	613 mm	640 mm

The VOTEC serves up an extra helping of stability. However, as a result you’ll also need more space to turn.

The VOTEC VRC PRO in review

Setting off, the VOTEC VRC PRO is restrained, lacking the sprightliness of its competitors. However, once up to speed, it maintains its momentum and feels like it can roll over any obstacle without being slowed down. That’s significantly helped by the stable ride and great straight line stability. At 1,017 mm, the VOTEC has the longest wheelbase in our test – there’s no trace of toe overlap here. However, that high stability sacrifices manoeuvrability. Tight and winding corners require significant and constant input, though once you manage to change direction, the VRC PRO turns precisely and predictably and stays good-natured even on uneven terrain. The front and rear remain well balanced here too. In terms of comfort, the bike is comparatively stiff, or, if we’re being generous has an honest ride. While smaller vibrations are pleasantly damped, you’ll get significant feedback from the surface you’re on and mid-sized impacts are transmitted directly. If you put more stock by comfort, then you’ll be able to make use of the 35 mm tire clearances and could also change the Zipp Service Course SL cockpit for a more comfortable option. After all, these components are well known for being some of the stiffest out there. We were a little disappointed with the seat post clamp on our pre-production bike. Firstly, it required more torque than the quoted 7 Nm. Secondly, the interface between the aluminium clamp and carbon frame developed some creaking noises. We’re interested to see how VOTEC will resolve this on the production model.

UPDATE VOTEC have recognised the problem with the seat clamp of their prototype bike and came up with an updated version of the clamp for the pre-series model. The production bike will be delivered with the new clamp. We’ve tested it on numerous rides and can confirm that it’s absolutely creak-free!

Tuning tips: Cockpit with more compliance for increased comfort

Conclusion

The VOTEC VRC PRO shines with its huge stability and straight line handling. Through open corners and at high speeds, beginners and pros will benefit from the predictable ride. If you’re searching for an honest bike that is reliable in challenging situations, you’ll find an option here. However, for one of the top spots, the VOTEC is missing in both sprightliness and comfort.

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For more info head to votec.de

The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best road bike of 2020 – 13 high-carat road bikes in review

All bikes in test: Argon 18 Krypton Pro (Click for review) | Bianchi Infinito CV Disc (Click for review) | BMC Roadmachine 01 ONE (Click for review) | Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Disc Dura Ace (Click for review) | Cicli Bonanno Futomaki Disc (Click for review) | FOCUS IZALCO MAX DISC 9.9 (Click for review) | LOOK 795 BLADE RS DISC (Click for review) | OPEN U.P.P.E.R. (Click for review) | Pinarello Dogma F12 Team INEOS Edition (Click for review) | ROSE REVEAL SIX Dura Ace Di2 Custom (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Roubaix (Click for review) | Trek Domane SLR 9 eTap (Click for review) | VOTEC VRC PRO

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Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl