The new Vitus Nucleus VR - Any good?

[Pulse]

I remember seeing very good reviews for this bike back when it came out a couple of years ago perhaps? It now has a rubbish drivetrain by the looks of things, but still has air forks and decent wheels. Would this be an awful buy for £600?

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/vitus-nucleus-27-vr-mount...

[Pulse]

Or, would it be better to spend another £100 to get this, with a proper drivetrain and (I think?) a better fork?

https://www.halfords.com/bikes/mountain-bikes/boar...

[lufbramatt]

Geometry on the Vitus looks much more up to date. The Boardman is pretty old school XC geometry and has 29" wheels. The Nucleus VRS is £750 and has Deore drivetrain. Bit on the heavy side though. Depends if you want a fun bike for chucking around the trails, or something more suited to longer XC rides on more relaxed trails.

[Pulse]

That’s a very good point.

I’ve linked the 27.5, but I’d likely go 29 for the VR/VRS, if that makes any difference.

It would likely be used for 50/50 Trail centres and casual riding, as I plan to get a gravel bike too.

[jonindorset]

I pushed the budget in February and got a Sentier VR 27 before the price rise. Its a thing of beauty with very few compromises and nothing really to add.

[Pulse]

Sadly missed all the price rises, because I had a bike until yesterday (2020 Kona Big Honzo ST), which has been refunded after lots of issues.

I am desperately trying to not end up looking for something which matches a lot of that (e.g. boost, bolt-thru, decent fork, etc.).