| VP Free Review About 10 months ago I returned from Canada with fond memories of Whistler Mountain Bike Park and a new Santa Cruz VP Free under my arm (thanks to Kamloops Bicycle Cafe). Meet My VP Free Grey powder coat, Fox DHX5, Sram 9, Hayes brakes, Syncros bits and Fox 40's up front.  VPP suspension VPP refers to the Virtual Pivot Point suspension that uses a pair of swing links that work together to create the VP Free's axle path. The lower link moves backwards as the upper one moves forwards causing the rear wheel to arc away from the cranks as it is compressed.  Riding the VP Free First things first - this is not a cross country bike. The VP truly is a point and shoot bike. Don't get me wrong: you can ride up hills on this bike - I have tried it once or twice, and found the only limit was my single chain ring. The steering is light and nimble, making it easy to negotiate rocky and wet rooted sections in search for the perfect line. The VP Free excels in super fast sweeping single track with its long wheel base. Throwing the VP into a corner at high speed, this bike feels like it is on rails, even through rough mid-corner braking bumps. Doing downhill runs on the VP with its sure-footed handling, 8.5 inches (215 mm) of suspension, makes it more practical to hold your line and just bomb over everything that comes your way. Riding north shore stunts is made easy with the VP Free's quick handling and stable feel. Landing flat from a drop, the VP Free soaks it up well. The suspension feels smooth, controlled and ramps up well at the end stroke. Once set up the Fox DHX5 is unbelievably plush offering efficient power transfer and traction under power. Matched with the Fox 40's up front, you are able to eliminate low speed harshness and get a more balanced ride. The VP Free lives up to all the media hipe and then some. The Facts
| ||
[ Back to Product Reviews |
Return to Freeride Topics Section |  ] |
