Momsen’s VIPA is a proven marathon and cross-country race machine and we’ve got the scoop on the upcoming 2016 VIPA XT.
The first thing you’ll notice about the 2016 Momsen VIPA XT is the striking white, black and orange colour scheme. It’s a bold departure from Momsen’s previous designs. The top tube maps part of the Baakens Valley trail in Port Elizabeth. This is where Momsen do much of their development and testing.
Also new for the 2016 VIPA XT is the provision for a second bottle cage mount within the frame’s front triangle. Limited to the Medium and Large sized frames, a custom adaptor can be bought to mount a bottle cage. This placement was achieved without impacting standover height and changing the top tube shape, and manages to keep the weight of the bottle in a low central position.
Other than the additional bottle cage mount, there have been no significant changes to the VIPA design. Considering the success of Kargo PRO MTB and Alan Hatherly’s 2015 SA XCO Cup title, Momsen are happy with the way the current VIPA performs in marathon and XCO racing. For those looking to jump on the longer and slacker bandwagon, the VIPA Trail is expected to launch in 2016 and should fill that gap.
The components of the VIPA XT, however, have seen many updates. The bike features a full M8000 XT groupset, Fox’s new Float 32 fork (with the Fit 4 damper) and Float DPS shock, ZTR Crest rims on Shimano XT hubs, and custom Vee Tire Co Rail tires.
The 2016 Momsen range will be unveiled at the Two Wheels Trading dealer launch on the 12th August in Johannesburg. Authorized Dealers will have information and details on the full range after the launch. The 2016 VIPA XT should arrive in mid August.
2016 VIPA XT Specifications:
- SizesSmall, Medium, Large
- FrameFull Carbon Front Triangle,Full Carbon Rear Triangle, 80mm Rear Wheel Travel, New Dual Waterbottle Mount Design ( for Medium and Large Size )
- ForkFox Float 32 with FIT 4 System, Performance Series w/Remote Lockout, 100mm Travel, 15mm Thru-Axle, Taper Steerer
- ShockFox Float DPS( Dual Piston System ) w/Remote Lockout with 3 Position On-The-Fly Adjust – Open, Medium, Firm
- Crankset Shimano XT M8000 36/26T for 11 Speed
- Bottom BracketShimano BB-MT800 Pressfit
- Front DerailleurShimano XT M8025-D for Direct Mount 11 Speed
- Rear DerailleurShimano XT M8000 Shadow Plus for 11 Speed
- ShiftersShimano XT M8000 I-Spec 2 for 11 Speed
- Brake Levers Shimano XT M8000
- BrakesShimano XT M8000 / SM-RT81 XT Rotors / 160mm Front and Rear
- CassetteShimano XT M8000 11-40T for 11 Speed
- RimsStan’s No Tubes ZTR Crest, Custom Decal, 32H
- TiresVee Tire Co. Rail Custom Logo, 72tpi Folding Bead, Front: 29 x 2.25, Rear: 29 x 1.95
- Pedalsnil
- HandlebarRitchey MTN Comp 2X, 720mm +- 5mm Rise, 9 Degree Sweep, 31.8mm Oversize
- Stem Ritchey 4-Axis WTD, 31.8mm Oversize
- SeatpostRitchey 2B Comp, 31.6mm
- SaddleFizik Gobi M7, Cordura Side, Magnesium Blasted Black Rail
- HeadsetCustom Integrated Taper for VIPA
- ChainShimano XT HG700-11 for 11 Speed
- HubsetShimano XT HB-M8010 Front 15mm Thru-Axle, FH-M8010 Rear 12mm Thru-Axle
- SpokesStainless Butted with Alloy Nipples
- GripsSilicone Race
- ColourGloss White / Orange
Key Features:
- Race Proven Full Carbon Full Suspension Frame with 80mm of Efficient Suspension Travel.
- New Double Waterbottle Mount Feature on Medium and Large Frame Sizes * (Note: Momsen Design adaptor sold separately).
- Fox Suspension Front and Rear – Fox Float 32 Front Fork with FIT 4 Damper and 15mm Thru-Axle / Fox Float DPS ( Dual Piston System ) Rear Shock with 3 Position On-The-Fly adjustment via Dual Remote Lockout – choose between Open, Medium or Firm Suspension Settings.
- Shimano’s latest Deore XT M8000 Series Drivetrain – now upgraded to 11 Speed – Drivetrain includes Front and Rear Derailleurs, Shifters, Cassette, Chain, Brakes.
- Stan’s ZTR Crest 29er Rims with BST (Bead Socket Technology) for easy tubeless conversion and true tubeless performance.
- Vee Tire Co. Rail 72tip Folding Bead and Tubeless Ready Tyres.
Is that all you read?
Yes, a new paint job. Other manufacturers also do it annually, and if you remember there was also a "first look" on the new Giant bikes for 2016 - and some of those ONLY had new paint jobs and a slight difference in componentry
This has a new paint job, new componentry & the ability to fit 2 bottles in the front triangle through a new adapter (brand new)
No new geo.
So no, not a full launch, but a launch nonetheless.