{"id":19054,"date":"2015-11-10T08:45:00","date_gmt":"2015-11-10T08:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/2015\/11\/10\/review-2015-momsen-vipa-ac-r3682\/"},"modified":"2023-02-08T09:05:03","modified_gmt":"2023-02-08T09:05:03","slug":"review-2015-momsen-vipa-ac-r3682","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/review-2015-momsen-vipa-ac-r3682\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: 2015 Momsen VIPA AC"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>We\u2019ve had a Momsen VIPA AC in the office for a little while now. Since my own <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikehub.co.za\/features\/_\/gear\/reviews\/review-momsen-vipa-r1476\" rel=\"external nofollow\">carbon VIPA XT<\/a> has been sitting in pieces pending a rebuild it was a perfect time to put in some testing.<\/p>\n<p>Before we get stuck into the review let me clarify that this is the 2015 spec. Although the 2016 models have been announced and are already available, the frame is fundamentally the same and is still an interesting comparison to the carbon version.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-48480400-1447143315.jpg\" data-fileid=\"628594\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-fileid=\"628594\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" alt=\"Momsen VIPA AC 2015-1.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-48480400-1447143315.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">Specifications<\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<ul class=\"specsList clearfix\">\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Frame<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Alloy Front Triangle, Carbon Rear Triangle, 80mm Rear Wheel Travel<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Sizes<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Small, Medium, Large, X-Large<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Fork<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">FOX Float CTD, 100mm Travel, 15mm Thru-Axle<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Rear Shock<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">FOX Float CTD Rear Shock<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Chainwheel<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Shimano XT, 38\/24T<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Bottom Bracket<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Shimano Pressfit<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">F. Derailleur<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Shimano SLX Direct Mount<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">R. Derailleur<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Shimano XT<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Shifter<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Shimano Deore Trigger<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Brake Levers<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Shimano M615 Hydraulic<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Brakes<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Shimano M615 Hydraulic<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Cassette<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Shimano HG50-10, 11-36T<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Rims<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Stan\u2019s No Tubes ZTR Rapid Tubeless Ready, 32H<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Tires<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Kenda Honey Badger XC Pro, 29\u00d72.05 SCT Tubeless<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Pedals<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">N\/A<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Handlebar<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Alloy Flat Top 29er, 700mm<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Stem<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Alloy Forged, 31.8mm Oversize<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Seatpost<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Alloy Micro-Adjust<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Seat<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Selle Royal Seta S1<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Headset<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Alloy Taper<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Colors<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Grey w\/Gold, Black and White Details<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Chain<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">KMC 10 Speed<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Hubset<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Shimano Deore, 15mm Front, 142 x 12mm Rear, 32H<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Spokes<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Stainless Butted with Alloy Nipples<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Grips<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Silicone Race<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Weight<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">Medium: 12.35kg (Excl. Pedals)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"row_title\">Retail Price<\/span><span class=\"row_data\">R 37 995.00<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Frame<\/strong><br \/>The VIPA AC is an aluminium and carbon hybrid which features a carbon rear triangle and aluminium front end. The geometry matches that of the carbon version with the only key difference (aside from material) being that the AC is also available in XL, whereas the carbon models stop at Large.<\/p>\n<p>Differences versus the 2016 model? Looking at only the frame the most significant change is the inclusion of a second bottle cage mount in the front triangle (M, L and XL only).<\/p>\n<div style=\"table-layout: fixed; display:table; width:100%; border-collapse:collapse;\" class=\"article_table\">\n<div style=\"display: table-cell; width: 33%; padding: 2px; vertical-align:top\">\n<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-06432800-1447143316.jpg\" data-fileid=\"628595\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-fileid=\"628595\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" alt=\"Momsen VIPA AC 2015-2.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-06432800-1447143316.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: table-cell; width: 33%; padding: 2px; vertical-align:top\">\n<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-36829900-1447143316.jpg\" data-fileid=\"628596\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-fileid=\"628596\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" alt=\"Momsen VIPA AC 2015-3.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-36829900-1447143316.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: table-cell; width: 33%; padding: 2px; vertical-align:top\">\n<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-69169200-1447143316.jpg\" data-fileid=\"628597\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-fileid=\"628597\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" alt=\"Momsen VIPA AC 2015-4.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-69169200-1447143316.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Suspension<\/strong><br \/>The VIPA AC 2015 features the same Evolution Series Fox Float CTD as used on the 2015 VIPA XT (minus the remote lockout). Thanks to the widely reported issues with the range in 2013, anything from Fox with a CTD label tends to get a bad rep these days. After some initial issues though, Fox did make improvements from 2014 onwards resulting in a more reliable performance.<\/p>\n<p>My experiences with the suspension setup in nearly 14 months of riding on my own carbon VIPA and this test model have been positive. I\u2019ve had no hassles whatsoever and the CTD modes work well for me with a definite lock-out in Climb mode and notable differences between Trail and Descend. It is undoubtedly a mid-range spec, but one which gets the job done.<\/p>\n<div style=\"table-layout: fixed; display:table; width:100%; border-collapse:collapse;\" class=\"article_table\">\n<div style=\"display: table-cell; width: 50%; padding: 2px; vertical-align:top\">\n<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-93616300-1447143317.jpg\" data-fileid=\"628600\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-fileid=\"628600\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" alt=\"Momsen VIPA AC 2015-7.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-93616300-1447143317.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: table-cell; width: 50%; padding: 2px; vertical-align:top\">\n<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-16220000-1447143359.jpg\" data-fileid=\"628605\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-fileid=\"628605\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" alt=\"Momsen VIPA AC 2015-12.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-16220000-1447143359.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Groupset<\/strong><br \/>The VIPA AC 2015 has a mix of Shimano XT, SLX and Deore: XT Cranks, XT rear derailleur with an SLX front derailleur and Deore trigger shifters. The XT\/SLX drivetrain needs no fluffing, it\u2019s a proven, reliable setup that works. I did turn my nose up at the Deore shifters looking at the spec, but to be honest I didn\u2019t notice much difference on the bike if any.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Brakes<\/strong><br \/>The Shimano M615 Hydraulic brakes lean towards the entry level in their range, but I found they performed well. Certainly not as responsive and assured as the XT\u2019s I\u2019m used to, but I never felt concerned about their stopping power or the feel.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-65003700-1447143358.jpg\" data-fileid=\"628604\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-fileid=\"628604\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" alt=\"Momsen VIPA AC 2015-11.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-65003700-1447143358.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Wheels<\/strong><br \/>The Stan\u2019s No Tubes ZTR Rapid rims are an OEM only product which offer a more affordable, but durable tubeless-ready rim. At 455g per rim it is 75g heavier than a Crest rim, but uses the same Bead Socket Technology (BST) said to give better tubeless performance. In the relatively brief test period these were reliable and held up to some unreserved riding, but down the line this is an area where the bike could benefit from an upgrade to shed weight and reduce flex.<\/p>\n<div style=\"table-layout: fixed; display:table; width:100%; border-collapse:collapse;\" class=\"article_table\">\n<div style=\"display: table-cell; width: 50%; padding: 2px; vertical-align:top\">\n<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-15235100-1447143360.jpg\" data-fileid=\"628607\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-fileid=\"628607\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" alt=\"Momsen VIPA AC 2015-14.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-15235100-1447143360.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: table-cell; width: 50%; padding: 2px; vertical-align:top\">\n<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-23235500-1447143318.jpg\" data-fileid=\"628601\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-fileid=\"628601\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" alt=\"Momsen VIPA AC 2015-8.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-23235500-1447143318.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Handlebar, stem and seat post<\/strong><br \/>The bike comes standard with some generic alloy bits which help keep the price tag reasonable. The one out of the three I\u2019d want to change is the stem: 1) because my preference would be something slightly shorter 2) it looks a little flimsy for my liking (although it held up with no issues through testing).<\/p>\n<div style=\"table-layout: fixed; display:table; width:100%; border-collapse:collapse;\" class=\"article_table\">\n<div style=\"display: table-cell; width: 50%; padding: 2px; vertical-align:top\">\n<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-44669200-1447143317.jpg\" data-fileid=\"628598\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-fileid=\"628598\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" alt=\"Momsen VIPA AC 2015-5.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-44669200-1447143317.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: table-cell; width: 50%; padding: 2px; vertical-align:top\">\n<a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-69186800-1447143317.jpg\" data-fileid=\"628599\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-fileid=\"628599\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" alt=\"Momsen VIPA AC 2015-6.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-69186800-1447143317.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">On the trail<\/h2>\n<p>The Momsen VIPA AC we received for testing matched the size and geometry of my own VIPA meaning I was very at home and comfortable from the get go. The only minor difference was the slightly longer stem on the AC vs my setup.<\/p>\n<p>With a little more added weight I\u2019d expected to feel the major difference while climbing, but it wasn\u2019t noticeably sluggish or cumbersome. In windy and technical single track though, the difference was more distinct. The bike felt very planted and secure on descents, but did require a little more effort to move about through turns and accelerations. This is likely partly due to the heavier aluminium front triangle along with the heavier rims.<\/p>\n<p>One of the biggest surprises for me was the skinny (by my standards) Kenda Honey Badger 2.05 tyres. They were remarkably grippy and resilient through a range of loose gravel, light mud and sharp rocks. Initially these would have been the first on my \u201cpost purchase upgrade list\u201d, but they performed impressively well in terms of grip and puncture resistance. As with most bikes though, I would convert them to tubeless from the get go (since they carry Kenda&#8217;s SCT badge they are tubeless ready).<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image\" href=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-73438400-1447143318.jpg\" data-fileid=\"628603\" data-fileext=\"jpg\" rel=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-fileid=\"628603\" class=\"ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed\" alt=\"Momsen VIPA AC 2015-10.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-73438400-1447143318.jpg\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">In the end<\/h2>\n<p>Overall I was suitably impressed by the Momsen VIPA AC. There are certainly areas where an upgrade and some weight shedding is possible, but out the box the build really is good to go. Coming from the carbon VIPA I admittedly did feel comfortable very quickly, but for me the aluminium-carbon comparison was most interesting. Looking at all-round performance the differences are marginal and from a price \/ performance perspective the VIPA AC offers outstanding value.<\/p>\n<p>The 2015 models Momsen VIPA AC will become less available as dealers clear out stock to make way for 2016 models, but keep your eyes peeled. You\u2019re likely to find some great deals on these at pre exchange rate apocalypse pricing.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bg-slate-100 p-5\">\nVisit <a href=\"http:\/\/momsenbikes.com\" rel=\"external nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">momsenbikes.com<\/a> for information or to locate a dealer near you.\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We\u2019ve had a Momsen VIPA AC in the office for a little while now. Since my own carbon VIPA XT has been sitting in pieces pending a rebuild it was a perfect time to put in some testing. Before we get stuck into the review let me clarify that this is the 2015 spec. Although [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":45901,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[425,426,3355,1078],"featured_location":[],"class_list":["post-19054","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tech","tag-momsen","tag-momsen-vipa","tag-momsen-vipa-ac","tag-vipa"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19054","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19054"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19054\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45901"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19054"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19054"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19054"},{"taxonomy":"featured_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured_location?post=19054"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}