Vitus Substance Vrs 1 Ht Gravel Apex Road Bike

Gravel riding is about a lot of things. It can be about exploring, adventuring or just getting away to a place where there are few people and fewer cars. The Vitus Substance aluminum gravel bike is built for all of it.

Whether embarking on a far-flung bikepacking adventure or simply staying light for a mixed-terrain local loop, the Substance can adapt to suit your ride. The frame is peppered with loads of accessory mounts for carrying bags, water bottles and attaching fenders — perfect for remote rides where water, food and spares might be hard to come by.

The geometry might be considered neutral compared to some of the more aggressive race-oriented gravel bikes on the market today, giving the bike a more comfortable ride conducive to long days in punishing terrain. The handling is composed in sand or deep gravel and, point the thing downhill, and its balanced geometry will keep you confident at higher speeds.

This VRS-1 HT build of the Substance is specced with a RockShox Rudy XPLR fork 30mm of travel and a dropper post — a true go-anywhere, ride-anything build. A set of 650b wheels make room for comfy 47c tires and the SRAM Apex 1×11 mechanical drivetrain is a solidly reliable choice for long trips on seldom-ridden gravel roads.

All of gravel is a cliché; it’s about getting off the beaten path and searching for the road less traveled. No matter how far-flung, rutted or chunked-out that less-traveled gravel road may be, the Substance will get you out there and back.

WHAT’S INCLUDED INSIDE THE BOX:

• The bicycle
• Pedals
• 10-piece multitool that includes:
  • 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm Allen keys
  • Phillips and flat head screwdrivers
  • A T25 Torx
• 15mm pedal wrench
• Bottle of tire sealant
• Reflectors
• Bell
• Spoke protector disc
• User manual
• Any chargers or batteries used on the bike, such as batteries for electronic shifting or e-bike batteries