Vitus Launches the 2021 E-SOMMET

Winning multiple awards with the previous generation of the E-Sommet, the design engineers at Vitus were keen to evolve the much loved ride qualities, while modernizing key features. We wanted to double down on what customers loved about our previous E-Sommet which was the ride. With our new E-Sommet you can do everything you can do on your Enduro bike, but just more of it... All the benefits of a large travel Enduro bike with the assistance on the way back up.

Design Brief - Goal

When we started re-developing our E Sommet platform we had two main goals:

Make our award winning E-Sommet even better with an internal battery frame design, updated geometry and improved suspension kinematics.
Combine the best components in the industry with our new E-Sommet frame to offer the most capable E-MTB on the market while staying true to our customers by offering it at an accessible price point.

E-Sommet at a Glance - Further, Faster, Longer

Our new E-Sommet is a hard hitting E-enduro bike built for going downhill fast. With an efficient Shimano motor to get you back to the top of the trail head ready for your next shred. More Power, More Riding, More Fun.

Frame Travel: 167mm
Intended Use: All-Mountain/Enduro/Freeride
Wheel Size: 29 F/27.5" R
Frame Material: 6061-T6 Aluminium
Motor: Shimano EP8 or E7000
Battery: Shimano Internal - Frame compatible with 630wh or 504wh internal battery

Design

Internal Battery Frame Design

The much loved E-Sommet is now updated with an integrated battery design, incorporated all aspects of the system within the frame. Engineers designed a battery door on the bottom of the downtube, and by adding strength in key areas and placing cutout on flat surface it ensured the frame retained all the riding performance.

Bigger Battery = More Range

A Larger 630Wh battery with the EP8 which has 36% less pedaling resistance versus the E8000 ensures you get more out of the battery with greater range. Combine this with the enhanced frame performance to ensure you enjoy every segment.

Updated Geometry

We have updated the geometry to give a more confidence inspiring ride. Key changes are slacker head angles and reduced BB drop to aid technical climbing. We have also steepened the effective seat tube angle and made it progressively steeper as you go up the size range. This ensures that each frame size has an optimal sagged saddle position with no compromise. By measuring saddle height at saddle lay back we looked at the position of the saddle relative to the bottom bracket to ensure when the bike was in sag you had an optimal pedaling position. The reason we steepened the seat angle on the larger frame sizes was to ensure that the saddle layback wasn't too far behind the bottom bracket.

Shimano EP8 Motor

EP8 sees the introduction of a new Magnesium housing, offering greater assistance on a wide range, weighing 10% less than the previous E8000, and 20% more torque going from 70Nm to 85Nm allowing you to take on the steepest climbs and toughest trails with traction and control. Paired with the E8036 630Wh integrated battery, the EP8 is ideally suited to the purpose of the E-Sommet.

Improved Suspension Design

We have gone with the same fixed lower shock mount as the Sommet & Escarpe, this also allowed us to refine the suspension kinematics. An improved consistent progressive leverage curve gives more consistent feel, supports and damping.

Key Frame Features

6061-T6 Aluminum Frame design
Redesigned Seat tube allows for greater seatpost insertion across all sizes and longer fully inserted dropper posts. S: 150mm, M: 170mm, L/XL: 200mm
Improved internal cable routing
Robust frame protection on Motor, Downtube, Chainstay and Seatstay.
Accessible downtube Battery Door
SRAM UDH Gear Hanger
148mm Boost Hub Spacing
73mm Threaded Bottom Bracket
Block Lock ICR (internal cable routing) Acros Headset allowing sleek integration
Improved bearings and seals to increase durability

Suspension Kinematics - Leverage Rate

We've straightened out the curve on the Sommet vs the 2020 versions and increased the progressivity from 8% to 25%. This change improves small bump sensitivity and mid stroke support. The increase in progression also helps with end stroke control and allows better compatibility with coil shocks.

Suspension Kinematics - Anti-Squat

We reduced the Anti-Squat to work alongside the improved leverage curve with increased mid-stroke support. High Anti-Squat can have a negative effect on suspension performance and was the main reason we lowered the Anti-Squat %.

Suspension Kinematics - Anti-Rise

Anti rise % has been reduced in the beginning stages of the travel, this prevents the bike from pitching forwards on steeper trails and gives a more balanced feel when braking. Suspension will still stay active when braking because of the low (50%) Anti rise and horst link suspension design.

Specs and Prices

AVAILABILITY

Our 2021 E-Sommet is available via our exclusive online retail partners Wiggle and Chain Reaction Cycles in the UK and Europe. We are currently working with our retail partners to make E-Bike shipping available in the US and this should be available at some point in 2021. For specific model availability see below:

E-Sommet VR - On Launch
E-Sommet VRS - Jan 2021
E-Sommet VRX - Jan 2021

More information at www.vitusbikes.com.