Kavenz Adds More Options To Their VHP Platform
PRESS RELEASE: Kavenz
In the world of mountain biking, the thrill of the ride knows no bounds. Whether conquering towering peaks or cruising through gentle flow trails, the essence of the sport lies in the joy of the journey. Yet, with the trend towards speed-focused, aggressive geometry dominating the market, the question arises: where is the fun in the ride? Enter the VHP12 and VHP14 from Kavenz – the latest additions to our groundbreaking VHP Platform.
Engineered with the fundamental principle of "less travel, more fun" at its core, these models redefine the mountain biking experience. Designed to cater to riders of all skill levels and terrain preferences, the VHP12 and VHP14 prioritize enjoyment above all else. Whether navigating technical descents or tackling cross- country trails, these bikes are engineered to deliver an unparalleled sense of adventure and excitement.
VHP Platform Expansion
Last year we presented the newest versions of Kavenz VHP platform, the V7. Seventh evolution opened new ways and options to experiment and change set up of your bike. The VHP platform allows to make totally different bikes from the same frame. Using different shock mounts & suspension set-up you can go from downhill & freeride beast to the ultimate downcountry bike. With a launch of VHP12 and VHP14 you can now build 5 different bikes, not to mention possibility of interchangeable dropouts of +0mm, +10mm and +2mm, and option of running 29” or mixed wheels.
VHP12-29 - Craziest XC Bike Ever: This configuration offers unbelievable traction and it’s the fastest XC bike at the downhill you can ever imagine.
VHP14-29 - Fast and Light: The short stroked VHP16-29 is an ultimate explorer, a very fast one! More feedback from the trail, gives more adrenaline.
VHP14-MX - Trail Rocket: A VHP16 MX with less travel means more feedback from the ground in a mullet package this bike is pure fun.
VHP15-29 - Trail Bliss: This is your go-to trail companion with nimble geometry and a focus on fun. Perfect for local trails, it's all about enjoying the ride.
VHP16-MX - Race and Fun: Full-blown enduro racing with a twist! The 27.5" rear wheel keeps things lively and responsive, ideal for both racing and playful riding.
VHP16-29 - Enduro Origin: Where it all began - a classic enduro race bike with 160mm of rear travel, built for challenging trails and epic adventures.
VHP18-MX - Freeride Thrills: Get ready for freeride excitement! With 182mm of rear travel and a 27.5" rear wheel, it's all about agility and fun, especially for smaller riders.
VHP18-29 - Race Ready Downhill: The ultimate downhill machine! With its 25mm rearward axle path and 184mm of rear travel, this bike is primed for serious downhill racing.
VHP14-29 - Fast and Light: The short stroked VHP16-29 is an ultimate explorer, a very fast one! More feedback from the trail, gives more adrenaline.
VHP14-MX - Trail Rocket: A VHP16 MX with less travel means more feedback from the ground in a mullet package this bike is pure fun.
VHP15-29 - Trail Bliss: This is your go-to trail companion with nimble geometry and a focus on fun. Perfect for local trails, it's all about enjoying the ride.
VHP16-MX - Race and Fun: Full-blown enduro racing with a twist! The 27.5" rear wheel keeps things lively and responsive, ideal for both racing and playful riding.
VHP16-29 - Enduro Origin: Where it all began - a classic enduro race bike with 160mm of rear travel, built for challenging trails and epic adventures.
VHP18-MX - Freeride Thrills: Get ready for freeride excitement! With 182mm of rear travel and a 27.5" rear wheel, it's all about agility and fun, especially for smaller riders.
VHP18-29 - Race Ready Downhill: The ultimate downhill machine! With its 25mm rearward axle path and 184mm of rear travel, this bike is primed for serious downhill racing.
VHP12 - The Fastest XC Descender
What makes VHP12 so unique? It has all the genes of VHP16, but only 120mm of travel. It offers more traction on steep climbs than other xc bikes and almost feels like a mini-DH bike on the descents.
What´s the downsides? Well, a bit more drag in the drive train this bike is for super-fast XC laps not for long distance marathon. If you love cross-country, uphills and long mountain rides, but still would like to have super fast and stable on the descends this is the choice to make.
Some say that red is the fastest color
VHP14 - The Trail Rocket
Why VHP14 is so fun? It has all the genes of VHP16, but shorter shock stroke. It gives riders way more feedback from the ground. This tweak brings a remarkable difference in rider experience, offering heightened feedback from the trails. The result? An exceptionally enjoyable and fast bike giving lot of fun from riding. If you are mostly riding local and flow trails this bike is the best option for you.
VHP12 29 Geometry
VHP14 MX Geometry
VHP14 29 Geometry
Price and availability
Price frame only:
2795€ incl. VAT (RAW)
2645$ excl. VAT (RAW)
Shock options:
VHP14 - Fox Float X: 470€
VHP12 & VHP14 - Intend Hover OPT: 1079€
Author Info:
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Also, because there is no seat stay bridge, and so many shock mount options, you can sort of mix and match to do some "off menu" options.
For instance the VHP15 shock mounts with a 65mm stroke shock, gives you a 160mm travel bike with 9mm less BB drop than the VHP 16, with a .5 degree steeper HTA.
440mm reach for a size small makes a bit more sense in that context. Although it is the downside of using the same front triangle for each bike.
A medium is perfect for 5’9” rider ( my height) i can even ride the large kavenz no problem. Sizing is correct
Perhaps consider these frames have seriously steep STA.
The VHP 16 uses a 205x65mm, the VHP 15 uses 205x60mm, what does the VHP14 use?
Also interesting that the VHP14 is slacker than the VHP15.
12 uses 185*47.5
Thanks Giacomo, I appreciate the info.
FYI, It looks like the info you have on the Kavenz website is incorrect for the VHP14 29'er configuration. It shows 205x60mm there still (but the VHP14 MX chart shows 205x57.5mm as you say here.
kavenz.com/vhp14
Also
Can you explain how the VHP14 mount differs from the VHP15/16 mounts, assuming they are all using the same axle to crown length fork? IE, if I had a VHP16 with a 205x65mm shock, and a 581mm axle to crown fork, and simply bolted on the VHP14 shock mount, what would happen to the geo?
Thanks again for the info Giacomo
I was playing around with the geo calculators and was starting to suspect that might be the case.
Also, I notice that there are longer stroke shocks available in the same 185mm eye to eye length that the VHP12 uses. I'd assume you could use a longer stroke shock without issue? And if I'm looking at the leverage ratio curve correctly, it seems like a 185mm x 55mm shock would increase travel to ~135-137mm or so?
V1 VHP16 owner here who would absolutely consider a future model again, but would love to avoid more pulleys.
The grip on these things is real.
Great bikes and platform. Love the shock mounts and chainstay options!