Kyle Strait Signs With Vitus

Jan 19, 2023 at 7:46
by Vitus Bikes  

PRESS RELEASE: Vitus Bikes

When Vitus looked to expand into the United States, we sought riders across all cycling disciplines that aligned with our Real Riders mentality. To us, Real Riders are those people who find immense passion and joy on their bike. Whether competing at the highest level or leading a local ride, the riders we choose to represent Vitus love bikes as much as we do and are part of this wonderful, global community.


Kyle Strait embodies everything Vitus holds valuable. Kyle is friendly, approachable, and helpful toward other riders. His love for two wheels is palpable. His reputation is well earned and legitimate. His accomplishments on the bike are far reaching and among the highest echelon. As a two-time winner of Red Bull Rampage, World Cup Downhill racer, perennial podium threat in dual slalom, and accomplished slopestyle athlete - there isn’t much that Kyle hasn’t done. Ask anyone that knows Kyle though, and they’ll tell stories of a man that loves his family, friends, and the world of bikes. There simply was no better choice for Vitus.



New frame, same Kyle. From the Strait Acres Slalom Series to a bike park tour and elite global competition, Kyle Strait will be flying the Vitus flag all around the world. Kyle will be riding an Escarpe 275 as his go-to slalom rig. Additionally, look for him on the Dominer, E-Sommet, and Sentier this year. Kyle will also have his hand in designing several forthcoming models, injecting a bit of the Natty Daddy into the Vitus gravity line.

Kyle is not the only rider joining the Vitus Team this year. We’ve also curated a lineup of individuals that represent the heart of what we stand for across road, mountain and gravel riding. As the year progresses, look for a chance to get to know each of our newest riders individually. For now, give them a follow to see where their Vitus will take them.

• Sami Gowdy (@samigowdy) - MTB and Gravel - Escarpe 29, E-Sommet, and Substance
• Jessica Moore (@wildformoore) - MTB - Escarpe 29
• Logan Brown (@brown.filmz) - MTB - Sommet 297 and E-Sommet
• Carina Claassan (@carina_climbing) - MTB Race - Sommet 29 and Escarpe 29
• Team Flicker Racing (@flicker.racing) - Road, Crit Race - ZX-1 EVO
• Brooke Goudy (@brookegoudy) - Gravel Race - Substance and Something new for 2023
• Karter Machen (@kartermachen) - Road and Gravel Race - An all-new platform for 2023

Vitus makes serious bikes for riders that don’t take themselves too seriously. This is punctuated by the fantastic individuals we’ve pulled together to represent the brand for 2023 and beyond. It is our intent that riders from all over will find someone in our crew that resonates and represents how they best enjoy bikes.


US customers can learn more about the line at US.VitusBikes.com. Everywhere else in the world, head directly to VitusBikes.com. With offices in the United States and United Kingdom, it’s never been easier to get a Vitus direct to your door.

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119 Comments

  • 230 0
 Headline says Vitus. Moustache says OnlyFans.
  • 26 0
 Reminds me of the scene from Super Troopers:

"Alright, now who wants a mustache ride?"
  • 9 0
 @jgoldfield: One of the greatest action movies ever.
  • 20 1
 I mustache you a question, can eyebrows your computer?
  • 3 0
 That opening paragraph was touching! I can't confirm. Met Lyle at Highland Mountain waiting for a Friday night race. Felt like I was just as much of a friend of his as Cam.
  • 8 0
 *can confirm f****** autocorrect
In other words Kyle is an awesome guy
  • 69 0
 Didn't see that one coming. Figure he would be a Commencal lifer. Congras Kyle. Stay healthy man!
  • 4 7
 Same, wonder if there was a conflict after this injury?
  • 19 0
 He announced that he was leaving Commencal about a month ago. Just didnt reveal where he was going until now.
  • 56 0
 A top man promoting reasonably priced decent bikes, great news.
  • 1 0
 Get that $!
  • 4 0
 @bikerdre: From what I understand, MTB contracts are typically signed in the late summer/early fall of the previous year. So the Vitus deal was probably done before Rampage and Kyle's injury.
  • 2 0
 @bocomtb: Ah, gotcha, thanks for the insight.
  • 59 1
 this legit makes me about 50% more likely to buy a Vitus
  • 42 0
 No joke, if the bike survives his rig on 50ft drops, I'm confident it'll survive me on 3ft drops.
  • 7 0
 @L0rdTom: You should see the 2022 RB Hardline replay
  • 4 0
 They are excellent bikes for the money. They share the design team with Nukeproof, some of the models share components - eg their ebikes have the same front triangle.

Fully carbon frame with factory suspension was rrp £2k in the UK, when everyone elses frames are £3.6-4k....
  • 2 4
 I broke 2 Sommet frames (1 aluminum, 1 carbon) before moving onto another brand, can't say I'd recommend them. Warranty response was great the first time and garbage the second.
  • 1 2
 @Lyndo: LTMF
  • 1 0
 @Smokey79: lol I can send pictures of both if you want proof.
  • 4 0
 @Smokey79: pics uploaded to my profile if you think I'm lying. Cheers bud.
  • 3 0
 @Lyndo: Fair play dude, you did indeed snap em (I've got an E-Sommet so not the best news), anyway, I've wound my neck bck into place
  • 1 0
 @Lyndo: The frames you broke are 2020 models the new sommet is nothing like those, it is an absolute tank.
  • 2 0
 @Lyndo: Ive broken 4 of the old style sommet frames. Last break was just out of warranty.

Likley your last warranty claim occurred after the warranty department in Ballyclare Northern Ireland were all sacked and the department moved to wolverhampton or somehwere in England. not great.

My first few claims were all grand and i actually went in person once to collect as im local. Got nothing out of them this last time, even though tit was the EXACT SAME BREAK ALL 4 times. And the one before took months.


EDIT: Ive just looked at your profile and you have the exact same break as me. i had 4 of those breaks on welded frames.

The old sommet had too many fancy welds made by some cheapo frame mfgr overseas likley.

My break occurred where 3 welds meet, so clearly some voiding occuring in the HAZ or something, or maybe their annealing and quenching process is rushed. Cheapo mfger for sure
  • 1 0
 @adamxrt: I was on the CRC website a couple days ago and they actually listed some old 2020 sommet and escarpe frames for sale as new old stock. Checked again today and they are all sold out. I feel bad for the people that bought them. I have a new sommet and it is nothing like the old frames, it’s really well built and solid, and doesn’t have that flawed pierced seat tube.
  • 1 0
 @adamxrt: That's unfortunate, clearly a flaw in the design. I'm not convinced that they aren't going with low quality frame manufacturing for both AL and carbon frames being that I broke both. The aluminum frame actually lasted longer than the carbon did.

@laerz: The frames that I broke were actually older than that, the aluminum one was a 2016 purchased as new old stock in 2018, the carbon was a replacement for for that one being they didn't have any non-boost AL frames left (hence the great warranty response the first time). The carbon frame was a new-old stock 2017 frame that I received in 2020, and broke in 2021.

I don't think I've misrepresented anything in my experience with Vitus, I just want people to beware that there is a risk of "you get what you pay for" with them. The new frames may be more robust, and I hope they are, but if there are still issues with the manufacturing (weld/heat treatment issues or carbon layup issues) there may be issues that the average rider would never be able to detect.

Anyways, I hope they've sorted their issues out but they will never be seeing any more of my money.
  • 2 0
 @Lyndo: I don’t think you’ve misrepresented your experience, and there definitely is an issue with those older frames. I would be reluctant to buy one too if I’d had the experience you did with them. I do have the new sommet, it is entirely different from the previous models and it truly is a well built frame, so I think they’ve sorted out any of the previous issues they had. I would definitely buy another one.
  • 42 0
 That’s a mean looking machine. And the bike is pretty too. Congratulations to all.
  • 25 3
 Kyle has been a world class rider since back in the day when he was guest riding bikes for MBA reviews. His legend has grown to the level of Wade Simmons. As a long time ambassador to the sport since the early days, I think no one deserves more love in the mtb community. I can see a future where straight acres is a regular contest stop on par with crankworks. and not to mention the fact that he is recovering from a horrific injury at rocket speed. Good for him, he deserves it all the love and respect he gets. Hall of famer for sure
  • 24 0
 Headline should be “Vitus Proves Their Shit is Tough”. Good stuff all the way around
  • 14 0
 I mean Joe Smith got 2nd at Red bull Hardline last year on a Vitus. I feel like all bikes that get down that course are tough as shit.
  • 12 0
 Now I know how to pronounce the name.
  • 8 0
 Rhymes with diabeetus, got it.
  • 11 0
 I'm hoping we'll see a Vitus DH bike real soon
  • 3 0
 Or a "new" DH bike. Not sure when the Dominer went out of production or if it's just not sold in the US anymore, but I don't see any info newer than 2021.
  • 3 0
 Probably will make a set up like this .


m.pinkbike.com/buysell/3331425/#PBModalBox
  • 2 0
 Given that they list the Dominer but not a link to it is a pretty good sign that a refreshed version is coming.
  • 5 2
 @dh-bomber: Thats absolutely disgusting looking
  • 4 0
 Vitus was making road bikes with aluminum lugs glued to carbon tubes back in the mid 1980's. They were around when I got my first mountain bike in 1984. So Vitus could do an Atherton style DH bike and if anyone accuses them of copying Atherton, Vitus can point out they've been doing it for 40 years.
  • 1 0
 @jmcleod66: I’d definitely not make that setup. But that’s probably the closest thing to a “rampage bike” he can get with Vitus until or even if the “dominer” comes out…
  • 7 0
 Similar comment to DJ Brandt: Glad to see more companies get into freeride, especially since some of the biggest names associated with the riding style are starting to move away from it.
  • 8 0
 I'm a fan of the value in the VITUS offerings. They have been great bikes for me. Just bought my third VITUS, this one for my daughter.
  • 4 1
 Vitus is coming in HOT into the US market with this announcement. Kyle has a good reputation for building European consumer direct brands up in the US, so while this does surprise me that he is on Vitus, the decision on both of their parts makes a ton of sense.
  • 2 0
 Nukeproof / Vitus must be making a decent amount of $$ lately or have an investor as they are definitely making some decent moves sponsorship wise. They have always supported grass roots riders in the UK but the seem to be stepping it up last 12-18months. Great to see - I love my Mega and reactor
  • 2 0
 Of course, huge investment when they got bought over by Sigma Sports.
  • 1 0
 @ardee: Well i didnt know that but good for us riders - Love my Nukes
  • 2 0
 Big fan of Kyle! So intrigued by different rider’s bar height preferences. Interesting that he runs a low rise bar (with a few spacers underneath) on what seems like a small or medium frame, and he’s a not a short dude. Cockpit looks pretty low, granted I guess it’s a race bike.

Stoked for him and his recovery!
  • 4 0
 I think it is pretty cool that Vitus added in the roster of other riders they are supporting this year as well.
  • 5 0
 So cool. Stoked to see this come together.
  • 1 0
 Not related comment but do you guys think Brandon Semenuk will change his Frame sponsor like damn I know Trek cant let go of Brandon Semenuk and Emil Johansson. Brandon have been riding Trek since his career starts and he is very comfortable in Trek bikes but kinda interesting to see him ride other brands.
  • 4 0
 Some great signings for Vitus, I wonder where Warner is going?
  • 3 0
 Focus
  • 1 0
 @dolface: joining O Dub, nice. Actually didn't he go from Commencal to Vitus? Strait to Focus in 3 years or so...
  • 3 0
 lets go KYLE! love you man. nice to see you on a new rig. in my oppinion commencal is kinda overated...
  • 3 0
 I'm just glad Kyle can walk and ride a bike still! Always been a fan of his.
  • 3 0
 Sick! Before this it seemed like the only other Vitus rider I'd heard of was Joe Smith. Love my Mythique!
  • 3 0
 Or Rob Warner …….
  • 2 0
 @pedro46: so true! Love Rob, total brain fart there haha. DH isn't going to be the same without that man.
  • 4 0
 Bumping into Kyle Strait in cavehill above Belfast will be gas
  • 3 0
 The VITUS SOMMET 297 CRX appears to be an awesome value. Very interesting..
  • 2 0
 Kyle is the kind of guy that everyone seems to have massive respect. An absolute legend on the bike, and he comes across as a real authentic solid dude
  • 3 0
 Glad to see him back on a bike!
  • 3 0
 I feel like it should of been Wilford Brimley at the end saying, dia-vitus
  • 2 0
 am i the only one that spotted the x01 dh wireless!!! looks pretty close to production ready
  • 1 0
 First bike i took to a Bikepark was my 2012 Vitus Escarpe1 and i was proudly flashing my purple 661 "Kyle Strait" knee pads. I knew it was a sign of great things to come!
  • 1 0
 I'm going to miss the fact that when I call Commencal USA in Golden, CO, that I can't say "Hey, Kyle said he'd fix my bike" Big Grin
  • 3 2
 Escarpe "275"? Only see 29 on the website. My guess is a 29 frame with 27.5 wheels for slalom?
  • 5 0
 Nah, they make a 27 version, it's just not on the US site.
  • 4 0
 Most of their bikes come in both 27.5 and 29.
  • 1 1
 @bhowl : except they dont anymore as far as I can tell. Kyle's preferred bike isn't available.
  • 1 0
 @pinkbikeeye: no they definitely have the 27 CR and 27 CRX frame on their international website. vitusbikes.com, not us.vitusbikes.com
  • 3 0
 This is HUGE!
  • 2 0
 Not how I thought it'd be pronounced
  • 4 1
 Wtf????? Got robbed
  • 1 0
 I had no idea about his World Cup and enduro experience. He's done it all! Glad hes up and at-em!
  • 2 0
 They better make him a DH bike and not just overfork a trail bike.
  • 2 1
 They've got the Dominer that Joe Smith was riding for Hardline. Seems it came out in 2019 and zero mention anymore. Hopefully they'll be doing an update or something.
  • 1 0
 I feel like Kyle helped "Commencal" name domestically. No wonder Vitus needs him! Fezzari missed a chance...
  • 1 0
 Fezarri seems to be spending a LOT of money on the influencer/YouTuber market. Just about everyone I watch popped up with Fezarri's all of the sudden.
  • 1 0
 Isn't Rob Warner on Vitus bikes too or did I miss (or misunderstand) something?
  • 1 0
 He actually left Vitus at the end of last year. Per his Instagram.
  • 2 0
 Vitus bikes actually look good
  • 1 0
 This is awesome! Congrats to both parties.
  • 1 3
 Friend owned a Vitus road bike back in the day. A perfect example of tube diameter having more of an effect on frame stiffness that material on metal frames. Watching that thing flex was disconcerting.
  • 1 3
 More disconcerting was when the bonding failed.
  • 5 0
 @gb8561: It's not 1992 anymore. Giant Cadex back then were good for that and so were Look. Probably most brands that were experimenting with bonded carbon lugged bikes had this issue in the 80's and early 90's. Surprised?
  • 1 0
 @ukr77: I was actually thinking about the bonded aluminum frames from the late '80's. I remember those separating but don't have any experience with the carbon ones which I think showed up a few years later?
  • 1 1
 @ukr77: Yeah, Look were not. The only thing flexier than a Vitus 992 was a Look 381. Surprised?
  • 1 1
 Is there an update on his condition? Is he really in any shape to ride at a professional this year given his injuries?
  • 7 0
 He posts updated on instagram. He’s recently gotten back on a bike doing some light riding and seems on track to be back riding this season.
  • 2 0
 Nice one Kyle, Vitus!
  • 1 0
 Didn’t see that one coming.
  • 1 0
 I womder what he will ride on dirt jumps
  • 1 0
 Kyle holding it down in the 619
  • 1 0
 Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda pick your weapon carefully
  • 1 0
 yes Lyle
  • 1 2
 Nice to see him riding a bike that's no longer in production and can't be purchased.
  • 1 0
 Wait... its Veetus? Huh.
  • 1 1
 SHUT UP LYLE!!!
  • 1 3
 Home they improved how they are built.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CqVOYMjZhE
  • 3 0
 According to the comments, 2017 frame, not clue how hard it's been ridden (looks like lots of cases on jumps) or maintained, etc. I have broken bikes twice as expensive as Vitus. That vid is irrelevant
  • 1 0
 Joe Smith's Hardline run from last year should change your mind.
  • 1 3
 Why is there a pike on there
  • 2 0
 Why not? It's a slalom/4x style machine
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