Vitus has re-emerged quietly from the collapse and eventual acquisition of Wiggle and Chain Reaction Cycles, with the launch of two new budget-friendly hardtails – the Nucleus and the Sentier.
Appearing on the Chain Reaction Cycles site without fanfare, the Nucleus returns as Vitus’s entry-level mountain bike, now with a modernised frame that features a UDH hanger, Boost spacing and dropper-post compatibility, plus a refreshed spec aimed squarely at first-time trail riders.
Sitting above it, the Sentier offers a burlier package with a longer-travel fork and upgraded components designed for more aggressive trail riding.
The move comes less than two years after Wiggle CRC entered administration – a process that saw “almost everyone… within the organisation” lose their jobs, according to sources who spoke to BikeRadar in February 2024.
At the time, the future of Vitus and sister brand Nukeproof – which has since been acquired by Ridley owner, Belgian Cycling Factory – looked uncertain.
Insolvency filings showed Wiggle owed brands and distributors £26.7 million, with administrators later confirming the sale of intellectual property tied up in its in-house labels.
Chain Reaction Cycles, Wiggle and its sub-brands were eventually sold to the Frasers Group. Owned by Mike Ashley, the group includes Sports Direct, ProBikeKit, Evans Cycles and other brands.
The Nucleus – improved with key upgrades
The Nucleus continues to target entry-level riders.
The latest frame adds several modern standards that were absent from the previous generation, including a UDH hanger and 148mm thru-axles.
These updates bring the Nucleus in line with most modern mountain bikes. A 120mm air-sprung Suntour Raidon fork handles suspension duties, with Shimano’s recent Cues 1x10 drivetrain – an increasingly common sight on entry-level bikes – and an 11-46t cassette providing gearing.
Stopping power comes from Tektro hydraulic brakes, while own-brand 30mm-wide rims are wrapped in 2.4in Maxxis Forekaster tyres.
The bike is priced at £949 at RRP, but is already ‘reduced’ to £649. Take that pricing with a pinch of salt, however. As Which? reported in June, the Frasers Group is known to use questionable pricing tactics.
When we last reviewed the Nucleus in 2021, we found the bike’s stiff rear end and XC-leaning geometry limited its descending potential, even if the drivetrain and overall build represented excellent value.
The new frame looks like a significant step forward, with modern standards making it a more upgradeable package overall.
Sentier – burlier and more capable
Positioned above the Nucleus, the Sentier is intended for harder rides.
Like the Nucleus, the Sentier’s alloy frame now features a UDH hanger, Boost spacing and thru-axles.
Suspension is handled by a 130mm RockShox Judy Silver TK fork, with a higher-spec Shimano Cues 1x11 drivetrain fitted.
A KS dropper post, Shimano MT201 brakes and tubeless-ready wheels come as stock, along with Maxxis Forekaster and Minion DHF tyres.
As with the Nucleus, the bike is priced at £1,099 at RRP, but is already ‘reduced’ to £849. Suspect pricing aside, that’s a high-value package on paper.
In our 2023 review, BikeRadar described the Sentier as “a great all-round performer with quality components and up-to-date geometry”, awarding it 4.5 stars. The new bike looks to build on that.
What next for Vitus?
There is no confirmation yet on whether Vitus’ road, gravel or enduro platforms will return, nor whether its premium carbon bikes will reappear in the line-up.
For now, the Nucleus and Sentier mark the first step in the brand’s re-emergence – albeit a subtle one that came without press release or fanfare. We have contacted Vitus for comment.
