Momsen is back with an all new VIPA, but this one is bringing a bunch of storage along with it. Specifically designed for the world of mountain bike stage racing like that of Momsen’s home race, the Cape Epic, the new VIPA ULTRA builds in multiple in-frame storage options to make carrying spares, tools, and nutrition a little easier.
While the term ‘Superbike’ is something we typically hear in the world of triathlon, the VIPA ULTRA would certainly qualify at least in terms of integrated storage. Similar to the Specialized SWAT system, the downtube offers one of the first storage pods, though this one seems to be an actual box that’s built into the downtube, rather than the open tube design of the SWAT system. This should make it easier to keep smaller items like CO2 cartridges and inflators from getting lost in the tube, but it also will cut down on the amount of usable storage space.
Plus, there’s also a storage bag built into the top tube with a zipper closure to offer additional room to stash nutrition, tools, or anything else you might normally have to store in your pockets.
Then there’s the ability to carry three full size water bottles, with room for two inside the front triangle thanks to the angled mount on the seat tube that clears the suspension pivot & linkage.
Built with 20mm more travel than the original Vipa, the 100mm travel bike can be run with a 100 or 120mm travel fork and offers two distinct geometry settings via a flip chip at the front shock mount. The bike already features a much longer reach that’s meant to be used with 40 or 50mm stems, but you also have the option of Slack or Steep geometry settings which can be swapped in minutes with a single allen key.
While the bikes are shown with 1x drivetrains, the frame is 1x or 2x compatible should you want to run a double. You’ll also find a threaded 73mm bottom bracket, Boost spacing, internal dropper compatibility, and 29 x 2.35″ tire clearance.
Offered only as a frame-kit which includes the frame, a Fox Float DPS Performance rear shock, seat clamp, a 40 or 50mm stem, the rear axle & a headset, frame-kits will also only be available in two sizes. Momsen recommends using their online sizing tool to determine the correct size for you, though the two frames have reach numbers of 451.1 and 465mm. The smaller frame size is available now, while the larger will be available next month, both for $2,900 which may vary slightly depending on the exchange rate.
