Australian Mountain Bike — December 01, 2017

(Jacob Rumans) #1
http://www.ambmag.com.au - 87

ESSENTIALS


BRAND Reid
MODEL Vice 3.0 FS
RRP $2,399
WEIGHT 15.5kg (as tested)
FROM reidcycles.com.au


AVAILABLE SIZES S-XL
FRAME MATERIAL Aluminium
FORK RockShox Reba RL 27+
SHOCK RockShox Monarch R
SHIFTER Shimano SLX M7000
DERAILLEUR Shimano SLX M7000
SGS Shadow Plus
CRANK FSA Comet, 30T
BOTTOM BRACKET FSA Mega Exo
CHAIN KMC X10
CASSETTE Sunrace MS3 10-speed
cassette (11-40T)
HUBS Formula sealed bearing
RIMS WTB Scraper i40 27.5”
TYRES WTB Trail Blazer Comp
27.5 x 2.8” UST
BRAKES Shimano Deore M6000
hydraulic 180/160mm
STEM Reid alloy
HANDLEBARS Reid alloy riser bar,
760mm
SEATPOST KS Crux 30.9mm
dropper post
SADDLE Reid MTB


trying conditions that may have brought on
the demise of other cable actuated posts on
the market. The lever is ergonomic and easy
to engage. Very minimal stiction did develop
over the course of the test period, but was
easily rectified with quick lube job.

The drivetrain range copped some pretty
terrible abuse thanks to a moist few weeks
in the Sunshine State, with lots of mud and
grinding on sandy trails creating sounds
that make you wince. The good news is that
the Shimano 10-speed group handled the
conditions better than the test pilot. Shifting
was solid, even with all the trail gunk, and
after a post-ride clean felt just like new again.
The 30T coupled with the 11-40 cassette gave
a solid range for what got thrown at us. But if
you are thinking of loading it up and heading
into the great unknown it might pay to drop a
tooth or two up front.

The Deore brakes gave good, consistent

performance through the pretty extreme
conditions. For general use the stock setup is
sweet, but if you are looking to load it up consider
upsizing the rotor from 160 to 180mm.

OUR TAKE

This is a bike that redefines the boundaries
of what a mountain bike should be. We have
seen plenty of bikes being made purely for fun,
but getting one that does it so well for under
$2,500 is a bonus. The ride qualities, coupled
with the sharp price point, make the Vice 3.0
FS an appealing option for beginners and more
experienced riders looking to dip their toes into
the plus sized realm.

Reid have hit a nerve on this one, bringing a trail
ready Plus sized dually to the table at a really
affordable price. Price aside though, the Vice 3.0
FS is simply a hoot to ride and this is the real
draw card of this bike.

TESTED

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