Anaheim, CA - As the CHUMBA VF2 makes its round to magazine editors worldwide - its first magazine review from the prestigous French Magazine Velo Vert - leaves little doubt that this is near-perfect, if not perfect trailbike.
With little left to be added, you can read the review for yourself:
If the brand can be pronouced as a sneeze, this sneeze can be infectious. The VF2 will spread the virus of MTB enthusiasm.
Chumba's story is a familiar one about mountain biking loyalists and those who pursue their dreams in the industry. The story revolves around a young man who bought a bike shop, Ted Tanouye. He began to design and sell his own DH bikes in the back of the shop. As the kid who was known to be a genius and make an immaculate product, his bikes began to gain a favorable image – also helped by some local talented and sponsored riders. In 1993 Chumba was just born… the VF2 is the latest jewel from Ted's box, an American X Country bike - exotic and sexy.
Pragmatism
Ted long protected his own bike building – building every frame in-house for over ten years. But today, with increased volume, he moved some production to one of best builders in Asia. This is the case for the VF2. However, we have no qualms, and we are absolutely sure about the quality of this CHUMBA. It is definitely perfect.
On a pure technical side, we have a front triangle made of 7000 series aluminum, with dramatic hydroforming and manipulation. The swingarm and the four bar linkage suspension are made from carbon fiber. The suspension design offers 5' travel, and you can use a 120 to 150mm suspension fork on it!
e…XC…eptional
With a 360mm bottom bracket high, the VF2 sits somewhat high. However, once you ride it, the Chumba gives feelings of great enthusiasm. Very stable with perfect suspension action, this bike maintains its fluidity on wet or muddy rides – as well as during acceleration and braking. You are quickly at home with this bike, and it will provide long-lasting pleasure on epic rides. Despite slightly slack angles, the VF2 steers incredibly and you can certainly ride cross-country. Thanks to the compact frame and the great four-bar design - which inspires confidence. On the climbs, the weight reminds you that you're not on a European style XC bike. With this amount of travel, the program is more light enduro than XC French cup or marathon. However, the VF2 is not too heavy and it's a good climber if you're not counting seconds.
The suspension is extremely efficient and provides great tracking and bump-absorption. For the long climbs without rocks, you can always lockout the suspension with the pro pedal system, but it's not really necessary. With the higher BB, you can still pedal even if you ride on big rocks and when the suspension works. The crankset doesn't touch the rocks. The VF2 comes most alive on the most technical parts of the trail; this MTB has a good Californian spirit!
When you attack the descent, this bike is most in its element. It is very rigid, and you can attack without fear. No flex, this chassis is very precise. It's comfortable on small jumps, sketchy landings, and when you ride hard-packed trails. The suspension doesn't bottom out even on some of the relatively larger jumps we tried.
We went on lots of muddy rides, but the anodized finish doesn't show a blemish. Note that the seat collar may not be the best, but it's the only issue we had with the bike.
Easy, comfortable, fun, the VF2 is a bike for those who prefer finesse over raw performance.
A copy of this review can be found in our media section.
