Vitus have unveiled three bikes as part of their 2016 cyclo-cross range, topped by the carbon fibre Energie Pro.

The Energie Pro is described as a ‘true professional-level CX bike’ and the redesigned frame is said to be 200g lighter than last year’s model, with increase mud clearance. It’s a machine designed for racing and Vitus have specced the frame with SRAM’s Rival 1 groupset and hydraulic disc brakes.

The single-ring Rival 1 setup is said to eliminate chainslap and reduce the chance of the chain being dropped thanks to the ‘wide-tooth, narrow-tooth’ profile of the chainring, while also offering additional mud clearance over a conventional double-chainring setup. The Vitus Energie Pro will cost £1,599.99.

Meanwhile, Vitus’ mid-range machine, the Energie, features a 6061-T6 aluminium alloy frame, paired with a full carbon fibre fork, which has a tapered steerer. The fork also has a 15mm thru-axle to provide a little more front-end stiffness and wheel security.

The frame accepts a 27.2mm seatpost, while Vitus have also revised the geometry, with a slightly longer toptube and shorter stem than on the 2015 model to improve the handling. Like the Energie Pro, the Energie is equipped with a SRAM Rival 1 groupset. Yours for £924.99.

Finally, the Energie GR completes the range at £774.99 and is described as a ‘do it all bike geared towards those who want to explore and  take the roads less traveled.’ Vitus say they have seen a steady growth in the sales of their cyclo-cross bikes, particularly with riders on the hunt for a versatile machine which can be used for everything from training, to commuting, to racing.

The Energie GR comes with the latest version of Shimano’s Tiagra ten-speed groupset, which uses the same four-arm chainset design as the upscale 105, Ultegra and Dura-Ace setups. TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes provide the stopping power. Both the Energie GR and Energie have mudguard and rack mounts, a nod to the versatility which makes cyclo-cross bikes popular with riders seeking one bike for a range of disciplines.

Vitus is the in-house bike brand of Chain Reaction Cycles and all three cyclo-cross machines will be available through the online retailer from the end of August.

Vitus Bikes will be exhibiting at The Cycle Show at the NEC in Birmingham on September 25-27. RoadCyclingUK readers can save £1.50 off the advance ticket entry fee by using the code RCUK at www.cycleshow.co.uk.