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Submitted by
axel23
a Recreational RiderDate Reviewed: December 30, 2012
Strengths: Weight. Forgiving ride.Weaknesses: Bottom bracket flex for non-spinners.Bottom Line: The Vitus 979 is an excellent vintage aluminum bicycle dating from 1979 to 1992. Unlike contemporary aluminum tubing, with its large outside diameter (OD), Vitus used a thin-wall tube set with the same OD as conventional steel frames of the era. The result was a bike that typically weighed two to three pounds less than comparable bikes. My 1986 979, equipped entirely with Campagnolo Super Record components, weighs under 18 1/2 lbs.
If you have a smooth pedal stroke, especially when out of the saddle, the frame will feel responsive and eager. If you are a heavier ride, especially one who likes to mash on the pedals, you will certainly be able to flex the bottom bracket area. Nonetheless, the 979 provides a rewarding ride. It was raced successfully by Lucho Herrera and Sean Kelly, and you can find some cool YouTube videos of them winning on their Vitus frames.
Should you buy one, I strongly recommend that you inspect the frame carefully - just as you would a steel frame. The tubes are glued and bonded into the lugs and if there are irregularities, they should be visible to the eye. The anodized aluminum cleans up nicely. All in all, a first rate bike and well worth the relatively modest investment.
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Submitted by
CircaRigel
a Road RacerDate Reviewed: January 5, 2010
Strengths: -lightweight
-has some give
-durable
-fast
-smoothWeaknesses: -may be too flexible for some heavier riders
-hard to find certain parts of modern materials (carbon fork, seat post) to fit the narrow gauge tubingBottom Line: My understanding was that this frame originally retailed for over $1200 in the late '80's. I purchased my 1987 Vitus 979 in 1991 from one of my coaches, and I'm still riding it today. Unable to afford a new bicycle of the quality I would want, I recently rebuilt my old Vitus and am now using it to train for Colorado's Triple Bypass Race, 120 miles through the Rockies.
This bicycle is lightweight aluminum, but unlike most aluminum frames, it's rather forgiving, as the small gauge tubing and bonding of the lugs instead of welding give it more flex than most aluminum frames.
I've ridden thousands of miles on this bicycle, and now that the rebuild is complete, I hope to continue riding it for many more. With the more modern components, the ride is better than ever! With my broad range freewheel & triple chainring, climbing is now a breeze!
Only 4**** overall, though, as the narrow gauge tubing makes it impossible to find certain components for it with more modern materials, i.e. forks and seat posts. Although, it does give it the flex a small rider like myself needs!
Favorite Ride: Lookout Mountain
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At: From my coach
Similar Products Used: Gitane
Giant
Bike Setup: -1987 vintage Vitus 979 bonded aluminum frame
-Cane Creek SCR-5C compact aero levers
--Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow saddle
-Shimano Sora front derailleur
-Shimano Tiagra Triple chainring
-Mavic Open Pro rim
-Nashbar 7 spd. Huge Gear 12-34 freewheel
-Shimano Tourney Megarange rear derailleur
-Mavic SSC dual-pivot caliper brakes
-SRAM bottom bracket
-Profile Design Red White Black Splash cork composite bar tape (w/o adhesive)
Unsure of the brand for the 4cm quill stem (yes, the bike is too big for me, so I did this to make it fit me) and the handlebars... those I replaced a number of years back.
Original Hardware:
-Seat Post
-Rear Hub
-Headset
-Fork
-Frame
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