VPace Moritz 20″ Review

The VPACE Moritz 20" is an ultra-lightweight full-suspension bike designed to meet the needs of serious young trail riders. Weighing just under 21lbs (9.5 kg) and built with high-quality kids specific components, it offers a ride experience that matches many adult trail bikes

The Moritz is a sharp, minimalist single pivot design that immediately catches the eye with its sleek aluminum frame and race-ready aesthetic. It's one of the lightest kids' full-suspension bikes on the market. the weight makes it not only easy to maneuver on trails but also simple for kids to carry when needed. A lightweight bike can be a game-changer for children on longer rides or tougher climbs. 

Geared for kids who are at least 3’6" tall (1.10 m), the 20" wheels and well-designed geometry ensure a stable, confidence-building ride. The 66-degree head angle and long 938 mm wheelbase help kids feel secure when trails get rough and speeds increase. Like all quality kids' bikes, Vpace designed this bike with a narrow Q factor to set young riders up for success.

 The bike is equipped with a Vpace branded Carbon 100m travel fork that is reused by the majority of high end kids bike manufactures  and a Manitou MARA rear shock, both of which provide smooth handling over technical terrain. The suspension absorbs bumps with ease, offering plenty of cushioning without sacrificing efficiency on climbs. The lockout systems on both the front and rear suspension work great, just remember to turn them off before you shred down the trail.

Drivetrain: 

-SRAM X5/X7 drivetrain paired with a Microshift Advent 9-speed cassette (11-38T), providing reliable shifting for a variety of terrains.The Vpce inhouse 105mm cranks are incredible and help with pedal efficiency and pedal strikes with the lower bottom bracket bike. The 30T narrow wide chainring helps with the gear ratio. We opted to change it out for a 28t oval to help with some of the steeper clubs in our riding zones

Brakes: 

-The Magura MT4 hydraulic disc brakes deliver excellent stopping power and the brake reach is easy to dial in.They are our favorite brakes with the one finger levers really help the kids stay in control. We love how Vpace pays attention to weight and specs the bike with lightweight rotors that stayed true throughout our test.

Cockpit

The flat, Reverse-branded handlebar is ideal for fitting the smallest kids on larger wheels. We chose a riser bar to add cockpit height as our young tester grew.

Wheels

Our main gripe with the bike is the Vpace hubs, which required more attention than expected—we rarely need to service hubs on kids' bikes, but these developed play over time. The Shimano HG freehub pawls also needed servicing. Since Vpace is based in Europe, we handled the fixes ourselves here in North America. The quick-release fork is great for weight savings, but the axle was a bit long.

With its plush suspension and lightweight design, the Moritz is a nimble machine on both flowing trails and more technical terrain. The Maxxis Minion DHR II tires offer great traction, and with tubeless-ready WTB wheels, it rolls effortlessly over rough surfaces. The combination of premium components makes this bike extremely capable of handling jumps, descents, and climbs alike.

• Incredibly lightweight for a full-suspension bike.
• Top-tier suspension system for smooth trail performance.
• High-quality, durable components for serious riding.
• Simple Suspeion that works under the weight of smaller kids
• Magura Brakes with the one finger levers
• Short cranks and narrow Qfactor

• At a premium price point, it’s a significant investment for families.
• Hubs required attention more than once
• Almost impossible to get in North America
• Order an extra derailleur hanger as Vpace hangers are not easy to find

“The VPACE Moritz 20" is a serious trail bike for kids who love to push their limits. With its lightweight design and high-end components, it offers an excellent ride experience for young riders who are ready for full-suspension performance. While it’s on the pricier side, the quality and capability make it well worth the investment for dedicated young mountain bikers. While it ia almost impossible to get in North America, when there is a will there is a way. If you have a lightweight shredder, work your magic and get a hold of one of these shred machines.”

Priced from Euro € 1900 plus shipping or $2100 USD or $2900 CDN and a flight to Europe to pick it up