R+1 Reviews
We like to know what our peers think about our bikes and how they ride - warts and all. It keeps us on our toes, and helps our bikes be better. In our quest for the truth we sent the R+1 out with some of the industry’s harshest critics. Here’s what they came back with.
Read the full R+1 x Classified Powershift review here.
Watch Francis Cade’s new bike check feature here.
The future of Road Bikes? Find out here.
Watch Guy Kesteven’s latest review here.
Indepth first ride review from professional bike tester David Arthur.
Read road.cc’s first look review here.
Indepth review by Cyclist Magazine here.
Read Cyclist’s first look review here.
I purchased my V+1 Stratos in February 2024, but have not left a review, yet. Having just completed my TA cycle ride on the Vielo from Cape Reinga at the top of the NZ north island to Bluff the most southerly point of the south island, a bikepacking trip of circa 3,000km, now is an appropriate time to leave a review. Over the course of this trip of 31 days, my bike performed flawlessly, handling really well on the multiple surface conditions on trails, gravel roads and sealed roads (Kiwi for tarmac), fully loaded with bikepacking bags. Although weight wise admittedly this trip was accommodation only with a sleeping bag and emergency bivy as a back-up. My V+1 with SRAM Rival 10-44 was set-up for this trip pretty much stock as purchased, with the exception of my saddle of choice, an upgrade to SwissStop disc pads with fins and Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC 45mm tyres, which were good choices. The build quality of the Vielo is superb. The only adjustment, other than drivetrain cleaning/lube, required during this adventure being for a slipped seatpost by 5mm, checking bolts on the front rack and recharging the derailleur battery every few days. No bike issues or mechanicals and only 1 puncture for the entire trip. This is super impressive when you consider the variety of conditions and the amount of dust NZ gravel roads produce. At times you are sharing the gravel with fast moving UTEs (pickups) and heavy trucks, with accompanying dust clouds. I normally ride this bike with a lighter wheelset, but for bikepacking I was really impressed with how the stock DT Swiss 1800 Spline wheels spun and handled the trip. If of interest, the Aeroa handlebar rack/bag, Ortlieb 16.5L saddlebag and Apidura Expedition half frame bag I used were really solid and a great fit for the V+1, with the first two able to be quickly removed/reattached to the bike at the end/start of the day. The set-up also allowed room for my Garmin, lights and the attachment of shopping close to my accommodation. Water adds an essential but significant weight on such a trip with remote sections and I was using 2 Elite 750ml bottles and a small Evoc rucksack with a 2 litre bladder. As already stated the handling was superb despite all of these add-ons. I am looking forward to more adventures with my V+1 and for future trips with camping I may now look at the option of a Tailfin rack to allow panniers, which a few riders I encountered on my NZ trip were using and recommended. Thanks to all at Vielo for providing such a great ride and experience!
I recently bought a Vielo V+1 - what a fabulous bike! I absolutely love it. It's fast and super smooth on the road and grippy but agile off road - the perfect combination. It also looks fantastic. I test rode many brands, but the Vielo is easily the best. Also, the Vielo team did a brilliant job at specifying and building the bike specifically for me. It was also excellent value for money. Don't hesitate to buy one - you'll love it.
It's been 2 weeks since I got my Vielo and I absolutely love my bike! It's fast, agile, responsive, and beautiful. I want to thank Ian and Trevor, who were tireless in finding the best solution for me.
Just bought a V+1, my second as upgrading from a Gen 1. As expected, a superb bike. But equally importantly the attention and service I received from the team at Vielo has been second to none. My reasons for upgrading were concerns about fit on my original bike as well as a requirement list for new specification. All my questions were handled with care and professionalism and the result is a perfect fitting bike - following a professional bike fit I had earlier this year. I'd single out Lucas, the mechanic and fitter, who was unfailingly helpful and courteous, and has managed to set me up with exactly what I needed. Cannot recommend the team at Vielo highly enough. Having such superb bikes is part of their success but adding this level of personal support and service makes the whole experience of being a Vielo owner an exceptional one. Many thanks!
Invested in my Vielo a year ago, absolutely love it! My first foray into gravel cycling and I definitely chose the right bike and that was helped by everyone at Vielo too, I spent the day there looking at their selection of bikes, trying different sizes, checking out different specs and understanding what was available to me… The team went above and beyond, Ian, Trevor and Lucas were fantastic and continue to be every time I have a question! I definitely recommend buying a Vielo.
The only thing better than the quality of the bike is the quality of customer service. Beautiful bike in a range of amazing colours.
I'm fortunate enough to already have a V+1 Race so when the time came to replace my Road bike, a Merida Reacto Team E CF4, I knew what I was after. I've had the R+1 for a few weeks now and can say: Handling is stable and confidence inspiring but you can really throw it into a corner knowing it will respond. Comfort is fantastic probably part frame & part the 32mm tyres. No idea if it's aero, it's not hugely light (7.5kg Small frame SRAM Force with Zipp 303s) but it's no slouch anywhere. Already set some PBs on the flat and hills when I'm heavier and less fit that earlier this year. Wide tyres and comfort means fast! Bottom bracket is huge - if you like climbing out of the saddle you'll love this bike. 1x drivetrain gives me the range equivalent of about 50/34 with 11-27. Great to deal with the team at Vielo again too 👍 1x Drive train = 2x Fun !
Long term review of my Vielo V+1. Had this bike just over 12 months. The service from the team has been absolutely fantastic, from initial viewing right across to getting it serviced recently. Attention to detail and personal service is unbelievable. The bike itself is absolutely fantastic, Dirty Riever, Gralloch and Kielder Gravel Duathlon’s it’s not put a foot wrong. Used for my weekly commute too. Super fast on the trails. This bike has become my ‘go to’ bike; it used to be my roadie - but the fun levels on this are off the charts. Fab work Vielo team keep it up 👍🏻
Bought the V+1 with a free Red upgrade. Absolutely delighted with this amazing gravel bike. Liked it so much I recently got an R+1. 1x is certainly the way to go. The company were amazing. Immediate responses, Very flexible (used my own wheels) and so helpful post sales. I still contact them with any minor query and they respond straight away. Thoroughly recommend the bikes and Vielo as a company
Hi, recently purchased an R+1 from Vielo.cc, got to say the process from initial discussion to point of order and delivery was seamless! Great to be part of the Vielo family and loving the bike - it has exceeded my expectations in all areas!
Another fabulous bike from Vielo! I liked the first one I purchased so much that I bought a second one this year. One is for gravel and the other is for Road use, both V+1 due to the geometry. It is everything I wanted in terms of aesthetics, build quality, gear ratios, and comfort, especially after the work that Lucas put in to make it just the same size as my previous Vielo! The very first ride I had, one day after I received it, was a trip to France and a 97 mile ride, perfect! I am so pleased I discovered Vielo, I am delighted! Fabulous service too.
This bike and this company are second to none. Their attention to detail and customer service is unparalleled. I bought my bike a few months ago and have loved every minute of owning it. I must confess, before buying I was very concerned about running a 1x setup on a road bike but I have not regretted it for a moment. It gobbles up the climbs with no problems at all. I have now ridden it just over 1000km and it makes me smile every time I look at it and ride it, the bike is stunning! If you are concerned about buying a 1x road bike, get in touch with Vielo, they will put your mind at ease and get the right setup for you.
Very customised service, super-cool bikes that fit like a glove
Unreal experience dealing with Vielo CC. From start to finish all very helpful and constantly friendly no matter the questions. The bike is the best bike I have ever had, flawless in build and bomb proof!
Fantastic bike. Handles everything the North York Moors can throw at it. Very responsive and quick. 1x works perfectly. Trevor and Lucas very responsive and accommodating.
Just back from a great backpacking trip in Holland. My Vielo V+1 never missed a beat and was reliable throughout. Great bike.
Wow what a bike. I took delivery just before a 4-week trip around Spanish mountains and French islands trip. I bought with 2 sets of classified wheels and the Vielo has been fantastic on both road and gravel. The range of gearing with 11-40 / 48t cassette has seen me up gravel climbs with up to 20% grade at Cauterets, on a 15-mile climbs/ descent in the Picos de Europa and on flat sandy gravel on Isle d'Oleron. And everywhere I have been folks always comment on the bike 😀. Ian et al were supportive, patient and knowledgeable. Strongly recommend!
I've had my R+1 Alto a couple of weeks now. The perfect 'fast' bike for the broken roads of today. 32mm tyres smooth out the worst of all road surfaces and the handling builds confidence in a way my previous 'superbike' does not. The 1x system works brilliantly with SRAM AXS and is so intuitive. Try it and you will find that 2x suddenly seems a real faff. The Vielo team is incredibly helpful; no question too silly. I'd urge anyone reading to take a test ride.
I've been through 3 different gravel bikes in the past 2 years. Could not find one that I really enjoyed riding until now. I just purchased the VR+1 race Put 100 miles on it in the past couple days. It's fast, comfortable and very compliant on the technical decents. I love riding this bike!
What can we say that hasn't been expressed already? THE Nicest Guys!! No problem too large, no problem too small. Trevor, Lucas.. the whole team are super attentive and offer insight and nuggets that you just don't get at the larger conglomerates. Videos available online for everything. And you know your emails / calls are going to be responded to in a timely way. As for the bike...wow, what a machine!! No regrets. Thankyou to all.