Vitus Dee

77/100
BikeRide Score
?
Where to buy
If this bike is out of stock, take a look at our other highly rated bikes.
We earn affiliate commission. Learn more

Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Weight
27.50, 27.40, 27.60 lb
Suspension
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Vitus Dee. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

14 reasons to buy

  • The Dee was great value, especially on models with hydraulic brakes.
  • Shimano hydraulic disc brakes responded with confidence.
  • The Dee was rugged enough to hop curbs, hit pot-holes and ride trails.
  • VR models used a quiet and simple Shimano Nexus 3-speed internal hub.
  • On 7-speed models, the Shimano Tourney drivetrain shifted without issue.
  • Mounts are provided for fenders, in addition to rear and front racks.
  • Owners described the Dee as surprisingly fast on city streets.
  • Vitus’s name-brand handlebar handled deftly, with 660mm of width.
  • WTB Nano 2.1” tires were practical for all-weather use on roads and trails.
  • Vitus’s own-brand grips, tires and saddle made for a comfortable ride.
  • The Dee weighed less than comparable bikes in this price range.
  • Assembly usually only required attachment of the handlebar and pedals.
  • Extras included basic tools, touch-up paint, protective stickers and a bell.
  • The Vitus saddle was described as comfortable, but ugly.

5 reasons not to buy

  • Numerous owners saw the Vitus saddle as ugly, but comfortable nevertheless.
  • Some owners found the rear axle’s hex bolt fiddly when changing flat tires.
  • Sizing was limited to only two sizes: ‘S/M’ and ‘M/L’.
  • The chubby Dee weighs almost 30lb, as can be expected for a budget ride.
  • A hilly-city resident said gear-range on the 7-speed was not conducive to steep climbs.

Bottom line

The Dee was seen as a great year-round commuter, which is what the manufacturer’s intended. With fat 2.1” tires and utilitarian rack mounts, it was especially resilient in winter. Two models are available. In 2020, one of these (the VR) uses a low-maintenance 3-speed internal hub and comes shod with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. The other is the 7-speed Tourney, which uses mechanical brakes and has a significantly lower asking price. Components are solidly mid-range and weight is reasonable but definitely not ‘light’. One of the drawbacks is the limited size options, with the Dee only being offered in ‘S/M’ and ‘M/L’. A 5’4” rider reported that the S/M was uncomfortably oversized. It’s basically a really low-priced and tough, errand-running city bike. One reviewer even said the Dee made a great mountain bike, with a smaller chainring.

Expert Reviews

0/100 based on 0 rated expert reviews
Cycling Plus

Vitus Dee 29

As a short-haul commuter, town bike, weekend bike for riding with the kids or down to the pub you would be hard pushed to find better for this amount of money.

Visit full review
Cycling UK

Bike Test: Vitus Dee 29

Vitus might intend the Dee 29 as an urban mountain bike, but it doesn’t take much to return it to its roots. It’s a proper mountain bike, albeit a basic one, and it’s properly fun to ride.

Visit full review
we may bike

Vitus Dee 29: Bicycle Gear Review

It’s been about a month and half, and I’m still riding and loving this bike! It seems solid as ever… Overall this bike is great, and a good deal for winter biking!

Visit full review

User Ratings

85/100 based on 20 ratings
  • 5 star
    50%
  • 4 star
    20%
  • 3 star
    25%
  • 2 star
    0%
  • 1 star
    5%

Bike Comparison

Vitus Dee in comparison to averages

Forum Discussions

Discuss which bike to choose in the forum