jbrown15
Well-known member
Those plus cushcore would definitely help push it to the 56lb weight.
Velduro Rogue 170/165 mullet Enduro with DJI
- Thread starter Nomadic Dad
- Start date
Mikects
Active member
He didnt say the battery was drained - just that he managed 33k and 1500m in the time he had....
VERY interesting, thanks for sharing.
What I found the most interesting is the reviewer's opinion on the chain stay being "just right" in size L, contrary to Rob's earlier opinion.
Sign of the fact that Rob was likely on a size too small for him (as he himself suggested) and/or that CS length is indeed a matter of very personal preference
Both 6'3". So down to preference i would say. Probably only noticeable if you ride loads of bikes and compare them. The average person just buys a bike then adapts to it.
I ordered based on the reported 450mm cs. Not sure im so bothered now if it comes with the current 440mm.
Im also rethinking going back to a med again.
Taxi Man
Active member
Velduro Rouge Frameset – One-Month Review
I thought I’d share a quick one-month review of the Velduro Rouge. So far, I’ve logged just under 500 km on the bike.
Build & Setup
My build is a Large frame, running Gravity Radials front and rear, with a coil shock weighing 1.1 kg. All up, the bike comes in at 23.7 kg.
I’m 181 cm (5’11”) and initially ordered a Medium, but switched to a Large — and I’m very glad I did. I run a 32 mm Renthal stem, and the bike feels absolutely spot-on: well balanced, comfortable, and confidence-inspiring. For my height, I’d strongly recommend the Large.
The bike is set up mullet, with the rear currently in the STD position, which gives 165 mm of travel. I’ve spent time in both STD and PRO, but I think I’ll be going back to the progressive setting, which suits my riding better.
Range & Power
Range really depends on how (and where) you ride. I’ll be honest — I ride it in Boost far more than I should, because it’s just too much fun. It absolutely chews through battery in that mode, but it’s worth it.
That said, in Eco, on a tuned-back trail day, 2,000 m of vertical is achievable. For reference, I weigh 88 kg.
In Turbo, the motor/bike combo is an absolute riot. It lets you smash the pedals between corners and absolutely charge out of turns. With the 45 km/h limit in New Zealand, this bike is next-level fun when pointing downhill back toward home.
Ride Feel
Simply put: this is the most fun mountain bike I’ve ever owned.
I was initially very anti-eBike, and I’ve just come off a mid-powered eBike that was previously my favourite bike of all time. But without a shred of doubt, the Rouge is a step above. I’ve genuinely been counting the minutes every day until I can get back out riding it — to the point where my wife has (jokingly) suggested we may need to review bike time versus family time.
This bike isn’t what I’d describe as poppy, but it also won’t fight you to get airtime. In the progressive setting, the off-the-top feel is unreal — incredibly sensitive — and I can clearly feel the difference between PRO and STD.
In mullet, the bike has slightly more chainstay growth, which I find really drives the front wheel into the corner as the rear lengthens. I’ve also ridden a Forbidden, which I felt had even more of this effect, but it was also less snappy in tighter corners. Horses for courses — but I think a mid-pivot design on an eBike is a great match.
Uphill, this bike and motor combination allow for some seriously technical climbing. I enabled Quick Start in the advanced menu, which improved low-speed torque delivery and made the motor feel more natural to me, especially in tight, slow, technical terrain.
Issues & Reliability
I’ve had a couple of small issues early on — mainly creaks from the cranks, main pivot, and motor bolts — but I’ll be upfront: this was largely down to me rushing to get out on the trails.
The good news:
Setup Advice
If you’re buying the frame or a full build, take your time checking pivot torque, crank torque, and motor bolts.
After chasing some noises / knocks I discovered the main pivot uses a single bolt that pulls into the opposite side (not two independent bolts like my Trek). Initially, I thought it was torqued correctly, but it was actually under-torqued due to the amount of thread tape used, which gave a false reading. After tightening I got rid of the small knock I noticed.
I also torqued the lower shock bolt to 15 Nm, in line with other brands, after speaking with my dealer. Once corrected, everything has been solid and silent.
Final Thoughts
It’s powerful, planted, a PB monster up and down, and outrageously fun — the kind of bike that makes you think about riding when you’re not riding.
All up, it owes me about $12.5k NZD including GST to get it to this point, including a fully custom shock from Suspension Tech International.
What I’ve found lines up closely with what Pinkbike noted in their initial review — particularly how planted and downhill-biased the bike feels, and how the mid-pivot layout really comes alive at speed. Where I differ slightly is that with some setup time and tuning, I’ve found it more versatile and engaging in tighter terrain than I expected and of course a lower weight. This is mainly from my drive train, tires, no inserts and my wheels.
Cheers!
I thought I’d share a quick one-month review of the Velduro Rouge. So far, I’ve logged just under 500 km on the bike.
Build & Setup
My build is a Large frame, running Gravity Radials front and rear, with a coil shock weighing 1.1 kg. All up, the bike comes in at 23.7 kg.
I’m 181 cm (5’11”) and initially ordered a Medium, but switched to a Large — and I’m very glad I did. I run a 32 mm Renthal stem, and the bike feels absolutely spot-on: well balanced, comfortable, and confidence-inspiring. For my height, I’d strongly recommend the Large.
The bike is set up mullet, with the rear currently in the STD position, which gives 165 mm of travel. I’ve spent time in both STD and PRO, but I think I’ll be going back to the progressive setting, which suits my riding better.
Range & Power
Range really depends on how (and where) you ride. I’ll be honest — I ride it in Boost far more than I should, because it’s just too much fun. It absolutely chews through battery in that mode, but it’s worth it.
That said, in Eco, on a tuned-back trail day, 2,000 m of vertical is achievable. For reference, I weigh 88 kg.
In Turbo, the motor/bike combo is an absolute riot. It lets you smash the pedals between corners and absolutely charge out of turns. With the 45 km/h limit in New Zealand, this bike is next-level fun when pointing downhill back toward home.
Ride Feel
Simply put: this is the most fun mountain bike I’ve ever owned.
I was initially very anti-eBike, and I’ve just come off a mid-powered eBike that was previously my favourite bike of all time. But without a shred of doubt, the Rouge is a step above. I’ve genuinely been counting the minutes every day until I can get back out riding it — to the point where my wife has (jokingly) suggested we may need to review bike time versus family time.
This bike isn’t what I’d describe as poppy, but it also won’t fight you to get airtime. In the progressive setting, the off-the-top feel is unreal — incredibly sensitive — and I can clearly feel the difference between PRO and STD.
In mullet, the bike has slightly more chainstay growth, which I find really drives the front wheel into the corner as the rear lengthens. I’ve also ridden a Forbidden, which I felt had even more of this effect, but it was also less snappy in tighter corners. Horses for courses — but I think a mid-pivot design on an eBike is a great match.
Uphill, this bike and motor combination allow for some seriously technical climbing. I enabled Quick Start in the advanced menu, which improved low-speed torque delivery and made the motor feel more natural to me, especially in tight, slow, technical terrain.
Issues & Reliability
I’ve had a couple of small issues early on — mainly creaks from the cranks, main pivot, and motor bolts — but I’ll be upfront: this was largely down to me rushing to get out on the trails.
The good news:
- The bike now has zero creaks
- There’s only a very minor, non-offensive motor rattle
Setup Advice
If you’re buying the frame or a full build, take your time checking pivot torque, crank torque, and motor bolts.
After chasing some noises / knocks I discovered the main pivot uses a single bolt that pulls into the opposite side (not two independent bolts like my Trek). Initially, I thought it was torqued correctly, but it was actually under-torqued due to the amount of thread tape used, which gave a false reading. After tightening I got rid of the small knock I noticed.
I also torqued the lower shock bolt to 15 Nm, in line with other brands, after speaking with my dealer. Once corrected, everything has been solid and silent.
Final Thoughts
It’s powerful, planted, a PB monster up and down, and outrageously fun — the kind of bike that makes you think about riding when you’re not riding.
All up, it owes me about $12.5k NZD including GST to get it to this point, including a fully custom shock from Suspension Tech International.
What I’ve found lines up closely with what Pinkbike noted in their initial review — particularly how planted and downhill-biased the bike feels, and how the mid-pivot layout really comes alive at speed. Where I differ slightly is that with some setup time and tuning, I’ve found it more versatile and engaging in tighter terrain than I expected and of course a lower weight. This is mainly from my drive train, tires, no inserts and my wheels.
Cheers!
Last edited:
Adyzakydany
Member
anyone know if you can fit the vivid air to this frame?
sethimus
😠 Donald Duck 😠
Durrti
Active member
Plummet
Flash Git
Nice review Taxi man.
Where's ya local and which hectic tracks have you smashed it down?
For what its worth, i think you are right re mid pivot. I enjoy my mid pivot session. Its a good compromise offering some of the benefits of high pivot with out too much of the high pivot negatives that a 20+mm rear chain growth provides.
VERY interesting, thanks for sharing.
What I found the most interesting is the reviewer's opinion on the chain stay being "just right" in size L, contrary to Rob's earlier opinion.
Sign of the fact that Rob was likely on a size too small for him (as he himself suggested) and/or that CS length is indeed a matter of very personal preference
I think the story might be different in lower traction conditions, on other trails.
That area Stephane is riding there is pretty grippy in those conditions.
Durrti
Active member
I’ve been riding mine in SoCal for a bit, this is my 6th emtb 
It’s the most fun, composed, “Magic carpet” ride I’ve ever been on.
I honestly don’t know what more I’d ask for in a bike, besides universal shock fitment.
It’s the most fun, composed, “Magic carpet” ride I’ve ever been on.
I honestly don’t know what more I’d ask for in a bike, besides universal shock fitment.
Robstyle
Active member
The amount of compatible shocks is well, shocking 
Taxi Man
Active member
Cheers. So far its been to Rotorua, Whangamata and Maraetai here in the north or NZ. Looking to ride 440 this weekend but there is way too much liquid sunshine at the moment!
This chart needs some updates! Push VT/X installed and works like magic
I'd recommend to do actual shock measurements (like the pdf indicates) and make your shock decision accordingly.
Plummet
Flash Git
Nice!. Have you owned an the original 11-6? how does this compare to the old?This chart needs some updates! Push VT/X installed and works like magic
View attachment 174603
sethimus
😠 Donald Duck 😠
so how can this be? according to velduro this shock doesn’t fit, yet i saw several on facebook already. this is the only gripe i have with this company is, inconsistent informationThis chart needs some updates! Push VT/X installed and works like magic
View attachment 174603
According to Velduro: no
The clearance between Piggyback and charging port is not enough at max travel they say. I would very much like to see someone try though, to see if there really is collision or if its just tight.
What is that below the motor? Is that a selfmade motor cover? Or something you can buy? Looks very nice. And sturdy.
On my current bike I have something similar that I made out of cutoff of an aluminum pillar for a porch roof. Works, but is ugly as sin and heavy. But after buying (and destroying) the third motor cover I was afraid next time the motor itself would take a hit, so I needed something that could take a beating.
I have Push VT/X on my Amflow, but no previous experience with 11-6.
Maybe it's just me, but I don't trust anything I see online without verifying, unless I know I can trust the source. I'm sure Velduro is doing the best they can with the info and timeline they have available, but they are not waiting for perfection when communicating, what I can understand with a new company/product. Ideally, instead of the "No" they should have indicated "TBD" for the shocks they had no real info on at the time, and use "No" only for the once they know for sure it won't fit. On the positive note, they clearly explained fitment requirements and detailed measurements, meaning anyone who is really interested to know if they shock will fit or not, could do they homework. How I see it, it's up to us to trust the source or do the homework.
Self made. Thicker >2mm for the motor cover and ~0.6mm for chain and seat stay. We have a lots of loose rocks in various sizes on our trails, which are getting thrown up or getting stuck between the knobbies of our aggressive tires, and end up scratching the inside of the chain and seat stays.
sethimus
😠 Donald Duck 😠
that is exactly the problem, that was not the correct way as they only gave us one length, measured diagonally. everyone who didn’t sleep in math can clearly see why that was not detailed nor exact.
Alex NZ
Member
I have fitted 205x65 vivid air (temp while my ext aria was out of the frame), with it fully deflated and compressed it still had a bit of distance from charging port. I imagine they were being extra cautious, I’m on a size large. Still wouldn’t feel confident sending it considering it’s 7.5mm more than they’re recommend, but seems like they were being conservative!
Math being universal, I think this confusion is more on the logic side. Maybe due to difference in our education systems across the globe, I had no problem to understand the documentation and minimum requirements. First I had questions too (see my post about this many pages ago), but than I started thinking and figured it must be just a mistake (translation, rushing who knows...). The rest is easy, just get a caliper and take the measurement and ask direct yes or no questions from Velduro directly. They were fast to answer and confirm.
I'm sure big companies with more resources would do a better job on documentation, updating documentation with corrections and communication, but at a higher cost of the finish product.
Me personally, I'd rather pay less and have fun figuring things out as part of the build.
sethimus
😠 Donald Duck 😠
if you only give out a length and not an angle too, that point can be everywhere when you draw a circle around the upper pivot point with the diameter of said length...
the chargeport is at a certain position, you need more than a length to describe said area if you want to be certain that the piggy back doesn't hit the chargeport. i coult be quite easy, just ask the main shock manufacturers for their dimensions and do some calc with that in CAD.
the chargeport is at a certain position, you need more than a length to describe said area if you want to be certain that the piggy back doesn't hit the chargeport. i coult be quite easy, just ask the main shock manufacturers for their dimensions and do some calc with that in CAD.
Your response perfectly confirms my point above. If you apply some logical thinking without overcomplicating, you'll realize you need only one measurement which was provided by Velduro.
I understand and agree that Velduro should do a better job, but at the same time I think in today's world many forgot how to use the gray matter between the ears and expecting everything delivered on a silver platter. Forums like this should be a big help to figure things out and not to be reliant on manufacturers exclusively.
Unfortunately many topics turn into "fighting" over opinions by members presenting things as facts, and less of a
collaboration to find solutions for user concerns or questions.
sethimus
😠 Donald Duck 😠
so why DOES the push fit? why could @Alex NZ fit a vivid? according to velduro they don't fit.
my problem is that i need to rebuild my fast suspension fenix as it is in a 230x65 config right now. just changing it to trunnion is WAY cheaper than also having it fitted with the older style reservoir they used in earlier shocks. so it would REALLY be helpful if they would provide a better guide line here because the one provided lacks in accuracy...
I agree completely with this statement. I'm sat here with my trunnion ohlins ttx m2 piggy back that the website says won't fit, I'd rather not spend £350 to have the head changed to the side by side if I don't have to
sethimus
😠 Donald Duck 😠
why just giving one length is not enough:
both lengths would be ok according to velduro, but im pretty sure the shock with the taller reservoir in my sketch will hit the downtube even if the diagonal to the outer point is the same…
both lengths would be ok according to velduro, but im pretty sure the shock with the taller reservoir in my sketch will hit the downtube even if the diagonal to the outer point is the same…
Like I've said. Velduro mixed up the "horizontal" and "straight-line" wording confusing everyone. But, if you start thinking you'll realize, if no part of your shock extends beyond the "absolute distance" corresponding to your desired shock stroke and frame size (plus your comfort of safety) you will be fine. You guys can keep getting upset that Velduro is not spoon feeding every detail and mixing up words, or can take initiative and start thinking/measuring etc. to find answers.
BTW, both shock on your sketch will fit without an issue as long as the distance is less than the "absolute distance" required. If you don't understand it why, then start with properly scaled sketch. If that's not enough use play dough, wood or 3D print and build a model.
Or just trust me
iJak
Member
For those looking for updated shock fitment on this - seems pretty updated to me:
Honestly I feel like any shock with the horizontal piggyback (instead of vertical) will fit this frame. This is the main reason many companies swapped over to this format eg. EXT E-Storia > this made this version specifically to fit eBikes.
VT/X is good:
Honestly I feel like any shock with the horizontal piggyback (instead of vertical) will fit this frame. This is the main reason many companies swapped over to this format eg. EXT E-Storia > this made this version specifically to fit eBikes.
VT/X is good:
Last edited:
Similar Threads
-
-
Which E-Bike should I go for CEF69 vs Markor KunLun v2- Started by Dzejkibejki
- Replies: 1
-
-
-