Vitus Substance CRS-1 2026 Sizing & Cockpit Tips
Gravel: neutral to slightly higher front for comfort and control; small spacer changes make a big difference.
Sizing considerations
- Measure inseam/torso/arm accurately and consider your flexibility.
- Between sizes? Decide comfort vs. aero/playful, and how much you will adjust with stem/spacers.
- Gravel: prioritize comfort and control — small spacer changes go a long way.
Position targets
- Bar drop: neutral to modest (comfort first).
- Saddle height: similar to road baseline; keep off-road stability in mind.
- Tire + bar choice: prioritize control; don’t chase extreme aero.
Example fit scenarios (generic, not model geometry)
170 cm · medium flex
Prioritize comfort and control; reduce drop if rough terrain.
180 cm · high flex
Prioritize comfort and control; reduce drop if rough terrain.
190 cm · low flex
Prioritize comfort and control; reduce drop if rough terrain.
Use these as a safe starting point. Fine-tune inside the free fit once you have measurements.
Common cockpit tweaks
Small changes in stem length and spacers have clear effects on reach and drop. Use the table below as a quick guide.
| Adjustment | Effect at the hands |
|---|---|
| Stem ±10 mm | ≈ reach at the hands ±6–8 mm |
| Spacers +5 / +10 / +20 mm | Drop reduced by 5 / 10 / 20 mm |
| Bar width | Close to shoulder width; narrower = more aero, wider = more stable |
Exact numbers require personal measurements in the tool. Try it for free above.
Pro tips
- Change one thing at a time; re-test for 2–3 rides.
- Use 5–10 mm spacer/stem steps for measurable differences.
- If front feels skittish, add a touch of stack or try a slightly shorter stem.
Common mistakes
- Chasing ‘pro’ positions without matching flexibility.
- Changing stem and spacers simultaneously (hard to learn what helped).
- Overly low front end leading to poor control on rough surfaces.
Troubleshooting
Hand numbness
Reduce bar drop by adding 5–10 mm spacers; verify bar tilt and hood angle.
Lower back tightness
Reduce drop and/or shorten reach (−10 mm stem) in small steps.
Knee discomfort (front)
Lower saddle 3–5 mm; check cleat fore/aft; increase cadence.
Knee discomfort (back)
Raise saddle 3–5 mm; ensure you’re not overextending hips.
Front feels skittish on rough surfaces
Add 5–10 mm stack or try a slightly shorter stem; lower tire pressure within safe range.
Between sizes?
- Comfort / long rides / stability → Choose the larger size
- Aero / playful handling → Choose the smaller size
- Willing to adjust? → Keep the smaller size and compensate with stem/spacers
FAQ
How do I choose a size for the Vitus Substance CRS-1 (2026)?
Start with body metrics and flexibility. If you’re between two sizes: go up for comfort/stability or down for aero/playfulness, and compensate with stem/spacers.
How does flexibility affect my position?
Lower flexibility ⇒ higher stack and shorter reach; higher flexibility ⇒ lower stack and longer reach. Adjust gradually.
Can I fine-tune the cockpit after buying?
Yes. Small changes in stem/spacers have measurable effects on drop and reach. Our free tool guides you step by step.