Say Hello to the Vitus Team of Real Riders
Fronted by Kyle Strait, the new Vitus Bikes team of Real Riders is ready to ride anywhere, anytime, with anyone.
When Vitus looked to expand into the United States, we sought to find riders across all cycling disciplines that aligned with what we call Real Riders. That sentiment isn’t a challenge. To us, Real Riders are those people that find immense passion and joy on their bike. Whether competing at the highest level or leading a local ride, the riders we chose to represent Vitus love bikes and are part of this wonderful, global community.
Kyle Strait embodies everything we hold valuable at Vitus. Kyle is known to be friendly, approachable, and helpful toward other riders. His love for two wheels is palpable. We will attest that his reputation is well earned and legitimate. His accomplishments on the bike are far reaching and among the highest echelon.
Two-time winner of Red Bull Rampage, World Cup Downhill racer, perennial podium threat in dual slalom and accomplished slopestyle athlete - there isn’t much that Kyle hasn’t done. Ask anyone that knows Kyle though, and they’ll tell stories of a man that loves his family, friends, and this world of bikes. When growing our roster, there was no better choice for Vitus.
New frame, same Kyle. From the Strait Acres Slalom Series, to a bike park tour and elite global competition, Kyle Strait will be flying the Vitus flag all around the world. Kyle will be riding an Escarpe 275 as his go-to slalom rig. Additionally, look for him on the Dominer, E-Sommet, and Sentier bikes this year. Kyle will also have his hand in designing several forthcoming models, injecting a bit of the Natty Daddy into the Vitus gravity line.
Kyle is not the only rider joining the Vitus Team this year. We’ve also curated a lineup of individuals that represent the heart of what we stand for across road, mountain and gravel riding. As the year progresses, look for a chance to get to know each of our newest riders individually. For now, give them a follow to see where their Vitus will take them.
- Sami Gowdy (@samigowdy) - MTB and Gravel - Escarpe 29, E-Sommet, and Substance
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Jessica Moore (@wildformoore) - MTB - Escarpe 29
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Logan Brown (@brown.filmz) - MTB - Sommet 297 and E-Sommet
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Carina Claassen (@carina_climbing) - MTB Race - Sommet 29 and Escarpe 29
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Team Flicker Racing (@flicker.racing) - Road, Crit Race - ZX-1 EVO
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Brooke Goudy (@brookegoudy) - Gravel Race - Substance and something new for 2023
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Karter Machen (@kartermachen) - Road and Gravel Race - An all-new platform for 2023
Sami Gowdy | MTB & Gravel
The word is out about Sami.
Much like Kevin Bacon, this rider seems to be connected in all sorts of riding circles. What are the people saying? The same thing over and over, “Oh he is such a great guy, so cool. And man, he rips!” Long before we met Sami, we had heard of him and caught wind of what a stellar person he is. With a reputation like that, we knew Sami was the person to spread the good word of Vitus Bikes to the world.
Jessica Moore | MTB
A nurse, a local advocate, and a ride leader for the Women of OZ. Sometimes you meet somebody and they just “get it.” This is how it was for us with Jessica.
Neither of us were looking for the other but that’s how life works. Call it serendipity but Jessica’s easy demeanor, local involvement and love of bikes had us fired up and we almost immediately asked her to join us at Vitus.
Logan Brown | MTB
This young gun fell in love with mountain bikes just a few short years ago.
Between growing his own cinematography business and earning a bachelor’s in film with two business minors, Logan has spent his waking hours riding the skin off his hands. Skatepark, jump lines, singletrack, whatever it is, Logan is excited to ride it and will make sure that whoever is with him is having just as much fun. The kids think he’s cool, his elders find him endearing. No matter what, everybody loves this guy.
Carina Claassen | MTB Race
Racing enduro is not Carina’s first go in the world of top-tier outdoor competition.
Originally an elite rock climber, Carina added mountain biking as another of her passion pursuits. As it turns out, she is darn good and darn fast. After racing 2022 aboard a trail bike, she racked up a stack of podium finishes in the Pro Women’s field. Despite her race pedigree, Carina chases challenging lines and long rides simply because that’s where the fun is. We look forward to watching Carina grow her racing pedigree in 2023. Expect big things and big laughs from this one.
Team Flicker Racing | Road & Crit Race
Crit racing is rad.
It’s also a growing segment in the United States as a viable and highly entertaining form of road racing. Aligning ourselves with a crit team was an early goal but we needed to make sure they were the sort of people that aligned with Vitus. The Flicker team brings results, but they also bring connections. They pride themselves on being present and approachable. The friendly fast guys are going to be ripping up the crit circuit this year. Don’t watch out for them, look for them and say hi. They’d love to meet you, too.
Brooke Goudy | Gravel Race
Some riders love to push themselves. Some riders love to push the sport. Brooke checks all of the above.
In the world of bikes, Brooke is so many things – coach, racer, trail builder, community advocate, speaker, and general fun haver. Vitus loves seeing people from all walks of life find themselves on two wheels. As it so happens, Brooke is an expert at bringing new people into the fold. We can’t wait to rack up the miles and crack some cold ones afterward with her.
Karter Machen | Road & Gravel Race
The depth of Karter’s character comes across quickly. Photographer. Podcaster. Racer. Skier. Adventure seeker.
Karter travels the world and tells the stories of the people and places he sees. His podcast, 'The SPEAK; Show', explores the topic of mental health and overall wellness from hearing the stories of others. As a road and gravel racer, Karter pushes himself as a rider while still keeping the door open to adventure.
Vitus makes serious bikes for riders that don’t take themselves too seriously. This is punctuated by the fantastic individuals we’ve pulled together to represent the brand for 2023 and beyond. It is our intent that riders from all over will find someone in our crew that resonates and represents how they best enjoy bikes.
US Customers can learn more about the line at US.VitusBikes.com. Everywhere else in the world, head directly to VitusBikes.com. With offices in the United States and United Kingdom, it’s never been easier to get a Vitus direct to your door.