Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Kavenz VHP16 checks every box the internet loves to argue about — high pivot suspension, a Pinion gearbox, mixed wheels, aluminum frame, and a fully modular platform that can transform from trail bike to full-on downhill rig. After six months of riding, tuning, and breaking things, we finally know what this bike is actually like to live with.
In this long-term review, Dario digs into climbing performance, drivetrain drag, descending stability, frame details, modular geometry, and whether the gearbox version is worth the weight and complexity. The VHP16 delivers incredible traction, silent descending, and standout suspension feel, but the pedaling efficiency and livability of the gearbox won’t suit everyone.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a high-pivot gearbox bike is the future, or just a commenter fantasy, this video has the answers.
00:00 Intro
00:30 Climbing & Drag
02:10 Frame & Gearbox Details
04:45 Descending Performance
06:30 Who This Bike Is For
Like Pinkbike? Try Trailforks, the best mountain bike trail mapping app.
applink.trailforks.com/4EpG/fvn5pxf9
Subscribe for more content from the pulse of mountain biking.
Website - pinkbike.com
Podcast - pinkbike.link/pbpodcast
Instagram - instagram.com/pinkbike
Facebook - facebook.com/pinkbikecom
The Kavenz VHP16 checks every box the internet loves to argue about — high pivot suspension, a Pinion gearbox, mixed wheels, aluminum frame, and a fully modular platform that can transform from trail bike to full-on downhill rig. After six months of riding, tuning, and breaking things, we finally know what this bike is actually like to live with.
In this long-term review, Dario digs into climbing performance, drivetrain drag, descending stability, frame details, modular geometry, and whether the gearbox version is worth the weight and complexity. The VHP16 delivers incredible traction, silent descending, and standout suspension feel, but the pedaling efficiency and livability of the gearbox won’t suit everyone.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a high-pivot gearbox bike is the future, or just a commenter fantasy, this video has the answers.
00:00 Intro
00:30 Climbing & Drag
02:10 Frame & Gearbox Details
04:45 Descending Performance
06:30 Who This Bike Is For
Like Pinkbike? Try Trailforks, the best mountain bike trail mapping app.
applink.trailforks.com/4EpG/fvn5pxf9
Subscribe for more content from the pulse of mountain biking.
Website - pinkbike.com
Podcast - pinkbike.link/pbpodcast
Instagram - instagram.com/pinkbike
Facebook - facebook.com/pinkbikecom
