Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I just finished assembling this bike and took it for a spin around the neighborhood. I have to say this bike exceeded my expectations in most every respect. Let me start by saying that this the ninth bicycle in my current stable and the least expensive by far; I have owned dozens of bikes over the years. Two of my current bikes cost over $3k. I have been a bike geek my entire life and worked as a professional bike mechanic in younger years. I feel as though I have a good perspective from which to judge bicycle quality. I was attracted to this bike's apparent value and traditional styling, and I was not disappointed. The bike is a steel frame, seven speed derailleur bicycle with an upright riding position. It has no-name components, except the Shimano derailleur and freewheel. Cost-saving parts include an Ashtabula (one piece cast steel) crank and chainring, a steel seatpost and seat clamp, and steel handlebars. The generic quill stem, rims, hubs, linear-pull brakes, and brake levers are aluminum alloy. The Shimano derailleur appears to be stamped steel, though I haven't confirmed for sure. The included rack is also chromed steel. The sturdy fenders appear to be brushed aluminum with steel brackets. Even with these heavy steel components, the bike does not feel particularly heavy. The steel frame is cleanly welded, with standard diameter tubing on all except a slightly oversized downtube. It has a nice looking paint job and even has some subtle pinstriping and lettering on the top of the top tube. The front wheel has a quick release, while the rear hub is bolt-on. Although they call this a hybrid bicycle, to me it seems to be a classic English touring bike, right down to the coil spring seat and swept-back handlebars. The seven speed gearing covers a moderate range, adequate for flat to moderately hilly terrain. Don't expect mountain bike gearing. The freewheel is 14-28 teeth, not a super-wide range but adequate for casual cycling on paved roads or firmly packed trails. I didn't count the chainring teeth. The only nod to hybrid elements is a slightly sloping top tube which belies the frame's more modern origins. Otherwise the layout and ride is very much like English touring bikes of the 1960's and 1970's (think black Raleigh three speed, but with some alloy updates). The bike was easily assembled, but there were a few adjustments needed that might befuddle or elude someone without experience. The bottom bracket bearings were way too tight, the headset was slightly loose, the front wheel need some minor truing, and the linear-pull brakes needed some typical adjustments - centering, adjusting brake pad alignment, cable tension. In contrast, the gearing and hubs on my unit needed no adjustments out of the box. If you do not have experience assembling bicycles, I recommend paying a professional to assemble the bike for it to reach its full potential. The brakes feel mushy compared to modern high quality hydraulic disc brakes, but once properly adjusted they had no difficulty locking up the rear wheel or quickly stopping the bike. In this price range I think the brakes are above average. The grip-shift, seven-speed gearing was crisp and quiet. Once assembled, the bike has a solid, smooth, quiet ride, if somewhat "vintage" in its feel. The riding position is very upright with just some very slight forward lean. There is not a lot of space between the seat and the backswept handlebars, which is fine if you are not expecting a racing position. The bike seems to encourage taking one's time and looking around to enjoy the ride. It feels efficient, and secure though not what I would call "nimble." I think this would make a great bike for a college campus, paved trails, and urban commuting for short to moderate distances. That said, I have seen people ride all kinds of bikes on all kinds of surfaces and terrain. I am 6' 0" tall and weigh 195 pounds. The bike was very comfortable for me, and I have the bike in about the middle of its height adjustment range. I estimate the bike would be suitable for people around 5'9" to 6' 2" with adjustments to the stem and seat height. Stored with reasonable protection from the weather, and basic regular maintenance (adjustment, air in the tires, regular lubing the chain and pivot points), this bike should last many, many years.