Griprings - A New Bicycle Accessories Sensation In Singapore?

Remember this name "GRIPRINGS", the fast trend setting bike accessory in town is now available through LifeCycle and MightyVelo retail outlets. Fast gaining popularity with it's multiple choice of combination of colours and even a customisable website that let you choose your desired colour combination and ship to you through www.gripbuilder.com (FREE DELIVERY to Singapore)



Griprings in short are rubber based round band that replaces your average looking bicycle grips (all range of bicycle as long as it uses standard handlebar, Skate Scooter (Adult or Children). Depending if you are using trigger or rotational shifter on your bike, you may select 5-7 rings either in standard 1 colour pack or customisable colours (out 11 standard colour choice), The ability to fit huge numbers of bicycle types (foldable bikes, fixie, etc), kick scooter or skate scooter are really widening the options.

Sample photos (left by MightVelo / Right by LifeCycle) at retailers.


Subject to the length of your handlebar, the cost will vary

Example 1 (BikeFriday): Total 5 pairs of griprings ($16) + 1 pair Barend Plugs ($5)
Example 2 (Tern Bicycle): 6 Pairs of griprings ($19.20) + 1 pair Barend Plugs ($5).

Join in the fun today and customise your handle bar today with your favourite colours!

Specification:
GripRings available in 22 or 24mm handlebar diameters

Price:
11 colours @ $1.60 each for griprings
Locking Barend Plugs @ $2.50 each ($5 a pair)

Below spotting a Griprings endorsed Brompton with tubeless Tannus tires (picture copyright of MightyVelo) which looks absolutely dazzling .


How it looks like on an adult Kick Scooter (Picture copyright of LifeCycle)


Griprings on Fixie (Picture copyright of LifeCycle)


Griprings on children skate Scooter. (Picture copyright of LifeCycle)


Summary:
At a pretty affordable pricetag and very trendy colour combination. Griprings are catching up real fast and if you would like some fun alongside your mobility transport tool, it's a worthy consideration. No harm since it doesn't cost much to mix and match.

Immerse potential...

Price: 4.5 / 5
Looks: 5/5
Value: 4.5/5
Upgradability: 5/5

* All photos are copyright of respective bicycle retailers (namely LifeCycle & MightyVelo).
* The author of the article are not sponsored nor paid on the above article. Opinion are strictly based on author's freedom of speech.

Local Bike Shop (LBS) that carries the Griprings:
Might Velo
239 Lavender St, Singapore
Tel: 6396 6280

Life Cycle
1) 204 Rangoon Road Singapore 218451 (Tel: 62994308)
2) 986 Upper Serangoon Road Singapore 534732 (Tel: 62890176)

AEON 20 Folding Bicycle - A worthy consideration for sub $250

The AEON 20 is a relatively unknown foldie bicycle in the market as it's often been overshadowed by the better made and quality of the aluminium models from Dahon or Tern selling at My Bikeshop.

AEON 20 is a fully DLT licenced bicycle with official Dahon Licence Technology (DLT) which offer the reliable and easy fold technology (beware that many others from China are usually imitation or non licenced DLT product). At the current clearance price of S$220. It's actually a worth consideration as it offer better fold than the ALEOCA competitor. Comes with only 6 speed Shimano SIS Tourney gear, it comes in Green and Blue as featured below.

Weighs at 13KG and using hi-tensile steel frame, AEON is a relatively affordable bicycle if you do not ride too often and just require a bicycle for marketing or easy mobility.

Hi-Tensile Steel frame offers a firmer resistance on the road when riding through uneven ground or potholes as the vibration are not as obvious as aluminium frame with only rusting as the major disadvantage.



Available for a limited period and comes with bell & fenders (1 pair). Do give it a thought if you need a good folding bicycle that bring along on public transport (MRT/BUS).

Pros:
- Proven DLT Technology (backed by Dahon)
- 6 speed generic speed control
- Comes with bell and fender by default
- Colourful choice of colours
- Adjustable handle post height

Cons:
- Hi-Tensile Steel frame (take more care to avoid rusting)

Available via: My Bike Shop (address as above in their 2 outlets)
Tel: 67757133 (Jalan Mas Puteh) & Tel: 66941750 (Sin Ming Lane)

Preview: 14 - 16" Foldable Wheels - Dahon, Brompton & more..

Miniature size foldable bikes are always popular due to the portability they offer, while they could not compete against the performance foldable bikes from Tyrell, Bike Friday, Dahon or Tern. These are more focusing on ease of fold and portability.

There's a huge followers group on Brompton bicycle in Singapore. With the National Park saga on the $2500 Brompton bicycle raising many eyebrown on why civil servant are given such high priced bicycles and wonder why a $100 Aleoca or UTADA foldable bike can't fit the bill?

In the next coverage... We will talk about the Dahon Dove, Brompton and some really interesting small size foldie that may fit some ladies mind about commuting through

Stay tuned!

Hachiko HA10 - Aluminium Foldable Bicycle (Foldie)

The fury of the Hachiko brand of foldie is among the most interesting scene among foldable bike market in Singapore recently. With many sellers appearing in Qoo10 and various online group by sites such as AllDealsAsia.com and various specification of the bike and pricing rapidly falling by the day. As of date. I'm sure many early buyers may notice that prices have fluctuated high and low just like SGX stock exchange. It was as high as S$420 at one time, and now can be found at S$279 for the earlier model Hachiko HA01.

Today, Maxxum Interactive will be featuring a Quick-Review of the new HA10 Classic Black model which was brought in by the local distributor.

This model is proclaimed as the FIRST (and probably ONLY) aluminium frame Hachiko bicycle in the market.



The HA10 is a all black design which was rated to weight around 11.5kg (down 1.5kg from the hi-tensile steel HA01 sibling.

Colour
The all black finishing will be very tempting to most male riders. It is also easier to patch up any possible paint drop or light scratches.

Frame
The new HA10 utilise aluminium frame (not mentioned the actual material which should be based on AL-6061 material). Aluminium provide a rust free and light weight feel to bicycle which are commonly used as a mid-tier frame material on commuter's bicycle. As the material itself is lightweight, it is often a ideal choice for foldable bicycle which usually have a weight penalty compared to the road bikes due to the additional folding requirements which uses additional material around the folding joint area to strengthen the bike's structure.

Specification
With the improved aluminium frame, the HA10 price is now official $449, with promotional rate hovering around $410-411 (correct at time of writing). The 7 speed HA10 are published as having aluminium handle bar and handle post, which does give additional pointers to this bicycle that almost matches the competition (Raleigh and Polygon). Do take note that this is a new model and if possible do drop by the inspect on the other lock and joint components to compare with other models of the similar price range.

Overall Comments
At this price range. The competitors, with established after sales service by other local bike shops, are proving still a challenge as Raleigh is retailing below S$400 for similar specification aluminium frame bike. Hachiko are finally arriving with an interesting proposition of mechanical disc brake which are not available on the other competitors, if you are willing to top-up additional capital to try out on the mechanical disc brake system. This is indeed a good choice with similar Dahon Mu inspired frame design and better non-rusting parts (compared to HA01).

If you do not venture off-road, disc brake are not a must and in fact better off without it as maintenance cost are lower for normal v-brakes.

 

Below is the welding pattern (very even) on aluminium frame


Below are the usual uneven welding joint for hi-tensile steel frame.
 

All specification and images are copyright of respective stakeholders.

Visit the distributor's link below for more details:
http://list.qoo10.sg/item/HACHIKO-JAPAN-FOLDABLE-BIKE-SHIMANO/409987795

KALAQ Q5 Foldable Exercise Bike - Yet another Singapore internet sale darling...

As internet sales become more and more popular in Singapore, the OCBC Cycle event which just ended witness quite a number of Hachiko and KALAQ riders among the Community/Foldie rides. The refreshing bright and attractive frame colours with matching coloured tires are enough to give some entry level users sufficient head-turning interest to try-out such bikes.

Today we will look at another fashionable brand KALAQ which have been around earlier than Hachiko and sporting equally fashionable colour combination.



SPECIFICATION:
20″ Wheel-size
Shimano 7 gear.
High carbon steel frame.
Disc brakes front and rear.
Quick release wheel locks.
Weight 14 kg.
Free bottle cage and bell
7 colour- Red, White , Blue, Purple, Yellow, Matt Black & Orange
52T Crankset

KALAQ is selling around S$299 (which Hachiko should be selling as both are sharing almost similar parts).  Sporting similar Dahon's Mu frame design as per Hachiko, the features are rather similar apart from the heavier 14 kg weight on KALAQ (Hachiko should weight ~13KG in actual).

If you are looking for trendy and colourful foldable bike with casual riding once or twice a month, KALAQ, ALEOCA or similar priced bikes below $300 will likely appeal to you. ALEOCA lack the colours, disc-brake and freebies (bottle cage, locks) while one should not pay more than $300 for similar specs bicycle consider it shares over 50% similar parts to it's ALEOCA $100 counterpart.


Pros:
- Very fashionable design with matching tires..
- Disc brake (good if you love to challenge the slope, but bear in mind it's just a 7 speed basic gear)
- Easy foldable Dahon's Mu frame design (subject to rusting and maintenance)
- Wide range of colours (who doesn't love trendy colours?)
- Generic Shimano gear system (reliability is without doubt but beware of the rust)
Cons:
- Large 52T crankset (as compared to Hachiko's 48T)
- Easy to rust components (frame, fork, handle-post, folding joints, gear system)
- High cost at almost 3x the cost of a Aleoca bike (without all the frills)
- Disc brake may not be necessary for such setup, as it simply add on more unnecessary weight)
- Heavy at 14KG

Summary:
If you love to ride, wants something fashionable while unable to afford more than $300. This is a good alternative with very trendy design and colour combination that's as good looking as a $700-800 foldable bike (except that the parts may start to rust faster than you could imagine). Take good care and avoid high moisture areas (never go into the rain!) and it will last as long as possible for your bucks.

- Good for leisure rides at PCN

Price: 2 / 5
Looks: 4/5
Value: 2/5
Upgradability: 1/5 (requires to change almost every single components)

OCBC Cycle Singapore 2013 - Last Call!

Final call for those interested in signing up for the largest cycling event of the year...

Registration closing 14th April midnight. For those whom are interested do sign-up by the deadline.
Good Luck and see you there!

http://www.digitalracesolutions.com.sg/cgi-bin/registration/cs2013/prereg.cgi

Retail Price of Tern Bikes 2013

It is often difficult to track through various links to find the RRP (Retail price) for Tern bikes at one glance. Here @ Maxxum Interactive we would like to bring to you a quick view of the list of pricing (subject to changes).

TERN (Taiwan)














Link Series (20" Wheels)
- Link Uno: $999
- Link C7: $595
- Link D8: $950
- Link P9: $1350
- Link P24h: $1500

Verge Series (20" Wheels)
- Verge Duo: $1399
- Verge P18: $1800
- Verge X10: $2688
- Verge X20: $4400
- Verge X30: $3199
- Verge S11i: $3199

Eclipse Series (24" Wheels)- Eclipse P9 (Blue/Black): $1500
- Eclipse Pirate Ninja X20 (All Black): $3300
Joe Series (26" Wheels)
- Joe P24: $1450

The retail price are pretty close to the actual selling price of most of the resellers.
NOTE: TERN provides 5 years warranty on frame while warranty on other respective components vary depending on original manufacturer's terms.


List of official Retailers in Singapore:
1. My Bike Shop 25 – 27 Jalan Mas Puteh S128630 Contact: 6775 7133, Denis/Gabriel
2. My Bike Shop Too! 26 Sin Ming Lane #01-120 S573971  Contact  Tel: 66941750, Sylvia/David
3. Chapter 2 Cycle Blk 451, Ang Mo Kio Ave.10, #01-1761 S 560451 Contact: 6452-7168 Nat
4. Lifecycle 204 Rangoon Rd S218451 Contact 62994308 Loke
5. Song Seng Chan 434-436 Joo Chiat Road, S427648 Contact: Mr Loh, 6344 0690
6. L&T Cycle Pte Ltd  Block 482 Tampines Street 43 #01-230 S520482 Contact: Lim, 6786 3313
7. BikeHaus 553 Bt Timah Rd (next to Coronation Plaza) S269693 Contact: Ellen, 6468 3908, 6468 3887

WARRANTY ISSUES:
Important: Do take note that the warranty on Tern bicycle is only valid for the "ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASER".
Tern provides a warranty against defects in materials and workmanship to the original retail purchaser of a Tern bicycle from the Date of Purchase according to the following terms:

• Five Years

  Frame, Handlepost, Fork

• One Year

  All other original parts, including Tern or BioLogic branded parts and components, except where noted on the warranty period table. This table can be found on your Tern Warranty Card that is included with your bicycle.

• Additional Coverage

  Any other original part or component shall be covered by the stated warranty of the original manufacturer for that part or component
  http://www.ternbicycles.com/support/registration

Online Foldable bike buying trend? Here's Hachiko Foldie (HA01)

As the online buying spree and spending keep increasing from internet savvy young generation, it's no surprise foldable bike (being lighter weight and friendly for shipping) become the ultimate e-buy new darling..

Today we highlight the Hachiko brand (Model: HA01) foldie now on sale at Qoo10.sg at just $399. The price includes shipping from overseas while if you have issues on repair I'm afraid you are on your own from here...

The bike comes in 3 attractive colours. Black, White and Orange. The sexy dual tone tyres are very attractive while the most distintive feature got the be the mechanical disc brake system that are unheard of at this price tag. The frame is based on hi-tensile steel aluminium and does yet again resemblance Dahon Mu frame in this instance, the de-facto frame design of the same price category. As we have previously highlighted on sub-$400 foldie, this is an interesting proposition with some unique features to achieve this price point.

* April 2013 Update: More competitors are now vying for the same pie as we now have a local distributor whom also confirmed that this is a hi-tensile steel frame (with a hi-tensile steel fork) which is very prone is a rust-magnet (Model: HA01)

- Frame: Hi-Tensile Steel
- Fork: Hi-Tensile Steel
- Handle Post: Hi-Tensile Steel
- Rim (Wheelset): Aluminium Alloy

In a nutshell, if you ask me. This is just an slight upgrade of the ALEOCA bike costly in the under $150 range while some parts are significantly familiar on my previous ALEOCA bike.

- Similar Handle Post (Mild steel with black paint coating)
- Similar chain wheel
- Similar 7 speed Shimano gear system (slightly different shifter but generally same derailleur)
- Similar brake lever (plastic base)

Advance rusting stage (after 12-24 months)
Allow me to share the condition of how hi-tensile steel components will be like after 12-24 months.

(The same handle post - but in full black finishing on Hachiko: Noticed the clamp are all rusting?)


The rusting clamp on a closer inspection  (same clamp on the Hachiko)

The Shimano TZ rear derailleur/Shimano cassette - The cassette is original Shimano hi-tensile steel parts)

(China-made hi-tensile steel crankset and chainring)



The Pros:
- Mechanical Disc brake system (First in the sub-$400 price range)
- Additional cable lock attachment on the seatpost (valued at $5-10)
- Trendy dual tone tyres that add in the attractiveness

The Cons:
- Unknown warranty issue (at your own risk)
- Cheaper handle post (rust magnet)
- Small 48T crankset
- Hi-Tensile Steel frame/fork,handle post, cassette.
- Cost 3-4x the cost of a Aleoca foldable bike but with over 50% similar low end components
- Unknown warranty and high maintenance after a period of use

Summary:
April 2013 Revised: With the confirmation of the frame material of hi-tensile steel, the price tag of S$420 are definitely over-priced for the components used. As majority of the parts are rust-magnet (frame, fork, cassette, crank-set, handle post, etc). The beautiful paintwork will start to degrade in the 9-18 months of use depending on your location's humidity. At this price point, the entry level aluminium frame based models from Raleigh or Polygon are definitely better.
If you are looking for sub-$400 bicycle and are keen to try out how mechanical disc brake works. This maybe among the best candidates with very attractive colours and trendy tyres combination.

At the price of $399. It may not be the cheapest aluminium bike in the market, but it sure raise some eyebrown with the 3 fashionable colour tone and the unique disc-brake system which is first in this class. The cost cutting goes onto the chain wheel, lower end 6 speed gear system, brake handle, handle post which makes will definitely means faster replacement due to the early rusting on the lower end parts. You may be better off getting a Raleigh/Polygon for the additional "warranty" that will be provided. Not always online give a better deal, especially when bulk of the cost will be to pay for the shipping to your home from China (or Japan?)...

Price: 2 / 5
Looks: 4 / 5
Value: 2/5
Upgradability: 1/5 (requires to change almost every single components)
Side note: A quick check also revealed that this "Made in China" model may or may not be actually made of aluminum frame (subject to confirmation) while the weight and frame material are vastly different in Ali Express site compared to description elsewhere.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/HACHIKO-20-inch-aluminum-alloy-folding-bicycle-7-speed-disc-brakes/412040_671929082.html

Sub $500 Foldable Bikes - DRAKE Pro & GIANT FD806

Sub S$500 Foldable Bike

In this post, we will look into the sub-S$500 foldable bike range. As it's an islandwide search ongoing, if you do spot a bike with a sub-$500 price-tag do drop me a note at vmaxxum@gmail.com

DRAKE PRO 7spd

I have not heard of this brand prior to seeing it on TEF Bikers Junction facebook or at the Balestier (Thomson Road facing) outlet.

The Pro series comes in 2 models.

- PRO 7spd (7 speed) - Available in White $468 & Grey $498

- PRO SL 9spd (9 speed) - Available in Black $688

 

At $468 for the PRO white, it's  a $80 premium over the Releigh Broadway also carried by TEF. If you are wondering what the catch? A quick glance can see that Drake uses the same Shimano Tourney gear system and similar "Dahon Mu" styled frame. The paintwork and front handle post seems to be of slightly better quality but it's hard to really warrant the $80 for a better SUNTOUR folding pedal and sturdier looking saddle for the price.

 

 

GIANT FD806 7spd $450

 

Folding bikes are not the forte of GIANT, World's largest bicycle manufacturer based in Taiwan. GIANT offer a wide range of bicycle ranging from foldie, racer, mountain bike to even electric bikes. With a reliable brand name, the FD806 is the basic entry-level model from the bicycle giant.

 

With a $30-60 price difference between the entry level models from Raleigh and Polygon. GIANT offer a brand name you can trust while similar specs components as to Raleigh and Polygon. Weight is on the higher side of close to 13KG while rear rack and water bottle bolts are available by default. The frame does looks a little too imposing but at this price range there are very little to pinpoint about. GIANT does have a unique frame design as compared to it's competitors whom are close resemblance of Dahon (also a Taiwan origin company).

I would recommend GIANT FD806 over DRAKE Pro 7spd unless you prefer sleeker design or 0.5KG lighter frame in this instance.

Rise of the entry-level Foldable Bikes - Raleigh Broadway & Polygon Urbano 3.0 203

Foldie or Foldable Bike

Birdy Bike

Foldie or Foldable bicycle are rapidly gaining trend in Singapore due to the flexibility to bring about just anywhere with your beloved bike. Cycling has become a new craze as even government are encourging cycling for mass Singaporean pastime. With more Park Connecting Network (PCN) in the plan and the GREEN factor bicycle can offer (zero emission other than carbon dioxide emitted from our nose), the allure of cycling is growing each and everyday while every new town will incorporate cycling path or PCN link. 

Strada Bike


 

 



Foldable bikes are not new in the market, with DAHON the leading brand and other such as Brompton (Yes, if LTA and DigiNEXX sounds familiar to you), STRADA, Birdy, TERN, Bike Friday, KHS and many other foldable bike brands offering everything from speed (Bike Friday & Tyrell), best folding and rolling ability (Brompton) to stylish design (Birdy, Tern). There will surely be one that meets your requirement. 

Brompton Bike

Due to our shrinking home size, foldable bike fits many key criteria such as space saving, portable (ability to bring into MRT stations, buses or slip into car's boot) which pushes foldable bike in the limelight in recent years. It comes in many different sizes and shape, while we will cover the most popular 20" wheel size model as this is the closest resemblance to a full size bike while not losing too much of it's folding ability and advantage.


ALEOCA

Often misleading and confusing to the consumers are the wide range of ALEOCA foldable bikes in the GIANT or NTUC Fairprice Xtra (where it used to be CARREFOUR carrying the widest range and best of ALEOCA) outlets. With the basic range of around $59-79 for gear-less to basic 6 speed gear, while higher end range comes with SHIMANO basic rear derailleur, shifter and cassette sprocket.

The 2 featured models are the latest models of Aleoca.

Aleoca models exist due to the low entry level price while unless you are satisified with a rusting bike in the 2nd or 3rd year of your purchase or you are intending to lock it outside your home or at neighbourhood bike parking lots. Irregardless which range, Aleoca offer very low quality with majority of the components and joint parts made from hi-tensile steel to reduce cost. For a bike to last, avoid such parts as they will begin the wear and tear cycle faster than you can imagine.

The soul of the bike is the bike frame, which aluminium is the most commonly used frame part for foldable bike due to it's strength and anti-rusting composite. Carbon frame are not common in this field as they are unable to offer sufficient strength in the folding joints. Entry level "A-Class" foldable bikes usually utilise hi-tensile steel fork and basic Shimano gear system to achieve quality and price balancing, while higher end models will utilise aluminium fork with higher quality SRAM/SHIMANO gears system that are lighter and smoother. Every cent counts in this field as the cost of upgrading are no-less lower than getting an entire new bike.

"A-Class" Foldable Bike
A generic term I termed it to describe the Aluminium/Alloy based bikes with either T6061 aluminum or Aluminium Alloy frame. These entry level foldable bikes provides better value and more longer lasting ride that should worth your every penny compared to the hi-tensile steel ALEOCA in the lowest class. This class varies between S$389 - $595 depending on the brand and various components used. The clamp and components used are usually of higher quality (stainless steel or aluminium) to ensure rusting do not occur as quicky as your everyday Aleoca.

Pros:

• Aluminium 6061T frame, aluminium saddle post, alloy handle post.
• SHIMANO 7-speed system (these are entry level ones unlike Tiagra/ULTEGRA ones)
• Reasonable folding quality and better quality parts in general (less chance of rusting) 

Cons:

• Hi-Tensile Steel Fork
• Basic Shimano 7-speed system (cassette made of hi-tensile steel)
• Reasonable folding quality and better quality parts in general (less chance of rusting)
• Entry level saddle, handle grip and tyres to lower price down 

Raleigh Broadway 20" @ S$389

More well known for the full size 26" MTB, Raleigh brand of foldable bikes does bear some close resemblance to DAHON (Mu or Curve) or the Aleoca Specifiche bike (as shown below). Majority of the entry level frame are modelled closely to DAHON frame.

Raleigh broadway 20" foldable bike comes in either Red / Black / White colour and at just  $389 is among the 2 best priced aluminium frame based entry-level foldable bike. Armed with a 7-speed Shimano derailleur, cassette and shifter, this is the best you can get for a sub-$400 bike which offer reasonable riding experience and friendly to your pocket. Weight is somewhere between 12.5-13.0 KG while foldable is reasonable as it follow Dahon Mu frame closely.

 

Pros:

• Wider choice of colours: Black, Red & White 
• Aluminium 6061T frame, aluminium saddle post, alloy handle post.
• SHIMANO 7-speed system (these are entry level ones unlike Tiagra/ULTEGRA ones)
• Reasonable folding quality and better quality parts in general (less chance of rusting)

Cons:

• No visible bottle holder provision
• SHIMANO Tourney 7-speed system (these are entry level steel made unlike Tiagra/ULTEGRA ones which uses aluminium or combination material to achieve lighter weight)
• Hi-Tensile Steel fork (for cost reduction & common on entry level aluminium frame models)
• Less comfortable saddle, handle bar for cost reduction

POLYGON Urbano 3.0 20" @ S$419 (Rodalink members $389)

From our Indonesia counterpart comes the latest 2013 model Urbano 3.0 (also available in i3 with Shimano Nexus 3 internal hub). Only available in White colour,

 

 

There are some resemblance of Dahon "Vector"/Tern "Verge" curvy frame. It also sport very similar component parts as Releigh Broadway (that explains the price tag similarity) such as Shimano 7-speed gear system, alloy handlepost, aluminium saddle post. The additional rear rack will be useful for some delivery or storing of bags while riding. Sporting a newer 2013 design, additional rear rack and provision of bottle holder bolt, this may give Polygon the additional points in the user's selection choice.

 

The weakness about this model is the lack of colour choice. If you are a Rodalink member and prefer the rear rack this maybe the preferred choice. Otherwise both are very similar and it all boil down to where you are located to purchase either the Raleigh or Polygon bike.

Pros:

• Bottle holder bolts provision near the folding frame
• Additional rear rack (great for carrying basket, light weight goods)
• Aluminium 6061T frame, aluminium saddle post, alloy handle post.
• SHIMANO 7-speed system (these are entry level ones unlike Tiagra/ULTEGRA ones)
• Reasonable folding quality and better quality parts in general (less chance of rusting)

Cons:

• Only 1 colour choice (White)
• $389 is only available for Rodalink members, price are for cash-and-carry or otherwise $25 for delivery applicable. At original price of S$419, the additional $30 premium over Raleigh Broadway may actually paying for the bottle holder bolts and rear rack. If you need neither of them Raleigh may be the preferred one.

Dahon Vector Frame
(notice the similarity to Urbano frame)

 

 

16 Feb 2013 Update: STEPDRAGON AS200 20" @ S$350

As the research intensify on entry level foldable bikes, many unknown brands and models appeared from both Malaysia and Singapore, with more brands in Malaysia which could be considered if you have friends whom can recommend a reliable shop in KL to test ride the bikes. The new entry StepDragon AS200 is a entry level foldable bike typically from a Taiwanese firm (but source can be traced to China) and likely using China supplied ODM on some models. This is common as even Samsung do not manufacture all their handphones or TV panels inhouse with the lowest end usually ODM from Taiwanese 3rd party firms.

The attractive price of S$350 makes it the cheapest Aluminium frame bike mentioned here. While I have not personally test-ride nor seen it live yet, therefore the comments here maybe read with a pinch of salt.

 

The frame of AS200 is familar as it is based on a very dated folding design around 2007 era. The frame, saddle and handle post should be made of aluminium while fork is traditionally hi-tensile steel for foldable bike of this price-tag.

- 18 speed gear (Shimano mentioned here)

Do give a call to enquire more about this bike and to test ride one to see if the Taiwanese bike provide a value for money alternative compared to Releigh or Polygon.

 

We have just covered the entry level aluminium frame foldable bike (Sub S$400).

1) Raleigh Broadway 20" can be found at TEF Bikers Junction (1 Thomson Road #01-332) or Teck Hock Hin (Blk 128 Bedok North Street 2 #01-16).

2) Polygon Urbano 3.0 (2013) can be found at all Rodalink outlets http://sg.rodalink.com/outlet-location/

3) StepDragon AS200 - Cheap John Bike Shop 598B Sembawang Road Tel 67537134

Summary (Only covers Broadway & Urbano):
Both Raleigh and Polygon bike bear some resemblance to Dahon bike (whom are the largest folding bike manufacturer in the world) while in the next chapter we will venture into the the branded foldable bike brands on their entry level choices (mainly Dr Hon/Dahon Eco C7 & Tern Link C7).

Depending on your needs, location and preference on features that are found on either of the bike. It's hard to claim a winner here while Raleigh is the winner if price is the absolute decider (since you need to be a Rodalink member to qualify for the $389 price for Polygon bike). While if you are able to borrow the card from your friend, S$389 with the bottle holder bolts provision and additional rear rack may suddenly look more attractive in value to Polygon.

After you bought your first entry level foldable bike. Do consider the following must-have add-on...

- An entry level bottle holder (Topeak) can be purchase @ just S$11.90
- An entry level mini bicycle bell can be purchase @ DIASO @ just S$2.00
- Quality bicycle bottles can be bought at just $12 onwards (Elite Coca Cola version)
- The entry level bike usually comes in hard and painful saddle, go for a quick switch if you ride more often than ever after your purchase.

There are still many ways to save every penny on your riding experience. RIDE-ON folks!



TERN Verge P18 Review

TERN Verge P18 Foldable Bike 

 

Singapore's Retail Price: S$1800 (exclude Fender)

Tern bicycle is a relative new player in the market formed only in 2011 after the major hooha saga involving Dr David Hon (or DAHON) and his son and wife. Tern is based in Taiwan and the P18 is derived from the Verge high performance series. Weight in at 11.5 kg, it utilise the same AL-7005GT Aluminium frame (a stiffer frame compared to AL-6065GT of the Link series) unique to the Verge series which is further enhanced by the curvy hydroformed aluminium finishing.


Verge P18 comes in 2 colours (either the Red or Light Blue) with white as the base coat for this model. It is among the only 2 Verge model with front derailleur (apart from X20) which offer 44/55T chainring for both slope climbing and speeding of maximum 95" gear range. It's not difficult to clock exceed 30km/h on flat ground with the standard Kojak tires.



The shipping box have almost all the parts assembled minus the seat post and pedal which will need to be self installed before using. The bike were tuned and checked according to the bike shop in Taiwan. I chosen the Red / White TERN Verge P18 as local distributor rarely brought this colour into Singapore in recent months.

Verge series have attracted my attention with the S11i and X10 being the key culprits that probably drawn me to TERN. I was mostly researching on Link D8 and P9 and even test ride the P9/X20 on the busy street of Taipei. It does seems solid and stiff while gear change are reasonable smooth with the SRAM trigger shifter (quite similar to the trigger shifting Shimano Revo shifter on the previous Polygon bike) and components. Decided to bite the bullet at the last go and upgraded to Verge P18 at the last moment (even though no P18 is available for test riding at the bike shop).

The allure of the 7005-GT (more rigid) aluminium and curvy Verge frame are the main reason for the switch, together with the well-known chain dropped issues on P9 that strengthen the decision.

Verge P18 is the only Tern that uses the SCHWALBE 20" Kojak tyres, a first time that I uses a treadless tyres as I was on Kenda or lower grades tires. Riding wise is pretty good while a quick read at the various reviews seem to indicate that Kojak tyres are actually very well respected in the 20" field. With a 1.35" profile, it's a lightweight durable tires that's suitable for speedster.

The large 55T front chainring does help to keep pace with the roadbikes if necessary when speed is the essence. The Verge P18 does give me very high satisfaction as every ride is smooth and fun with very few complains or issues.

Below are the summary of the Pros and Cons of P18 based on 2 months of usage.

Features:

• SCHWALBE KOJAK Tyres
• SHIMANO TIAGRA 9 speed Derailleur set (durable without squeezing performance)
• Biologic Arc handle bar with hidden tool.
• Superb flexible folding design (very little strength is required)
• 28 - 95" gear range that allows user to leverage on the 18 speed control
• Room for upgrade (to SHIMANO 105 or ULTEGRA)
• Free Biologic rear reflector cum LED blinker light

Cons:

• Physis QR handlepost - (unable to fit in bullhorn upgrades)
• White base (hard to maintain, perhaps a black base model?)
• FSA custom crankset which will maybe harder to replace after wear-and-tear

There aren't much cons but being on the Verge family doesn't means one can upgrade to a X30h anytime from the base model as P18 uses Physis QR handlepost (vs Physis T-bar VRO on X10/20 which allows upgrade more flexibility and slightly further handle bar position) This restrict it's upgrading path while I may still upgrade the wheelset (Kinetix Pro), tyres (SCHWALBE Durano or Ultremo) to cut down on weight of the bike if necessary. The Kojak tyres are pretty satisfying in the rides, with No major creaks or abnormalities till date.

P18 is the 3rd foldable bike I rode (previously being Aleoca and Polygon Urbano 3.0). It's an absolutely exciting upgrade from the previous 2 as Verge P18 accelerate fast and quick with the best folding experience I had of the 3.

Some good read about how Tiagra is compared to 105 (or even an ULTEGRA)
http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/shimano_105_or_tiagra_whats_the_difference/