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