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