Riding a bike to work or running errands using it is not only fun but also provides you an opportunity to exercise. What you need is a high quality, efficient commuter bike to take you to various places around your neighborhood.
The market offers a variety of brands to consider purchasing, and it can be difficult deciding which one to buy. Below is the Critical Cycles Harper Single-Speed Fixed Gear Urban Commuter Bike review to help you decide if it is what you need for commuting around town.
- Measures 51’’ by 7’’ by 29’’
- 30mm deep V rims
- Kenda West tires 700×28C
- Weighs 25pounds
- Two types of brakes
- Freestyle pedals
- Plastic saddle
- Includes setup tools
Construction
Critical Cycle Harper commuter bike features a flip-flop design that allows you to ride the bike with a fixed gear or in freewheel mode. It is a hand-built, premium model made of a high-tensile steel material that undergoes TIG molding to make it a quality product. TIG stands for Tungsten Inert Gas, which is a superior welding process. The strong steel frame adds to the efficiency of this brand, as it boosts longevity and absorbs shock from the bumps on the road to give you comfortable rides. However, the frame is heavier than what some bikes have, thus affects your speed.
Design
Harper has a weight limit of 250lbs and offers one speed only, or you can use the fixed gear option. Besides, the bike is available in extra small, small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes to ensure users of various sizes and ages get what suits them. There are also several colors to choose from, including blue, green, yellow, and black. For comfort reasons, the bike incorporates riser handlebars, which also encourage a proper cycling posture. It also has thick tires that foster stability when on the road.
Brakes
The model comes with two powerful brakes front and rear. With them, stopping the bike is easy and fast. The rims have braking surfaces that facilitate safe, efficient stopping. With such a braking system, you have control over your rides to ensure you are safe and able to stop the bike with little effort. Note that the rims are also double-walled, which enables the bike to handle tough road surfaces.
Assembly
The manufacturer provides you with assembly tools, a flat wrench, and three Allen wrenches for convenience. You do not have to buy tools or borrow from someone. Nonetheless, the bike comes with many parts pre-assembled. The drivetrain, rear-wheel, cog, fork, chain, stems, and headset are usually put together already to save you time. In a few minutes, you will be on the saddle riding around your home.
Warranty
Enjoy a lifetime warranty for the bike’s frame and 30 days for parts. The company offers a 50-day return arrangement in case Critical Cycles Harper fails to impress you.
Pros
- Sleek, lightweight, stylish
- Require low maintenance
- Has a sturdy steel frame
- Made of durable materials
- Tires have proper thickness for gripping the road
- Has a simple, comfortable design
- Offers stable, safe rides
- Well-built rims
- Simple to set up
Cons
- The frame is heavy
What makes a good commuter bike?
Before you settle for a given bike for commuting, you should keep in mind several factors. For example, a worthwhile commuter bike should lightweight. That way, riding it to work every day is not tedious. Using a bicycle with a heavy frame weighs you down, and you do not want that.
Check the tires of the brand you intend to purchase to ensure they provide stability. Imagine waking up, and traffic is terrible. You probably have alternative routes to work, but they may not be in proper shape as the highway. A bike with thick tires handles tough terrain better.
The other aspect to keep in mind is the frame material. You should invest in a bike with strong, durable construction. Go for bikes with aluminum or steel frames since they last longer. Besides, check the saddle to establish whether it is comfortable. An excellent seat is soft to prevent discomfort.
Commuter bikes with racks are worth buying. They provide you extra room to hold different items. That way, you can have an easy time cycling with your focus on the road and not worrying about dropping items while on the go.
With the above pointers, I mind, you also have to consider your budget. Different companies offer bikes in varying price ranges. It is possible to find a brand that fits in your budget to prevent financial straining.
Advantages of using a commuter bike
- It gives you a chance to exercise while heading to work or home
- There are no fuel expenses, so you save some cash
- It is easier getting your way through heavy traffic on a bike
- Bikes take up less space than a car. Finding a parking space is not an issue
- You are free to use other routes to get to work and not just roads
- With a bike, you reduce car traffic
- Bikes are more affordable than used cars
Commuter bikes are perfect for environment enthusiasts and people looking for alternative means of transport besides cars. When you are having a hard time deciding which model to buy, reviews come in to help. You will read many of them online. Identify those with an unbiased tone to help you determine if certain bikes are worth buying.
Note that every product has a downside, and that should not bar you from buying a given brand, as long as its advantages outweigh the disadvantages by far. Some of the limitations you will read are based on personal experiences. Unless you ride a specific bike, you cannot tell if it is worth your money, but balanced reviews can help you make a decision.
Have a good time commuting on a sturdy, stable, safe bike that offers dual brakes and a strong frame. Putting it together should not be hard, considering most parts are pre-assembled. Despite it being a bit heavy as compared to bikes with lighter frames, it has many other appealing features.