Kettler is a German company based in the Ense-Parsit region of Germany. The Kettler brand has been active in the world of fitness for several years and has been producing bikes since the past 4 decades alone. Their bikes are popular in Europe and have been engineered to hold their stance against challenging weather and terrain conditions.
The Verso Cologne is Kettler’s entry level bike. It is a sweet little aluminium bike which can give a top foldable a challenge in performance and durability. You will have a lot of fun riding this machine and might feel what you have been missing while riding those Walmart entry level bikes or other cheap foldables.
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Rating:
4.50 / 5.00
Price:
$$$ on Amazon (September 2 2015)
Warranty
Kettler offers a bold 3 year warranty for the bike and spare parts.
Pros and Cons:
Small In Size Heavy For Its Size
High Performance Folding Needs Practice
Great Value For Money
First Impression:
The bike has a traditional design to it but a sportster finish. The white model looks really good and attracts attention.
Detailed Review:
The Verso Cologne can be bought online via Amazon or through your authorised local bike shop. While writing this review Walmart has a great discount running for the bike and you should definitely check it up if you are planning to purchase it soon.
The Verso comes in a very tough box which makes the chances of shipping damage to minimum if any. The bike is well padded inside the box and is very simple to get ready for its first ride. All you have to do is inflate the tires, tighten the lever brackets and fix the seat to its place. The rest is already set up by the company.
It is very important that you get the bike thoroughly reviewed at a mechanics place for your own safety and bike’s proper functioning.
The Verso’s frame is ergonomically designed and brilliantly engineered. You will appreciate it the moment you lay sight on it. Made from high quality aluminium, the machine is very durable and strong at the same time, which will enable it to stand the test of time.
The paint on the body looks absolutely fantastic and has been put on professionally.
The inside components of the bike are also made of high quality parts with no compromise by filling in cheap plastic. This attitude from the company is very commendable even though Verso is essentially an entry level bike in general.
Like the Speed D7 or the Vitesse D7, The Verso also has a 7 speed mechanism. The 7 speed gear system is taken from the Shinamo collection, which again is a reliable product. The gears are very easy to shift and get used to. The range provided is enough to allow you to go up the hill (low gears) or cruise on the asphalt at 15 mph. Even if you are travelling at max speed you will have no problem shifting speeds and will enjoy a peaceful and smooth ride.
The speed and gear system is supported with front and rear V brakes, which perform well and are soft to apply.
The foldable comes with 20 inch tires from Kenda Kwick range. These are very durable tires, thin in design and run extremely smooth and fast with almost no resistance at all. However, these tires are meant to be used on asphalt and pavements and can be dangerous if you run them on gravels and rocks.
The handle bar is adjustable to your preference which allows you to sit perfectly upright and enjoy without any strain on your body.
You also get fenders on the front and back installed from the company. The fenders are quality and will protect you from particles and dust on the road.
There have been mixed reviews about the narrow seat. In general, let’s just say if your back side is well gifted you might just need a new wide seat to have a comfortable journey on this.
The Verso Cologne is exceptional when it comes to folding and carrying. You can wrap it around to a compact size in under 20 seconds which is very convenient. In addition Kettler has provided a free case worth 50 to 80 dollars, which is very sweet indeed. The bike easily fits in small spaces like under your table or in your closet. You need to pay careful attention to how you need to fold the bike and put it in the case for the first few times as the zipper can be tough to close if you put in the folded cycle in the wrong way. If you are having any trouble you can search it up on YouTube as the company has put in a detailed how-to video online.
Another small but nice feature is the presence of front and rear reflectors for your safety. You can enhance it by purchasing lights as well.
All in all, the bike will last a long time with proper handling and maintenance such as regular greasing, inflating tires when flat, etc.
Specifications:
- Made in China
- Seven-speed gearing.
- Colours: Blue and White.
- Kenda Kwick tires.
- Brush guard with forged aluminium crank set.
- Latch folding mechanism with double lock and hinge.
- 20 inch wheel.
- Weight: 32 Pounds.
- Forged aluminium frame and effective folding design.
- Nice storage bag.
- Folded size: 31 x 12 x 31 inches.
- Very effective Shimano 7-speed Tourney rear derailleur with thumb shifter.
- Fenders Pre Installed
Conclusion:
While there are a huge number of bikes in the entry level category, not all have the reliability of the Verso. While it will not be recommended for off road or heavy usage even in the city, you can totally purchase it if you want to upgrade it or fully customize it to your preference. You should really try out the product if you are stick with limited budget.
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