What do you call a sturdy bike which will last a long time but won’t hurt your wallet? You call it very hard to find.
However, the Montague SwissBike X50 has changed the game by introducing a budget mountain bike which has enough guts to challenge most trails, without losing its performance.
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Rating:
3.00 / 5.00
Price:
$$$ on Amazon (September 5 2015)
Warranty
With the purchase of this bike from an official vendor, you get Montague’s solid 3 year warranty which covers the bike as well as its spare parts.
Pros and Cons:
Folds Easily Quality Issues
Light For Its Size No Kickstand
Strong
First Impression:
The Swissbike is bound to impress your fellow bikers and pedestrians alike, with its nice design and slick black paint.
Detailed Review:
Before you purchase the X50, it is important that you are ordering the correct version of the cycle as it is offered in 3 frame sizes. Depending on your body type you can order a 16’’ (4’8″ – 5’2″) or an 18’’ (5’3″ – 5’10”) or a 20’’ (5’11” – 6’4″).
Once you have decided, you can order it online through the Amazon web store which has a sweet deal going on with about 20 percent off. Your order should arrive under a week in a well packed stock box. Unboxing the bicycle is pretty easy, with most of the parts already fixed from the factory. However, the parts which do need to be assembled can be a pain in the ass if you are new to foldables.
Adjustments are very necessary before you venture on the road, as the company directly sends its products to the store without having it go through a bike shop. However, the adjustments that may be required depends on your luck and the version of product you are getting and will involve checking of spokes, rims, brakes, etc.
The checking from an authorised mechanic will also automatically validate your purchase warranty, which will not be honoured by Montague otherwise.
The foldable comes in gloss black colour (looks badass!) and has a body made from custom drawn alloy Aluminium (7005 series). This ensures that the machine is very strong and durable, while keeping it as light as possible.
The X50 comes with eighteen speeds which makes it an extremely mouth-watering prospect when you keep its price in mind. The range of speed is enough to allow you an easy ride on the smooth asphalt of cities or to climb small hills and inclines without any extra physical exertion.
The 26 inch Knobbys on the front and rear wheels are an okay quality. They are not among the top range of tires, however with proper care and maintenance you can give them a long life. The tires have enough in them to endure an occasional rocky experience, but if you are thinking of taking it to a test every odd day then it is better to upgrade to a stronger tire. For commuting in city, the tires are big enough to bypass any pot holes or bumps and together with the suspensions, the bike ensures you do not feel any jerks.
The x50 is powered by a mono speed drive train which is positioned on the centre of a flip flop hub, allowing you to rotate between a free wheel and a fixed gear setup without putting in any real effort. The light weight of the drivetrain is also another plus.
The handlebar on the foldable is adjustable and allows you to experience an enjoyable ride without any awkwardness.
There is a debate about the quality of the seat among the customers. While many find the narrow seat comfortable enough, it is understood that depending on your body type you might require a wide saddle, which can be purchased off Amazon with some nice discounts.
The rest of the components are also top of the notch. They are not in the most premium categories, however are durable and consistent performers. As the parts are common in the market it is very easy to find a replacement at your local mechanic shop without any hassle.
When you talk about the folding ability of the Swissbike X50, there is no doubt that it is on the top with integrated Montague technology. The FIT (Folding Integrated Technology) system, which comprises of a patented design construction, along with the CLIX technology means that your X50 will be wrapped and locked within 20 seconds, without any use of tools or any help from other people. Not only is this super-fast, but avoiding the cutting of frame in half (the method which Dahon and other competitors use) means that your frame will last very long and will not have self-induced scratches and other problems. Moreover, the intelligent engineering meaning that even if you don’t latch the QR collar on the top tube after folding a secondary latch keeps the bike together and will not open even when you are carrying it with yourself. The total weight of the machine is only 32 pounds (heavy compared to the Montague Navigator), which is very less for a full sized bike. A healthy individual can carry it for some distance without any bother and even if you are not used to weight lifting, you can probably take it around for a short trip to the top floor or down the station in the train.
A kickstand and a bottle holder, while not provided, will prove very handy accessories on the bike and should be bought if you have the monies.
While there seems to be no major disappointments with the bike, especially considering that it is a budget purchase with a load of patented technology, however there seems to be an issue of quality control which is ruining the name of the company. There have been loads of reports complaining that bike parts which were just not suitable to use and could prove to be very dangerous on the road. It seems that Montague is aware of the issue however, they have still not update with their actions regarding it.
Specifications:
- Folded Size 36 Inches By 28 Inches By 12 Inches.
- CLIX System Integrated.
- Kobby Tires 26 Inch On Front And Rear
- Great For In City Commute
- 3 Frame Sizes
- Weight: Thirty Two Pounds
- Gloss Black.
- 18 Speeds
- Aluminium Frame And Fork.
Conclusion:
This is a perfect choice for you to use during your commute to work or if you are feeling like travelling around the country for a light fun experience. It is indeed for those with a limited budget, but will provide value to every dollar you pay for it.
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