The Speck SS is a modern budget bike available in loads of colors (a big plus since this is not a common foldable feature) and with a cool design.
It is built for riding on smooth asphalt!
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Rating:
4.0 / 5.00
Price:
$$$ on Amazon (September 5 2015)
Warranty
1 year warranty by Retrospec for its bike and parts from the date of purchase. Warranty cannot be transferred from original owner.
Pros and Cons:
Lightweight No Manual
Cheap No Fenders/ Mudguard
Simple
First Impression:
The Speck SS has a pretty cool hipster shape and you should be ready to accept compliments regarding it (especially the white/black version)
Detailed Review:
Whether you order it online through the Amazon store or the official Retrospec website, your order should reach you within a week. It arrives in a big brown box and is usually well protected from shipping damage. However, there have been a strong number of complaints regarding damaged shipment as well. The Speck SS is kept folded in the box. A pair of scissors and a mini wrench will be handy when you are unpacking. To get the SS ready you need to tighten the hinge on the frame, fix the handle bar and the seat post. It should only take you 5 to 10 minutes to get this done. The tires also need to be inflated as they come with virtually no air due to shipping reasons.
Retrospec strongly suggests that your SS should be checked out by a professional bicycle mechanic before it is put on the road.
You should also register your purchase on the official Retrospec data base by logging in the information on their website.
The SS comes with a solid high quality aluminium, which is about thirty percent lighter than the steel or chromoly frames of the same size. The bike is strong and will not give out on you even if you weigh a lot. The paint however looks kind of cheap and could have been put on in a better way.
Since it is a single speed bike, it might be a turn off for most pro bikers. However, if your intention is to ride in the city, the single speed is optimized to perform well. If you try to climb a hill or an incline, you need to pedal really hard to get the adequate speed.
The good thing about being a mono speed machine is that it has a simple gear system which is internally integrated and makes the bike look clean. The gear system requires very little maintenance and performs well within your needs.
The SS only comes with a rear coaster brake, which is activated by pedaling backwards. This can be awkward if you are not used to it. The brake is places internally and is easy to use once you are acquainted with it. However, it is not a viable option if you are trying to stop yourself on an incline and you will need to keep your feet on the ground to provide more friction. If it is a problem for you, you should install a front brake as well which will increase the performance and make it easier for you to stop.
The tires are from the Kenda Kwest line up and are of twenty inch in size. They feature well rounded and smooth treads and have satisfactory water dispersion grooves. Since the wheels are small compared to a full sized bike, you have greater control on the SS which allow you to make sharp turns and quick acceleration. Since the wheels are small you need to pedal more to cover the distance.
The saddle is pretty comfortable and well worth the price. In fact it is a lot better than what you see on Dahons.
The foldable has an adjustable handle bar and seat post, which allows riders of most sizes to ride it. The handles have ergonomic grips for your comfort.
The bike also has folding pedals, but these are stiff at the start and will loosen up as you make use of the bike.
The folding mechanism in this single speed SS is exceptional. Retrospec boasts about the folding technology it uses, which requires no cables or gears to fold. The latch must be lifted before you start folding. By just wrapping the handle bar post, top tube and pedals the SS is folded, taking only 15 seconds. The hinge mechanism is top quality and has a safety lock which prevents the bike from caving in during a ride. The bike itself takes a small shape and can be kept in a tight space without any issues. Since it is also light you can carry it for long distances without much issues. You can also get a carry on bag like Enjoy Deal’s 14 – 20 inch Carrier for this purpose.
Keeping its price in mind, there are not many negatives about the SS.
The only problem which you might face while using the bike when the front wheel gets unaligned and needs to be fixed, which can be annoying. Moreover, there is no instruction manual provided for the SS in the shipment box and you need to get the details via the internet if you are confused about anything.
The bike also has no fenders, mudguard or chain guard.
Specifications:
- Several Colours Like Cream, Graphite, Matte Black, Glossy White, Matte Coral, Matte Navy To Choose From
- Weight Of 23.5 Pounds
- Compact size: 10inch x 30inch x 22inch
- High Quality Aluminium Frame
- Kenda 20 Inch Tires
- Alloy Crank Set
- Foldable Pedals
- 16T Coaster Brake (High Performance)
- Comfortable Seat
Conclusion:
The Speck SS is no doubt a great bike and gives you more features than you would expect in an odd two hundred bucks price. The machine will allow you to cruise in the city for an evening exercise or a short commute. Don’t use the bike regularly for heavy usage or on steep hills, as the performance will degrade quickly.
If you are tight on your budget then this bike is an okay choice however if you are willing to spend some extra money you can get a better foldable from a more reliable brand.
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