The US 20 is a trendy bike introduced by Xtreme Power keeping budget users in mind. It has been laced with modern features and a solid body, strong enough to carry a 230 pound person, to perform in urban conditions. It is a foldable and is perhaps one of the cheapest in the category.
The bike is manufactured in China.
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Rating:
4.00 / 5.00
Price:
$$$ on Amazon (September 5 2015)
Warranty
1 year warranty with each purchase
Pros and Cons:
Cheap Poor Brakes
Easy Folding Hard Seat
Shinamo Gears
First Impression:
Looks like a good bike and the red colour is especially eye catching and combines well with the black parts.
Detailed Review:
The US 20 is available in four different colours: Blue, Red, Silver and Pink. You can find them all online on Amazon. Once ordered, the product should reach you within a week. It comes in a well packed box and looks undamaged from shipping. It is very easy to put together and will take only ten to fifteen minutes to assemble. If you are unsure about the assembling you should read the instruction manual which comes with the shipment. In most models, all you need to do is adjust the brakes and inflate air in the tires, however that depends on where you are ordering the package from.
To ensure that you have the original product from a genuine vendor you should look up the six digit code on the frame of the bike. The code allows you to register your bike on the company’s database and allows lets you verify if that bike is an original.
Finally, before you venture out with the foldable it is suggested that you get it reviewed by a professional to ensure your safety and bikes good performance.
The frame is made of steel, which is understandable as putting aluminium or titanium body is impossible at this price. Still the steel is of a good quality and feels strong and durable to last long with proper care. As it is stainless, the body will not rust even when in contact with water.
The US 20 has a Shinamo gear set. This is very surprising and pleasing, since Shinamo is a really good brand and you usually don’t expect it on budget bikes. The 6 gear system is efficient and should work for most terrains. The shifting is easy, however it is not the most accurate. Speed range is very practical given that the bike is intended for city usage.
The brake system is pretty okay, but not the most durable. You might even find that the brake cables are wrongly installed by the manufacturer which is really annoying. The brakes are made of steel and are fine for a gradual slope and flat paths. On steep inclines you are probably better off getting on your feet instead of relying on the brakes.
The US also features a pair of 20 inch tires, which are unbranded and imported from China. The tires are thick and nubby, and perform satisfactorily on pavements and asphalts.
The seat is hard, but you can expect this on a budget bike. It is really advised that if you are going to take long trips on this foldable then you should really get a gel cover or a totally new seat such as a bell recliner, as the hard seat will do damage to your back and posture. The seat post is adjustable which is sweet. However, the post clamp is made of a cheap metal and can break easily. You should get it replaced too if you are getting a new seat.
The suspension system on the seat post is pretty good when it comes to minimizing jerks, when you ride over pot holes and speed bumps.
The US 20 also has a kickstand which is pretty handy.
You will also get a front and rear reflector and a rear rack for holding items.
The folding process of the US 20 is pretty convenient and easy. However a big bummer is that you need to take out the handle post and place it in another plastic holder, instead of just unhinging it and dropping it down. The bike is heavy since it is made of steel. However, it is light enough to be carried for short distances like climbing a flight of stairs or crossing the street. Do not carry the foldable for long distances unless you want to do a workout and have back pain. There is a secure locking system to protect your bike, if you keep it outside. There is no latch system to hold it together though, and you might require a Velcro belt or a bungee road to tie around it.
Xtreme Power has a bad reputed customer service department and are not really accommodating to their customers complaints. There are days when they are not even responsive to your queries. This might be because of the small nature of the brand and lack of resources. If you have a problem with your bike, chances are you will be required to replace it yourself instead of getting it done under warranty.
Specifications:
- Colours 4 (Red, Blue, Pink and Silver.)
- Compact Size: 24 Inch x 34 Inch x 32Inch
- Mass Of 35 Pounds Only
- 20-inch wheels (Thick)
- Derailleur Pre Installed: Shimano RD-TY18S 6 speed system.
- Strong Steel V-Brakes.
- Chain Without Chain Guard
- Adjustable Seat Post
- Pre-Installed Steel mudguards and rear rack are in place.
- Suspension in seat-post installed.
- 230 pounds of maximum weight of rider.
Conclusion:
All in all, the US 20 is an okay bike and fit for you only if you are restricted by a budget. For this price there is very little chance of finding a better bike, even from any other brand. The bike will sustain the wear and tear of the city and still last long. It is attractive in its looks which is a plus. If you can flex your wallet a bit, you should go for the Schwinn or Dahon budget bikes which will be more reliable and give you a better experience.
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