Durban set its foot in the United States with introductions at Target and Sports Authority. It is a Brazilian brand, which has grown its reputation steadily in South America and is now looking to take over the northern part of the continent.
The Durban Metro one of the company’s products which have been initially launched in the USA. It is a smart looking bicycle. It gestures to the stylized rider bicycles however on bigger 20″ wheels. This 6 speed bicycle is awesome for kicking it around town and looking hip while doing it.
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Rating:
3.30 / 5.00
Price:
$$$ on Amazon (September 12 2015)
Warranty
Durban issues a 1 year warranty for its product. This warranty covers any manufacturing faults or defects, which will be replaced immediately. The wearable parts are not covered in this warranty.
The warranty can be claimed online or by visiting the authorised dealer from whom the sale has been made.
Pros and Cons:
Stylish B-Type Latch
20″ Wheels Heavy For A Commuter Bike
First Impression:
The Durban Metro is really aesthetically pleasing and has the ability to attract attention – be prepared to get noticed.
Detailed Review:
The Durban Metro is available in three colours, namely navy, white and wine. All the three colours are available for purchase on the Amazon web store. You can currently enjoy a rare 35% discount with the purchase, which amounts to a sweet 175 dollar discount from initial price. The Metro is delivered to your address within a week. It arrives in a large albeit strong box, with the Durban logo confirming your product. The bike is kept folded, under a lot of wrapping paper and padding. It is almost ready to run on the streets, with a few adjustments and tunings. You can take the aid of the instruction manual which come in the box, and is well illustrated.
The Durban Metro is not much different to most Durban offerings except for a few key changes. One of them is the presence of aluminium frame which is light and very solid. The aluminium will allow the body to be rust free and hence give it the ability to survive all rain and cold. However, it is not the best quality of aluminium and you will notice a significant weight if you compare it with Brompton or Dahon frames. The Metro definitely has an aesthetic appeal nonetheless and is one of the best looking Durban products. The white colour really stands out, with the wine and navy close behind.
The model comes with a 6 speed gearing mechanism with twist shifters. The shifters work well and can easily be rolled up or down, as per the requirement. The higher gears are not the most efficient ones however, the lower gears just work fine. This is definitely not something which will attract the speed hoggers among the bicycle circle, but for the normal working group the speed range will suffice as they mostly travel on the roads and have few or no chance of going through steep hills or rough terrains.
The bicycle accompanies small diameter wheels (20 inches only) which makes the bicycle basically lacking in speed and you need to pedal a ton to make ground. The little tires and basic suspension are additionally not the most secure and you feel the shocks when you hit a pothole or a speed bump unknowingly. It is best to utilize the foldable on cleared black-top or cycle ways.
The seat is from the Durban Comfort Saddle range and is comfortable, keeping you upright, which shows the company’s dedication to the minor details. The seat post is made from alloy and is adjustable.
The Durban Metro is easy to fold and unfold once you get the hang of it. It wraps itself into a small shape in less than 15 seconds. Sadly it can take some time getting used to the mechanism as the B type latch is hard to clasp initially and needs to be practiced several times before you master it. The bike can be lifted and carried for short errands only. It is small enough to slide into tight spots without much hassle. You can also carry it in a carrying case by Durban, which can be bought off the official website.
The small parts on the bike are well thought of. The handle grips are of the finest quality and don’t look cheap at all. The fenders perform well, while the pedals are foldable and there are several reflectors on the front and rear of the Metro to keep you safe at night.
Be that as it may, there is one major inadequacy for tall individuals. The bicycle is not made for you. So in the event that you are taller than 6 foot 2 inches, and contemplating getting this bicycle, you are committing an error. The bicycles body is such that the tall individuals would need to twist their knees an excessive amount, which will make accelerating truly hard. It will likewise have a toll on your legs, lower back and butt.
Specifications:
- KMC Chain With No Cover
- Steel Crank Set
- Foldable Pedals
- Reflectors On Pedals
- Alloy Frame
- B Type Latch On Frame
- High-Tensile Steel Fork
- Adjustable Handle Bar
- Comfortable Seat
- Adjustable Seat post
- Alloy Brakes
- Steel Kickstand Pre Installed
- Mudguards
- Solid Paint Job
- Max Weight Of Rider : 95 KGs
- Max Rider Height 6 foot 3 inch
- 100% Assembled
- Alloy Brake Levers
- Alloy Wheels
- Shinamo Shifters
- Reflectors
- Front And Rear Derailleur
Conclusion:
At the cost, the Durban 20” collapsing bicycle is a decent alternative. There can be better models accessible from more perceived brands if your budget is more adaptable. But if you truly need to purchase it then you should go for it. It requires time getting used to, however give it a week and you will be appreciating riding it as much as you can. It is a decent machine for day by day drive in the city.
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