Durban is not the most popular bicycle manufacturing brand. However it is slowly building a name for itself and the Bay Pro will do anything but hamper this attempt to take a slice of the pie that the industry is.
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Rating:
3.50 / 5.00
Price:
$$$ on Amazon (September 12 2015)
Warranty
Bike Frame and Parts are warranted against inadequate materials and workmanship for a time of 1 (one) year from the buy date, subject to the terms and conditions of this Limited Warranty.
Warranty can only be claimed by the original owner of the product and will not transfer under any condition.
Pros and Cons:
Improved Latch Not Good For Riding On Hills
Comfortable Seat
Ergonomic Handlebars
First Impression:
It comes off as a nice sporty machine. You will get tons of compliments on the looks of this bike.
Detailed Review:
The Bay Pro comes in two color schemes: Red and Yellow. All the two colors are available on Amazon as of now. If you do order it from Amazon, you will receive the bike under a week, or under 3 days if you have Amazon prime. Shipping is free and only across the United States.
The bike arrives in good packing. It is ready to be ridden out of the box, however you should check all the components before testing it on road. The manual is exceptionally well detailed and you will not find yourself in any doubt if you read it.
The Bay Pro has an alloy frame. The body itself is not the lightest, however it is still strong. It has a great yellow and red paint job which reflects amazingly on the body. The pain is difficult to scratch and the labelling looks pretty cool, instead of cheap like many brand logos look on the spine.
The 7 speed system serves to run the bicycle. Despite the fact that the system is made in China, the parts are known to be solid and dependable. The gears move effortlessly and have no clicking sound. The max speed reach is sufficient for you to scale up and down little to moderate slopes and coast in the city. Since it is a city cycle, the seven speeds are still helpful and you will more often than not find yourself utilizing 5, 6 and 7 for the most part. In spite of the fact that it won’t be winning you any races, the Bay Pro still feels sufficiently quick to appreciate the ride.
The Power-brand V-brakes are brilliant. They are introduced on the front and back wheels. These brakes are solid and despite the fact that they are not the most premium they carry out their job exceptionally well.
The Bay Pro boasts 20″ wheels. The edges are dark ED-covered that make the tire look thicker which is tastefully satisfying. The silver line where the brakes meet the edge complements it simply right. The tires are thick with smooth adjusted tread and extensive water scattering furrows (to prevent slip), which is one of the features you truly need while driving on the city streets. Since the tires are 20 inch, they are anything but difficult to control and in spite of the fact that you have to paddle more to cover the same distance as a full bicycle, you have the upside of better control and agility which will permit you to experience the most impenetrable of spaces effortlessly.
You will discover a completely ergonomic seat with ventilation gap and space for guys to be comfortable. This is something which is extremely extraordinary, indeed it is just found in Durban bicycles at this point. It permits you to ride for extend periods of time without getting into any sticky circumstances (pun intended).
The handle holds are ergonomic, with cut out-grasps for fingers and bulge at closures to counteract slide-off in humidity. The curved mudguards are amazing, made from ultra-light plastic, keeping you dry in damp conditions. This is a superior solution for the individuals who don’t like curved mudguards, as it destroys the minimalistic look for them, since you don’t see them and they function admirably.
The kickstand is pretty solid and will allow you to keep the foldable upright in case of emergency tire inflation or just to park it outside for a while.
The Bay Pro is very easy to fold once you get the hang of it. It usually takes on 15 to 20 seconds to wrap it up. It is easy to store and carry around for short distances and long distances, both. This is great considering there are some bikes which will literally break your back if you carry them around.
You would have to dig deep to find a con in this great engineered machine. A water bottle holder would have been really handy. However you can always use a Velcro one or if you are willing to move a step ahead, drip up two holes and attach the holder yourself.
Nothing wrong with the basic functionality at all.
Specifications:
- Maximum rider weight: 210 lbs (95 kg)
- Frame: 6061 Alloy Frame with city C-Type Latch and U-Lock System
- Fork: High-Tensile Steel Fork
- Suggested rider height: 4’8″ – 6’3″ (1.40 – 1.90 m)
- Kickstand: Nuvo Alloy Kickstand
- Colors: Yellow, Red, Graphite
- Weight: twenty six lbs (12kg)
- Folded dimensions: 26in x 13in x 31in (6cm6 x 33cm x 80cm)
- Mudguards: 20in Wheel Plastic splash guard
- Wheels: 20″ Alloy Rims / Wanda Tires / Black / Coated Spokes
- Handle post: city C-Type Alloy Handle post with Security Lock
- Speeds: 7
- Brake levers: Alloy Brake Lever
- Shifter: Shimano RS-35
- Derailleur: Shimano FT-35 (7 Speed)
- Freewheel: Shimano 14-28T Freewheel
- Pedals: Folding Pedals with Reflectors
- Saddle: Durban Comfort Saddle
- Seat post: Alloy Seat post (Size 550mm)
- Chain: KMC Chain
- Crankset: 52T Alloy Crankset
- Brakes: Alloy V-Brake
- Rear rack: facultative
Conclusion:
If you are looking for an affordable folding bike for short commutes then the Durban Bay Pro could be a good match for you. It is useful for riding in the city and will usually demonstrate a reliable working all around the year.
marco says
DURBAN is PUT ON NOTICE – all the Durban bikes have a DESIGN DEFECT – your post says there is an improved latch. If what I got is improved, I would hate to see what the old latch was like
The black lock lever that keeps the silver latch that keeps the bike from folding in half is made of cheap plastic and all it takes is a very small touch on the lock lever, and the latch pops open. If this happens while riding the bike and the bike folds on you, you will be toast. I can guarantee that there will be lawsuits. Thankfully I know enough about folding bikes to return it (I bought mine from Target of EBAY). I suspect that, however, most people will have to learn the hard way what a mistake DURBAN has made with its design. A shame because otherwise than the weight of the bike, the bike would be a great starter bike.