Features
Retrospec 21 Speed Step Through Suspension Multi Surface features is:
- Product Type: BICYCLE
- Package quantity: 1
- No batteries required
- Country of Orgin: China
Reviews
Below are some critical reviews about Retrospec 21 Speed Step Through Suspension Multi SurfaceBike was returned.I do not recommend this bike. It feels very unstable when steering and maneuvering. The front shocks are difficult to unlock and lock. The front brake pad became slightly stuck to the wheel, which caused friction.This was my first purchase at a comfort mountain bike and unfortunately I am disappointed.Note the other reviews, bike is not a 21 speed. Only allows for gear change on right side. (forgive my novice attempt of explanation).Spend a little more money and visit a local bike shop.
Of course when you don't pay a lot for a bike it is not the lighest bike of the market.It is beautiful and the quality is so so. A little heavy for a really big city like New York.I like it, but I dream about a better bike: lighter and faster.
This bike was used. It looks like someone fell with it and then returned it. It was placed the wrong way inside the box. The box was damaged and as you can see the picture of the rip in the seat, this was a returned bike. The instructions were thrown inside the box all over. Update: I ended up keeping this bike Due to bike shortages. Amazon gave me a small discount to offset the disappointment.
Below are some positive reviews about Retrospec 21 Speed Step Through Suspension Multi Surface
I just assembled for my wife, and here's my review.Pros: Easy assembly. I expected to have to assemble lots of components and cables but it was only slightly disassembled for shipping. You install front wheel, handle bars, seat, and pedal. It actually came with the tools to install, but i used my ratchet wrenches where needed. The brakes and gears required a little fine tuning. Not hard but you can look at youtube to find a tutorial on such things. Packaging was great. Ride is smooth and the bike is lightweight. I'm pleased with the overall performance of the bike.Con's: The "powder blue" color is more blue-gray than you might think. I like it but it's more "cool" looking than "perky". Wife was going for perky fun coloring. Also, the front wheel and back wheels don't have a quick release mechanism. You're not going to throw this bike into your hatch back. I like the quick release on my old bike so i might switch it out at least on the front tire. Even cheap wal-mart bikes have a quick release. The biggest complaint is the lack of an indexed gear shifter for the front derailleur. Most bikes today have 3 settings on the shifter for the cogs on the front. Why Critical Cycles thought to cheap out on this part is mystifying. The left hand shifter is basically a ratching shifter that you'll just have to get used to know if you're in 1st-2nd-3rd setting. Not hard to figure out but you might have to look down occasionally to see what gear you're in.
My wife purchased this bike because she liked the look of the step-through design and upright riding posture. I assembled it, tuned the brakes and derailleurs, and adjusted the seat and handlebars to fit her in 80 minutes. I'm experienced with bike maintenance and the manual only covered basic assembly. This a quality bike for the money and, most importantly, my wife likes riding it. Some of the components are of lower quality such as the pedals, seat and seat post, and there are no quick-release skewers on the wheels. This is understandable for a bike that costs under $300 and we can upgrade these parts as desired. The bike functions well with the parts that it came with. My wife is 5' 1" and the X-small 14-inch frame fits her well.
1. This is a great bike. It arrived well-packaged and mostly assembled. I had to install the seat / seat post, handlebars, front wheel, and pedals. After that, I just needed to lower the front brake pads and tighten both brake cables. This bike rides perfectly fine after about 30 minutes of assembly and adjustments.2. Do what you can on your own and use a bike shop as a last, last resort. If you don’t know how to do something, follow an online tutorial. Bike shops will almost always steer you away from lesser-known brand and quote expensive repairs to make a sale from their own inventory.3. My wife is 5ft 6in and the 18” frame is just right with the seat lowered all the way. If you are shorter than 5’ 6”, get the 16” frame.4. Unfavorable reviews on this bike are likely from assembly/operator errors. Research the bike you want prior to purchase, take time during assembly, and take time making adjustments. When in doubt, follow online tutorials.My wife loves the color and comfort of this bike. I am happy finding this lightweight alloy classic-looking cruiser for $300. The straight frame and quality welds alone are worth the price. If components prove problematic, I can just change them over time.If you or someone you know have a little experience tinkering with bikes, the assembly and adjusting should be a breeze. If so, you won’t regret buying this bike. I highly recommend it.
