These frames are super mass produced under a variety of brand names, there is nothing particularly special about these frames. That being said I am a huge fan of these because they are actually repairable and upgradeable.. The standardized headset, BB, and Disc brakes make this IMO a solid buy at this price. If you want to upgrade you can get some Shimano hydraulic brakes for $40. If suspension is a concern you can throw on a $50-60 Suntour NCX suspension seatpost to help out there. Other than that I wouldn't touch much else.
If you have some mechanical inclination buy the H1 model for $50 less and throw a 9/10 Speed Shimano CUES on it for an extra $70-90.
After reading through countless shitty bike threads over the past few weeks, I think this might be the shitty bike for me.
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I'm 6'6" and got an XL, it's smaller than my XL Trek DS3, but works. (I got this one to turn into an e bike).
Wife and I both got XLs. We are not bike people but wanted to pick up a new activity to do together. The handlebars both felt short and we were thinking of getting a replacement part to raise them a few inches. Did you have any issues with the handlebar height?
Wife and I both got XLs. We are not bike people but wanted to pick up a new activity to do together. The handlebars both felt short and we were thinking of getting a replacement part to raise them a few inches. Did you have any issues with the handlebar height?
Many people find that they want higher handlebars on these bikes.
You have several choices.
Higher angle stem. My preferred choice. That's why they make stems in all different angles and lengths...so you can put the bars wherever you want.
Riser bars. Also works well, but costs more and is more work to swap, since you have to move all the grips and controls over to the new bars.
Angle-adjustable stem. These work, but they're ugly and the extra swivel is a potential failure point. Absolutely do not use these if you ride off road at all.
Stem extender. Same comments as above. They work but they're a failure point, and they're great for spearing yourself in the chest if you go over the bars.
Here's how to shop for a new stem:
You need 31.8mm handlebar diameter. This is standard, and most stems you find are this size.
To raise the bars up, you want a higher angle. 45 degrees is the highest you can usually find.
Length. The longer the stem, the higher and farther forward the bars will end up. The stock stem looks like it's 5 degrees and about 80mm. The longer the stem, the higher and farther forward the bars will end up.
So, look for a "45 degree 31.8 bicycle stem", choose something from 80 to 110mm depending on preference, and you'll probably get what you need.
If shouldn't cost more than $20 online.
Here's a 90mm for $14: https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Handlebar-Mountain-Extender-Components/dp/B075XJJ4CJ[amazon.com]
This will raise the bars by about two inches.
If that isn't enough, you may have to get riser bars as well.
Wife and I both got XLs. We are not bike people but wanted to pick up a new activity to do together. The handlebars both felt short and we were thinking of getting a replacement part to raise them a few inches. Did you have any issues with the handlebar height?
These bikes fall in the category of "fitness" or "flat bar road" bikes. As such, they place you in a semi-aggressive posture while riding for better efficiency. They are not "comfort" bikes where the bars are set up high for leisurely riding on flat trails. But you can buy riser bars within the limits of the stock cable lengths.
Wife and I both got XLs. We are not bike people but wanted to pick up a new activity to do together. The handlebars both felt short and we were thinking of getting a replacement part to raise them a few inches. Did you have any issues with the handlebar height?
I just did the same thing myself yesterday. I added an adjustable stem, and upgraded the pedals. ($36 for both).
Had the small step-thru H1 delivered yesterday. Definitely a darker gray color than whats portrayed in the stock photos, which is fine by me and my kid likes. Had to fine tune the brake calipers as well as the discs a bit. Missing a disc torx bolt. Throwing some extra grease in the headset today.
I'm a bike nut and overall, I'm happy with the quality... especially at the price-point. Lightweight, good welds, solid shifting, tires are surprisingly nice with a good hybrid tread. Mounted a set of Kona Jacksht pedals I had laying around - alot better than the provided steel pedals. The reach is a bit much for my 5'0 kid and supplied giraffe neck stem, so I'll be swapping that out as well. I think the H2 might've been the better bet with extra gear and hydraulics but for the purpose it's serving it'll do nicely.
Thanks for the original OP for sharing this deal. Quite slick!
Got my wifes bike setup (brakes alligned, water cages, kick stands, and so on...) thinking I can take that knowledge and do mine quickly.
Surprise my brake mechanisms are different than hers!
Hers are branded "NUTT"... mine are "TEKTERO". Bummer - part of my appeal to these is getting us both on the same bike setups for easier maintenance. Derailers are the same thankfully.
The brakes seem to adjust the same - hers are just easier to see the alignment vs mine.
Many people find that they want higher handlebars on these bikes.
You have several choices.
Higher angle stem. My preferred choice. That's why they make stems in all different angles and lengths...so you can put the bars wherever you want.
Riser bars. Also works well, but costs more and is more work to swap, since you have to move all the grips and controls over to the new bars.
Angle-adjustable stem. These work, but they're ugly and the extra swivel is a potential failure point. Absolutely do not use these if you ride off road at all.
Stem extender. Same comments as above. They work but they're a failure point, and they're great for spearing yourself in the chest if you go over the bars.
Here's how to shop for a new stem:
You need 31.8mm handlebar diameter. This is standard, and most stems you find are this size.
To raise the bars up, you want a higher angle. 45 degrees is the highest you can usually find.
Length. The longer the stem, the higher and farther forward the bars will end up. The stock stem looks like it's 5 degrees and about 80mm. The longer the stem, the higher and farther forward the bars will end up.
So, look for a "45 degree 31.8 bicycle stem", choose something from 80 to 110mm depending on preference, and you'll probably get what you need.
If shouldn't cost more than $20 online.
Here's a 90mm for $14: https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Handlebar-Mountain-Extender-Components/dp/B075XJJ4CJ[amazon.com]
This will raise the bars by about two inches.
If that isn't enough, you may have to get riser bars as well.
Jesus Christ, I don't know what I did to deserve such a great answer but thank you! Buying 2 of these
Dear weekend bike mechanics like me. Besides centering brakes and setting you H-L derailer screws. I started going down a deep rabbit hole of diagnosing every little click as I pedaled with the bike on a makeshift bike stand.
Is my derailer hanger bent!? What is going on?! What about this? What is that screw?
Then I road it. Smooth as silk - or at least way better than my old bike for the last 25-30 years.
What I am saying is - get the basics done and get it reasonably smooth and able to cycle all gears. Then give it a shot. Obviously make sure key things are tight also.
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If you have some mechanical inclination buy the H1 model for $50 less and throw a 9/10 Speed Shimano CUES on it for an extra $70-90.
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Wife and I both got XLs. We are not bike people but wanted to pick up a new activity to do together. The handlebars both felt short and we were thinking of getting a replacement part to raise them a few inches. Did you have any issues with the handlebar height?
You have several choices.
Higher angle stem. My preferred choice. That's why they make stems in all different angles and lengths...so you can put the bars wherever you want.
Riser bars. Also works well, but costs more and is more work to swap, since you have to move all the grips and controls over to the new bars.
Angle-adjustable stem. These work, but they're ugly and the extra swivel is a potential failure point. Absolutely do not use these if you ride off road at all.
Stem extender. Same comments as above. They work but they're a failure point, and they're great for spearing yourself in the chest if you go over the bars.
Here's how to shop for a new stem:
You need 31.8mm handlebar diameter. This is standard, and most stems you find are this size.
To raise the bars up, you want a higher angle. 45 degrees is the highest you can usually find.
Length. The longer the stem, the higher and farther forward the bars will end up. The stock stem looks like it's 5 degrees and about 80mm. The longer the stem, the higher and farther forward the bars will end up.
So, look for a "45 degree 31.8 bicycle stem", choose something from 80 to 110mm depending on preference, and you'll probably get what you need.
If shouldn't cost more than $20 online.
Here's a 90mm for $14: https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Handlebar-Mountain-Extender-Components/dp/B075XJJ4CJ [amazon.com]
This will raise the bars by about two inches.
If that isn't enough, you may have to get riser bars as well.
I'm a bike nut and overall, I'm happy with the quality... especially at the price-point. Lightweight, good welds, solid shifting, tires are surprisingly nice with a good hybrid tread. Mounted a set of Kona Jacksht pedals I had laying around - alot better than the provided steel pedals. The reach is a bit much for my 5'0 kid and supplied giraffe neck stem, so I'll be swapping that out as well. I think the H2 might've been the better bet with extra gear and hydraulics but for the purpose it's serving it'll do nicely.
Thanks for the original OP for sharing this deal. Quite slick!
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Surprise my brake mechanisms are different than hers!
Hers are branded "NUTT"... mine are "TEKTERO". Bummer - part of my appeal to these is getting us both on the same bike setups for easier maintenance. Derailers are the same thankfully.
The brakes seem to adjust the same - hers are just easier to see the alignment vs mine.
Ah well.
Still Happy.
Fyi. H2 med women. H2 XL men.
You have several choices.
Higher angle stem. My preferred choice. That's why they make stems in all different angles and lengths...so you can put the bars wherever you want.
Riser bars. Also works well, but costs more and is more work to swap, since you have to move all the grips and controls over to the new bars.
Angle-adjustable stem. These work, but they're ugly and the extra swivel is a potential failure point. Absolutely do not use these if you ride off road at all.
Stem extender. Same comments as above. They work but they're a failure point, and they're great for spearing yourself in the chest if you go over the bars.
Here's how to shop for a new stem:
You need 31.8mm handlebar diameter. This is standard, and most stems you find are this size.
To raise the bars up, you want a higher angle. 45 degrees is the highest you can usually find.
Length. The longer the stem, the higher and farther forward the bars will end up. The stock stem looks like it's 5 degrees and about 80mm. The longer the stem, the higher and farther forward the bars will end up.
So, look for a "45 degree 31.8 bicycle stem", choose something from 80 to 110mm depending on preference, and you'll probably get what you need.
If shouldn't cost more than $20 online.
Here's a 90mm for $14: https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Handlebar-Mountain-Extender-Components/dp/B075XJJ4CJ [amazon.com]
This will raise the bars by about two inches.
If that isn't enough, you may have to get riser bars as well.
Jesus Christ, I don't know what I did to deserve such a great answer but thank you! Buying 2 of these
Is my derailer hanger bent!? What is going on?! What about this? What is that screw?
Then I road it. Smooth as silk - or at least way better than my old bike for the last 25-30 years.
What I am saying is - get the basics done and get it reasonably smooth and able to cycle all gears. Then give it a shot. Obviously make sure key things are tight also.
Very happy with both bikes.
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