So I got to ride it yesterday, about 30 miles with some hills. I really like the ride, the bike accelerates quickly and handles very well. Because of the small wheels it has many of the same agile characteristics of a good folder , but with a more rigid platform, particularly when you get out of the seat to “dance on the pedals.” (not that my climbing could be considered dancing).

The bike is plenty fast, a quality which shows one of its shortcomings, short gearing. Since the bike sports a freewheel and not a cassette, the smallest cog is a 14. So that is a 52 pulling a 14 compared to a 53 pulling an 11 on my Mu. A cassette hub is certainly an upgrade to consider. On the other end however a 42 pulling a 28 makes for good climbing and this bike likes to climb. I am certainly pleased in that regard, because I line in the North Carolina Hills.

The bike came with 100psi 1.25 Kenda Kwests (Which is surprising for what it cost.) They are fast, but at full pressure they are a bit harsh. The fork and frame seem to have clearance for bigger tires, so I might try a set of Primo Comets that were destined for the velomobile.

The wheels have machined contact surfaces which make the brakes work very well. They are however singlewall and not doublewall as advertised.

One issue is that the seat post was too short, so I had make a longer one up (that is the one in the photo) it is however a 27.2 so getting a proper one won't be a problem. I may also add a stem extender to achieve a bit more upright position, at least bring the handlebars level with the seat. For reference I am 5'11'' (180cm) but I have long legs for my height and prefer longer pedal extension (size 12 feet).

All in all I am very pleased and plan to ride this bike plenty. I will undoubtedly make some upgrades to it. One that I may do this weekend is, changing out the nutted axles and putting in some QRs, save me from carrying a 15mm spanner all the time.