Montague Paratrooper Owner's Review
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 25
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Montague Paratrooper Owner's Review
Montague Paratrooper 2014 official page & specs
I'll post new thoughts after a full year of ownership.
3 Month Review:
[NOTE: pictures are pre-wash, so ignore the dirt! And the oddly-placed fender is just a $2 temporary while awaiting delivery of my good one, so don't be concerned lol]
So far I've been extremely happy with the purchase. I previously had a Tern Link D8 which did not suit the poorly-maintained roads and bike paths in my area (and which annoyed me with the pin in it's folding stem being prone to snapping). In contrast, the Paratrooper is a tank and bowls over anything I face, yet still able to fold for convenient transportation by car.
So far I consider the Paratrooper to be the ideal bike for me. So although I include a number of criticisms, they are more for people who might find them to be bigger problems.
The Fit:
The frames run quite small.
The Montague website says that the 20 frame is for people 5'11-6'4 and the 18 for 5'3-5'10. I am 6'1 and my seatpost is at the maximum height (which happens to be perfect for me). But the stock handlebars are about 5 below the saddle, which is insanely low. So taller riders should beware that they will likely have to make significant adjustments to their handlebars (see below: why I dislike the Octagon and will be swapping to BMX bars), which can also include the not insignificant cost of restringing longer cables. And anyone over 6'1 should expect to require a longer seatpost (along with changing the handlebars).
My girlfriend has the 18 frame and is 5'4. It fits her perfectly. So I'd *guess* that the bottom recommended height is about ideal for each frame.
The Fold:
The folding system is great: simple and providing nearly the same durability of a non-folding frame. However, there are some issues.
The fold requires removing the front wheel and, when doing so, the front disc brakes often (maybe 30% of the time) get out of alignment when reattaching it. This requires spending 10 minutes frustratingly readjusting the front disc brake so it doesn't rub. If you plan to only occasionally fold the bike (such as for occasionally putting it in your car, like me) then it isn't an issue. But if you plan to fold it regularly (such as for storing it in your apartment, like my girlfriend), beware that it adds a TON of time to unfolding it . . .
Another issue is that of the aforementioned fit. If the bike is on the small side for you, then having a seatpost extended high and handlebars raised above stock height make the fold much taller. (SEE PHOTOS) Of note is that higher handlebars permanently add some size to the fold. The seatpost is supposed to be lowered, but I wanted to show what it looks like raised in case (like me) you assume you won't bother lowering it.
A third, albeit minor, issue is the balance of the fold. Coming from a Tern Link D8, the folded bike could immediately plopped on the ground with solid stability. The folded Paratrooper, however, balances more precariously. In back, it balances on the bare forks (so beware of wear and tear on them) and on the rear tire. In front, to keep from resting on the large gear between, the pedal must also be positioned at the bottom so that the bike instead rests on it. It's not very stable and takes mere seconds of fiddling. It's not a big issue, but don't expect to fold it and have it instantly, stably rest on the ground. This might be a significant issue for anyone wanting to take it on public transportation, and thus repeatedly needing to plop it on the ground.
The Look:
Looks beautiful in my opinion the best-looking bike around. The green paint doesn't show well in photos nor video, but it's gorgeous in person.
Octagon Handlebar Extender:
It's not stock on the Paratrooper. But (A.) it is stock on other models, (B.) it is officially made for Montagues, and (C.) it is the go-to solution for anyone who is at the upper (half?) of the official fit range. So I'll discuss it here.
The Octagon Extender is a cool idea. Unfortunately, I do NOT recommend it due to safety concerns. While researching it, I came across a couple of critical reviews (amongst dozens of glowing reviews) that noted how it's scary that it is held together with only 1 screw. After having it installed at my LBS, my bike mechanic said the very same thing: he said he was really concerned about it holding together with only 1 screw and recommended that (A.) I didn't do any real mountain biking with it and (B.) that I don't use it for too long. And after only a month or two, it's already making some loud squeaking, whining, and slight wobbling, so I'm planning to soon replace it with BMX handlebars that will give me the perfect height.
Despite my negative opinion of the Octagon, I am really glad I got one because it allowed me determine the exact
height I want my permanent handlebars to be. And it did so at a pretty inexpensive cost ($37 + $10 installation).
If you do decide to get an Octagon Extender, beware that the paper installation instructions that come with it are terribly inadequate. Instead use the manufacturer's installation video here (I even took screenshots of each step and compiled them into a paper guide for my LBS). Failure to install the Octagon correctly will almost certainly result in a dangerous accident!!
Components:
The gears seem to work great (though only once have I used anything but the middle large gear).
As previously mentioned, the disc brakes have been frustrating because reinserting the front wheel (after folding) frequently causes the disc to rub and require annoying readjustment.
I dislike the tiny stock pedals and replaced them with some big ole BMX ones. I would chalk it up to my large feet, but my diminutive girlfriend also elected to do the same and much prefers the BMX ones.
I'm happy with the front shock (SR Suntour. Suspension XCT V4). I had read a lot of criticism about them prior to the purchase. But they work for me. I keep it dialed pretty tight since I'm almost exclusively on pavement (albiet poorly-maintained pavement). They are simple to adjust (just keep turning).
Recommended Replacements:
Handlebar Grips:
I absolutely hated the stock handlebar grips. They felt like a tiny metal tube in my big hands. I replaced them with large Ergon GS1 grips ($32) and love them.
Tires:
I currently mainly ride on streets and bike paths. So I replaced the stock stubbies with Big Apples size 26 x 2.15. I doubt I need to tell the forumgoers here how wonderful these tires are I never knew tires could be so great!
I decided on 2.15 width because I called Montague and asked what width the Paratrooper supported. They recommended the 2.15 width, and I can confirm that there are zero issues at that width. I suspect it can accommodate 2.35 width (SEE PHOTOS), but I can't confirm it so the risk is your choice.
I'll post new thoughts after a full year of ownership.
3 Month Review:
[NOTE: pictures are pre-wash, so ignore the dirt! And the oddly-placed fender is just a $2 temporary while awaiting delivery of my good one, so don't be concerned lol]
So far I've been extremely happy with the purchase. I previously had a Tern Link D8 which did not suit the poorly-maintained roads and bike paths in my area (and which annoyed me with the pin in it's folding stem being prone to snapping). In contrast, the Paratrooper is a tank and bowls over anything I face, yet still able to fold for convenient transportation by car.
So far I consider the Paratrooper to be the ideal bike for me. So although I include a number of criticisms, they are more for people who might find them to be bigger problems.
The Fit:
The frames run quite small.
The Montague website says that the 20 frame is for people 5'11-6'4 and the 18 for 5'3-5'10. I am 6'1 and my seatpost is at the maximum height (which happens to be perfect for me). But the stock handlebars are about 5 below the saddle, which is insanely low. So taller riders should beware that they will likely have to make significant adjustments to their handlebars (see below: why I dislike the Octagon and will be swapping to BMX bars), which can also include the not insignificant cost of restringing longer cables. And anyone over 6'1 should expect to require a longer seatpost (along with changing the handlebars).
My girlfriend has the 18 frame and is 5'4. It fits her perfectly. So I'd *guess* that the bottom recommended height is about ideal for each frame.
The Fold:
The folding system is great: simple and providing nearly the same durability of a non-folding frame. However, there are some issues.
The fold requires removing the front wheel and, when doing so, the front disc brakes often (maybe 30% of the time) get out of alignment when reattaching it. This requires spending 10 minutes frustratingly readjusting the front disc brake so it doesn't rub. If you plan to only occasionally fold the bike (such as for occasionally putting it in your car, like me) then it isn't an issue. But if you plan to fold it regularly (such as for storing it in your apartment, like my girlfriend), beware that it adds a TON of time to unfolding it . . .
Another issue is that of the aforementioned fit. If the bike is on the small side for you, then having a seatpost extended high and handlebars raised above stock height make the fold much taller. (SEE PHOTOS) Of note is that higher handlebars permanently add some size to the fold. The seatpost is supposed to be lowered, but I wanted to show what it looks like raised in case (like me) you assume you won't bother lowering it.
A third, albeit minor, issue is the balance of the fold. Coming from a Tern Link D8, the folded bike could immediately plopped on the ground with solid stability. The folded Paratrooper, however, balances more precariously. In back, it balances on the bare forks (so beware of wear and tear on them) and on the rear tire. In front, to keep from resting on the large gear between, the pedal must also be positioned at the bottom so that the bike instead rests on it. It's not very stable and takes mere seconds of fiddling. It's not a big issue, but don't expect to fold it and have it instantly, stably rest on the ground. This might be a significant issue for anyone wanting to take it on public transportation, and thus repeatedly needing to plop it on the ground.
The Look:
Looks beautiful in my opinion the best-looking bike around. The green paint doesn't show well in photos nor video, but it's gorgeous in person.
Octagon Handlebar Extender:
It's not stock on the Paratrooper. But (A.) it is stock on other models, (B.) it is officially made for Montagues, and (C.) it is the go-to solution for anyone who is at the upper (half?) of the official fit range. So I'll discuss it here.
The Octagon Extender is a cool idea. Unfortunately, I do NOT recommend it due to safety concerns. While researching it, I came across a couple of critical reviews (amongst dozens of glowing reviews) that noted how it's scary that it is held together with only 1 screw. After having it installed at my LBS, my bike mechanic said the very same thing: he said he was really concerned about it holding together with only 1 screw and recommended that (A.) I didn't do any real mountain biking with it and (B.) that I don't use it for too long. And after only a month or two, it's already making some loud squeaking, whining, and slight wobbling, so I'm planning to soon replace it with BMX handlebars that will give me the perfect height.
Despite my negative opinion of the Octagon, I am really glad I got one because it allowed me determine the exact
height I want my permanent handlebars to be. And it did so at a pretty inexpensive cost ($37 + $10 installation).
If you do decide to get an Octagon Extender, beware that the paper installation instructions that come with it are terribly inadequate. Instead use the manufacturer's installation video here (I even took screenshots of each step and compiled them into a paper guide for my LBS). Failure to install the Octagon correctly will almost certainly result in a dangerous accident!!
Components:
The gears seem to work great (though only once have I used anything but the middle large gear).
As previously mentioned, the disc brakes have been frustrating because reinserting the front wheel (after folding) frequently causes the disc to rub and require annoying readjustment.
I dislike the tiny stock pedals and replaced them with some big ole BMX ones. I would chalk it up to my large feet, but my diminutive girlfriend also elected to do the same and much prefers the BMX ones.
I'm happy with the front shock (SR Suntour. Suspension XCT V4). I had read a lot of criticism about them prior to the purchase. But they work for me. I keep it dialed pretty tight since I'm almost exclusively on pavement (albiet poorly-maintained pavement). They are simple to adjust (just keep turning).
Recommended Replacements:
Handlebar Grips:
I absolutely hated the stock handlebar grips. They felt like a tiny metal tube in my big hands. I replaced them with large Ergon GS1 grips ($32) and love them.
Tires:
I currently mainly ride on streets and bike paths. So I replaced the stock stubbies with Big Apples size 26 x 2.15. I doubt I need to tell the forumgoers here how wonderful these tires are I never knew tires could be so great!
I decided on 2.15 width because I called Montague and asked what width the Paratrooper supported. They recommended the 2.15 width, and I can confirm that there are zero issues at that width. I suspect it can accommodate 2.35 width (SEE PHOTOS), but I can't confirm it so the risk is your choice.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: East and West coast
Posts: 51
Bikes: Firefly Ti, Trek Domane AL5, Montague MX, Dahon Formula S18
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Nice review.
I have an older Montague (ca. 2005) which I bought used. Mine has V-brakes but it's still a pain taking the wheel off and having to deal with releasing the brake. I find that I usually fold the bike without taking the front wheel off as it will still fit in my trunk that way (2006 Jetta). Saves a LOT of aggravation.
I have an older Montague (ca. 2005) which I bought used. Mine has V-brakes but it's still a pain taking the wheel off and having to deal with releasing the brake. I find that I usually fold the bike without taking the front wheel off as it will still fit in my trunk that way (2006 Jetta). Saves a LOT of aggravation.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 25
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Nice review.
I have an older Montague (ca. 2005) which I bought used. Mine has V-brakes but it's still a pain taking the wheel off and having to deal with releasing the brake. I find that I usually fold the bike without taking the front wheel off as it will still fit in my trunk that way (2006 Jetta). Saves a LOT of aggravation.
I have an older Montague (ca. 2005) which I bought used. Mine has V-brakes but it's still a pain taking the wheel off and having to deal with releasing the brake. I find that I usually fold the bike without taking the front wheel off as it will still fit in my trunk that way (2006 Jetta). Saves a LOT of aggravation.
Thanks!
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: East and West coast
Posts: 51
Bikes: Firefly Ti, Trek Domane AL5, Montague MX, Dahon Formula S18
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've been considering replacing my front disc brake with a V-brake for easier folding, so your comment really piques my interest! Why is the V-brake a hassle to take on-off? Does it require any more additional adjustment each time you do it (e.g. does it get off-centered and require fiddling)?
Thanks!
Thanks!
When I need something really compact, I just use my Dahon anyway.
#6
Full Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Ludwigshafen
Posts: 483
Bikes: Pocket Llama
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 30 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Tsujigiri00 what do you think which size will be for me I am 1,70cm about 5΄7" and my inseam is 79cm? How long is the main tube?
Thanks
Thanks
#7
DancesWithSUVs
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Griffin Cycle Bethesda,MD
Posts: 6,983
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
__________________
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
#9
Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#10
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I do love these bikes. I've had a couple over the past 5/6 years. BUT BE WARNED.
My montague swiss lx bike snapped in half as i was over taking slow traffic on a busy london street at night. With out any warning i slammed into the tarmac and luckily the taxi behind me stopped.
The frame snapped on the upright post under the saddle.
My injuries could have been so much worse, i was lucky to get away with just lots of bruises and grazes.
I have seached on the web about this and found a couple of other inccidents; another one with exactly the same model bike also in central london, and he broke his ankle !!!
I would suggest if anyone has a Montague bike to take the seat post completely out and inspect down inside the frame with a torch to see if there are any small cracks appearing. And do this every month.
Montague Bike also says there is a liftime warranty on the frame - but so far they have ignored all my e-mails. I guess it means nothing.
I still like these bikes but be careful.
My montague swiss lx bike snapped in half as i was over taking slow traffic on a busy london street at night. With out any warning i slammed into the tarmac and luckily the taxi behind me stopped.
The frame snapped on the upright post under the saddle.
My injuries could have been so much worse, i was lucky to get away with just lots of bruises and grazes.
I have seached on the web about this and found a couple of other inccidents; another one with exactly the same model bike also in central london, and he broke his ankle !!!
I would suggest if anyone has a Montague bike to take the seat post completely out and inspect down inside the frame with a torch to see if there are any small cracks appearing. And do this every month.
Montague Bike also says there is a liftime warranty on the frame - but so far they have ignored all my e-mails. I guess it means nothing.
I still like these bikes but be careful.
#11
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Olney Illinois USA
Posts: 1,021
Bikes: to many
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I do love these bikes. I've had a couple over the past 5/6 years. BUT BE WARNED.
My montague swiss lx bike snapped in half as i was over taking slow traffic on a busy london street at night. With out any warning i slammed into the tarmac and luckily the taxi behind me stopped.
The frame snapped on the upright post under the saddle.
My injuries could have been so much worse, i was lucky to get away with just lots of bruises and grazes.
I have seached on the web about this and found a couple of other inccidents; another one with exactly the same model bike also in central london, and he broke his ankle !!!
I would suggest if anyone has a Montague bike to take the seat post completely out and inspect down inside the frame with a torch to see if there are any small cracks appearing. And do this every month.
Montague Bike also says there is a liftime warranty on the frame - but so far they have ignored all my e-mails. I guess it means nothing.
I still like these bikes but be careful.
My montague swiss lx bike snapped in half as i was over taking slow traffic on a busy london street at night. With out any warning i slammed into the tarmac and luckily the taxi behind me stopped.
The frame snapped on the upright post under the saddle.
My injuries could have been so much worse, i was lucky to get away with just lots of bruises and grazes.
I have seached on the web about this and found a couple of other inccidents; another one with exactly the same model bike also in central london, and he broke his ankle !!!
I would suggest if anyone has a Montague bike to take the seat post completely out and inspect down inside the frame with a torch to see if there are any small cracks appearing. And do this every month.
Montague Bike also says there is a liftime warranty on the frame - but so far they have ignored all my e-mails. I guess it means nothing.
I still like these bikes but be careful.
I just don't think that the Montague peeps will ignore you ...
Yes after the dealer did his warranty work and contacted the company the peeps might get in contact with you and solve the issues the dealer cant do nothing about. But again that needs to come from the company and not the other way around, usually. I know that the tern folks got in contact with the broken frames they ha in London and as far as we know have made good with the few folks who had trouble.
thor
#12
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Unfortunately the online dealer I used doesn't seem to be trading anymore.
I've spoken to montague supplier for the uk - sounds like lifetime warranty means "5 years"
Think I might have just gone over that unfortunately.
I've spoken to montague supplier for the uk - sounds like lifetime warranty means "5 years"
Think I might have just gone over that unfortunately.
#13
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Olney Illinois USA
Posts: 1,021
Bikes: to many
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
its a good thing that Dahon and Tern as my suppliers do not get hung up on technicalities when something breaks.
I would keep trying to find a dealer who would help despite the fact you bought it somewhere else
I cannot belive that they wouldn't even try to make good on you ..
I would keep trying to find a dealer who would help despite the fact you bought it somewhere else
I cannot belive that they wouldn't even try to make good on you ..
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,023
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 223 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I've got an older (05 I think) paratrooper that's still good though, so ymmv.