I have been searching the web for any reviews or user comments of the Retrospec 20" 7speed folder. Nothing. Is it because it is new or because no one thinks this bike is worthy of taking the $400 chance?







SPECIFICATION

Frameset:

Hand-Built Aluminum Frame and Fork
Folding time of 15 seconds with folding handlebar tube, top-tube, and pedals



Drivetrain:

Alloy Crank with 48T chainring
NECO Sealed Cartridge B.B. Set
Shimano 7-Speed Freewheel with Shimano Revoshift grip shifter



Wheelset:

20” Folding Bike Rims
Kenda Commuter Tires



Components:

NECO Black Headset
Alloy Straight Handlebar, 22.2 clamp
Kraton Rubber Ergonomic Grips
Retrospec UrbanComfort Saddle
Alloy Seatpost, 30.4
KMC Chain
Folding Pedals

I like it myself. Reviews are nonexistent tho,... I'd personally wait. Now, if you're up for being a product tester, I'd luv to read your review.

I am currently selling 2 of my current bikes for "disposable income" and if I can come up with enough, I will make the purchase & post a review. Which, in fact, may become the only review on the entire internet for this Speck7speed...

DaHonish , seems the most common way Folding bikes are made these days ..

many of them with freewheels like that.

Dahon-ish? It's a straight-up clone.

Finally got both of my bikes sold and with the funds pulled the trigger on this Speck7Speed. Got the matte black(last one) on Amazon w/free shipping, so expect a review in 2 months.

2 Months??? Would that be for your first impression or long-term report? Does it really take that long to ship?

Recently it was on those Amazon deal of the day for 260 something. By the time I found out about it they only had Pink left. Anyway looks like a nice bike.

I saw a budget discussion thread on here , where someone recommended a 7 speed retrospec over the Genesis. Not exactly a review, that recommendation, though. Not sure why pick this over like a Dahon C7A Vybe, where you can get some LBS support. 369/399, worth the 30 for year of free service, I think. Although, I only spotted some grey and pink retro's on amazon, but it wasn't like I was really looking hard. I do understand, why some people will buy the new, instead of the used, though, between the fast, the rusty and the stolen (and the costs too close to retail, not to retail).

I finally received the Speck 7. Shipping to Hawaii is always a mystery. Took a good 3 weeks with Amazon's free shipping. Anyway, coming from my last bike (Trek 3500) and having roots in 20" freestyling bikes, riding this 20" 7 speed is a little confusing for me. I have to think twice about bunny hopping curbs, 180s, and tail whips. Then, I got to remember to use proper gearing for hills & trail all the while remembering that this bike is held together by clamps. I took this bike on 3 rides so far that included paved inclines, off dirt road trails (old pineapple fields), mountainous terrain and flat streetstyling (curbs, 1/4 pipe at local skate park, driveway) for testing. So far, passed all my expectations for a sub $400 bike and I am loving this purchase. I tested the bike with everything OEM including kickstand and reflectors.

Notes:

• Gear 1 was not low enough for me to get around some of the hills near my place. Probably due to 2 things 1) fairly large fixed single primary chainring and more likely, my lack of conditioning (*gasping*)
• Altus shifting went smoothly. Only popped the chain once while on trail. Not to bad since I was jumping all over the place. Also I was in gear one which has the most lateral chain angle.
• Solid welds throughout
• Out of the box, I only minor adjustments needed: the neck alignment off about 10 degrees, slight rear brake cable tensioning, truing of front wheel ever so slight and raising of brake levers.
• Hinges for folding parts seem solid. I tried intentionally torquing the frame and it did not budge.
• Matte black is prone to scratching. One small, hardy noticeable scratch was on the fork out of the box. About 1", but not even worth the effort. Taking it trail riding and the way I ride, I expect more in the future.
• OEM seat is rock solid. I may need to eat more Malassadas & Cold Stone if I plan to ride longer than an hour or two. (edit. just picked up a cushioned seat from Ross's for $6).
• This sucker is light. Easily one hand in and out of my truck bed.
• Tires need an upgrade if I plan to take this deeper into the trails. The Kenda rubber is meh.
• Folding plastic pedals although small, but worked OK. Using my Vans Half Cabs, feet never slipped off.
• Any adjusting (i.e. brake levers) should be tested in both open & folded position before setting to make sure the bike is able to close w/o damaging parts. This is especially true for the brake levers.

I highly recommend this bike to anyone who is looking for a low priced but high quality, solid but light, easily stored but highly portable, kinda badass styled, commutable, off-roadable, 7 gear, 20"-er.

Thanks for posting this review, I've been searching around for some feedback about this specific model. Curious to know yours thoughts on it, 3 months later.

Jumping, freestyling, and off-roading? Man, I dunno...

For what it is worth-- I have had no problems with my Retrospec Speck SS in about 6 months of urban riding. Very nice and light, folds great.