I just purchased the Retrospec Fixed-Gear-Bicycles Harper Single Speed Fixie-Style Bike and I wanted to share my thoughts on it with you. This bike is perfect for those who enjoy riding on flat terrain and appreciate the straightforwardness of a single speed bike. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of this product.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- High-tensile strength steel frame: The handbuilt steel frame and fork of this bike not only make it tough and durable but also provide a comfortable riding experience.
- Single speed simplicity: With fewer components, this bike is lighter, less complex, and easier to maintain.
- Grooved 700x28C tires: These tires offer excellent traction on various surfaces, even in wet conditions.
- Flip flop hub: You have the option to ride freewheel or switch to a fixed gear by simply flipping the rear wheel.
- Easy maintenance: The threadless steering system not only provides stronger and lighter steering but also makes maintenance easier, allowing you to get back to your adventures quickly.
What Can Be Improved
- Quality control issues: Some customers have reported missing parts or scratched frames upon delivery. This is something that should be addressed to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Hard seat: The seat of this bike is quite hard, which may be uncomfortable for some riders. Consider replacing it for a more comfortable ride.
Quick Verdict
The Retrospec Fixed-Gear-Bicycles Harper Single Speed Bike is a great choice for those looking for a simple and durable ride. Its high-tensile strength steel frame, grooved tires, and flip flop hub offer a smooth and enjoyable ride. While there have been reported instances of quality control issues, overall, this bike provides excellent value for its price. If you’re in the market for a single speed bike that is easy to maintain and perfect for commuting, I recommend giving the Retrospec Harper a try.
Unboxing – What’s Inside?
As a cycling enthusiast in the USA, I recently purchased the Retrospec Fixed-Gear-Bicycles Harper Single Speed Fixie-Style Bike Slate 53cm from Amazon. The delivery was incredibly fast, and I received the package within a couple of days.
Inside the box, I found the following components:
- Bike
- Assembly manual
- Toolkit
Specifications
Here are the specifications of the Retrospec Fixed-Gear-Bicycles Harper Single Speed Fixie-Style Bike:
- Brand: Retrospec
- Manufacturer: Retrospec
- Frame Material: Alloy Steel
- Wheel Size: 700 Centimeters
- Color: Slate
- Number of Speeds: 1
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Bike Type: Fixed-Gear Bike
- Date First Available: May 6, 2022
- Part Number: 4221
- Suggested Users: unisex-adult
- Material: Steel
- Warranty Description: Limited Warranty
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 9 x 9 x 2 inches
- Package Weight: 14.83 Kilograms
- Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: 49 x 28.5 x 8 inches
- Model Name: Harper Single Speed Fixie-Style Bike
- Style: 53cm
- Item Weight: 25 Pounds
- Brake Style: Cantilever
Documentation/User Guide
The included assembly manual provided detailed instructions on how to put together the bike. It was easy to understand and follow, making the assembly process hassle-free. For further guidance and maintenance tips, I referred to the user guide. You can find the user guide here.
Features – What We Found
Durable High-Tensile Strength Steel Frame
The Retrospec Fixed-Gear-Bicycles Harper Single Speed Fixie-Style Bike features a handbuilt high-tensile strength steel frame and fork that provides exceptional durability and strength. This sturdy construction ensures that the bike can withstand the rigors of daily riding and resist damage from impacts or rough terrain. The steel frame also offers a comfortable ride, absorbing some of the vibrations and shocks from the road.
Pro-Tip: To prolong the lifespan of the steel frame, it is recommended to periodically inspect and maintain the bike’s frame by checking for any signs of rust or damage. Regular cleaning and applying a protective coating can help prevent corrosion and maintain the bike’s appearance.
Single Speed Simplicity
The single speed design of the Retrospec Harper bike offers a simple and hassle-free riding experience. It is particularly well-suited for cruising on flat terrain, making it an excellent choice for commuting or leisurely rides. With a single gear, the bike is lighter and less complex compared to multi-speed bikes, which also contributes to easier maintenance and fewer issues to troubleshoot.
Pro-Tip: When riding a single speed bike, it’s important to establish a comfortable cadence that suits your pedaling style and the terrain. Experiment with different speeds to find the most efficient and enjoyable riding experience.
Check the product out on Amazon
All-Weather Traction
The Retrospec Harper bike is equipped with grooved 700x28C tires that provide excellent grip on the pavement, ensuring solid traction even in wet conditions. The tire design helps dispel water, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and ensuring stability while riding. This feature makes the bike suitable for use in various weather conditions, allowing you to confidently ride in both rain and shine.
Flip Flop Hub
The flip flop hub on the Retrospec Harper bike allows you to easily switch between riding with a freewheel or a fixed gear. By flipping the rear wheel, you can choose to ride with the traditional freewheel setup, which enables coasting without pedaling, or switch to the fixed gear mode for a more connected and responsive riding experience. This versatility allows you to adapt your riding style and preferences, making the bike suitable for different purposes and terrain.
Pro-Tip: When using the fixed gear mode, it’s important to practice and get accustomed to the different riding technique. The direct connection between your pedaling and the bike’s motion requires more control and anticipation when slowing down or braking.
Easy Maintenance with Threadless Steering System
The Retrospec Harper Fixie bike is equipped with a threadless steering system, which offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides stronger and lighter steering compared to traditional threaded systems. This enhances the bike’s maneuverability and control, especially when navigating tight corners or obstacles. Secondly, the threadless system allows for easier maintenance as it simplifies the process of adjusting the handlebar height and swapping out components.
With the threadless steering system, you can easily fine-tune your handlebar position for optimal comfort and riding performance. Additionally, if you wish to customize your bike with different handlebars or stems in the future, the threadless design makes it straightforward to make those changes.
Our Review, Score and More
Our Score: 71.0
I recently purchased the Retrospec Fixed-Gear-Bicycles Harper Single Speed Fixie-Style Bike Slate 53cm and overall, I am quite satisfied with my purchase. The bike was delivered promptly and without any damage. It was easy to assemble using the tools provided by Retrospec.
One of the standout features of this bike is its high-tensile strength steel frame, which makes it tough, durable, and comfortable to ride. The single-speed simplicity is perfect for cruising on flat terrain, and I appreciate the lighter weight and fewer components compared to geared bikes. The grooved 700x28C tires provide excellent traction on both dry and wet surfaces.
While I did have a minor issue with a scratched top tube, I didn’t want to go through the hassle of returning the bike. However, I hope that Retrospec would reach out to me and offer a discount or some form of compensation. Despite this hiccup, I still believe that the Retrospec Fixed-Gear-Bicycles Harper Single Speed Fixie-Style Bike offers good value for its price of $329.
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Zane rides her bike because she loves it, but also because she is mindful of the need to leave a better world for her children.
