If you’re looking for an affordable and light road bike, you should check out the Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike. I own this bike and use it for my daily commutes and weekend rides. The 6061 Double Butted Aluminum Frame makes it easy to maneuver, especially in traffic or uphill. While putting the bike together is simple, I recommend having a professional tune it to ensure everything is working properly.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Lightweight aluminum frame for easy maneuverability.
- 21-speed drivetrain provides versatility in handling various terrains.
- Free pedals included with the bike.
- Affordable price compared to other road bikes on the market.
- Sleek design and overall aesthetic appeal.
What Can Be Improved
- Some bolts may need greasing, and spokes may require adjustment upon assembly.
- Stock tires may not provide optimal traction and stability, and it is recommended to upgrade to higher-quality road tires.
Quick Verdict
The Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike offers great value for its price. While some improvements may be needed, such as upgrading the tires for better performance, it is an excellent entry-level option for those looking to get into cycling without breaking the bank. I have found it to be reliable and comfortable for my daily commutes and longer rides on weekends. Check out the Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike if you’re in the market for an affordable and versatile road bike.
Unboxing – What’s Inside?
As an avid cyclist, I recently purchased the Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed 700c 50cm Small from Amazon. I was looking for a lightweight and durable road bike for my daily commutes. The ordering process was smooth, and the bike arrived at my doorstep in just a few days.
Upon unboxing, I found the following components:
- Bicycle
Specifications
This Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike has the following specifications:
- Special Feature: Lightweight, 21 speed, Aluminum Frame
- Suspension Type: Rigid
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Wheel Size: 29 Inches
- Color: Black
- Number of Speeds: 21
- Brand: Vilano
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Bike Type: Road Bike
- Date First Available: May 11, 2016
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Part Number: 700-R2-BLK-50
- Manufacturer: Vilano
- Number of Items: 1
- Suggested Users: Unisex-adult
- Material: Aluminum
- Brand Name: Vilano
- Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: 52 x 29 x 8 inches
- Item Weight: 27 Pounds
- Specific Uses For Product: Road
- Brake Style: Caliper
- Size: 50cm Small
User Guide
The documentation that came with the Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike was extremely helpful in getting familiar with the various features and components. It provided detailed instructions on assembly, maintenance, and adjustment of the bike. The user guide can be found here.
Features – What We Found
Lightweight Aluminum Frame
The Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike features a 6061 double butted aluminum frame, making it incredibly lightweight. This allows for easy maneuverability and agile riding experience, perfect for commuting or leisurely rides. The frame’s double butted construction ensures durability and strength, without adding unnecessary weight.
With a lightweight frame, you’ll have less strain on your muscles during long rides, making it more comfortable and enjoyable. The aluminum construction also offers excellent resistance to corrosion, ensuring your bike stays in great condition for years to come.
Pro-tip: To maximize the benefits of the lightweight frame, make sure to maintain proper tire pressure and regularly check for loose or damaged components.
Smooth Shifting with A050 Thumb Shifters
The Vilano R2 is equipped with A050 thumb shifters, allowing for smooth and precise gear shifting. These thumb shifters are conveniently located on the handlebars, making gear changes quick and easy without having to take your hands off the handlebar. Whether you’re climbing hills or speeding down the road, you’ll have 21 speeds at your disposal to easily handle any situation.
The A050 thumb shifters are designed for easy reach and comfortable operation, providing a seamless transition between gears. This ensures a consistent and efficient pedaling rhythm, helping you maintain speed and control on different terrains.
Pro-tip: Practice shifting gears before heading out on longer rides to familiarize yourself with the range and responsiveness of the A050 thumb shifters.
High-Quality Wheelset with Quick Release Skewers
The Vilano R2 features a 700c doubled walled CNC machined wheelset, delivering a smooth and responsive ride. The double-walled construction enhances durability and provides better resistance to impact, ensuring reliability on various road surfaces.
Additionally, the wheelset is equipped with quick release skewers, allowing for easy and tool-free removal or installation of the wheels. This feature is particularly useful when transporting or storing the bike, as it simplifies the process and saves valuable time.
Pro-tip: Prior to each ride, check the quick release skewers to ensure they are securely fastened, minimizing the risk of accidental wheel detachment while cycling.
Free Pedals Included, Assembly & Tuning are Required
The Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike comes with free pedals included, allowing you to start riding right away without the need for additional purchases.
However, it’s worth noting that assembly and tuning are required. This means you’ll need to spend some time putting the bike together and making adjustments to ensure it is properly set up for your specific needs. While this may seem daunting for beginners, it provides an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the different parts of the bike and gain some basic mechanical knowledge.
Pro-tip: If you’re not confident in assembling the bike yourself, consider taking it to a local bike shop or seeking assistance from an experienced cyclist to ensure the bike is properly assembled and tuned for optimal performance.
Versatile 21-Speed Drivetrain
The Vilano R2 is equipped with a versatile 21-speed drivetrain, providing a wide range of gear options to tackle various terrains and riding conditions. Whether you’re facing challenging uphill climbs or cruising along flat roads, you can effortlessly adjust the gears to find the perfect level of resistance.
The 21-speed drivetrain allows for efficient power transfer and helps maintain a steady cadence, reducing fatigue and maximizing your overall cycling performance. It enables you to quickly adapt to changing gradients, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.
Pro-tip: Experiment with different gear combinations to find the ideal balance between speed and cadence, optimizing your efficiency and comfort in different riding situations.
Concluding Thoughts
Our Score: 81.0
Having purchased the Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike, I can confidently say that it exceeded my expectations. The lightweight double butted aluminum frame makes it easy to maneuver and provides a comfortable ride. The 21-speed drivetrain is a great feature as it allows me to handle any situation, whether I’m cycling on flat terrain or facing steeper inclines.
Assembly of the bike did require some effort, but it was manageable with the help of online tutorials. However, I highly recommend having the bike tuned by a professional to ensure everything is in proper working order. In my case, I discovered a few loose spokes on the front wheel and greased all the bolts. These minor adjustments made a significant difference in the bike’s performance.
I was initially drawn to this bike due to its affordable price point, especially considering its features. While it may not be on par with more expensive road bikes, it is perfect for beginners or those looking to gain more experience before investing in a higher-end model. With a few suggested upgrades, such as replacing the tires and the rear freewheel, the bike can deliver an even better experience.
If you’re in search of a value-for-money road bike that combines durability, versatility, and ease of use, I highly recommend the Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike. It offers a smooth ride, lightweight construction, and the ability to handle different terrains. You can find more information or purchase the bike here.
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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.
