Cycling is one of the best-proven ways to keep you healthy and fit. And if you are a cycling lover, you might keep scrolling over a wide range of bikes and cycles around the internet. In all the processes, you surely would have come across Retrospec bikes. Retrospec is one of the most reputed bike manufacturing companies in the world that deals all around the globe. But what makes their bikes so special and trendy? That’s exactly what we will be discussing in this article.
In the article, we will be going through a thorough review of Retrospec bikes. We will elaborate on what we like, what we don’t, why you should go for them and why you shouldn’t, and almost everything.
A Quick Look At Retrospec Bikes
Retrospec bikes are basically an urban company that focuses on creating single-speed bikes at affordable rates. The team consists of bike enthusiasts and that is something that makes the company so popular and trendy. The bikes they manufacture are of great quality and provide you with durability as well as speed. One major reason behind the bikes being so good is the detailed attention on the manufacturing. Retrospec focuses on those things and aspects that are often overlooked by other companies. For example, the company focuses on controls as well as small detailing. As we think, this is what has earned them brand loyalty among their customers.
But Why Are Retrospec Bikes So Popular?
The simple answer is that they manufacture great single-speed bikes at affordable rates. If you follow cycles and bikes, you would know that the craze of single-speed bikes has been on the horizon for a while. The reason why these bikes are so popular is the great performance they offer. These bikes provide you with decent control, fast speed, and also are easy to maintain. As compared to other types of bikes in the market, single-speed bikes have been proven quite better. The sale of these bikes has been on peak but at the same time, the rates have also been the same.
Despite having fewer components and parts as compared to other bikes, these bikes are significantly more expensive. Being so expensive, it becomes too hard for everyone to purchase these ones. And this is the main reason why cheaper alternatives of these bikes have entered the market proudly. One of those proud sellers is the Retrospec bikes. For years, Retrospec has been providing customers around the world with great alternatives to single-speed bikes at cheaper costs. In recent years, the company has started to manufacture multi-speed bikes as well, adding to its reputation.
The Journey Of Retrospec Bikes
Retrospec bikes entered the market in 2009 by Ely Khakshouri. At the time, Ely was continuing his studies at the University of Southern California. 2009 was a time when fixie bikes, also known as single-speed bikes, the craze were at its peak. In other words, it was the perfect time to start a bike business that year. With such high demands, getting a fixie bike was quite tough for the customers. Also, the bikes were trimmed down from different other bikes that made them far more expensive as well. Ely thought of the idea of manufacturing these bikes from scratch and then selling them for cheaper rates.
In the initial stages, Khakshouri himself used to travel in a van and sell the bikes alone. Luckily, he got good demands from his University alone that inspired him to never stop working. Later, he started his own holding company by the name of Westridge Outdoors. Retrospec bikes are just a part of the Westridge Outdoors holding company.
What To Expect From Retrospec Bikes?
Retrospec Bikes have shown consistent improvement in their manufacturing and services over the years. So if you are thinking that the company is still in the past and doesn’t provide you with upgraded and updated products, you should definitely check it out once. When it comes to improvisation and upgrades, Retrospec has been excellent in it right from the start.
In the latest upgrades, the company has started offering not only single-speed bikes but multi-speed bikes also. In the latest multi-speed bikes, the speeds range between 3-21, according to your convenience and preference. Also, Retrospec provides you with both adult bikes and kid bikes to add to your convenience. There is a wide range of products available from different categories to make sure you don’t leave the site without getting your thing.
What Does Retrospec Offer?
Retrospect Bikes started from fixie bikes, they evolved since then and they stretched their catalog of amazing bikes.
They offer these categories of bikes.
- First Balance Bikes
- Second folding Bikes
- Third Beach Cruisers
- Fitness Bikes
- City Bikes
- Hybrid Bikes
- Fixed Bikes
- Fixed Gear Bikes
- Single Speed Bikes
- Kids Bikes
Retrospec Bikes Review
Below, we will be reviewing some of the best Retrospec bikes to get an overall idea of what the company makes.
Retrospec Mantra
Retrospec Mantra is surely the best bike that the company sells. It is a single-speed that has gained tremendous popularity over the years and is now making great money in the market. The bike comes with a singular gear system that makes it as special as it is. Coming with a different hub system now, the bike now comes with both single and fixed gear systems attached to the wheels.
The dashing tires have also been theft-proof now, all thanks to the wheel bolt system. The Retrospec Mantra is designed with a lightweight steel frame that provides enough durability. On your purchase of this amazing fixie bike, you get plenty of features that include Stars V-Rims, a Multi-gear system, and a bold design. The all-new Stars V-Rims provide a prominent and bold look to the bike and the aerodynamic features of the bike make sure that you get a comfortable ride.
Retrospec Harper
One of the top model bikes manufactured by the company, Retrospec Harper is all set to give you the best biking experience. The special hand-built frame of the bike gives you complete prestige and attention. The Retrospec Harper is made of the best quality materials and parts that ensure complete durability, strength, design, and comfort. Your convenience is taken as the first priority while building the bike and that is why the bike gives you a completely smooth experience, even on the bumpiest of roads.
Some major features of the bike include Kenda 700x28C Kwest tires, KMC Chain, VP freestyle paddles, and Easy assembly. When you are looking for a premium model bike, you just can’t ignore the Retrospec Harper at any cost.
Retrospec Mars Hybrid
Retrospec Mars Hybrid is an amazing Bike if you are looking for an amazing Bike. This bike is an awesome combination of hybrid and urban bikes with perfect quality.
It feels sometimes a little bit heavy but it is very comfortable. At this value, Mars Hybrid offers great value for the rider so you will never disappoint by its performance. These are some best features of this Bike.
- It comes with Three Speed Options.
- Great Accessory options.
- It has an Amazing Vintage Design.
- It has kenda commuter Tires.
Its diamond frame makes its vintage design incredible. According to my view, Retrospec wanted to go full old-school with this bike; you can notice its nods as there is a front light and rear rack.
For making it more adaptable you will find Mars Hybrid in different designs and colors. For absolute stopping power, the bike uses caliper brakes.
Retrospec Mantra V2
We already discussed the Mantra now we discuss Mantra V2, the updated version of the original. It is not just a normal upgrade over the original as it offers you to choose between different speed gears, you can also choose from single hub speed to a seven-speed setting, either way, the performance is outstanding.
These are some best features of the bike are:
- Caliper Brakes
- Seven-speed Version
- Light and Flat Pedals
The caliper brakes make the Mantra V2 terrific stopping power. I think it is a huge upgrade over the original. You have to spend a bit extra but the value is so much here that you shouldn’t let it go!
Things To Consider While Going For A Bike
The very first thing that you need to keep in mind while going for a bike is comfort. If you are not finding yourself comfortable in a bike, it would be futile to go for it, even if it is the best model in the market. Retrospec bikes keep your comfort in mind and manufacture products that are completely comfortable for your ride.
The second factor that contributes to your bike purchase is safety. Is the bike you are going for safe enough? If not, will it be a good choice to go for it? Make sure to have a test of the safety of your bike before making your mind, it will help.
Other factors include design, style, material, and mechanical systems.
Conclusion
Retrospec Bikes started their journey in 2009 and now are one of the biggest market sellers of single-speed bikes. The company looks forward to making high-quality, durable, styling, and safe bikes that make your ride comfortable and entertaining.
Retrospec bikes provide high-quality bikes at many affordable rates without compromising the quality. Also, there is a wide range of products available in the market that provides you with plenty of features and benefits.