Montra Fixie (2017): ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

I had the opportunity to review the Fixie . Like I’ve said earlier the looks of the Fixie swept me away on first sight. Let’s focus closer on the frame, fit and overall comfort now. The frame is a 700c steel frame, while slightly on the heavier side, the frame looks much better than it feels on the road. On taking the Fixie out for a spin, the frame has a distinctive heaviness to it while I was pedaling away and clearly you can see that the frame plays a huge role in the bicycles overall weight. While I point out the not so good factors about the frame one huge positive is that the frame is built to last. This bicycle is targeted primarily at urban commuters and in my head these cyclists will need bicycles that are built to last and not necessarily what is required to outpace another cyclist.

The Montra Fixie struck all the right chords when it came to the design department, from looks to colour combinations, even the paint finish on the frame is absolutely spot on. Design in terms of the Fixie is very minimal and nothing off the top incredible. Two things that really stand out when you look at the Fixie, is the red coloured tires and the super ergonomic XMR Seat, which is very comfortable (more on that later). Overall I was extremely content with the way the Fixie looked with respect to design and colour schemes.

This is one department where I think the Fixie lacked aplomb, and to a great deal. Me, being slightly built (at 6feet & 83kgs), while taking the Fixie out for a spin the extremely narrow handle bars felt like a youth bicycle handlebar. The handlebar was very uncomfortable and was made even worse by the factory fitted Montra grips, which made my hands slip ever so often. Consequently, with super uncomfortable steering the braking was not too bad though. The brakes were overall very responsive and when coupled with the pushback of the pedals, the Fixie stopped with ease even at higher speeds. The brake levers were also comfortable to hold and press down on when required. Therefore the radius alloy V-Brakes did a good job at the end of the day.

Ride quality on the Fixie is top class, the narrow sleek XMR saddle gives excellent cushioning and overall a super comfortable ride. The riding position for me was a little uncomfortable due to the narrow width of the handelbars. The Montra Fixie houses a reversible rear hub, which is great because it gives you a choice of riding the bicycle with a fixed hub or choosing the freewheel option as well. When I got onto the saddle, the pedaling position was very comfortable, though it took me quite some energy to get to top speed. Once I reached a comfortable speed the kickback of the pedals assisted me to keep pushing but I didn’t exert as much energy as required from the freewheel option. It sort of felt like pedaling assistance, but keep in mind while commuting, this can happen on nice long open roads, but in city traffic with the number of start stops your legs will be extremely fatigued by the numerous times you try this tactic. Overall comfortable riding quality and big positive is the comfortable and super looking saddle that comes along with the bike.