Montra Timba 1.1 (2016) : ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

The 6061 alloy frame used in the Timba speak volumes about the build quality of this frame. Montra has termed it as a comfort geometry and that is true. Comfort is the number one importance for Hybrid bicycles and the Montra Timba 1.1 2016 is a true comfort oriented bicycle. The alloy frame material is used more in places where it is most needed and has been cut down in places where there is not much alloy necessary. This has drastically reduced the weight of the bicycle. The rigid steel fork in the Timba 1.1 is as good as any alloy fork which could have been used.

The Timba 1.1 which I test rode came in a full matte black primary colour with a fluorescent shade in some parts of the bicycle. On the design front, the Timba's frame has some neat and performance oriented shapes. The top tube is flat on the top and circular below. This flat shape is also used in the top of the seat stay from the back of the seat tube. This flatter design will also help evenly distribute the rider's weight on the bicycle. The internal cable routing is a nice aesthetic touch to a bicycle at this price.

The Montra Timba 1.1 2016 comes with a full Shimano Altus groupset. Technically, the Altus does comes under the MTB gearing group of Shimano but the use of entry level MTB components on Hybrid bicycles such as the Timba is due to the smaller gear ratio to suit the minor elevation and drops and also the quick changes in speed which is required while riding inside the city. During the test ride, the gearing worked seamlessly without much complaints. The only real negative was that the gearing was a noisy affair which gave the feel of a loose derailleur, especially at the rear. The Shimano Altus shifters were comfortable to use and were placed in perfect hand position with no extra pressure required from the fingers than what is necessary.

The ProMax alloy V-brakes on the Timba 1.1 2016 are pretty much standard as seen on most Hybrid bicycles in this price range. They functioned well during the test ride with a safe and fast braking experience. But the brakes required frequent interval braking while going at higher speeds. Jamming the brakes are not advisable since this bicycle doesn't balance both the front and back brakes accurately. The Shimano brake lever were of good length which made sure the reach from the handlebar grips were comfortable.

The Zoom alloy handlebar was of an extended length which made the riding position comfortable for both shorter and longer rides. The padded grips with an extended support for the palms were a good addition and the usefulness of this can be felt on longer rides.

The Kenda Kourier 700C x 35C hybrid tires were well supported by the XMR double walled alloy rims. The wheelset were not heavy and the sleek tires helped the rolling speed of the bicycle. The treads on these tires were well spaced out and performs with the same balance and traction on wet conditions as well. The Montra specific Velo saddles felt good on the sit bones but end of the saddle could have had more cutting edges than the bulkier extra padding. The overall ride quality was smooth and fast on tarmacs.