SPECIFICATIONS:
| Model | JAVA X1-7S-D (7S = 7-Speed, D = Disc Brakes) |
| Unfolded size (mm) | L1160 X W520 X H950 |
| Folded size (mm) | L650 X W350 X H560 |
| Frame size (mm) | 210 |
| Weight | Approximately 10-11 KG |
| Frame materials | Aluminium |
| Rim materials | Aluminum quick release |
| Tire | CST City Comfort 14" |
| Hub | QUANDO quick release |
| Shifter | Shimano Revoshift(grip shift) |
| Gear Cassette | Shimano 11-28T |
| Derailleur | 7 Speeds Shimano Tourney (SIS specifications) |
| Front wheel brakes | Disc brake |
| Rear wheel brakes | Disc brake |
FROM MANUFACTURER WEBSITE:
FRAME ALUMINUM 6061 CITY FOLDING
WEIGHT 10.5KG
COLOR WHITE/RED/BLACK/GEER/RED
WHEELSIZE 14
MAX RIDER WEIGHT 100kg
FOLDING TIME 15 SEC
CRANKSET MPE 52T *165MM
R/DERAILLEUR SHIMANO RD 35
SPEED 7
BRAKE ROTORS SR PG 11-28T
CHAIN C 7S
BRAKES SRAM AVID BB5 DISC
FOLDING SYSTEM JAVA SQC FOLDING
WHEELS KT 14
TIRES CHAOYANG 14*1.5
SEAT POST DECA 33.9*500
SADDLE HG FOLDING
Introduction:
JAVA is a china based bicycle company who's designs are done in Italy... or so they claim. As a relatively new brand, they have some very high-spec bikes for quite reasonable prices. Workmanship and finish on all their products *looks* to be of good-ish quality. Welds, seams, paint, etc. are slightly below par compared to more well established big name brands (Fuji, Cannondale, Specialized, Giant, Trek, etc.). But it's probably a more fair to compare it with brands like Merida, XDS and DiamondBack as they are closer in price bracket for models with identical features. Warranties on the frames range between 3 and 5 years depending on the model.
Price:
I bought my pink one for RM1300 at the JAVA exclusive showroom in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This particular outlet is run by JBS Bikes, a well established chain of bicycle stores in Kuala Lumpur. Their stores are generally very simple, not very flashy or posh, and staffed by one casually dressed, friendly and approachable person. This single staff member is usually the same person who does any maintenance/servicing/repairs, so expect him to have some grease stained hands. I've seen these sell for as much as RM1600, so I was quite happy with the price I got. Generally JAVA's bikes sell for slightly less in Singapore compared to Malaysia.
WHAT I LOVE!
SO COMPACT! If you've done any research into folding bikes, you'd know that Brompton's are the most compact when folded. You'd also know that they are extremely expensive. The cheapest one starts at around 4 times the price of this JAVA. Other compact options are the ORI brand of bikes or imitation Brompton's (Sold under the brand name of Flamingo, MIT and others). The problem with any other 16" or 20" wheel folding bike is that they simply don't fold into a very compact package. They're still bulky and cumbersome to carry up and down stairs and they still take up enough space to make you look like a selfish, inconsiderate, douche on public transport and in lifts (elevators).
Solution? Go small... like 14" wheel small. At this price point, this is the smallest and most compact bicycle you can get. The main reason I bought it is to take it on the train and when I travel for holiday. I love that there are quick release levers for both wheels to make it easily pack into a normal sized suitcase.
GEARS! Other 14" wheel folding bikes I've seen are fixed gear models. Meaning, they won't be as easy to ride uphill. This one has 7 gears to choose from which is plenty more than enough for all the riding you'll do around the local vicinity of train stations. I do prefer trigger shifters, which are fitted as standard to some other folding bikes (even other JAVA models) but I can live with a grip shift. It is smooth and clicks into each gear setting without too much effort. I have sweaty hands and even then, it doesn't get difficult to operate. The small gear number indicator shows which gear you're in also which is a nice touch.
Handles nice! Smaller wheels and shorter wheelbase means a twitchier ride. I did find it a bit awkward at first but I got used to it very quickly. Actually it took me less than a minute of riding to get comfortable with the different feel.
WHAT I DON'T LOVE...
Uncomfortable for Taller Riders! I am 5'7" (170cm). For me, the maximum settings for the handlebar and seat are only JUST right. My leg is in the correct position when fully extended on the pedals, and the handle bar is at a relaxed position and easy to use. If I were any taller, it would start to get a little uncomfortable. Also, when I stand and pedal, my knee sometimes brushes against the handle bar. I can imagine taller riders may actually hit their knees on it.
Gear ratios too short! To me, this is probably the biggest gripe I have with the bike. I find that on all the riding I do, I only use the top 3 gears (5-7). Going any lower just feels like pedaling air. Also, when riding on 0 gradient or slight downhills, I always find myself wanting to shift up higher than gear 7. Two things can be done to fix this. 1. Change to a taller geared rear cassette, or 2. Change to a taller crank gear. Option 1 would be more expensive and require a bit more thought to ensure it's compatible with the derailleur. Option 2, would be my preference as it's more straight forward, and actually what I intend to do.
Seat is hard! Most new bicycles don't come with comfortable seats. However, all JAVA folding bikes come with a wide comfortable *looking* seat. I've only riden it for about 4 hours so far. It may just need some more breaking in. But generally, whenever you buy a new bike, expect to feel the need to upgrade the seat.
Careful going over sharp bumps! With my previous bike, a 26" wheel hardtail, Going over small steps was no issue. With the smaller wheel though, be very careful of bumps or crevices in the road. It's a lot easier for the wheel to get lodged and get yourself thrown over the handlebars. Also, the low height of the chain, especially at the rear means it will make contact with the edge of a small step if you ride over it. As for the chain/ derailleur touching the ground when you bank/lean in turns, that's no problem. The clearance is sufficient for the lean angles that I ride at.
SUMMARY
For ME, this is an IDEAL bike that does everything I need it to. I do plan to make a few improvements to it: namely a taller crank gear (60-68T?), and a more comfortable seat. Before deciding to buy this bike I was looking all over for reviews but couldn't find any. Hopefully this helps others with their purchasing decision.
Be sure to read my follow up review after 3 months of owning the bike:
Great review! Thks
ReplyDeleteGreat review! Thks
ReplyDeletesaddle heigt ? Ground to saddle
ReplyDeleteSorry, can't tell you as I no longer have the bike. It has been sold.
DeleteGreat review
ReplyDelete