My search for a road bike ended with a hybrid. It only took 3 days to convince myself that it “was” the bike I had been searching for. I have been riding ACT 103 for over a year now. It is a decent MTB, but MTB nonethless. (I have changed its knobby tyres to a slick pair, so it is a bit fast.)
It’s been a week since I bought 110, but I only used it for commuting. I was waiting for an opportunity to test if it could be used for short trips. ECR was long due, so went for a jaunt that stretched the limit of both the bike and the owner. I circumnavigated the southern suburbs of Chennai. The route was this: Chitlapakkam-Medawakkam-Sholinganallur-police outpost on ECR-Muthukadu-Thiruvanmiyur-TIDEL Park-Raj Bhavan-Saidapet-Ashok Pillar-Saidapet-Guindy-Meenambakkam-Chromepet-Chitapakkam. Total distance covered: 75km. Time: ~4 hours. I haven’t fitted Cateye Strada yet, so could not calculate the exact time. Also, I combined a personal work with the ride, and had to kill time between 9:00am and 10:30am.
Now to the bike.
Positives:
It was a breeze riding this bike. I haven’t ridden Treks, Meridas, and other videshi bikes, but this was super fast compared to my other bike, ACT 103. It could be the aluminium frame, 21 gears, 700cX27 tyres, or a combination of all these, but I could accelerate at will. On bad roads, the frame held well, and on ECR, it cruised like the falcon. The Tourney rear derailleur, though basic, worked like magic; gear shifting was butter smooth. The C050 front derailleur was ok, though I didn’t face any problem. V-brakes were adequate.
Limitations:
The highest gear combination (42X14) was found wanting once I had set into a nice rhythm and wanted to go really fast. After all, it is a hybrid, so has its limitations. After riding for 30 to 45 minutes without break, my wrists became numb. Again, may be, I am not used to the aggressive posture. Only another trip will tell.
To sum up:
I found it very good. One of the best-looking Indian bikes I have seen. Fit and finish and paint quality are all top notch. Will it retain its quality trip after trip? Will update after sometime.
Technical Specifications:
Frame: 19″; Aluminium 6061
Front Derailleur: Shimano C050;- 24-34-42
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tourney 7 speed; 28-24-22-20-18-16-14
Headset: Promax
Shifters: Shimano ST-EF50
Wheels: 700X35C; 28″
Quick release for the seat post and front wheel.
Finally, a couple of pictures:
Hi .. congrats on your new bike. Could you please mention the cost? Guess you would have bought this at chennai. I might be buying this at blr.
Comment by Venkat — August 31, 2009 @ 4:36 pm |
Hi Venkat,
I got it for 10K. A bottle holder with bottle, a hand pump, and a tool kit were also provided.
–Ram
Comment by solitudewriter — August 31, 2009 @ 8:09 pm |
Dear Solitudewriter,
It was nice to read your review. Thank you for writing about it. hmmm I wonder what you mean by aggressive posture. Why do you call this a hybrid?
Giri
Comment by Giridhar — September 10, 2009 @ 10:28 pm |
Hi Giridhar,
Sorry for the delayed reply. Aggressive posture here means leaning forward a bit to be aerodynamic. MTB-Hybrid-Road bike—there are various factors, such as frame, gear ratios, wheel, tire, and handlebar. Hybrid brings the best of both MTB and road bike.
Comment by solitudewriter — September 11, 2009 @ 7:38 pm |
Thank you for your clarification. Appreciated.
Comment by Giridhar — September 11, 2009 @ 8:10 pm
Exactly what I was looking for. I’m planning to get a bicycle & needed to know the gear ratio range provided by the Ryder 110. Atlast found it here.
Thanks.
Comment by dj — October 31, 2009 @ 1:37 pm |
ACT 110 is a good bike; you will like it. This I am saying after 2 months and 750 kilometers of riding.
–Ram
Comment by solitudewriter — October 31, 2009 @ 7:22 pm |
how much the bike weighs?
is it possible to fit carrier to this ryders act 110?
have u tried with some one sitting in the front?will it withstand the weight?
what is the max speed u reached?
Comment by bala — November 19, 2009 @ 12:52 pm |
Hi Bala,
Let me answer your queries in that order:
1. Weight – I haven’t checked it, but it is so light that you can carry it on your shoulder comfortably.
2. Carrier – I have seen some bikers fit a carrier, though I haven’t done for the simple reason that it will spoil the beauty of the bike.
3. Someone sitting in the front? I think 110 is not meant for casual rides through the woods with your beloved person sitting on the top tube. Kidding… Ok, why not ask the other person to accompany you on another bike?
4. Max speed – It depends on a lot of factors. Till date, my max is 43kmph, I think.
Comment by solitudewriter — November 19, 2009 @ 7:44 pm |