Bottom bracket has sealed bearings. Value: a very cost effective bicycle. 1.)

For some, the gear ratio was too high for tackling steeper hills. For some of us, the Harper is about as good as a bike needs to be.

The Retrospec Harper is cheap, not just compared to other fixies and singlespeeds, but when compared to all other options for a commuter. I dont complain about new bikes costing so much these days, since I have chosen the option of keeping things simple.

RevoShift shifters make changing gears easy, convenient, and safe with their positioning on the handlebars.Precision RidingFront and rear alloy brakes guarantee a precise and safe ride combined with Shimano 7-speed drivetrain and RevoShift grip shifters providing the ultimate control. It was definitely an upgrade for that bike. My gear selection limits my top speed but is necessary for me to conquer the local hills.

However, I am concerned about cornering too quickly on a rough road or cobblestones, simply because High Tensile steel is not as responsive as a Reynolds or Columbus frame. It wasnt uncommon to find reports of the pedals falling out of the crank thread after low miles.

DescriptionOur city-dwelling 7-speed cycle has something for every type of urban rider. Frame Size: 53 cm.

Generic, alloy and totally adequate.

The componentry is bargain-basement, with riders reporting breakage of wheels, hubs, tires, chains, and handlebars in under two weeks of riding. My thanks to my friend Tony, for his assistance and editing this review. The gloss paint and finish is a big draw. Combat Bay Area inclines, flat Chicago-land boroughs, and tight New York one-ways with this top-notch hybrid.

The parts selection is mostly non-branded components that function well, doing the job asked of them. For example, if you find a bike for $480 that we have listed at $500, we will offer you to buy it for $432 through BikeRide.

Freewheel: 16 tooth. A high tensile steel frame is used by Retrospec for the Harper. So please consider the stand over height before purchasing this bike. If you were flying down a winding mountain road with professional riders, you would likely not be able to match their stopping power. Believe me, I have those wheels very well-greased and adjusted for a very low rolling resistance.

Although, it is a bit heavy at 25 lbs. In summary, this is what cyclists think. The parts selection is mostly non-branded components that function well, doing the job asked of them. Were committed to making sure that the cost of a bike does not keep you from cycling! Its a promise we stand behind: If you find a lower price on a bike elsewhere, we will sell it to you for 10% less. If you order a frame size that has always worked for you in the past, please note that this bike has a high bottom bracket. The Flip-Flop rear hub allows the option of riding in either singlespeed or fixed-gear mode. 3.) Crank Set: 46 tooth steel chainring. Single speed and fixed gear bikes with the highest BikeRide Scores, See all Single Speed and Fixed Gear bikes. The brakes and most other components on this bike would likely not be found in modern day, professional level pelotons of the Tour de France.

110 mm BCD, accommodating a smaller chainring than the 130mm BCD chainsets. In a number of instances, cranks suddenly snapped. A single speed is a lot more work than a multi-gear bike.

*Please note that due to availability issues related to the pandemic, tire color may slightly vary from what is shown in the photo. BikeRide is reader-supported, and sometimes we receive commissions for links you click on. 2020 Urban Cycling Bike Shop Policies & Shipping Privacy Accessibility. The Retrospec Harper comes with a chainguard, but without mounts to attach it.

With the smaller chainring, I spin at a higher RPM, as I do on any other bike I ride.

The Harper is everything a good single speed should be. 16 tooth generic that made sounds like popcorn popping and had a dangerous tendency to occasionally not engage while riding in very cold weather. I became interested in single speeds during a 2009 trip to East Africa, while working there on bicycles. If you find a lower price, email us at [emailprotected] with documentation of the price.

The plastic pedals themselves, are one of the least favorite components. It is straight gauge and not seamless.

At your own pace, of course. You see, the Africans use their bicycles as many westerners use sedans and Ford F-150s. Small sizes (49cm) disappointed riders of shorter statures. I should disclose that I initially transferred the stock wheels from this Retrospec and used them on another, far more expensive bike. This is explained by the fact that it is heavy for a fixie, but light for an average commuter.

Rear triangle could have been better aligned. Stem too short for frame size. One of the factors that really appealed to buyers of the Retrospec Harper, is the wide range of color choices and combinations available.

Cornering with the Harper is a joy.

I replaced this freewheel with a new Shimano FS 1200. Fixed Cog: 16 tooth. BikeRide finds and shows you the best prices of the bikes you want to buy. Beautiful, professional level paintjob.

To summarize performance; the Harper is stiff and almost harsh on bumpy roads but performs all tasks well. We search for prices on over 120 bike retailers to guarantee that we find the lowest prices to save you time and money. Reviewers who received instructions, described them as being very easy to follow.

As such, Retrospec has recently responded to customer demand by offering larger 28C width tires as standard, to cope with rougher terrain. The combination of average-quality brake pads (that many reported as wearing out quickly) and painted rims, was a recipe for compromised stopping power.

BikeRide works hard to help you find the lowest prices and information on each bike from the widest possible range of sources. If you are riding a version of this bike with only a coaster brake and you lose a chain on a long downhill run you could be killed. I feel confident cornering fast on smooth roads. According to many reports, it can be easily assembled within fifteen minutes, from scratch.

This informs the choice of the Retrospec Harper for many riders. We have read all expert and user reviews on the Retrospec Harper. The coaster-brake option provided the simplest possible version of this bike, negating the need for brake-setup or assembly. For starters, the Harper is a fairly well built machine with an excellent paintjob. There is no amount of money that even the most wealthy 170 lb cyclist could spend, that could result in a lower total weight of bike and rider than whatthis bike and I weigh: 174 lb combined. 1996 - 2022 bikeride.com Elite CafeMedia Publisher.

2.)

Riders were often pleased with the provision of fittings for dual bottle cages, in addition to eyelets for front and rear racks.

Many consumers described the hi-tensile steel frame as impressively lightweight. For every person that found the Harper to be a featherweight, just as many described it as being very heavy. Commuters were satisfied with the gear ratio, for riding on all kinds of low hills and flat terrain. The step-thru style frame makes it easy to mount and perfect for any age, stature, or style (dress & skirt friendly!). Combined with front and rear alloy brakes, the Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, and RevoShift grip shifters ensure utmost control and precision.Construction & SafetyThe Beaumont-7 helps you take control of your ride with a Shimano rear derailleur and RevoShift grip shifter for smoother, faster, and easier transitions. Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 6:00pmSat: 9:00am - 5:00pmSun: 10:00am - 5:00pm. No noted discomfort. For certain people, the saddle was uncomfortable. My greatest competitor is me! If you are riding any fixed gear bicycle at a high rate of speed and your shoelace becomes entangled in the chainring, you could be seriously injured. However, the 39 inch wheelbase and frame geometry demand that you keep extra alert while riding. As a solo rider, I never worry about having to keep up with anyone. The Retrospec Harper is about as basic as a bicycle can be, other than a coaster brake bike.

Minimal working parts often equate to minimal maintenance. Its relatively lightweight (for a bike in this price range) and simple in both design and construction.

This makes the Retrospec Harper bike a simple, enjoyable and affordable choice. But if you do get to ride in the Tour de France, dont worry, they will get you better brakes.

Due to non-standard sizing, they were too large for use. Pair that with Beaumonts robust 700x35C tires for reliable gripping and improved shock absorption. The original chainring was a steel 46 tooth, I replaced this with a new Origin-8 alloy 38t. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. This Retrospec model can not fit both caliper brakes and a fender at the same time. This bike has room to fit beefier road tire widths.

A large number of reports mentioned a lack of instructions. This bike can turn a corner or change lanes simply by thinking about it.

I replaced the original with a 38 tooth alloy ring. However, I think the rewards and satisfaction found in riding one is far greater than modern bikes with their endless bells and whistles. Freewheel was noisy. Some buyers received packages with vital parts missing, including the saddle and pedals. It was there that I came to realize that a good single speed is all I need.

Plastic and vinyl, with steel rails.

This lower gear helps to level the local hills and likely saves my knees from the stress inflicted by climbing with the bigger 46 tooth chainring. It doesnt hurt that I am also a big fan of the long ago Tours of France, when such bikes were king. The hubs are loose ball, which is good for me, as I enjoy spending quiet time with grease and wrenches. The original 46 tooth chainring looks good hanging on the wall or perhaps for future projects. The bike must be the same color and size, sold in the US and not include the use of a coupon.

Weight: 25 lbs. The brakes and most other components. This high tensile steel frame seems lighter than some of the other bikes in this category and is a delightfully stiff platform on hard out-of-the-saddle climbs.

Personally, I am thankful to be free from the derailleur and all those cables, after so many years. Hubs are loose ball bearings. However, those parts would very likely suit you well while travelling through some of those same mountains in France. Prices constantly change and its impossible to compare them all yourself.

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