Bike Ark Daz - Hybrid 21-Speed (2018) - Review

The Bike Ark Daz is built around a Hi-Ten steel frame. The frame geometry is very simple and focuses completely on comfort. Yes, steel is a heavier component but the usage and design of the tubes has made this bicycle competitive in weight and not difficult to pedal on climbs.This is a rigid hybrid bicycle with no front suspension fork. The steel fork is bladed in shape and don’t add any extra weight to the bicycle. The lack of a suspension will be felt only when riding over really bad roads and non-tar surfaces. If your ride is going to be primarily on flat roads then this frame and fork is very responsive and strong.

This is Bike Ark's first every multi-speed bicycle and is equipped with a Shimano Tourney TZ3 in the front and Shimano TZ5 at the rear. Even though Tourney are the most basic gearing system in Shimano's Hybrid/MTB hierarchy, these derailleur components are from the latest Tourney range which is not offered in most of the competitor hybrids in this price range. The shifting was smooth and no lag experienced during the test ride.

This is the department in which Bike Ark has always excelled in from the beginning. The Daz hybrid which I test rode came in a dual colour Black/Gold frame with a shiny gloss finish. The top tube, headset and front rim is in gold and rest of the bicycle is pitch black. This contrasting colour combination definitely stood out. The rear deep dish rim and front mag wheels add an enormous amount of aesthetic appeal to the Daz.

The Power high performance caliper brakes on the Daz were not the most powerful but did the job well on flat roads and at moderate speeds. Sudden braking isn’t the quickest in stopping. Normal V-brakes as found on standard hybrids would have been a better component for braking performance. Do watch out for any change in braking components in the near future.The 6mm rider handlebar was perfect in length and gave the rider an upright riding posture.

The Kenda 7x35c tires on the Daz were fast rolling and perfectly suited for urban roads. Both fast corners and quick maneuvering in traffic felt safe to use. The stock saddle on this bicycle was ergonomically designed and keeps the rider comfortable and soreness free on urban roads. The overall ride quality was comfortable.