Btwin Ultra 700 (2017) - Review

The Btwin Ultra 7 has been designed with Btwin's Evo Vario concept. The frame is made using aluminium alloy which is perfect to achieve an excellent propulsion-to-comfort ratio. The variable thickness tubes reduce the overall weight significantly, and ensures supreme performance on all kinds of terrain – tested on cobblestones, rugged roads and smooth city roads. The performance on all terrains was impeccable. The integrated cabling, and positioning of the rear brake under the chain stays point to the fact that this bicycle has been designed to be aerodynamic. This bicycle uses a Btwin Ultra Evo Vario carbon fork. The combination of a carbon and aluminium frame offers ideal collaboration between the frame and fork. The fork absorbs shock felt from riding on cobblestones, and/or bumpy, rough terrain efficiently.

The Btwin Ultra 7 AF comes equipped with a complete Shimano 15 drivetrain. The 22-speed bicycle is a mean machine when on the road, tackling climbs and flat roads with ease. The compact chainset offers for crisp, seamless shifting which is pleasing when you are looking for that immediate push in power. The shifting was lag-free, it should be considering it is after all Shimano 15 enabled – which at this price point is quite spectacular. The 22-speed shifting is controlled by Shimano Shifters which require the slightest click to shift. Super smooth and comfortable. Kudos, Btwin.

Btwin has hit one out of the park with their designing of this year's range of bicycles. The Ultra 7 AF is a great example of the same. Their design team has done their best to keep the colouring and branding clean and simple; this enhances the pleasant aesthetics of the bicycle and makes it look classy and sleek. This bicycle is sure to be a head turner while on the road. The bicycle comes in a single-color option – a dark blue, light blur frame with simple white branding and pink bar tape. The combination may seem a bit odd, but I will say that it looks great!

The Btwin Ultra 7 AF comes equipped with Shimano 15 direct mount brakes. The brakes in the front are placed as close to the fork as possible and the rear brakes are placed under the chain stays – this is done to make the frame design as aerodynamic as possible. The braking was extremely powerful, and is great for fast-paced riders looking for powerful and reliable braking. The braking was as effective on both dry and wet terrain on the test ride. The only minus with the rear brake positioning is its affinity to accumulate dirt faster, owing to its position being much closer to the ground. This bicycle comes equipped with a compact Btwin handlebar that is sized to the bicycle. The compact shape is now the most common in a peloton, enabling the rider to place their hands on the drop bar without being in an overly aggressive, strained riding position. I found the riding position extremely comfortable when I tested this bicycle out.

The Btwin Ultra 7 comes equipped with fast rolling, Sleek, Kenda tires mounted on a 28mm high wheel. The front wheel has been designed with 2 spokes and the rear wheel with 24. This is done to ensure stability, yet reduce the weight of the wheels. The saddle on this bicycle is the Btwin Comp Chromo Ergonomic Saddle. I found the saddle to be quite comfortable and plush. The major plus point here is that while the saddle is slightly hard, it's ergonomic design makes it comfortable on short and long rides alike. It does not have the squishiness of many “comfort-oriented” saddles, yet it is one of the most comfortable stock saddles on a bicycle.