Montra Helicon Disc (2018) - Review

The Montra Helicon Disc (2018) is built on a full aluminium alloy frame. The frame geometry was comfortable whilst still performance focused for riding fast on city roads. This frame isn’t the lightest but the flat top tubes and bladed rigid forks make the ride responsive and also absorbed some amount of vibration off the surface. This is categorized as an urban sport hybrid and that is because of this alloy frame's capability to handle rough city roads.

The gearing department on this successful hybrid has not seen any change in the 218 version. The entry level Shimano Tourney front and rear derailleurs performed up to its usual standards with slight glitches in the front derailleur. The 21-Speed Shimano ST-EF4 trigger shifters seems better to operate this year with improved response time and smooth shifting. Whilst gearing was good on city roads there are still limitations to the transmission. Let us hope we see an upgrade to Shimano Altus very soon on this bicycle.

The 217 version of the Helicon came in 2 colours; Matte black and Matte white. This year while the Matte black has been retained there is a new colour variant which was the one I test rode. This frame came in a full chrome colour with black and red graphics. The hexagonal shaped patterns on the top tube adds a stylish outlook to this bicycle. Whilst going chrome is a bold move the quality of the chrome paint job wasn’t up to the mark and did not quite blend with the secondary red and black colours.

From V- brakes on the 216 Helicon at Rs.14,5 to the disc brake upgrade in 217, the Helicon has come a long way. The Radius Mechanical disc brakes on the Helicon Disc 218 were perfect for all braking needs inside the city especially amidst traffic. The brakes felt balanced and safe to use when interval braking and jamming them as well.The XMR steel handlebar with a width of 62mm is exactly the same as last year. This wide handlebar gives great steering control while the slight raise from the middle keeps the riding posture comfortable.

This hybrid bicycles rolls on a pair of 65B or 27.5 inch tires. These tires are the same as last year and are not only fast but provide good traction on both wet and dry roads in the city. The 65B XMR alloy rims not only add to the aesthetic quotient of this bicycle but they are also shaped in a way to give a slight aero push to the rolling resistance. The XMR saddle wasn’t the most ergonomic but they were padded well and will keep the rider sore free. The overall ride quality was comfortable on urban roads.