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

by Simon Ananda Raj May 19, 2025 1 min read

Bike Ark is a new Indian bicycle brand in the market and started off with fixed gears bicycles. The stylish design and custom colour options were unique to the fixie market in India. Recently Bike Ark launched their hybrid series of bicycles with multiple colour and size options. We got the opportunity to test ride the Bike Ark Cruz and here is what we thought.

A comfortable, fast and a good looking hybrid bicycle suitable for urban commuting and fitness rides.

Simon Ananda Raj

Bike Ark Cruz - Hybrid 21 Speed (2018)

Snapshot

3.9

Product Rating Out of 5

Performance 3.9

Design 4.1

Features 3.7

Value for Money 3.7
THINGS WE LIKE

✔ Aesthetic design

✔ Smooth 21-Speed drivetrain

✔ Fast rolling 700c Kenda tires

THINGS WE DON'T LIKE

✖ Moderate braking performance

✖ N/A

✖ N/A
Frame

Hi-Tensile Steel

The frame geometry is very simple and focuses completely on comfort.
Fork

Hi-Tensile Steel

The steel fork is bladed in shape and doesn’t add any extra weight to the bicycle.
Gearing

Shimano Tourney 3x7-Speed

The Shimano Tourney 21-Speed derailleurs were smooth and precise in shifting.
Breaks

Power V-Brakes

The Power Caliper brakes were not the quickest nor the most powerful but keeps the rider safe on moderate speeds in the city.
Tires

Kenda 700x35c

The Kenda 700x35c tires were fast rolling on urban roads.
Battery

N/A

N/A

: The Bike Ark Cruz 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 doesn’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 majorly on flat roads then this frame and forks are responsive and strong.

This Hi-Ten steel rigid frame comes in 2 frame sizes; 52cm and 54cm
: 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 is 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 hybrid in this price range. The shifting was smooth and no lag experienced during the test ride.

The Shimano Tourney TZ 3/5 21-Speed derailleurs were smooth and precise in shifting
: This is the department in which Bike Ark has always excelled in from the beginning. The Cruz hybrid, which I test rode came in a full black frame with a shiny gloss finish and white graphics in a few places The Gold Mag rims at the front and back wheels add an enormous amount of aesthetic appeal to the Cruz.

The Cruz comes in 2 colour variants; Black frame with Gold Mag wheels and Black frame with Black Mag wheels
: The Power high performance caliper brakes on the Cruz was 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 riser handlebar was perfect in length and gave the rider an upright riding posture.

The Power Caliper brakes were not the quickest nor the most powerful but keeps the rider safe on moderate speeds in the city
: The Kenda 7x35c tires on the Cruz were fast rolling and perfectly suitable for urban roads. Both fast corners and quick maneuvering in traffic felt safe. 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.

The Kenda 7x35c tires were fast rolling on urban roads

: Provide the answer to the question here.

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: This hybrid bicycle is comfortable to ride with smooth and precise gear shifting. The dual colour shade with deep dish and mag wheel rims enhance the aesthetic appeal of this bicycle. The 2 frame sizes and 2 colour options are positive to this hybrid. Priced at Rs.17,999(as on 3rd December 218) the Bike Ark Cruz is an ideal choice for anyone looking to buy a bicycle for urban commuting, fitness rides and occasional long weekend rides.Prices are subject to change by the brand, without due notice.