Montra Blues 1.2D (2019) - Review

The Montra Blues 1.2D (2019) comes with a 661 Alloy frame. This frame looks the same as the previous year's version with the geometry also remaining the same. But there does seem to be a lot of work gone into the engineering of the frame which has ensured the bicycle is lighter than last year. The slanting top tube as always makes this a perfect unisex hybrid bicycle.This bicycle comes with a front suspension fork. The SR Suntour Suspension Fork comes with a working travel of 5mm and a useful suspension lockout. The lockout helps ride efficiently on flatter surfaces.

The gearing department stays the same as the 218 version, equipped with Shimano Altus at the front and Shimano Acera at the rear as derailleurs. These mid-level Shimano hybrid derailleurs worked smoothly during the test ride with absolutely no glitches in the gear transmissions. The Shimano Altus 24-Speed shifters were easy to use.

The Blues 1.2D (2019) which I test rode came in a Black primary colour and a unique Gold secondary colour for the graphics and text. This is the first time the Blues 1.2 has gone without any blue shade on the bicycle. The Black/Gold combination was aesthetic and the smooth matte finish paint job enhanced the colours and graphics immensely. The internal cable routing is a first time feature on this bicycle.

There is a surprise in the braking department with Shimano's M315 Hydraulic Disc brakes. This is the first ever hybrid bicycle from Montra to feature Hydraulic Disc brakes. These brakes were powerful and had a fast response time when sudden braking in traffic and even on fast turns. Hydraulic brakes from Shimano are considered to be one of the best and were top notch in performance and well up to expectation on a hybrid bicycle.The XMR Zoom Alloy handlebar with a slight raise from the middle made the shoulder position relaxed. The ergo handlebar grips was a highlight with extended padding for the palms to rest on, there was very minimal vibration felt on the arms when riding over bumps.

The Blues 1.2D (2019) rolls on a pair of Kenda 7 x 35C hybrid tires. These tires were perfect for speed and provided good traction which made it easy to ride on wet and bumpy roads. The Montra Saddle was aesthetically deigned with the perfect length and width which made sure the rider is comfortable on longer rides.