Hercules Roadeo A 200 26 (2016) : ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

The frame on the Roadeo A 200 26 2016 is a mech formed 6061 alloy frame. This frame material, quality and weld process are mostly found in adult bicycles meant for performance. This shows that the frame offering is above what is usually expected on a bicycle at this price. Teenagers will be happy that there is low weight bicycle available in their range when compared to heavy steel companions.

The threadless steel front suspension fork is a sub 70mm with smaller and cylindrical pistons. It barely used half of the travel but was just enough to roll over speed breakers and pot holes. The single pivot link rear suspension is not to be confused with the rear suspensions found on adult MTB's. These suspensions are merely an add on feature which to reduce the vibration of the road before it gets transferred to the saddle.

The flatter top and bottom tubes decrease some weight of the bicycles and also makes it look sleek. The bicycle we test rode came in white/red colour combination and looked simple with no stand out graphics. The colour coded white and red brake and gear cables make it easier for teenagers who are new to geared bicycles understand the functionality better. The manufacturer also gives a lead grey/blue colour variant.

As expected the Roadeo A 200 26 2016 came with a Shimano Tourney groupset. At this price point, it is possible for the manufacturer to only provide the bare minimum when it comes to gearing. During the test ride the gearing was noisy and the gear changes dint take effect immediately, it took a few pedals for the chain to fall in place. Not just this model but all of the bicycles in the Roadeo series have completely moved away from grip shifters and on to thumb shifters which are way more comfortable and precise. As it was in the Roadeo A 200 26 2016.

The Roadeo A 200 26 2016 is one of the very few bicycles in the Indian market right now which provides a combination of Disc brakes at the front and V-brakes at the rear. This gives the edge in braking due to the mechanical disc brakes but also keep the price at check with the simple V-brakes at the rear.¾ The integrated brake levers felt comfortable in hand reach and reacted well too.

The stock handlebar on the Roadeo A 200 26 2016 isn't quite the MTB standard mainly due to its steep raise making the riders position more of a straight back. This handlebar position was actually comfortable during the test ride and is the right fit for city conditions.

As the bicycle name suggests the Roadeo A 200 is a 26'' x 2.125'' tire variant. There is also a 24'' tire variant to this model. These tires had the perfect MTB quality with thick and evenly spaced out treads. During the test ride these tires rolled over pot holes and rough roads with ease. The softer and wide PU saddle felt cushioned enough but the lack of a ergonomical design will bring in a discomfort if taken on 40km+ rides. The over-all ride quality was good for short distances but it could became stressful if taken on longer rides or rougher surfaces.