Mach City Munich 21 Speed (2016) : ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

The Munich 21 Speed 2016 comes with a full steel frame. This frame is constructed using the TIG or the Tungsten Insert Gas Arc welding method. What separates TIG welding from most other welding processes is the way the arc is created. This process is slow but produces the highest quality weld. Due to this the smallest and most crucial weld joints are stronger than ever in steel. Keeping aside the heaviness that steel brings along with it, the strength of the frame is something which will make the bicycle last for a long time. The threadless forks on the Munich 21 Speed is flatter rather than the usual round shape and hence gives a slightly aero outlook to it which unknowingly might assist while trying to pedal faster.

The overall uplift of the Mach City bicycles have mainly been on the design front and the Munich 21 Speed is no different. The Munich has its inspiration from the iBikeês down tube and the Tranceês seat tube bulge. These features make this bicycle to look like any other Hybrid bicycle in the market. The Munich 21 speed comes in just 1 colour variant, black primary with green secondary colour. The matching green break cables along with a fluorescent green forks add an aesthetic look to the bicycle.

Like any other hybrid bicycle in this price range, the Munich 21 Speed 2016 also comes with the basic Shimano Tourney gearing at both the front and rear derailleurs. This entry level MTB gearing component performs to its level with no real major negatve feedback from the test ride. These gears do their job well for the short city commutes and fitness rides. Even though there was a slow reaction time on the gearing to take effect at the rear, these werenêt niggles which were big enough to affect the riding experience too much. The Shimano EZ fire shifters with their bold displays makes it easy for beginner riders to identify which gear combination they are on. The thumb and index shift levers were in good reach from the grips and with no real discomfort.

The braking department in the Munich 21 Speed 2016 sprung no surprises. The SYPO Alloy V-brakes had sleek brake pads which werenêt the most reactive. Donêt expect to come to a sudden halt in this bicycle without hearing a bit of screech from the braking component. I tried using the normal interval braking method and I was able to come to a halt from high speeds comfortably and felt safe as well. The alloy brake levers is not the most comfortable for three finger braking if you have small palms as reach becomes a problem. Otherwise the levers were easy to use.

The Handlebar in the Munich 21 Speed 2016 were nice and wide which made me feel comfortable due to the open chested posture. Also with the minimal raise I was able to ride upright without being too aggressive.

The Slick 700C x 35C Nylon tires on the Munich 21 Speed 2016 makes the cycle what it is, a pure Hybrid bicycle. These tires were well supported by the alloy rims which are light in weight and was definitely zipping through traffic during the test ride. The treads were subtly placed covering the centre and the edges to make sure there is enough traction even while cornering. The Rexine PU Saddle on the Munich 21 Speed looked good but had bulky rounded edges than an ergonomical shape which might bring in some soreness during long distance rides. The overall ride quality was smooth on flat urban roads but can be teeth rattling when rolling over curbs and speed breakers.