Urban Trail H1 (2015) : ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

The aluminium frameset in the Urban Trail H1 has neatly shaped mainframe tubes, formed to achieve maximum weld contact areas at the joints, plus stiffness and vibration absorption where it is useful. The frame is well put together and finished with a stealthy black overcoat that's difficult to scuff in normal use. The compact frame configuration means the top tube has loads of standover room and the seat post extension is long.

The Shimano Tourney/Altus combination as the front and rear gears on the Urban Trail H1 shifted smoothly almost throughout the test period and the Shimano EF-51 21 speed shifters make it ideal for beginners. Slight lag in gear shifting was experienced while on the bigger gears. But, this could have been avoided by using the same Shimano gearing at the front and rear rather than mixing it up, like how it has been done for the H1. There is a clear lack of high gearing power required to push the rider, when it comes to hilly terrain.

Braking on budget hybrid bicycles is often disappointing, but not here. The design of the custom rim brakes is very similar to that of branded ones: they come with proper cartridge pads and offer plenty of feel. During the test ride they were impressive in the dry weather and excelled on quick descents and stoppages. The well-modulated Shimano brake levers are placed in a perfect hand position and feel smooth and quick to operate.

The Zoom Alloy flat handlebar on the H1 is well suited for fast paced urban riding with a good 25mm raise, giving the rider a perfect ride position for quick manoeuvrability.

The Urban Trail H1's 700c wheelset is well built and has fairly deep section rims that gave a few click sounds on rough grounds, but they are tough enough to handle occasional trail surfaces in the city. The H1 comes with a 700x25C Wanda tires, which have fast rolling treads.

The overall comfort isn't quite up to the level of the specs. The rider position is well suited to do a bit of long-distance riding as well, and the stock saddle, with its subtle shape and high-density padding, proved comfortable enough for a hybrid bicycle.¾