After 1 year
Initially, I held considerable enthusiasm for this bicycle, perceiving it as an ideal choice for urban commuting. However, after approximately one year of use and nearly 1000 miles, my assessment has shifted. Around the 200-mile mark, the tension screws began to deform, initiating a series of subsequent issues. I had intended to replace these screws with a more robust steel alternative, but the original components proved to be so brittle that one fractured internally. This occurred in a particularly challenging location, making extraction difficult and leaving no margin for error. The design of the dropout/tension system appears to be fundamentally flawed. Subsequently, I attempted to replace the four inexpensive bolts securing the tension mechanism with fasteners featuring a larger head for improved grip, but again, the design presented significant challenges. Fortunately, I acquired this bicycle at a discounted rate from a local retailer; had I paid the full retail price, my level of dissatisfaction would be considerably higher. I did also reach out to Optibike. The owner, Jim, did respond with questions but no resolution.
By James