For
a bike that can go just about anywhere, the new Kent
Nexus 3 spd alloy folding bicycle is quite a value.
This light yet sturdy 25 lb. bike folds easily and
quickly. When folded, the bike is so compact that
if you tuck it into the optional carry
bag, no one would imagine a bicycle is hidden
inside. Being so portable also makes the bike theft
and vandal resistant because there's no need to leave
it outside unattended.
The Kent Nexus 3 folding bike is a special, limited edition bicycle built for RideTHISbike.com. Though in many ways the same as the Kent 6 spd alloy folding bike (same frame & accessories), there are 3 essential differences that set this bike apart - drivetrain, color and coaster brake.
Drivetrain: Nexus 3 Speed (Internal Hub Multi-Speed)
The
Kent Nexus 3 speed folding bicycle is the most
economical folding bike on the market with
the superior Shimano Nexus multi-speed internal hub.
And what a difference the Nexus drivetrain makes!
Since the gears are inside the rear hub, there is
no derailleur hanging down below the rear cogs and
just 1 small cog on the back wheel. The result: no
more shifting the chain off the rear cassette into
the spokes, less frequent chain cleaning (no derailleur
hanging low to pick up debris), more efficient pedaling
AND you can even switch gears when stopped.
Color: Medium Blue
Since Kent spec'd this bike for RideTHISbike.com,
they asked what color to produce it in and medium
blue was the clear choice. Not only was it the most
requested color among those I polled, it's also
my personal favorite color. No doubt, this bike
will have much greater eye appeal than the Mango
colored Superlite
Nexus folding bike that it replaces.
Brakes: Rear Coaster Brake/Front Linear Pull
For
simplicity, reduced maintenance, safety, convenience
and cleaner lines, the Kent Nexus 3 folding bike is
outfitted with coaster brakes on the back and linear
pull brakes on the front. Coaster brakes are easy
to operate (just pedal backwards) and they don't eat
up, dirty or discolor the rear rim. In fact, since
most riders will be cruising along on this folding
bike at 13 mph or less, I considered going with no
front brake (like on the Superlite Nexus folding bicycle).
When polled, cyclists said they preferred to have
the front brakes though so there 'ya go.
An Ideal, Entry Level Folding Bike
Given the bike's good looks, comfortable & upright
riding position, efficient & reliable drive
train, capable & low maintenance brakes, very
reasonable price and practical features (rack, fenders
& kickstand), this folding bicycle appeals to
a wide variety of folding bike users. Campers, commuters,
pilots, sailors, students and recreational riders
will all enjoy this bike. Naturally, there are other
bikes on the market that are better than or equal
to this bike - but they cost much more. For the
value, this bike cannot be beaten. And it's fun
to ride too.
Optional Accessories:
Though the bike functions well right out of the box,
two optional accessories that can improve your enjoyment
of the bike include a carry
bag to place the bike in (great for taking
your bike indoors without getting the floor dirty;
also helps with boarding mass transit and makes bike
invisible to thieves) and a locking,
rain-proof, hard shell carry trunk that fits
on the carry rack (large enough for books, groceries,
helmet, purse, etc.).
Features:
* Strong aluminum alloy frame.
* 3 speed Shimano Nexus drivetrain (gears inside
the hub).
* Nexus twist style grip shifter.
* Quick 'n easy height adjustable seat and handlebars.
* Heavy duty folding handlebar stem (photo right).
* Linear pull front brake; rear coaster brake.
* Alloy rear carry rack.
* Folding pedals.
* Rust free fenders.
* Kickstand.
* Padded seat.
* Alloy wheels.
* Folded Dimensions 28" x 23" x 16".
* Terrain taming 16" x 1.75 all purpose tires.
* Price... JUST $259 w/Free Shipping
DIMENSIONS
Minimum Compressed Size
(folded, resting on wheels & bottom bracket protector):
28" x 23" x 16"
Max. Size Unfolded: 54" x 45" x 15"
Shipping Carton Dimensions: 28" x 24" x
12"