"What matters to us most is getting as many people out of cars, off their sofas, away from their desks, and onto a bike. That’s why we offer many sizes, colors, and the best prices anywhere on the web."
Yeah, that pretty much nails it! I agree all the way, and that is one of the reasons that I was so stoked to come into possession of a Critical bike of my own a couple of months ago. I had been wanting a single speed urban ride for a number of months and had started a conversion and bike build in my head when this flat black Beauty showed up in my life. I just couldn't resist keeping this one for my own personal ride. This Critical was just the fixer upper that I needed!
"Fixie style bikes are fun and very simple. They blend the speed and efficiency of a track bike with the flat or upright handlebars of a mountain bike to make the ride a little more comfortable. They are generally the preferred mode It was this simplicity that I crave! I really like the sleek look of a bike with little or no cables and over the years of riding various mountain bikes and road bikes I have come to detest deraileurs and their constantly failing or breaking completely at the worst possible times. I am going to be honest with ya' here. I am just not "hard core" enough at my current age to ride a fixed gear bike on a daily basis. I prefer the casual ride of a single speed, but that is just my preference.
The Critical bike has a distinct fixie style with it's BMX style handlebars. These fixies use a steel frame and fork, and come equipped with Protek cranks, Sunrun freewheel, KMC chain, Well-Go pedals, and Promax brakes.
SPECIFICATIONS
Frame: Hand-Built Steel Track Frame
Geometry: Bar Spin Clearance & no Toe Overlap
Drop Out: Horizontal Drop Outs
Rims: 30mm Super Deep-V Double Wall Rims
Hubs: Flip Flop Hub with Single-Speed 16T Freewheel and Fixed-Gear 16T Cog
Tires: Wanda City Tires 700x23C
Chain: KMC 1/8”
Headset: 1 1/8" Threadless
Stem: Promax Alloy 25.4mm clamp size diameter
Handlebar: 25.4mm BMX Handlebars
Grips: Kraton Rubber Track Grips
Brake: Rear Promax Brake with 22.2mm brake lever clamp diameter
Bottom Bracket: NECO 68x110 Cartridge Sealed
Pedals: 9/16” Chrome Well-go Pedal with Leather Strap and Chrome Toe Cage
Saddle: Critical Cycles Pista Saddle
The Critical also came with the factory flip-flop rear hub with the option of using the included freewheel if you are not into the true fixed gear thing like me.
So far it all sounds good right? How about when the rubber hits the road?
I have to say that the Critical is one of the more comfortable bikes that I have ridden. It is a fast bike, like you would expect from a road style track bike, but more comfortable and sleek.
This bike is also relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver in tight spots. Good for the concrete jungle! A fast maneuver saved me from being side swiped by an SUV just today!
The gear ratio is a little tall for climbing hills but I never had a problem with standing on the pedals and it cruises along the flats comfortably. Speaking of pedals, the cheap strap pedals that come stock on a Critical are sh*t! The pedals are not completely flat on both sides, and it would be nice to have that for people that are not using the toe clips and straps. I personally don't care for the straps or clips at all, but again that is just my personal preference. Overall, the handling of the bike was quick but still comfortable )other than the pedals)— not wobbly or loose but not too tight.
The frame welds looked clean, and they were representative of a well built bike.
The brake pads were wore out. I will need to replace those with haste!
Other than minor issues this is just the type of minimalist and fun bike I was looking for. I think it will be perfect for my next bike build and for my personal ride as well!
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