Whether it’s for a daily commute to the office, grocery store, or gym, the Vilano Shadow Aluminum Road Bike has proved to be a dependable beginner’s road bike.
If your bike use is limited to the intermediate level, then this is the right selection for you. Given its performance, it’s way ahead of similarly priced bikes.
To give you an assessment of the bike, here’s a detailed review:
Specifications:
- Product Name: Vilano Shadow Aluminum Road Bike
- Brand: Vilano
- Body: Aluminum Aero frame
- Frame: Lightweight 6061 Aluminum Frame
- Size: Small/Medium
- Fork: 1 1/8" Threadless 700c Fork
- Shifters: Integrated Brake Lever Shimano A070 STI
- Brakes: Alloy Caliper Dual Pivot Brakes
- Headset: 1 1/8" Integrated Headset
- Crankset: Alloy Double Crankset
- Wheels: 700c Doubled Walled Wheels
- Tires Size: 700c x 25c
- Color: Black/ White
- User Manual: Yes
Overview
Vilano Shadow Aluminum is specially built for entry-level users. For a beginner’s bike, the most important aspect is convenient handling. As a beginner’s road bike, it has proved its efficiency in terms of quality and performance.
This is yet another great pick if you want to spend less than $1000 on a bike.
The build quality of the Vilano bikes is outstanding. The bike is made of an Aluminum Aero frame, making this bike weigh much less. Regardless of any terrain, you can lift this bike easily.
The most impressive part of this model is it comes with a Shimano STI Integrated Brake Lever, which is rare to find in other similar-priced bikes. Apart from that, the brakes are also quite comfortable to operate, enabling you to stop with ease.
When it comes to the paddle part, it failed to meet the desired satisfaction levels. It is made from plastic and weighs comparatively more. Also, like some modern bikes, the wheels don’t contain extra puncture protection support.
The worst part of this bike is its saddle that’s comparable to hard concrete.
It is a 14-speed bike and is quite okay for moderate level use. If you are an advanced level biker who prefers adventure rides on a mountain bike or racing, then this bike might not meet your expectations.
Still, as a road bike with such a reasonable price tag, this bike dominates the rest of the same category bikes. However, there is a wide range of budget mountain bikes to try out as well.
Overall, if you do not have the intention to spend extra on a bike and still want to get decent performance, then this bike is a good option for you.
Core Features
Flexibility, speed, and performance are three main factors of a road bike. Also, it should be capable of riding on all surfaces. To find out how compatible the Vilano Shadow is as a road bike, consider the following features:
Body
This bike is made of Aluminum Aero frame and making it a very lightweight bike. No matter which surface you are riding on, you won't feel any discomfort while operating it. The lightweight feature of these bikes matches some of the excellent mountain bikes available on the market.
Color
It comes in black and white. This bike looks quite elegant in these two primary colors, but if you are after something with a little more color, then this might be a bit disappointment for you.
Fork
Housed with a 1 1/8" Threadless 700c fork, the Vilano Shadow bike is comparatively lighter in weight. It also holds the wheels quite well, making it suitable for commuting on roads.
Assembly
It is partly assembled during shipping, and the rest of the assembling can be done quite easily by following the instructions mentioned in the user manual. But take note that it doesn't come with any tools. For a hassle-free assembling experience, you may opt to complete the assembling part from a bike shop.
Brakes
It carries Alloy Caliper Dual Pivot Brakes. For an entry-level bike, it is entirely unexpected to get such greater quality brakes. Dual Pivot Brakes let you operate it with more convenience while ensuring a more efficient controlling experience.
Wheels
Gearing with 700c doubled walled CNC machined side wheels, the bike ensures you an average speed ride. As an entry-level bike, its speed and performance are good enough for new users. If you face any issues with the wheels, you can replace them at any time.
Saddle
The seat post is made of Alloyandweighs, only 27.2 grams. The surface of the saddle part is quite hard, and it may not provide the ideal level of comfort. However, if you are not satisfied with the saddle part, you can easily replace it with something more comfortable.
Pros
Here are a few favorable factors this bike boasts:
Cons
Here are a couple of factors that work against this bike:
Despite being a low priced bike, Vilano Shadow doesn’t compromise on quality. The most notable part of this bike is its STI Shifters, which you would rarely find on other similar priced bikes.
As an entry-level road bike, this might miss a variety of features, but if you are okay with this compromising a few luxuries, then this is a good pick for you.
Related Reviews:
- Raleigh Willard 1 Review
- Cannondale Quick Review: Is It Reliable as a Road Bike?
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