New all smart bike from Volata cycles
07-23-16, 07:16 AM
#27
Half way there
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Looks nice, but it's gimmicky. Built in stuff always concerns me because upgrades are restricted. I would not be able to commute without rack, panniers, and fenders, though. I like the belt drive and IGH. Bang for the buck is outrageously low.
I'll stick with my 45 year old commuter, thank you.
I'll stick with my 45 year old commuter, thank you.
07-23-16, 09:22 AM
#28
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You can still mount a new headlight to the handlebar or helmet, just like with any other bike. You'd just be lugging around an extraneous light.
07-23-16, 09:58 AM
#29
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Looks nice, but it's gimmicky. Built in stuff always concerns me because upgrades are restricted. I would not be able to commute without rack, panniers, and fenders, though. I like the belt drive and IGH. Bang for the buck is outrageously low.
I'll stick with my 45 year old commuter, thank you.
I'll stick with my 45 year old commuter, thank you.
07-23-16, 01:31 PM
#30
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(Poorly worded) testimonials for a product that hasn't even shipped is rather suspect, as is the tech-centric media reviews instead of cycling-centric.
I didn't look all that hard at the site, but what about those lights? I think I see the rear one poking out of the head tube (which is angled down)- does that blink? or just steady? How bright? If it isn't that bright, I'd rather it point straight back and not angled down for max effect.
And if what I think is the rear light, then it looks like a rack would at least partially obscure it- are they going to provide a mount on the rack and provide a wiring extension?
tl;dr- and wholly my personal opinion and not that of BF or IB- but I think that this product was designed by someone who actually hasn't spent all that much time- if any- actually using it for what they perceive the intended purpose.
I didn't look all that hard at the site, but what about those lights? I think I see the rear one poking out of the head tube (which is angled down)- does that blink? or just steady? How bright? If it isn't that bright, I'd rather it point straight back and not angled down for max effect.
And if what I think is the rear light, then it looks like a rack would at least partially obscure it- are they going to provide a mount on the rack and provide a wiring extension?
tl;dr- and wholly my personal opinion and not that of BF or IB- but I think that this product was designed by someone who actually hasn't spent all that much time- if any- actually using it for what they perceive the intended purpose.
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07-24-16, 10:35 AM
#32
Banned
Shimano alfine 11 speed .. IGH gear range is determined by the cog wheel pitch ratio of the belt cogs.
Not as simple as a chain because you buy a new belt if the length needs to be different.
If you can afford to buy a House in San Francisco at today's prices this is the bike for you.
Not as simple as a chain because you buy a new belt if the length needs to be different.
If you can afford to buy a House in San Francisco at today's prices this is the bike for you.
07-24-16, 10:41 AM
#33
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I like the looks, but isn't made to be very fast, nor very practical. It's a bit expensive for a compromise that is not fully thought through.
07-24-16, 07:46 PM
#34
Day trip lover
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Personally I think the bike is meant to be more of a status symbol than anything, much like a Koenigsegg Regera...
07-24-16, 10:32 PM
#35
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I'd love to see more concept bikes on my commute, even if they don't suit my perception of what is perfect or affordable. And if someone else is shelling out for the experiment, who am I to complain? It would be fun to chat with the Volanta owner to get his or her take on riding it, pros and cons. I do think that accessory integration is the wave of the future, there will be more like this. I also wish that concept designers would pay attention to lighting optics in their OEM selections, and incorporate Busch and Muller type reflector design into their headlights, rather than selecting mere aircraft marker lights.
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Last edited by Archwhorides; 07-24-16 at 10:37 PM.
