Vilano R2
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Facts
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the Vilano R2. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
4 reasons to buy
- Some buyers felt that the R2’s low, low price made for big, big value.
- To a number of owners, this bike seemed lightweight.
- One owner said that, after 18 months, the R2 gave them few troubles.
- A couple of owners said that assembly was easy, using online videos.
17 reasons not to buy
- Damage on new bikes included broken handbrakes and bent chainrings.
- The R2 often required extensive and / or expert servicing to assemble.
- There were regular reports of brakes breaking upon assembly.
- Chains sometimes broke on initial or early rides. This is a safety issue.
- Brake levers felt like too much of a reach, for a number of cyclists.
- Chainrings sometimes arrived bent and with uneven teeth.
- Forks were sometimes crooked on new R2s.
- An expert mechanic found the derailleur bent on a box-fresh R2.
- Wheels felt flexible when ridden and made popping sounds.
- The cassette is only a freewheel and frequently wobbled.
- Flatbar shifters required riders to move their hands away from the brakes.
- An expert mechanic noted that there was no grease on freewheel threads.
- A number of owners found the Vilano heavier than expected.
- The saddle was uncomfortable and used a clamp that fatigued and broke.
- Tires were disliked. They inflated to 85psi and punctured or wore out quickly.
- Tubes were weak and punctured easily, sometimes upon inflating.
- Customer service laughed at some customers and suggested that quality issues were to be expected at the price.
Bottom line
The R2 was most popular as a short to medium distance commuter. A lot of positive customer reviews referred to brand new bikes and were short on detail. Online videos from professional mechanics and technically proficient owners will enlighten prospective customers. To make a new R2 rideable and safe, owners often had to sink money into servicing and parts. Otherwise, they may have to grease freewheels, loosen bearings and true wheels themselves. The positioning of thumb-shifters on the flatbar means riders have to move their hands away from the brake hoods and shift their weight while riding. It’s heavy. Customer service informed customers (who rang regarding the unevenness of chainrings) that these faults can be expected from a low-cost bike. A number of times, the manufacturer responded to customer concerns with the same line, verbatim: “We’ve never had feedback like this before.” They were notorious for refusing to consider swapping out parts, insisting that owners return the entire bike at their own cost. In the words of many buyers, it may be worth saving money and buying a better bike.Expert Reviews
0/100 based on 0 rated expert reviewsVilano R2 Road Bike Assembly
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