Rock & Rolla
Bike review
Look ma! No chains..
Beixo's shaft-driven folding bike is set to capture the urban cyclist's market for its no-frills approach and ease of use..
AT first-glance, the Biexo compact folding bike looks like any other small-wheeler that you will come across on the street.
THE DETAILS
But if you examine what's beneath the crank, you will be surprised to find no chainring and bicycle chain.
The Beixo Compact High 20" folding bike is completely chain-free.
It's powered by a shaft and uses the Shimano Nexus (3 or 7-speed) internal hub gear.
For the city commuter, this means no more grease on your pants!
BACKGROUND
Beixo is a company based in Netherlands and their bikes began to turn heads a couple of years ago in the folding bike community.
Here in Malaysia, the Beixo was introduced to Penang, a city with a healthy population of cyclists.
You can find it at a bike store in Georgetown where its permanently displayed.
PERFORMANCE
On the road, the shaft-driven Beixo Compact High (the only model available here in Malaysia) rolls steadily.
Compared to a chain-driven bike, the Compact High is rather slower in response and it does have a little bit of resistance, but on the move, the bike is as agile as any other folding bike.
Weighing-in at 14.7kgs, its rather heavy.
But the solid handling and sturdiness of the bike pretty much made up for its weight.
The Compact High comes with a 7-speed Shimano Nexus internal hub gear.
This allows its rider to cruise on a flat and climb hilly neighbourhoods.
The bike folds in less than 30-seconds and has a locking latch feature for added security.
It's brushed finish made it a classy ride and a luggage rack comes standard as the bikes accessory.
For city commute, a pair of fenders are added on the Beixo Compact High and an integrated brake lever bell allows its rider to zip around the city.
Further enquiries including dealer information can be accessed at www.beixo.com
TOP: The Beixo Compact High is a chainless bike with plenty of potential for the city dweller. OPP PAGE: Unfolding the bike for transport. BOTTOM CLOCKWISE: The crank, Frame hinge and double lock, The bike, fully deployed & The Shimano Nexus 7 drivetrain.