Not many road bikes come in crimson. However the Retrospec Mantra V2 fixed gear speed bike certainly does. This bike is a celebration of colour and you can’t help but smile at its simplistic yet charming design.
The Retrospec Mantra V2 fixed gear speed bike has a sturdy 22″ steel frame and a flip-flop rear hub allowing the rider to ride on a fixed gear or a single-speed. The bike has and adjustable brown and black saddle that compliments the frame of the bike in terms of colour. The bike is available in loads of colour combinations, the one we’re looking at particularly is one of the more popular combinations. The bikes frame is a dark crimson, its handlebars and saddle mount all in brown. Although the bike doesn’t take a conventional approach in it’s colour scheme it’s easy to see it’s charm and character. The bike weighs in at 14kgs and therefore is in contention with most road bikes despite being made of steel rather than the more common alloy material used in road bikes.
Retrospec have added brakes to this model of their bike to allow it to meet safety regulations for road use. They have attached V brakes at the front and rear of the bike and these seem to be sufficient to provide the response and braking power needed to stop the bike safely and quickly.
The first thing to point out about the tyres on the Retrospec Mantra V2 fixed gear speed bike is their colour. Blue, a rare choice of colour when it comes to road bike tyres. These Wanda 700c x 25c tyres are an interesting combo to the dark crimson wheel rims and frame of the bike.
The bike is amazingly comfortable to ride. This bike is a head turner so expect plenty of looks, after all it is crimson with blue tyres. The bike’s seat is also surprisingly comfortable and the combination of the bikes components result in a smooth ride. This bike could easily be used for long journeys and there is very little chance of other road users not seeing you.
A beautifully individual bike, very different to the usual road bikes seen on the market. The combination of simple design and beautiful colours is unique and a great show of creativity by Retrospec. The only thing better than the bikes look and feel is the price.