A special thank you to Bums On Saddle team for allowing me to test the bike. Here goes my experience.
It has been about a week since I damaged the rear brake pad on my MTB. During an attempt to re-seat the rear wheel, I managed to get the disc hit the brake pad vertically which ripped it right off the metal plate to which it is stuck on. So this bike switches to maintenance mode. The single speed was awaiting service (just a bike wash and chain lube) and Spesh Alibi arrived just in time for some worry free commutes. For those new to the blog, my commute is rougly 26-28kms depending on the route (one way). I have often contemplated taking road bike for commutes but this finally turned out to be pretty close. A no-nonsense hybrid but with the rolling resistance of that of a road bike. The headset is extremely light. I've not experienced such lightness even on road bikes priced 4x-5x higher. Next comes the Shimano Altus drive train. One of the entry level drivetrain from Shimano. A basic group set delivering a better than basic performance. It has been impeccably good. Sometimes the shifting of the chain isn't even felt at the crank .and I've been astonished. It is a 42t Chainring with chain guard and though a 7 speed cassette (14-34t) looks inadequate but it is plenty enough to ride anywhere in Bangalore. The infamous Girinagar/padmanabnagar or even the long Maratahalli flyover). Brakes are brilliant and have the bite needed for those emergency stops. For a rider with a track record of experiencing extensive punctures over the last few years, riding without a puncture repair kit, a pump or having slightest concern of the road conditions is a big boon albeit at the compromise of ride comfort. To put things in perspective, if you are switching from an MTB or a hybrid, you'd feel this too rough. However if this is your first bike or if you are used to a road bike road bike (with 23c tyres at 100PSI or more), this feels not very different from that except that the geometry is more relaxed and an excellent choice for the city. All you need is a multitool kit to make those fine adjustments to the bike to make it fit one better thereby enhancing the ride comfort. One would truly feel the worth of these Nimbus Airless tyres especially during the rains. Do you remember the effect of a cheat code on ammo for combat games? The Nimbus is your cheat code for a puncture free ride until the tyres wear out :). Commuting on a single speed with aggressive riding position for more than a year and suddenly switching to the 'comfort mode' (upright posture and a softer saddle and cushioned handlebar palm support) was a welcome change. If you own the Specialized Alibi two components will make you feel you own something exquisite. The solid tyres and the rust free chain. However, there a few more things that make it even 'exquisiter'. Let me explain.
Bike is designed in California.
Made in Cambodia
There are traces of Australian Connection. Hard to believe? Here's the proof.
Pros:
1. A unisex bike perfect for city.
2. Sublime 7spd drivetrain offering seamless shifts.
3. Solid/foam 700x38c tyres. (Its now OK to forget the puncture kit at home)
4. Quick release wheels. Easier to carry about.
5. Specialized Body Geometry Contour, lock-on handle bar grips. Worked really well for the week long commutes on all sort of roads and... no roads.
6. Eyelets on the front fork and rear to add carrier. 7. Improved aesthetics owing to Internal Cable Routing.
Cons:
1. Cable rattles from the internal cable routing over rough roads.
2. Limited colors. Per catalog there are only 2.
3. Relatively rougher ride owing to solid tyres.
Spec Sheet :: http://store.bumsonthesaddle.com/collections/hybrid-bikes/products/specialized-alibi-2017
Color :: Marine Blue / Hyper Reflective
Bike is designed in California.
Made in Cambodia
There are traces of Australian Connection. Hard to believe? Here's the proof.
Designed in California
Made in Cambodia
The Australian Connection
Photoshoot post bike wash
The valve hole covered with 'spesh' tape for easy conversion to pneumatic setup :)
The simply sublime 7speed shifters
The superb bar grips
'Bell' and whistle to be heard
Attempting trackstand
Hard to miss logo especially with this paint scheme
Attention to detail. The rubber caps to cover the otherwise exposed eyelets !
Neither a behemoth nor a weight weenie
Pros:
1. A unisex bike perfect for city.
2. Sublime 7spd drivetrain offering seamless shifts.
3. Solid/foam 700x38c tyres. (Its now OK to forget the puncture kit at home)
4. Quick release wheels. Easier to carry about.
5. Specialized Body Geometry Contour, lock-on handle bar grips. Worked really well for the week long commutes on all sort of roads and... no roads.
6. Eyelets on the front fork and rear to add carrier. 7. Improved aesthetics owing to Internal Cable Routing.
Cons:
1. Cable rattles from the internal cable routing over rough roads.
2. Limited colors. Per catalog there are only 2.
3. Relatively rougher ride owing to solid tyres.
Spec Sheet :: http://store.bumsonthesaddle.com/collections/hybrid-bikes/products/specialized-alibi-2017
Color :: Marine Blue / Hyper Reflective
