Retrospec Bicycles Speck Folding Single-Speed Bicycle Review

The Retrospec Bicycles Speck Folding Single-Speed Bicycle (or Speck SS) is one of the most appealing folding bikes you can buy for less than $300. The design looks so identical to the popular Dahon Speed Uno but can it deliver the same quality? Let’s find out in the review.

Specifications & Features

• Colors: Matte Graphite, Matte Black, Glossy White, Cream, Matte Coral, Matte Navy.
• Weight: 23.5 lbs
• Folded size: 30″ x 22″ x 10″
• Frame: Hand-built aluminum
• Fork: aluminum
• Wheel: 20 inches
• Crank: Alloy
• Chainring: 48T
• Chain: KMC
• NECO Sealed Cartridge B.B. Set
• 16T Coaster Brake Cog
• Brake: Retrospec Coaster Brake
• Tires: Kwenda Kwest
• Handlebar: Alloy
• Pedals: folding
• Seat post: Alloy, 30.4

Image Gallery

Performance

I expected a lot from my first Retrospec bicycle because I heard about the manufacturer for a while and it seems like Amazon customers love the single-speed bike. Retrospec also suggested the Speck SS as a great alternative for Dahon Speed Uno because it is said to have similar components and even lighter and smaller than the Speed Uno. I am more convinced as the Speck SS is $100 cheaper and it comes in a variety of colors.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t do much with the Speck SS because the rear rim was bent and totally out of shape when I took the bike out of the box. Some spokes are also broken as a result. So I guess it could be due to bad quality control or it got damaged during transit. I received a lot of folding bikes but this is the first one that comes in such a horrible condition. It raises some questions about component quality, did Retrospec lower the cost by using cheap parts?

As the bike is unusable, I can’t give you my opinions about its speed, comfort and riding experience.

Conclusion

Pros

• Many color options
• Minimal design with rear coaster brake
• Low price

Cons

• It arrived damaged

The Speck SS has a lot of promises but I didn’t have a good experience with this bike. Many customers love this bike but I am worried that it could fail under vigorous conditions. Therefore, I can’t recommend the bike.

Buy Retrospec Bicycles Speck on Amazon