We love road bikes, especially road bikes, that give good value for money. The Vilano Aluminum Road Bike, in particular, doesn’t cost a ton of money, and we’ve heard good things about it. So, naturally, we wanted to see for ourselves if the rumors are true.
The bike is budget-friendly, but since many bikes in the same price range haven’t performed up to our standards, we didn’t know what to expect with the Vilano.
Nevertheless, we’ll try to run this hunk of aluminum through a fine-toothed comb, discuss its pros and cons, give you our overall thoughts, and tell you exactly who this bike will be perfect for.
In a nutshell, we want to know if all the good things that we hear about this bike is true, or whether it’s all hype.
Vilano as a Brand
Vilano is no stranger to the bike industry. They’ve been around for a while, and are known to produce quality bikes. Indeed, the online reviews of their bikes are predominantly good, which was, for the most part, what made us decide to go review one ourselves. To be sure, we’ve heard about Vilano for longer than we can remember, and their biggest appeal is definitely their value for money. But, yeah, none of us here have ridden one prior to this review, so we expect it to be interesting.
Although Vilano manufactures bikes that pretty much run the gamut (from fixed-gear bikes all the way to electric bikes, they make them all), our research suggests that it is their road bikes that get the most attention and praise. Indeed, one would be hard-pressed to find an unhappy customer. They are out there, to be sure, but seem to be few and far between.
Vilano Aluminum Road Bike Construction
Our initial impressions of the construction and the components of the bike are excellent. The frame, which is made from 6061 Double Butted Aluminum, is lightweight and durable. The shifters and the 21-speed derailleur is a Shimano, both of which exude quality and confidence. Overall, there’s nothing to complain about this bike from an aesthetic perspective, and we particularly liked the red on the black look of the saddle, which added to the bike’s racing feel. Also, the whole bike put together weighed less than 25 pounds, which is awesome for this price range.
Ride Quality
The ride, in a word, is smooth. There are none of the rattling sounds one would expect to hear from some of the department store-bought bikes in this price range. The shifting was smooth, too, which wasn’t totally surprising given that it’s a Shimano. Also, we already mentioned how light the bike is, but we have to say that it’s definitely among the lightest starter bikes that we’ve tested, if not the lightest, and one can absolutely feel the difference when riding the bike. The lightness of the bike makes it all the more responsive in our opinion—all the more agile. Granted, lighter bikes exist, but in this price range, one would be hard-pressed to find a bike as light, responsive and as agile as a Vilano Aluminum Road Bike.
Commuting on the road will be a breeze on this bike. Personally, it felt as though I was riding a bike that was three times the price. With the quality build and the level of comfort this bike offers, it is, for the price, literally a steal in our opinion.
If one intended to do a little off-roading, however, we’d recommend swapping out the 700c x 25c tires the bike came with for something more suitable. To be sure, the tires can handle rough roads or even tough trails, but you can expect them to wear out much faster since they weren’t made for those purposes. Of course, you don’t need to worry about tire wear and tear for a long while if you ride on tarmac, which is what this bike was primarily designed to do.
A Few Reservations
Ok, so we’d like to discuss a few cons we’ve found for the bike that are worth prospective buyers’ attention. One is the tires it comes with. They’re just ok. They’re not horrible by any stretch, but judging from their quality, we don’t expect them to last very long for someone who likes to go off-roading often.
Another is the placement of the gear shifters. Some of us had an issue with the fact that they have not been integrated onto the breaks, which makes reaching them a bit… awkward. The shifters work great, to be sure, but their placement might be an issue for more experienced riders, most of whom will prefer their shifters to be closer to the breaks.
Vilano Road Bikes Review
Take a look at TOP-3 Vilano bikes.
Vilano Tuono T20 Aluminum Road Bike
The Vilano Tuono T20 Aluminum Road Bike is an affordable and durable road bike designed for riders of all abilities. It features a lightweight aluminum frame and 21-speed Shimano drivetrain, as well as Tektro mechanical disc brakes for powerful stopping power. The bike also has a comfortable upright riding position and 700c wheels for smooth and efficient riding.
Customer Reviews Analysis
Customers have been largely positive in their reviews of the Vilano Tuono T20 Aluminum Road Bike. Many have praised the bike’s overall quality and value for money, with some commenting on its excellent performance. The bike’s components have also been well-received, with many users noting their smooth and precise shifting. The bike’s disc brakes have also been well-received, with some users noting their powerful stopping power.
Our Verdict
The Vilano Tuono T20 Aluminum Road Bike is a great option for riders looking for a reliable and affordable road bike. The bike features a lightweight aluminum frame and a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain, as well as Tektro mechanical disc brakes for powerful stopping power. The bike also has a comfortable upright riding position and 700c wheels for smooth and efficient riding. The bike’s components have also been well-received, with many users noting their smooth and precise shifting. Overall, the Vilano Tuono T20 Aluminum Road Bike is an excellent value for money bike that is sure to please riders of all abilities.
Vilano Urban City Commuter Road Bike
The Vilano Urban City Commuter Road Bike and Trail Bicycle with Disc Brakes is a great bike for anyone looking for a reliable, sturdy, and stylish ride. This bike features a lightweight aluminum frame with a step-through geometry which makes it easy to mount and dismount. The frame also has an integrated headset and aero seat post for added comfort.
The bike comes with a Shimano drivetrain with 24 speeds, so you can ride up and down hills with ease. The disc brakes provide excellent stopping power, and the dual-suspension system helps to absorb shocks and bumps. The bike also comes with a chain guard, kickstand, and water bottle holder. Overall, this is an excellent bike for both commuting and trail riding.
Customer Reviews Analysis
The Vilano Urban City Commuter Road Bike and Trail Bicycle with Disc Brakes has been receiving positive reviews from customers. Many customers have noted the bike’s comfortable ride and easy assembly. Others have praised the bike’s stylish design and the Shimano drivetrain. Customers have also found the bike to be lightweight and easy to maneuver. Some customers have mentioned that the bike is a bit noisy, but overall, the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.
Our Verdict
The Vilano Urban City Commuter Road Bike and Trail Bicycle with Disc Brakes is an excellent bike for anyone looking for a reliable, sturdy, and stylish ride. The lightweight aluminum frame and integrated headset make it easy to mount and dismount.
The Shimano drivetrain provides 24 speeds, while the disc brakes provide excellent stopping power. The dual-suspension system helps to absorb shocks and bumps. The bike also comes with a chain guard, kickstand, and water bottle holder. Overall, this is an excellent bike for both commuting and trail riding.
Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike
The Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed 700c is a great choice for cyclists looking for a lightweight and reliable ride. This lightweight aluminum frame offers an agile and comfortable ride, perfect for commuting and recreational biking. With 21 speeds, you can adjust the bike to your riding style, whether you’re a recreational cyclist or an experienced rider.
The bike also includes an adjustable stem, allowing you to customize the handlebar height and reach. The shifters and derailleurs are Shimano, providing smooth and reliable shifts. The rims are double-walled alloy, with Kenda tires providing great traction and grip.
Customers Reviews Analysis
Customers have given the Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed 700c positive reviews. Many have commented on the lightweight and responsive ride, as well as the quality components. Customers have also praised the easy assembly and maintenance. Many have found the bike to be a great value for the price.
Overall, customers are pleased with their purchase of the Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed 700c. The bike is lightweight and responsive, with quality components and easy assembly and maintenance.
Our Verdict
The Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed 700c is a great choice for cyclists looking for a lightweight and reliable ride. The bike is easy to assemble and maintain, and provides a comfortable and responsive ride. Customers are pleased with their purchase and have given the bike positive reviews, making it a great value for the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes vilano bikes?
These bikes are designed and manufactured by Vilano Bikes, a division of Insync Bikes, LLC. The company is based in the US and specializes in producing affordable, high-quality bikes for a variety of riders. The company offers a variety of styles, including road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and more.
How much does the Vilano Shadow 3.0 weigh?
29.5 pounds.
What size wheels does the Vilano r2 have?
29 Inches.
Our Final Thoughts
The hype is real—we repeat—it is real! I guess it’s true what they say that when there’s smoke, there’s fire, because people have been praising for Vilano all over the internet, and now we can confirm that what they’ve been saying is true.
Who is this bike for? Well, for anyone who wants a good deal. But mostly for novice riders, or the everyday commuter, who intends to do trails on occasion—although, again, we’d recommend swapping the tires out for better ones for rougher trails.
Prior to taking it for a spin, we initially thought that we’d be reviewing it as a starter bike, but no, it’s a good road bike period. And it’s an excellent bike for the money, so much so that some of us here think it’s a literal steal.
We are, needless to say, thoroughly impressed with the Vilano Aluminum Road Bike. And we’d include this on our shortlist of Best Road Bikes Under $400 should we ever decide to do a roundup in the future. The components are quality, the frame is light and well-built, and the ride is smooth. Sure, it has a few cons, which we’ve dutifully mentioned above, but none of them are deal-breakers—and all of them can be resolved quite easily.
