Undeniably, Allen Sports produces very high-quality folding bikes. However, many of them might cost you an arm and a leg, that’s the reason why their folding bikes can’t reach a wider range of cyclists in the US.
Even a mid-range bike like the Allen Sports XWay doesn’t come cheap. Does the XWay deserve its high price tag? Let’s find out in the review.
Specifications & Features
- Colors: Black Stone
- Folded dimensions: 33.5″ x 27.6″ x 13.8″ (85cm x 70cm x 35cm)
- Weight: 24.5 lbs (11.1 kgs)
- Speeds: 20
- Frame: 6061 Aluminum
- Forks: 6061 Aluminum
- Wheels: 451mm
- Rims: Shinning Alloy
- Tires: 20″ x 1-3/8″
- Tire valve: Presta
- Front Derailleur: Shimano
- Back Derailleur: Sram X9 10 Speed
- Shifters: Sram X9 Trigger
- Front and rear brakes: Tektro
- Brake levers: Tektro
- Crankset: Lasco
- Pedals: Foldable
- Kickstand: included
- Handlebar Post: Alloy adjustable
- Handlebar: Aluminum
- Saddle: DDK 3166
- Seat post: Aluminum
- Fenders are not included
- Recommended Rider Height range: 4’11” – 6’7″ (150cm – 200cm)
- Maximum Rider Weight: 242 lbs (110 kgs)
- Max / Min distance from seatpost to handlebar: 57.15cm / 55.24cm
- Max / Min distance from saddle to pedal: 93.98cm / 73.66cm
Image Gallery
Performance
When I unboxed the Allen Sports XWay, I was so impressed with its modern design and solid build. The bike seems to target male cyclists because of the frame geometry and dark gray color. As compared to the Allen Sports Downtown, the bike looks more sporty and more importantly, it is folded smaller and lighter.
Most other folding bikes from Dahon, Tern or Brompton use 20-inch wheels or smaller. Allen Sports equips their mid-range and high-end bikes with 451mm wheels. The wheels are a little bigger but the difference is noticeable. The tires are also thinner, so your bike will have lower rolling resistance and you will have more responsive and speedier rides.
In terms of performance, the XWay is absolutely not as fast as the high-end Ultra 1 or Ultra X but it is much more capable than the Allen Sports Downtown. The bike has 20 speeds The only difference between the XWay and high-end bikes is frame material. The bike uses 6061 aluminum frame which is strong and lightweight enough as compared to most mid-range folding bikes on the market.
All other great features of Allen Sports bikes still exist on the XWay. You can quickly fold and unfold the bike within 15 seconds, thanks to the press-link folding system. A press release rear wheel will also help you roll the bike easily in folded position, so you almost don’t have to carry the bike when you walk to bus or subway stations.
The only problem of the bike is that the stem is folded to the outside and it can make the bike fall easily, so you’d better lean your bike to something after folding it to avoid damages.
Conclusion
Pros
- Modern design
- Lightweight and compact
- Speedy and responsive rides
Cons
- Unstable in folded position
- Expensive
The XWay is one of the best mid-range folding bikes available in the US. I love it but I’m unable to justify its ridiculous MSRP, so you should only grab it when it goes on sale.
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