Topeak’s Jango Bikes
Topeak, manufacturer of bicycle accessories, has taken it’s vision of a do-it-all bicycle to the masses. The Jango starts as a simple bike with minimal accouterments, but has numerous “ports” designed to accept a number of proprietary equipment and accessories. These include most everything you could want to add to your bike—bags, lights, fenders and even a trailer.
Visit www.jango-bike.com for more information.
October 1st, 2008 at 3:22 am
Topeak’s range of bikes look like a good example of industrial humor. Full suspension models let alone suspension at all? All models with external drivetrains. Just doesn’t seem practical. Especially the bike above- low spoke count wheels!?!
When will the US market realise that building a commuter bike is quite simple: 700c wheels, include full fenders, SS/3spd/8spd (internal) drivetrains, dynamos (hub or rim) and fully rigid. It’s simple, hassle free and all in one simple package. Europeans have been doing it for years.
October 1st, 2008 at 9:14 am
Yeah, how is suspension, low spoke count wheels, disc brakes, and a bazillion gears “simple” or “minimal” in any way?
October 1st, 2008 at 9:40 am
Minimal = minimal fuss for the manufacturer to get inexpensive parts.
October 1st, 2008 at 9:42 am
It is billed as a “multi-use” bike though, not as a commuter specifically.
October 1st, 2008 at 10:00 am
Multi-use… who in their right mind would take one of those off-road?
October 1st, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Hello all,
I would like to address some of your comments.
Jango’s position is “One for all” and is targeted to non traditional cyclists who want a quality bicycle and accessories that can be used in a variety of ways. While this bike can be used as a commuter, that is not the sole focus of the brand or product line.
If you will pardon a generalization, traditional cycling enthusiasts (maybe like some of you reading this and including myself) have more then one bike (in some cases several/many) that meet specific needs. In this case the simplicity comes in the way of owning just one bike and from accessories that are designed to easily integrate with the bike. Many of the dedicated accessories are plug-and-play with very simple and quick “one touch” attachment, making it easy to change from one mode of use to another.
Regarding use off road. These bikes are well sorted out, while the 700c models are biased towards pavement and graded “bike paths”, the 26′ models handle trail riding and single track as well as any other hard tail with comparable spec with the possible exception of the stock tires which feature an inverted tread pattern. While these tires work fine on smooth single track, up grading to a full knobby will obviously provide more traction and handling benefits in more technical and demanding conditions. Shiny Flu, I will be happy to take this on any off-road ride you would like to join me on, short of elevated rails, big gap jumps or anything of that nature.
Spoke count is 32. The visual difference you are seeing comes from the spokes being aligned in parallel pairs.
A standard drive train was chosen for several reasons. First as the slogan “multi activity” implies, the bikes are intended to be used in a variety of ways. While internal drive trains have many positive attributes, wide gearing option are not one of them. Also, cities like San Francisco and Seattle are hilly by nature. For both of these reasons wide gearing is necessary. enclosed drive trains have been/are still being considered however currently they add significant cost. With this said, I will note that internal drive train was considered and could potentially show up on a model in the future.
The suspension is low maintenance by design, utilizing a proven, however basic elastommer/damping internals that require very little in the way of service. Regarding full suspension models, while this application may not be ideal for everyone, the ride quality is exceptional and is apparent with a short test ride.
Thanks for reading.
October 1st, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Thanks for commenting Matt!
October 2nd, 2008 at 11:12 am
Thank you for posting it in the first place Brad.