Proteam (Proteam Sp1055 Folding Bike)

Member Name: fpsninja

Product:	Proteam Sp1055 Folding Bike
Date:	21/05/09 (765 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: cheap i guess

Disadvantages: will break on you, doesn't roll when folded, very slow

The proteam folding bike is a 16 inch diameter wheel bike, which folds down to a really small size. I got this bike for my 18th birthday, and it turned out to be such a let down.

Firstly, what is there to like about this bike?
Well, i got this bike from Sima wholesale for £103, (i have seen it on amazon for £160). When you compare this to other folding bikes, for example bromptons, which can cost in the thousands, this bike is really cheap! Furthermore, is has shimano gears, so there is at least on quality part on this bike. Another thing to like about it is the way that it doesn't take up much room.

So, whats wrong with this bike?
Firstly, this bike has an really low seat post, so when you are riding it, it doesn't feel like a proper bike, it feels too cramped, making the bike hard to ride.

Secondly, the bike's,wheels are too small. Although smaller wheels mean a smaller folding bike, this bike is USELESS for going up hill, when i used it, i got off the bike, and pushed it up the hill.
The bike's gears are ok... but you wont ever go as fast as you would on either a normal sized bike, or a scooter, and as a scooter is more compact, i would recommend one of those anyway!

Another problem with this bike is that it does not "roll" when folded, like other bikes. So although other folding bikes may be heavier that this (this weight under 15kg) they are able to roll on the floor, so you don't actually have to carry them the whole time.

But most of all, is that this bike broke on me on the second time of useage! The bike was well maintained, and everything, but the chain guard ( a piece of plastic that stops the chain falling off the cog attached to the pedals) broke! I lost control of the bike and nearly crashed! This bike is very dangerous, and i was lucky not only to hurt myself of anyone else, but also to be able to get a full refund from the shop. This chainguard didn't break because of excessive use or harsh use, i was cruising along at a fairly slow speed, changed gear, and as when you change gear, the angle of the chain with respect to the cog changes (it does this on all bikes

You have been warned, if you get this bike, not only will it not perform well as a normal bike or a folding bike, but it will also be incredibly fragile. My advice is, either get a micro scooter for cheaper (make sure its micro, other makes tend to break) or get a more expensive folding bike, such as a brompton. If not a brompton, at least get a folding bike made from an actual bike making company, rather than a company that is a technological company, and make only one bike!

Summary: Pay more for a better make/model, or less for a scooter