If you’re thinking of getting your first bike or upgrading your existing option, chances are you’re spoilt for choices of bicycle brands to choose.
I was there, a while back after my old Specialized bike broke down, and I needed a new replacement.
Selecting a bike brand was challenging, especially with many options to pick from.
However, after thorough research on the available options, I settled on the Vilano Bikes.
Was it the “best” bicycle brand?
Far from it.
But here’s the thing, Vilano checks on some important boxes for most cycling enthusiasts.
For starters, it’s an ultra-affordable brand, so it’s a great option for cyclists who don’t want to make a huge bike investment but still want quality bikes.
The Vilano models come with respectable quality, which is nice, especially for casual riders.
Another plus with Vilano is that it offers a plethora of bike categories, starting from road bikes, mountain bikes, and electric bikes to foldaway bikes. Simply put, you can’t fail to find something that suits you in Vilano’s catalog.
My family has had quite a few Vilano bikes for now, and we can’t regret the purchase.
And today, I’ll share everything to know about the brand and, hopefully, help determine whether it’s the right brand for you. I’ll also share details on some of their popular bike Vilano bikes.
Read on!
Table of Contents
Vilano Bike History
Vilano was founded in St. Augustine, Florida, by three friends, namely Mike, Suzana, and Brian.
The idea behind the formation of Vilano was simply to bring more life to their cycling passion and love for the outdoors.
In addition, the three partners wanted to solve the commute problem in their ever-crowded cities.
The brand took it upon itself to offer affordable bikes to the masses. Yet, the options were as quality and reliable as some premium options.
Vilano primarily started as a road bike manufacturer, but with time, they diversified to other categories such as MTBs, e-bikes, and touring bikes.
Is Vilano a Good Company?
In my opinion, Vilano is one of the popular bike brands.
It’s primarily known for offering affordable yet reliable bikes. Unlike other thrifty brands, Vilano doesn’t compromise quality, performance, and reliability.
My family has a couple of Vilano bikes, which we’ve been using for quite a while, and the truth is we don’t notice any difference from some of the premium options we had before.
The Vilano bikes are nice, ultra-stable, and perfect for daily commute or fitness.
Performance-wise, the Vilano bikes will also meet your cycling needs. For example, they offer a superior riding posture for more comfort and have stable transportation features.
But the most important thing about Vilano is how they precisely monitor the quality control process. It’s a nice feature that ensures cyclists benefits from a quality riding experience on different riding surfaces.
Along with the strict quality guidelines, the brand also incorporates different OEM manufacture’s components.
Such a sophisticated manufacturing system aims to provide the Vilano cyclists with a pro-level cycling session and an incredible riding performance.
Overall, Vilano is a good bike brand. And as we’ve just mentioned, it’s specifically famed for its affordability, amazing performance, and customer satisfaction.
How Good is a Typical Vilano Bike?
Typical Vilano bikes are the epitome of bike excellence.
They’re superior on many elements, especially for bikes within the same class.
Vilano bike is also quite versatile and a perfect fit for everyone. It also makes an inspiring option for riding over different surfaces and road terrain.
This is not to mention that most Vilano bikes come with revolutionary technology and extra features.
Vilano bikes also have a sleek design and will definitely earn you a couple of compliments.
This section will look at some of the popular Vilano models.
Hopefully, depending on your cycling needs, you’ll find one that suits your needs.
Quick Comparison Table!
Popular Vilano Bikes -- Vilano Bike Reviews
#1 Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Vilano Shadow is an affordable, entry-level road bike.
It’s a popular option for any cycling enthusiast for a couple of reasons, including affordability, value for money, lightweight and Shimano components, and rear derailleur.
I’ve had the Vilano Road bike for the last three years, and it’s among the best bike purchases I’ve made in a recent while.
Here’s my review of the Vilano Shadow.
Features and Benefits
Value Purchase
Road bikes are often associated with pricy tags, but the Shadow road bike is different.
It’s an affordable option and a great beginner bike. While not as lightweight or fancy as the $1,000 bikes, it comes with a solid and reliable build.
More importantly, it comes with all the necessities you need for a road bike.
Lightweight Design
Vilano Shadow is incredibly light, though not as light as the +$1,000 bikes.
It comes just under 30 pounds, with the double-butted aluminum frame helping a lot with cutting the weight.
Riding the bikes, especially for long distances, is a pleasant experience because there’s no fatigue from bulkiness.
The lightweight aluminum tubing is also pretty narrow, and along with the featherweight design, it’s easier to gain more speed on the Shadow.
I’ve used the Shadow road bike for group rides, and I’ve no issues keeping up with some of my experienced friends.
And the good thing with the aluminum construction is that it’s also sturdy. It doesn’t feel flimsy, poor quality, or delicate, even when the road gets rough.
Shimano Components
At Vilano Shadow’s price point, it’s hard to come across Shimano components.
See, Shimano is the epitome of excellence and the word you want to hear when buying a bike.
Fortunately, the Shadow features Shimano braking system and integrated shifters.
The 2×7 gearing is ultra-smooth and provides plenty of range.
Would I have preferred more gears?
Sure.
But here’s the thing, Shadow isn’t a competition bike, nor is it a $1,000 bike. By comparison, the pricier base Trek model has a similar gearing range but is double the Shadow’s price.
The brake levers for shifting gears are smooth and intuitive to use. All you hear when pedaling along, whether fast or slow, is a little bit of swoosh from the tires and total silence from the gears.
Tires and Wheels
The main reason I got the Vilano Shadow road bike was commuting into the city, which includes a bit of sidewalk, trails, and potholes.
Our roads are always cracked, and bumps are everywhere.
Fortunately, the Shadow has the standard 700c wheels, balancing rider comfort, and performance.
For example, I use my bike for the fast group rides and exploring the local roads. I can easily keep up with my peers on long and fast distances while at the same time exploring the relatively beaten paths.
Of course, I wouldn’t recommend using the wheels on the gnarly terrain. I’ve sustained two flat tires after hitting a major pothole. Otherwise, the wheels are okay for the light off-road terrains.
Comfort
Shadow comes prepped for use out of the box.
The seat is comfortable, and I usually don’t see the need for extra seat padding, just chamois.
Meanwhile, the stock pedals are flat, which is good because I can ride them with whatever shoes I’ve.
The handlebars are also a bit slack, providing better handling and comfort, especially over long distances.
Overall, I’m always looking forward to riding every day.
Easy Assembly
Assembling this bike is pretty easy.
It comes complete with a handy manual. Plus, there’re plenty of helpful walkthrough videos on YouTube.
So, you don’t need to be mechanically inclined or even visit your local bike shop to assemble the bike.
Vilano Shadow is an awesome entry-level road bike, especially for beginner cyclists. It offers a nice way to pick up cycling as a hobby or commute short rides.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Reliable quality
Cons
- Not ideal for advanced riders
#2 Vilano Diverse
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Second on our list of the Vilano bikes review is the Diverse 3.0. It’s yet another wallet-friendly offering from Vilano.
It’s an entry-level hybrid bike that cuts zero corners for the casual and everyday rider.
In many aspects, the Vilano Diverse 3.0 deserves to be your first bike, especially if you’re not sure of the riding discipline you want to follow.
Features and Benefits
Design
The Diverse hybrid bike is appealing to look at out of the box. It has a flat black look, with silver lettering. It’s nothing as fancy or flashy as most of the typical fluorescent framed bikes.
Moving on, the Diverse aluminum frame construction feels solid and durable.
It’s an important feature, especially for a hybrid road bike, because of the diverse utility of this bike category.
The Diverse is a performance-oriented bike that can take any road conditions.
I love how it inspired more confidence in my son, even when navigating through the gnarly road terrains.
Gears
The best feature of the Diverse hybrid bike is the gearing system.
It doesn’t have a higher gearing, but again, keep in mind it’s not a competition bike.
That said, the low gears are awesome for climbing the speed hills. The 8-gear rear cassette provides plenty of flexibility when riding uphill.
It can’t compare to my previous Trek, but it’s certainly an upgrade from Giant and other premium bikes, and at a reasonable price.
The integrated shifters are also awesome for cruising, which is nice, especially when you need to stretch it out.
As with the first Vilano model, the Diverse also has Shimano components, which provide a smooth gear transition.
Comfort
The diverse 3.0 hybrid road bike lacks shocks, so I definitely miss my old mountain bike. The bike transmits most of the city road bumps right to your bump. But most roadies also lack suspension.
The good thing is that the bike has some nifty features, which help galvanize comfort.
For example, the flat handlebars and relaxed geometry allow for a comfortable riding position, while the comfortable seats eliminate pain on your bottom.
Braking Performance (Mechanical Disc Brakes)
The Diverse entry-level bike boasts high-quality Shimano disc brakes.
I can confirm the disc brakes work well, and unlike the cantilever braking system, they work well in both wet and dry conditions.
I’ve slid the tires a couple of times on wet surfaces, and the disc brakes didn’t have any problem coming to a grinding halt.
Hybrid
The Vilano Diverse 3.0 offers a nice compromise between the comforts of a road bike and the performance of a mountain bike.
It’s a great option for those looking to benefit from the best of both worlds.
I can use the bike on pretty rough terrains, where my regular bike wouldn’t do the trick. Equally, it also feels at home during group rides and on the tarmac, where my MTB wouldn’t cut it.
Ease of Assembly
Assembling the Diverse 3.0 is a snap. If you’re the least bit of a mechanically-inclined cyclist, it shouldn’t take more than an hour to get the bike ready.
Pros
- Stylish
- All-terrain navigation
- Lightweight frame
- Thumb shifters
Cons
- Narrow seat
#3 Vilano R2 Commuter Bike
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Few road bikes have the charm and allure as the Vilano R2 does.
Getting a reliable road bike is a challenge by itself, but getting a road bike that will address your commute needs is a Herculean task.
The Vilano R2 Commuter road bike, however, fits the bill. It’s among the few standouts that will also make you change your attitude towards affordable roadies.
But is it the right bike for you?
Features and Benefits
Aluminum Frame
To start, you need to get a lock for the Vilano R2 because it’s good-looking.
Aesthetics aside, this commuter road bike has a durable aluminum frame with several benefits.
The first one is that it’s super-light, so riding the bike over long distances should be pleasant without feeling fatigued.
Another benefit of the lightweight design is that it makes the bike easy to handle, especially when you need to gain speed.
But the greatest benefit, at least in my opinion, is the bike is ultra-sturdy and solid. It can take quite a beating without breaking or failing.
I’ve used my R2 on rough roads, and I’ve not had the feeling that it will break or anything.
Suspension Fork
I was surprised to find out that the Vilano R2 bike features a full suspension for the price.
The benefit of the suspension fork is that I can ride the bike over bumps and gravel without feeling the impact. It absorbs much of the vibrations and shocks of riding over rough roads.
Besides a comfy experience and a smooth ride, the full-suspension galvanizes the bike’s versatility. It‘ll expand your riding options, allowing me to explore places I would never have on a regular bike.
Finally, the suspension fork improves the overall safety and control, especially when descending the beaten paths.
Wheels
The Vilano R2 is primarily a commute bike, so if you need a bike to ride daily to work, it is a perfect choice.
Now, along with the bike’s geometry and dynamics, the 700c wheels also make this bike a great commuter option.
The wheels are quick-rolling, so it’s easy to maintain speed, especially once momentum builds.
In addition, the wheels are large enough to roll over just about anything and will inspire more confidence in different terrains.
The 700c wheels will allow you to ride further, faster, and in less time.
Gear
Vilano R2 integrated shifter is ultra-smooth and feels much better when riding.
The number of gears (21) is also quite decent and more than most cyclists would actually need. Playing with the different gear combinations makes it easy to adjust the resistance and navigate through different terrains with relative ease.
Braking performance is equally not any different.
The caliper braking system is simple, effective, and can bring you to a grinding halt in no time. The caliper brakes are also easy to maintain, making them ideal for entry-level riders.
My only issue with the brake is they’re hard to reach or require using lots of pressure from your hand. But this shouldn’t be a big problem unless you plan to use your bike on the busy roads with pedestrians and cars.
Pros
- Great commuter bike
- Nice shock absorption system
- Incredible performance
Cons
- Hard to reach braking system
#4 Vilano Urbana Single Speed Folding Bike
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The Vilano Urbana is a simple and affordable way of getting around town.
But its signature benefit is how effortless it compacts and downsizes for easy storage or transport.
Features and Benefits
Minimalistic Design
Straight out of the box, the Vilano Urbana Single-Speed bike is designed to be as basic as it can be.
The single-speed bike features a minimal and clean design.
It’s a frill-free bike that lacks the sophistication of features of traditional bikes such as Shimano STI shifters, rear rack cables, or V-brakes.
The absence of the features means the bike doesn’t have fiddly parts and is a low-maintenance bike.
Along with the simple design, Urbana also looks the part. It’s nice and resembles the traditional BMX bikes and less of the stereotypical folding bicycles.
Lightweight
Another of Urbana’s unique selling points is its lightweight design.
It uses a lightweight aluminum frame and comes at a measly 21.4 pounds. It’s by far lighter than most folding bikes on the market.
The lightweight design is important, especially when you need to haul the bike. Lifting the bike is effortless.
For example, my partner no longer struggles to carry it to our second floor from the parking.
Performance-wise, the lightweight design means the bike isn’t fatiguing to ride with, even for longer distances.
Foldable
The other great benefit of the Urbana folding bike is the ability to fold.
It can compact or decrease in size, which is handy when you’re short of storage space, or need to haul the bike on the bus.
Urbana folding bikes can size down to 12″ x 32″ x 25″, and this freed our garage space. And when I need to go on vacation, it’ll easily fit in my VW Passat’s trunk and leave space for more.
Performance
On the road, Urbana isn’t the most performance-oriented bike.
Its performance is severely limited because it’s a single gear speed. Therefore, it’s not that powerful, struggles going up on relatively steep hills, and is only ideal for flat-road use.
However, you may find the single gear pleasant to use depending on your cycling preference. It’s fun to ride and can go pretty fast.
The other benefit of the gear is that it saves you from the hassles of bicycle maintenance and everything.
The coaster braking system will also save you from extra clutter. Remember that the coaster brakes are activated by backpedaling instead of pressing brake levels.
It may take a couple of days to get hung with this new system, but with time, you’ll love how the design makes the bike less bulky.
Comfort
Folding bikes are hardly comfortable, but the Urbana is different.
It has plenty of adjustment room on the saddle and handlebar, so you can always customize them to fit your riding needs.
Overall, the Vilano Urbana is a great bike as far as speed folding bikes are concerned.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Folding bike design
- Comfortable- adjustable seat post
- Smooth ride
Cons
- Not built for performance
#5 Vilano's Blackjack 3.0
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Our final Vilano model on the Vilano bike review is an awesome entry-level 29er mountain bike.
The Vilano Blackjack 3.0 is an awesome mountain bike that inspires more confidence in navigating gnarly terrains.
Features and Benefits
Value
We all know MTBs don’t come cheap, especially if you need a quality option.
The Blackjack, however, is a rare gem and lowly-priced.
In fact, I was skeptical about the Blackjack purchase with its low price.
However, after having it for several seasons, I don’t regret my decision. The bike is comparable to the premium Diamondback bike ad solidly designed for someone interested in taking the mountains without spending thousands.
Design
You can tell Blackjack is built for those who want to look as good as they ride out of the box. It’s aesthetically pleasing and speaks of class.
It doesn’t end there; the bike also has a nice sturdy double-butted aluminum frame.
It’s a nice choice of material because it’s light and, at the same time, hardy enough to take on the difficulties of mountain climbing and everything.
Rider Comfort
The blackjack mountain bike is a hardtail, so it has the option of a front suspension system.
Expect a smooth ride, even on the challenging terrain
when riding the bike.
The big wide tires make the ride even more fun along with the suspension. They absorb the shocks and dampen the vibrations on the road.
The integrated shifters are also nice, allowing the bike to roll much better and smoother.
Ease of Assembly & Use
Assembling the Blackjack is pretty easy and a snap. It doesn’t take much effort to fully set up the entire bike.
And the best part is the bike also allows adjustability on the saddle and handlebars. Therefore, it’s easy to customize the bike to suit your preferences.
Overall, the Blackjack 29er hardtail is an awesome mountain bike and an amazing bike that checks most of the boxes for the best mountain bikes. Plus, it comes at an affordable price tag.
Pros
- Affordable
- Ideal for mountain riding
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Only suitable for beginners
Choosing the Right Vilano Bike
Vilano bikes offer a gamut of bicycles for different categories.
While most Vilano models are versatile and can cater to different riding disciplines, it’s always a good idea to choose a bike that fits your riding needs.
The journey to knowing the right bike for your cycling needs is understanding the purpose of your cycling and the different bike categories.
Now, the specific bike category will, in most cases, determine the terrain you can ride your bike on.
Therefore, in the section below, we’ll shed more light on the different Vilano bike categories and their best riding uses.
Hybrid Bikes
As their name suggests, hybrid bikes blend two or more bike categories.
But in most cases, hybrid bikes refer to a mix of MTBs and road bikes.
Hybrid bikes provide the comfort and speed of road bikes, mixed with the versatility of a mountain bike.
The hybrid will place the rider in a more upright sitting position for better comfort and easier control than a true road bike.
Typical hybrids also lack the curved road bike handlebars but instead have flat bars with a slight rise.
Depending on the exact hybrid Vilano bicycle, some options include mounts for a rack, kickstand, and a wider seat.
Generally, the hybrid is a more comfortable offering and a perfect option for those who need to navigate between the beaten paths and the paved roads.
The Vilano Hybrid bikes may also be an inspiring option for beginners who have yet to identify the type of riding they need.
Road Bikes
Again, it’s easy to tell what Vilano Road bikes are from the name.
These bikes are designed for maintaining speed, especially on the pavement.
The Vilano bikes allow bike riders to take on an aerodynamic position, and so they’re often characterized by an aggressive riding stance consisting of dropped bars.
Another noticeable feature on the roadies is the skinnier 700c wheels that eliminate the rolling resistance and allow aster rolling.
The road bikes are an inspiring option for those who prefer speed or racing in group rides.
For example, I’ve a Vilano Shadow road bike, and I’ve no problem navigating on the pavement, tarmacked roads, and keeping up with my buddies on group rides.
Mountain Bikes
The MTBs are ideal for navigating the gnarly and rough terrain.
Most mountain bikes have suspension, either full-suspension or front suspension. The front suspension mountain bikes are also known as hardtails.
The inclusion of suspension is a nice feature because it absorbs the shocks and dampens the vibrations, especially when you take on the big jumps.
Along with the suspension, mountain bikes also feature wider and knobby tires to navigate over obstacles.
So, if you plan on going over the obstacles on the singletrack trails or off-road beaten paths, a mountain bike will serve you much better.
However, understand that mountain bikes are also different and are spec’d for different terrains. For example, some MTBs are great for doing jumps, while other bikes are ideal for the technical terrain.
One of the best mountain bikes in Vilano’s bike catalog is Blackjack 3.0.
It’s an aluminum hardtail and an entry-level bike that excels on fair trail rides and gravel. It’s not suited for the long jumps or downhill runs.
Folding Bikes
The foldaway bikes are a great pick for those who need a bike they can store and stash away.
It’s particularly an incredible option for cyclists who usually have a multi-mode form of transport and don’t want to give up on the bike.
A folding bike allows cyclists to compact the bike into a nifty design, which you can bring to the tram or bus.
If you also have a small living area, a folding bike will save you acres of land. It compacts into a small design, some even the size of a suitcase.
The folding bikes are also ultra-light, so you’ll find them handy to climb several stairs to your home.
Of course, the foldaway bikes have some compromises with such a compact design.
For example, most of them don’t have a gearing system and feature small wheels. They may also lack water bottle cages or mounts depending on the size.
However, it’s this simplicity that makes them even more appealing. Their frill-free design makes them ideal commuter Vilano bikes, which can fit in small spaces.
The Urbana is one of Vilano’s popular foldaway bikes.
Wrap Up: Our Choice
Vilano has a bike for every cycling need. The brand has a huge variety of Vilano bikes that satiate the rider needs of many cyclists.
And the good thing with Vilano bicycles is that it’s an affordable brand, which sits well with most riding enthusiasts, especially beginners.
