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This is my thorough review of the Montague Crosstown folding bike.
Montague is a brand that is synonymous with the production of full-sized bicycles in a wide range of different styles – for various purposes too.
Ranging from folding bikes to mountain bikes and more.
The brand is based in Boston and they have been producing high-class, premium bikes for many years now. They are well renowned within the industry for the production of truly quality bikes.
MONTAGUE CROSSTOWN
Our Rating
PROS
- Easily folded away in less than 20 seconds
- Large and thin wheels – very fast
- High-quality build
- Beautifully minimal aesthetics
- Very comfortable to ride over long distances
- 700cc wheels have excellent traction and shock absorption
CONS
- Large wheels aren’t easily transported
OUR VERDICT
“A brilliant hybrid between a road bike and a folding bike. It has all the perks of a road bike, predominantly speed and less energy requirement. However, it can also be folded down into a relatively small size for easy storage and transportation making it the perfect Montague urban folding bike.”
Montague Crosstown Review
Obviously, the big talking point when it comes to Montague bikes is the fact that they are all indeed full-size models. The capacity to have a full-size road bike that folds down to a small size makes these folding bikes exceptionally functional products.
Another brilliant thing about Montague is that their bikes are generally not extortionately priced either and will typically set you back a similar amount as any other affordable brand around.
A consequence of this is that you can obtain a well-built, durable, full-size folding bike, for a good price.
“A brilliant full-sized folding bike, Montague has done it again – showing why they are regarded as one of the finest bicycle manufacturers around.”
Now, to begin, it is essential to state that Montague Crosstown is one of the company’s entry-level folding bicycles.
However, it is equally as important to outline that this does not mean that the bike doesn’t perform as well as the more expensive models.
My initial thoughts out of the box were that the bike has an extremely sleek design, and its silver and black paint stood out for me.
It really does look like a premium folding bike that would cost many more times the price you paid for it.
The Crosstown has been elegantly crafted, its top tube design and gently sloping frame look absolutely wonderful.
After playing around with the bike for a while I made use of the quick-release handlebar system, aptly named the Octagon system.
The Octagon system essentially enables riders to alter the handlebar height whilst riding the bicycle, a really neat feature.
The height can be increased, or decreased, in gradual increments. One benefit of this, aside from utilizing it while cycling, is the ability to change the handlebar height rapidly so that others can ride the bike.
Overall the Montague Crosstown is a beautiful ride, it is extremely comfortable over long distances much like the Montague Boston 8 folding bike.
This was particularly surprising due to Crosstown’s low price point. Obviously, this folding bike is far more rapid than your typical folding bike, this made traversing throughout the city effortless.
You will find that you spend far less energy with these extremely thin wheels, also your posture is generally more suited to traveling at higher speeds too.
Test Ride
The Montague Crosstown can be folded down in under 20 seconds which is relatively average, it is a very simple mechanism to utilize too.
The bike wheels are a bit of an issue to carry due to their size but the bike is incredibly light so once you get used to holding it, it really is effortless.
The Crosstown comes with a Velcro strap to keep the bike together – this is particularly useful.
I believe that this bike is a beautiful hybrid between road bikes and your typical folding bikes, it looks stunning, is very fast to nip throughout the city, and folds down to a relatively manageable size too.
There really is little that this bike can’t do.
Specifications
| Color | Boulder Gray/Black |
| Frame | Custom 7005 Series, Aluminum tubing with FIT System. |
| Fork | Rigid Unicrown, with CLIX Wheel Release System Ramped Dropout. |
| Rims | 700c Alloy. 32 hole, Silver. |
| Tires | CST Semi-Slick. 700c x 28mm. |
| Hubset | Formula. Alloy CLIX front quick release. |
| Spokes | 14 Gauge Stainless |
| Saddle | Performance Gel comfort. |
| Seatpost | 30.0 X 300mm Alloy. |
| Handlebars | Riser style 30mm rise. 580mm wide. Alloy, Black. |
| Stem | Octagon height-adjustable stem. No tools are required. |
| Shifters | Shimano 7-Speed RevoShift. |
| Front Derailleur | NA |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Altus, 7-Speed. |
| Crankset | 42T chainring. Alloy 170mm crank arm. |
| Speeds | 7 |
| Brakes | Tektro. Dual Pivot Caliper. Side pull with Quick Release. |
| Pedals | Trekking pedal with all-weather non-slip tread. |
| Bottom Bracket | Semi-Sealed Cartridge. |
| Frame Sizes | 17″, 19″, 21″ |
| Stand over heights | |
| Folded Size | 35.9″ x 27.9″ x 11.9″ |
| Weight | 26.9lbs |
Concluding Remarks
To conclude, I believe that the Montague Crosstown should be considered by anyone who has used a road bike before and becomes accustomed to the speed they afford.
Furthermore, I would also recommend this folding bike to people who are looking for a hastier alternative to their current folding bicycles.
Mark Plummer
Mark Plummer is an experienced bike mechanic who has built, repaired, and customized thousands of bikes over the years. A former mountain biking athlete, his cycling adventures have taken him all over the globe from the mountains of Scotland to the South Island of New Zealand. These days he enjoys the benefits of commuting to work and touring on his Dahon and Brompton folding bikes.This free buyer's guide shows you how to find the best folding bike for your budget.
