I’ve owned this bike for less then 6 weeks and each week I’ve had a different issue with the bike, whether that’s from the brakes not working to the tire having a tare to causing the the tire to pop, I’ve bought this bike to make my life easier and all it has done has made it harder.
I looked long and hard before choosing my Quella. In fact, there is nothing else on the market quite like this hub-geared version of the Varsity. While the overall design and finish are first-class, I am replacing one or two components - pedals, saddle, for instance - as I feel they are slightly below par. And the gear change cable is secured to the tube by plastic ties, which seems quite wrong - so I am looking into sourcing some proper clips for that. But overall, I am very pleased. I have thoroughly enjoyed riding it so far... apart from one episode when the handlebar was slipping on the A post. Slightly alarming, and could have caused a nasty crash. It's definitely worth checking that all bolts are properly tight! I suppose the only real disappointment was seeing 'Made in China' on the box when it was delivered - I had assumed they were made in England (naive, I know).
Is fantastic bick I use to go work very light i recommended thank u very much
I have had a Nero for a few years now, i ahve done around 3,500 miles on it and it has been fantastic. It is so fun to ride and works amazingly for all kinds of riding, hills you can get up with some difficulty. Better for flatter rides and not for super long distances as I learned but so easy to keep going for life with upgrades being easy to find and all components stock is clean and effective.
TLDR - Bike is great, Jess & Chris are very helpful, sizing is seriously inaccurate which is an issue for an online retailer!
I am 168cm, so fit right in the middle of the 54cm frame range on the website. After it arrived I took it to my local bike shop and they told me that they wouldnt recommend a bike of this size to anyone under 6ft/180cm. Jess was extremely helpful and understanding and arranged to switch it for a 51cm frame (size guide says 147-160cm). I would say I am STILL on the shorter side for this bike, so unless I am the weirdest shaped person on the planet (I'm not) I think they need to look at their sizing.
The bike itself is lovely - the colour is even nicer in person and it is a real pleasure to ride. The mudguard system is very neat and I really enjoy the internal gear hub. The fact you cant backpedal takes a second to get used to, but the addition of a third brake instead is actually quite useful.
Aesthetically pleasing and easy to work with due to being self adhesive, but not too self adhesive.
Job
I love my new bike. I was heartbroken when my Brompton was stolen, but now I am happy again.
The mudguards fit boxes and are easy to attach/detach. My only concern is the rear guard is a bit short - how much that will keep me dry when the road is really wet remains to be seen.
Unfortunately, the thread on the sprocket didn’t fit onto my bike. I think it’s just a manufacturing problem as normally everything I bought from Quella has been great.
Haven’t got the bike yet a but the customer service I’ve received was really helpful and due to delays they gen through in a free tee for me ! Super exited for my bike x
Like others I've seen in the comments the chain failed after less than 200km of riding. I've since replaced with an e-bike chain and it's since done over 3000km without issue.
Assembled bike. Could tell they were cheap parts. Thread on pedal absolutely battered and wonky after first ride. (Made in China) 👍🏻 . Won’t let me upload a photo.
First outing on my new Quella the bike has performed excellently well, very smooth to ride some subtle upgrades have been added rear 18T with chain protector anti-slip alloy pedals grippy Panaracer tyres. Quite simply highly recommended and preferred - Jess & Chris are extremely professional & friendly top notch service all-round & very highly satisfied!
Cool set, good quality too; I really appreciate the gift. Many thanks, Quella!
The bike is a great ride. Customer service was excellent and helped me through set up questions. The bike looks great.
Great advice when contacting the company directly. Parts are competitively priced and easily available so no reason to seek out elsewhere.
Pretty good all round, packaged well, a bit of a variation in component quality (lower quality brake levers & bars). All assembled easily apart from one of the rear dropouts had to be opened out.
The rear wheel position adjuster screws definitely require lock nuts to prevent movement or loss.
I purchased this bike with the help of the lovely Jess, who was excellent.
It took about five and a half weeks to arrive. I did say there was no rush so that was fine.
Bike was very easy to put together, just took a few minutes. I do build a lot of bikes but it was really straightforward.
Initial response was disappointment. The paintwork was not glossy, but then I didn't ask whether it would be satin or gloss.
A rack was fitted but it had been bent to fit and the paint was chipped and missing in places where it had been bent.
Handle grips were cheap and awful and didn't match the seat.
Handlebars were shiny black, on a matte black stem and also looked awful.
The reach on this bike is really long- ok if you ride in an aggressive position but not for me. Adjustable stem worked fine but still too far forward. Seat post is set back so that didn't help.
Overall geometry is not stiff.
Some cut vinyl stickers were applied, in black rather than the white I requested. One of these was wonky. Rear rack was not level either.
Anyway I addressed these issues with a new stem riser, handlebars, handgrips, seat post and black nail polish to cover up the chipped paint on the rear shelf, and levelled it up.
So I now have a bike I'm happy with, other than not getting the white decals that I requested, but that's not a deal breaker.
The Zehus hub is amazing. No drag whatsoever when you're not using the electric. It delivers a surprising range, for the battery size. Regenerative braking is great and should make the brake pads last longer.
Rear rack is a great size, perfect for a proper sized bag. There's a fitting for a rear light at the back.
I think I will use this bike a great deal! Thank you Quella xx
Dear Cathy, thank you for taking the time to reply and really pleased you'll be making full use of our electric bike. I think it first important to point out that you had a custom paint colour which we advise can take 4-5 weeks. If you sort one of our standard colours from our website delivery would have been within 2-3 days. We use powder coating on all our custom paint jobs and the process can be lengthy depending on waiting times, as the frame is shot blasted, takes several layers of paint and is finally lacquered. We do provide the option of a gloss or matt finish? We don't have many issues over our grips and many folk like the rubber as they tend to be more plyable and better in the wet than our leather option. Sounds like the rear rack may have taken a bumpy ride on the way to you with our couriers. We don't bend the racks into any particularly shape and as you mention they are a good width perfect to avoid bags interferring with componentry which is the feedback we generally get. Decal position is annoying along with the chipped paint? Not sure why decals were not applied well, best cause of action here would have been to send us over an image and we would have addressed this matter immediately for you. All in all it seems you got there in the end and really pleased to hear you are enjoying the electric support, enjoy the commute and do please contact us should you need any further assistance.
Good, should come with instructions on how to put it together
Hi Ryheen, thank you for your review. We send information in the literature with every bike, it provides a link to our online video. After many years of selling thousands of bikes we have found the video much more effective and less impactful on the environments from our customers perspective. Visually seeing how to set-up the bike certainly helps rather than the written word for most, as some of the terms in 'bike world speak' cannot be understood by all. Also, for many they prefer bikes to built by mechanics, which always tends to be a preference and provides further reassurance that the bike has been built correctly. Mechanics will also request a 6 week follow-up to ensure that all is operating effectively and the torque remains accurate. Rather like a new car, quite often a 500 mile service is required just to ensure the smooth running of the vehicle. We are also very happy to help over a call on 0333 400 2400, do feel free to contact us.
Delivery was good, assembly took longer than necessary as no allen key was provided for the bolts that move the rear wheel for tightening the chain. I would say more information needs to be provided on tightening brake cables. Noticed the front wheel has a noticeable shimmy and isn't aligned properly. Pretty annoying for a new bike. I hoped it looked that way because the tyre wasn't inflated yet but unfortunately not. On the 3rd time riding the bike I felt the chain come loose and get off to check the rear wheel bolts hadn't come loose. Turns out the chain had snapped on two separate links thus allowing the chain to elongate and the bike was no longer ridable. I had ensured that the appropriate chain tension was applied during setup (1cm up/down slack as per the video) and ensured proper wheel alignment as I know misalignment can asymmetrically stretch the chain. I have a tendency to check new bikes pre and mid-ride in the first weeks using them in case of anything coming loose. Didn't notice anything so not sure what's happened. Anyway, currently looking for a new chain from a different brand. Will also replace the front wheel with a different brand's should the misalignment get worse. Shame because I got the teal rims.
Hi Daniel, sorry to read of our experience. For the chain to break so early on most certainly identifies a problem with your drivetrain. It could be for several reasons, a damaged tooth/teeth on your chain wheel, rear wheel hub torque, freewheel sprocket, bottom bracket alignment, chainwheel circumfrence...... Very happy to chat this over with you. We do recommend taking bikes to a professional mechanic to assist in the set-up, quite often they can identify if their is a component issue or it is simply a set-up fault. Simply replacing your chain will more than likely not be the solution here. Drop us a line and we'll be happy to discuss next best steps with yourself. Team Quella
This was really useful. Every thing I’d have bought to add to my bike for peace of mind. The pump could be better but that’s just my personal preference to have a chrome Lezyne for the complete retro look.
the pedals seem very nice at first. The axle starts becoming wobbly There seems to be no way for anyone to adjust this
Sorry to hear you've been having some problems with the MOTO reflex pedals, we've never had this before. It might be worth taking them to a local mechanic to get them to have a check them over. Feel free to send us an email to sales@quellabicycle.com if you continue to have issues with these.