Dekra D-Drive Men's 26-Inch Chainless Comfort Bike

by Dekra

Product Features

• Direct drive-no chain
• Lightweight alloy frame
• Three-speed Nexus internal hub
• Shimano Nexus shifters

Product Description

Product Description

Say goodbye to greasy chains and enjoy the smooth ride on Dekra's chainless comfort bike. Constructed with a lightweight alloy frame, this bike offers a low-maintenance shaft drive with Shimano components and three gears for easy shifting. Perfect for cruising around town and path riding, you'll forget you even had a chain on your old bike.

Assembly of the Bike:
This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.

Specifications:

• Frame: Alloy
• Fork: Shock Fork
• Handlebar: Aluminum, MTB AL-29
• Derailleur: Shimano Inter 3S gear hub with SL-3S35 shifter
• Derailleur Cable: 2P
• Stem: Alloy, TDN-A72
• Rims: Alloy, 26" x 1.5"
• Front Hubs: Alloy, MTB type
• Rear Hubs: Shimano Inter 3-gear hub
• Tires and Tubes: 26" x 1.75"
• Pedals: Plastic platform (9/16") with CPSC reflectors)
• Grips: VLG-141D2
• Kickstand: Steel
• Brake: Alloy, front and rear
• Crank and Sprocket: Shaft drive type, Alloy crank
• Seatpost: Alloy with quick-release

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide
Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:

The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

• Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
• Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
• Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price
A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

• Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
• Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
• High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

• Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
• Top Tube Length--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
• Bikes for Women--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:

• Helmet (this is a must!)
• Seat pack
• Lock
• Hydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages
• Spare tubes
• Portable bike pump
• Gloves

Product Description

Direct Drive Comfort Bike

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 47.4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000CCF35S
• Item model number: 8564-11
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #463,717 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just what the doctor ordered!!!, May 16, 2006

By 

Sports Guy (Sammamish, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dekra D-Drive Men's 26-Inch Chainless Comfort Bike (Sports)

I was really looking for a very simple but yet nice bike. I looked long and hard. I went to my local Wal-Mart and I was not impressed with the quality of their bikes. You get what you pay for yet I did not want something overly complicated. My wife and I just wanted bikes that we could take a leisurly ride around our local lake. I was drawn to this bike because with the drive system, it seemed fool proof. I was not sure of this brand but I decided that I would buy one bike and if I was not impressed, I would return it. The box came in great condition and assembly was a piece of cake. I hopped on and I was hooked. This bike is smooth and easy to use. I can also wear long pants, I do not have to worry about them getting caught in the chain. I would suggest this bike to anyone that is looking for a quality bike that is easy to use and maintain. 5+ stars!!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 3 Gears in Pittsburgh, December 26, 2007

By 

dickens - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dekra D-Drive Men's 26-Inch Chainless Comfort Bike (Sports)

My first bike since I was a teenager (now in late 30's).

Very easy to assemble - seems a little daunting with the multiple manuals - but actually quite easy. Just follow the Dekra owner's manual. The only deviation from their assembly instructions is that there is no "retaining washer" in the wheel assembly - so don't look for one. You just have to fit the front fork over the wheel, drop the handlebar into the fork, drop the seat assembly into the seat tube, fit the pedals, and you're ready to go.

Driving is very easy. Gears are smooth and nice. I live in Pittsburgh, which is very hilly and I am not in super-fit shape. I found gentle grades (<7 degrees) easy going. But sometimes it got to 15 degrees and that was a lot - I had to get off the bike and push it uphill. Would it be better in Pittsburgh with 7 or more gears - not sure. Not sure whether the lowest gear in a 7 gear would be easier to get up the hill than with a 3-gear. Experts can comment here.

I think though, part of the issue is my fitness - the more I ride, the fitter I get, the easier the ride gets, even steep uphill. Again, for gentle or short uphills, this works just fine.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Could not be happier with this purchase., April 23, 2007

By 

R. Williams - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dekra D-Drive Men's 26-Inch Chainless Comfort Bike (Sports)

I received this bike through Amazon a few weeks ago.Amazon shipped quickly and in perfect condition. Everyone who i let try the bike could not believe how quiet and smooth shifting it is. The bike is well made and attention to detail is superb.One reviewer wrote that third gear was hard on his legs. I did not find that to be the case at all.In fact i also purchased a ride along trailer so my grandaughter could accompany me.Even with that attached i felt no strain on my legs.This is a comfort bike and not a racing bike.This is great for everyday liesurely travel and sightseeing.Although i must say when alone i have gone quite fast. Anyone looking to exercise, keep in shape, and enjoy riding without the hassle of grease and broken chains will be pleased with this purchase. Once again Amazon's price was the best and shipping fast.