Review of Hero Hawk. Review on Hero Cycles

This is the review after extensive use of the Hero Hawk 5 gear cycle. I am not a teenager - I am 31 years old and am an ardent cyclist.

In the past 8 years, I have cycled on the hero hawk 5 gear for more than 37400km in Bangalore and suburbs. My first cycle got stolen after 5700km of run and my second one(hero hawk 5 gear) bought in july 2001 has run 31700 km to date.

At the time of buying, I decided to fit my cycles with Indian made Starlit 5 speed gears. It cost 300 Rs at that time. I was advised that it is not a high quality thing compared to Shimano(six speed, 500 rs), but that time I was really not having plenty of cash.

Gears are a must in Bangalore, where the surface is not even as it looks.

I wanted a light bike and hence most of the mountain bikes or such clones were ruled out at first. I intended to do a lot of road biking. Hero Hawk fits my bill perfectly. However, it comes with short mudguards. I put the longer ones on them so that in rainy season my back is not splashed with water.

I paid 2700 rupees for my cycle, with gears and all, in 2001.

The cycle has those funny handles folding downwards in an arch. it looks stylish but folks think it is very difficult to drive. You just need to get used to the bike a bit.

The seat is very small and can be an irritant for about one week. then you adapt to the seat and you dont face any problem.

Hero Hawk is a light bike and requires periodic maintenance - especially for the brakes, pedals etc. I have the original ones replaced with sturdier brakes seen on mountain bikes. Also, the pedals(ones on which you keep the foot) was replaced with the pedal of BSA deluxe. I also had insulation tape wound on the handles. The original black sponge like material is too flimsy and it dirties your palms when you hold it long enough.

I have a manual speedometer fitted to the bike. If you are in Bangalore, contact Laloo at 080-22297180(raja cycles at JC Road, near town hall) and he will do it for you. I also have a electronic speedometer from Vetta( http://www.vetta.com), model name V100. These things make riding more interesting.

The rear tyres are changed every 2500 km and front tyres last more than 4000 km. Since I cycle 42 km everyday, I get it serviced every two months. Please note that for gears, Laloo is the best man around to get them done neatly.

Dealer:

Raja cycles in JC Road, near Town Hall, Bangalore.

They are undoubtedly the best and takes care of their customers really well. I have and will buy all my bikes from there, without doubt. Besides, Laloo is their official mechanic, so buying your bike from them makes all the sense. Insist on gear related work to be done by Laloo only.

Contact the friendly folks at Raja cycles on 080-22297180.

Raja cycles is a very old store and very spacious too. You find many different types of bikes there, including the BSA foldman. Very friendly dealer. I categorically and unconditionally recommend them to ANYONE who wishes to do cycling in Bangalore.

Comments and Questions are welcome.