A 2000+ Mile review of the Torker Interurban

I also posted this on reddit.com/r/bicycling.  Figured as I know a few shops in the area carry this bike as well it could serve a decent resource for people who are thinking about an entry level roadie:

So, last May, I upgraded from a hybrid to a road bike. Price was my biggest concern and after calling around, visiting a few bike shops, I found pretty much exactly what I wanted. A cheap, functional road bike with Brifters, the Torker Interurban. I probably didn't do the due diligence I should have, but in the end it was a good purchase.

The Good:

-Solid, Steel frame with lots of eyelets

-Decent, not great components. Mostly 2300 with a Sora Rear Mech

-A very relaxed riding for a road bike. Similar to touring geometry. Pretty much the perfect for someone moving to their first roadie

The bad:

-Wheelbase is a little too small. I'm not a huge guy but I ended up having toe strikes quite often when I was clipped in

-The Wheels. Part of it is when I started was 320 lbs, so that didn't help I'm sure. However, they went out of true quick and eventually I replaced them with some much stronger rims. However, iffy wheels are pretty much commonplace for entry level roadies

-The brakes. it was my first upgrade. Made it was my weight but it really lacks stopping power. I upgrade to Sram Apex brakeset and it made a world of difference.

Today was my last commute with this bike. I have a buyer lined up for it and I've got a crosscheck ready to get built up. I'd recommend it for someone looking for a entry level road bike for short rides It's a great city bike as it can take quite the beating (though, especially if you are a heavier guy like I am, it needs stronger wheels). 2000+ miles in 7 months (and 50 lbs lighter!) it really is a decent little bike. It may serve better as a flatbar roadie as the compact frame makes riding in the drops pretty uncomfortable, even with a longer stem.

I've seen this bike go for cheap locally (I bought it last year some sizes were selling for 425 @ ciclo urbano in West Town).  So if you know someone who is looking for a decent starter bike, I'd highly recommend it.

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Permalink Reply by Deet 4.5mi on January 9, 2013 at 4:10am

I could not agree more.  I have put a little under 3000 on mine since i got it last summer. Great bike for the money. Did i see you at the north shore century last summer?

Permalink Reply by dan brown on January 9, 2013 at 4:14am

congrats on the 50lbs weight loss. that's a great accomplishment !

 

I bought a torker KB2 (speed kickback) last spring and love it. I wish I could say I have put 2000

miles on it. (shameless shoutout to comrade). I will get there eventually...

 

DB

Permalink Reply by TehDoak on January 9, 2013 at 4:34am

Haha, YES!   My last ride on it will be tonight on the way home from work and while I'm excited about the crosscheck, I'll always have a little soft spot in my heart for my interurban.  

Deet 4.5mi said:

I could not agree more.  I have put a little under 3000 on mine since i got it last summer. Great bike for the money. Did i see you at the north shore century last summer?

Permalink Reply by Deet 4.5mi on January 9, 2013 at 5:14am

Funny, Enjoy the new ride, i am going to push though this year with the torker and then look into upgrading.  Ill look for you on the north shore century

Permalink Reply by Juan Primo on January 9, 2013 at 6:37am

Here's what I don't get about the Interurban:

 

 

Why do they have straight forks.  I like the flexability and looks of a curved forks.  When I raced track, I could see why track forks are straight - comfort isn't an issue in an eight minute race and you can sacrifice a lot of geometry to have a quick-responding bike.

 

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on January 9, 2013 at 7:39am

The fork still has flex; steel still has spring in it.

Juan Primo said:

Here's what I don't get about the Interurban:

 

 

Why do they have straight forks.  I like the flexability and looks of a curved forks.  When I raced track, I could see why track forks are straight - comfort isn't an issue in an eight minute race and you can sacrifice a lot of geometry to have a quick-responding bike.

 

Permalink Reply by TehDoak on January 9, 2013 at 8:37am

Honestly, my best guess on why its straight, its likely the material.  The fork isn't cro-mo, but rather hi-ten steel.  

Juan Primo said:

Here's what I don't get about the Interurban:

 

 

Why do they have straight forks.  I like the flexability and looks of a curved forks.  When I raced track, I could see why track forks are straight - comfort isn't an issue in an eight minute race and you can sacrifice a lot of geometry to have a quick-responding bike.

 

Permalink Reply by Katie 4.0 mi on January 9, 2013 at 10:31am

I also rode the North Shore on a Torker Interurban (a mixte) :). I put about 1750 on the one I bought last summer and I've been really happy with it for the price and my regular commuting needs. I'd, of course, like to upgrade for longer rides but then I'd also have to upgrade my non-profit job. 

TehDoak said:

Haha, YES!   My last ride on it will be tonight on the way home from work and while I'm excited about the crosscheck, I'll always have a little soft spot in my heart for my interurban.  

Deet 4.5mi said:

I could not agree more.  I have put a little under 3000 on mine since i got it last summer. Great bike for the money. Did i see you at the north shore century last summer?

Permalink Reply by Deet 4.5mi on January 9, 2013 at 11:38am

yea, upgrade job = upgrade bike.

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