This Bike is Currently Unavailable!!! Buy Vilano Shadow 3.0 on Amazon.
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Pros |
Shimano shifters, price, reliability |
Cons |
Pedals, handlebars |
Summary |
The Vilano Shadow 2.0 road bike is perfect for entry level riders and those looking for a daily ride that won’t break the bank. |
Our Rating |
84/100 |
Manufacturer |
Vilano has delivered amazing budget friendly bikes for entry level to high skill riders since 2008.
The Vilano Shadow 2.0 is a road bike built for performance without gouging the bank. The cost-effective road bike has big name parts such as Prowheel and Shimano and a lightweight frame for speed and performance.
Vilano offers other models in their road bike line up such as the TUONO and Forza, which the Shadow is designed off of.
The design for the Shadow 2.0 is for riders that are looking for a fitness workout or daily rides with friends or commuters.
Tech Specs
Even with high end names and parts, the Vilano Shadow 2.0 was built for reliability and cost savings. With the entry level road rider in mind the Shadow gives you everything you need at a fraction of the cost of the competition.
FRAME SIZES: 49cm, 53cm, 57cmBRAKE TYPE: Dual pivot alloy calipersSHIFTER: Shimano A070 STIRIMS: 700c double-walled CNC rimsTIRES: CST 700c x 25c
Frame Sizes
Everyone comes in different sizes and shapes and the Shadow 2.0 was designed to be available to most everyone. They offer three different frame sizes: 49, 53 and 57 centimeters. These frame sizes will accommodate riders between five feet and six and a half feet in height. You should always measure your inseam to get the best fit.
The double butted 6160 aluminum frame provides light weight, internal cable routing and rugged dependability. The high tensile steel fork allows for weight distribution without compromising the ride.
Brake Type
To save on build cost the Shadow 2.0 utilizes caliper brakes that squeeze the rims for effective slowing and stoppage. With the Dual pivot alloy calipers, you won’t have to worry about shaking, warping or loss of control when coming to a stop.
The brake pads are tapered to hug the rims and allow for a stop without bumping or jarring.
Shifter
Vilano didn’t skimp when it came to the shifter. The Shadow 2.0 comes equipped with a Shimano A070 STI shifter with integrated brake lever. The integrated lever allows you to maintain control of the bike while braking, shifting or cranking leaving two points of contact at all times.
You will find the A070 shifter on other road bikes that cost more than double the price of the Shadow 2.0.
Rims
Often overlooked, rims provide the brakes a place to grip and the tires a place to mount. Vilano doesn’t overlook the rims, ever. The Shadow 2.0 uses 700c double walled CNC rims with allow machined sides. The sides provide an extra smooth surface to aid in braking and areodynamics.
The 700c diameter allows for tires and fenders while still leaving enough room at the fork for mud and dirt to pass without binding.
Tires
Mounted on those CNC double walled rims you will find CST 700c x 25c tires. These tires are meant for the road and gravel and not for trials, downhills or mountain biking. Because they are slim you will be able to lean into corners without sacrificing speed and able to pull out of an incline while maintaining crank.
The tires are durable and quiet on the road with enough grip to take on any road conditions.
Price Range
Since the Vilano Shadow 2.0 was designed to be an entry level road bike, the cost is kept down. You will find the price point between $300 and $400. The bike’s performance and durability will pay for itself long before you decide to upgrade.
What We Like
While we don’t expect to win any road circuits with the Shadow 2.0, there is still plenty to be in awe of.
- Shimano shifter with brake integration allow you to maintain control in any condition.
- Internal cable routing aids aerodynamics and cock pit maneuverability.
- Drop handles help maintain speed on the road and control at all times.
- Adjustable seat post for all body types.
- Low cost compared to most similar models with the same parts.
What We Don’t Like
Searching for the perfect bike in every possible category is near impossible. There will always be something you won’t like.
Here is our short list:
- Handlebars aren’t adjustable.
- The pedals are stock and strip easily.
- 25c width wheels limit the types of roads we can be on.
Buying Advice
It doesn’t matter if this is your first bike or your fiftieth, you should be prepared to do a little work.
Putting the Shadow 2.0 together isn’t difficult but you should take your time. Once you have it together it is highly suggested you take it to your local bike shop for a tune and inspection.
The bike pros will also make the necessary adjustments to your seat, angle and brakes, ensuring that when you do get on the road you are safe and in full control.
We also suggest you fully test the seat out before taking off on a long ride.
Vilano is not known for their seat comfort on their entry level bikes and you may wish to upgrade to a better seat. Another thing to take note of are the grip wraps. These do have a tendency to unravel more than we would like. Having them re-wrapped will be the biggest issue you face.
The last tip we have is to immediately replace the pedals with better, more durable pedals for road riding. If you are just going for casual rides once or twice a week, you can keep the pedals that ship with the bike; anything more though and you will need better pedals.
Conclusion
The Vilano Shadow 2.0 road bike is perfect for entry level riders and those looking for a daily ride that won’t break the bank. Once properly set up the bike is virtually worry free and rides with comfort, speed and control.
When you want a reliable bike for daily commutes, riding with friends and groups and those long rides off by yourself, the Shadow 2.0 delivers every time.
You can see current pricing and options here on Amazon.