So, you are now in the market for a new mountain bike and feel that a 29er bike would be perfect? Well, the choice of the right mountain bike is not as easy as it may seem to be. While there are numerous bike makes and models in the market today, Vilano Mountain Bikes are some of the best.
Therefore, a Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er mountain bike should be among your main considerations, with regards to the best 29er bikes in the market today. The blackjack 29 may be comparatively affordable but is designed to deliver remarkable performance on an array of terrains. So, what makes this bike superior?
To begin with, the Vilano Blackjack 29er features low profile headset and handlebars, which gives the bike a simple approach and makes it easier to use. This is basically why the bike feels easy to maneuver. Additionally, the bike comes with relatively large, 29” wheels that are easy to turn. When combined, such features make the Vilano blackjack easy to handle, even for the beginners. Throughout this 29er Mountain Bike Review, you will learn why you need to order your Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er today.
Overview of Vilano Blackjack 3.0 Mountain Bike
| Frame Size | 17 Inches |
| Frame Material | Alloy 29er Hard Tail Frame |
| Bike Type | Hardtail Bike |
| Speed | 24 Speed |
| Brakes | Mechanical Disc Brakes |
| Wheel Size | 29 Inches |
| Rating | 8.2/10 |
| Brand | Vilano Bikes |
| Pros | Affordable price, Geometry, Expensive features, Easy to assemble |
| Cons | Uncomfortable saddle |
| Summary | Great bike especially for the money. |
| Where to Buy | Check On Amazon |
Is the Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er the Right Bike For You?
If you are a beginner or an experienced rider, you need to shun the misconception that you cannot get a good bike at an affordable price. While this mountain bike is relatively affordable, it features high-quality parts and is particularly designed to deliver spectacular performance on various surface conditions. As such, this is one of the Vilano mountain bikes that do well on dirt roads, trails, pavements and even on paths.
As compared to competitor bike models, the blackjack 29 has much more to offer. For instance, it comes with a lightweight frame. This coupled with a Shimano groupset, and sturdy shocks make the bike comfortable and easy to ride. That said; let us have a look at why this bike is a great mountain bike option today.
Are Manufacturer’s Claims about the Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er True?
A lot has been said about the blackjack 29 on various platforms and forums are the claims true? What I particularly liked about this mountain bike is its lightweight and a combination of both functional and high-quality parts, in addition to its affordability of course. For this 29er Mountain Bike Review, here are some of the features you will love about this mountain bike.
An Efficient Drive Train
The blackjack 29er mountain bike is fitted with a 21-speed drivetrain. The drive train comprises of Shimano EZ Fire shifters. If you are a bit conversant with the bicycle industry, you must be aware that Shimano is one of the leading producers of high quality and reliable bike parts today. Vilano Mountain bikes are highly efficient, allowing you to change gears with ease and more consistently.
Reliable Brakes
With a 21-speed drive train, you may be tempted to ride at high speeds. Is it safe to do so? Well, with the blackjack, safety is assured by the reliable and highly efficient mechanical braking system. In this regard, the bike comes with disc brakes, both on the front and rear wheels to help you stop the bike with ease at high speeds. This braking system also comes in handy when riding your blackjack downhill.
Lightweight Frame
The aesthetically appealing frame on the blackjack 29 is made of aluminum. As such, it is one of the strongest, most durable and light frames in the category. This aspect not only makes it easy for the bike to pick up speed but also makes the bike easy to push around when you are not riding. Additionally, the frame geometry is specifically designed to take on challenging terrains, such as hilly terrain, with ease.
While shopping for the perfect mountain bike, you will realize that a good number of the budget bikes come with aluminum frames. The reason is that aluminum is comparatively affordable, lightweight and durable. The handcrafted 6061 aluminum frame used on the Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er has a comparatively high tensile strength. This coupled with the suspension fork make it easier and more comfortable to ride the bike over obstacles.
Wheels and Rims
While the wheels and tires are often ignored, they are some of the most important considerations you need to make while shopping for a mountain bike. In this regard, the blackjack bike by Vilano strong and durable. Owing to their wide diameter, 29’’, these wheels are easy to roll over obstacles and rough terrain. The rims used on this bike are the double-wall, alloy rims. These are tough and easy to roll over almost any terrain.
Low Profile Handlebars
Just like many other Vilano mountain bikes, the blackjack has low profile handlebars. The low profile design makes your bike easy to maneuver, even at high speeds. The low profile handlebars also enhance the ease of handling as well as the balance of the bike. As a matter of fact, this is one of the features that make the blackjack a good bike for beginners. When riding this bike, you always feel in control, even when riding through rough terrain or when you are riding at high speeds.
Pros & Cons of Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er
- The bike is relatively easy to handle
- Comes with strong and easy to roll wheels
- The blackjack 29 features a functional frame geometry
- Offers smooth and consistent shifting, even at high speeds
- It is comparatively affordable, despite the fact that it features high-quality parts
- Some customers have complained of loose bolts and screws. You should consider tightening these after purchase.
Vilano Blackjack 29er Bike Specs at a Glance
- A Butted 6061 Aluminium 29er Frame
- 32H double-wall alloy wheels
- An Alloy 29er suspension fork with lockout capability
- Shimano TX50 front derailleur and RD-M280 8 speed Shimano Altus derailleur
- Shimano EF-51 Easyfire 8 speed Shifters
- Mechanical Brakes
- Alloy Triple 42/34/24 crank
- MTB Black saddle
- Integrated Shimano brake levers
- KMC z 72 chain
- 24 speed
- Alloy 31.8 680 mm handlebar
Vilano Blackjack Frequently Asked Questions
| Question: what type of terrain is the bike meant for? |
| Answer: With regards to the terrain, this is one of the most capable, budget 29er mountain bikes you can buy today. The bike is designed to conquer an array of terrains, such as gravel paths, mountain trails, and paved roads. |
| Question: How different is the Blackjack 3.0 from the Blackjack 2.0? |
| Answer: As you may be suspecting, the Blackjack 3.0 29er is an upgrade from the Blackjack 2.0 29er. As a result, the Blackjack 3.0 29er comes with upgraded Shimano parts and an improved fork. However, the suspension travel is still the same for both bikes. |
| Question: is the bike too heavy? |
| Answer: No, since the frame is made of aluminum, this is one of the lightest mountain bikes you can get within this budget. The lightweight nature of the bike is further enhanced by the alloy shocks and groupsets, which contribute to about 15 percent weight reduction. |
Final Verdict
Finding the right 29er bike for beginners can be a doubting task, bearing in mind that there are numerous bike makes and models to choose from today. To save you a headache, we have tested most of the budget, 29er mountain bikes today and have found the Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er bike to be one of the best mountain bikes in the category.
As described in this 29er Mountain Bike Review, this bike is all new and is easy to handle on paths, trails and dirt roads. The ease of handling and comfort associated with this bike may be attributed to the new design and features of the bike. Some of the things you will love about this bike are the fast and accurate Shimano shifters, the handcrafted aluminum frame and the smooth disc brakes.
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