A
AuthorAirline
city
01
Origin
The Airline is Author's crossover flat-bar commuter — big 29" wheels for rolling through city streets and light gravel paths, with a suspension fork (short travel, lockout) to take the edge off rough surfaces. The triple-butted alloy frame keeps weight in check. It's positioned between a pure city bike and a light trail MTB — at home on bike paths, commutes, and weekend gravel tracks.
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Specifications
- Frame
- Triple-butted alloy 6061 29", available sizes 18"/20"/22"
- Drivetrain
- Shimano Alivio or Acera 21–27-speed (build-dependent); triple or double chainring; wide range cassette for urban gradient climbing
- Brakes
- TEKTRO or Shimano hydraulic disc (build-dependent)
- Wheels
- AUTHOR 29" alloy rims, 32 holes
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The verdict
+Strengths
- 29" wheels improve ride quality and obstacle clearance over 700c
- Suspension lockout fork works for both tarmac and trail
- Triple-butted alloy is over-spec for a commuter bike
−Weaknesses
- Heavier than a pure road commuter due to 29" MTB-derived build
- RST Vita fork is adequate but not refined
- Semi-slick tyres are a compromise in both wet traction and rolling speed
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Tags
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