Rating as 4* because it gets me from A to B and while I can't ask for much more at this price point, I don't have faith it will last very long due to quality. Overall, I would probably buy this again given my constraints ($, storage space, and current use).
Pros:
- Easy to ride (I've been riding bicycles for decades, and this is extremely easy to maneuver; also great for teaching other adults how to ride, as they don't have to worry about crashing into a high top tube if they fall or brake too fast!)
- Relatively lightweight (can carry up and down stairs with relative ease)
- Fits great in small spaces (I installed a hook from the above-coatrack shelf inside my small coat closet; it fits neatly upright, with the handlebars folded and seat lowered)
- Great customer service! (they answered the phone promptly, happily answered my questions, and gladly sent me a replacement part for something that arrived bent)
Cons:
- Good acceleration, but slower top speeds than road or hybrid bike (fat wheels are great for a softer ride, but that plus the gearing just don't allow me to go as fast as I could on my hybrid and it takes work to maintain speed)
- Seatpost is way too short for advertised rider height: I am 5'7" with a leg length (inseam) of 30", which is by no means a long leg. This bicycle is advertised as fitting folks up to 6' 4", so way taller than myself. However, with the seatpost extended to the "minimum insertion" line on the seatpost, I am still sitting about 2 inches too low for proper fit! The seatpost seems sturdy enough when extended a bit beyond "minimum" for my weight, but definitely not for a 6' rider!
- Some parts are on the cheaper side and will probably have to be replaced sooner than on normal bikes (for example, the brake line tension screws at the hand brake end are aluminum, but the folding of the handlebars puts more stress on them than on normal bikes; also, cassette gears are getting a bit catchy after only 5 months of occasional use -- and yes, I lube my chain regularly).