Overall Rating: 8/10
Introduction
On April Fools’ Day 2020, ZiZZO offered to send us a folding bicycle to review. I read the email twice, just to make sure it wasn’t a prank 😜
Their outreach coordinator wrote:
This might be great for the back of the trailer when we’re all allowed to hit the road again. ZiZZO folding bikes out of California. Built for all-terrain and city fun. Comes assembled and ready to roll. Folds small and rides big.
Before COVID-19 hit, we were traveling around California. When we were forced to cancel our reservations in Yosemite, we decided to press the pause button and shelter-in-place with our families in Utah.
As you might have guessed, we have limited storage space in our RV. That’s why I figured we’d give the ZiZZO a shot. At 27 lbs, it’s lightweight and folds up small, so it will be ideal for our life on the road when the country opens back up.
Methods
The ZiZZO arrived in a heavy 33 x 13 x 28″ cardboard box and was folded up. Without reading the instructions, I got it out and assembled it within a minute or so. Talk about EASY!
I don’t know if it’s because we’ve been cooped or what, but we’ve been loving this thing. Right away, Kim’s 66-year-old mom jumped on, giggling like a little school girl.
My younger brother kept asking every day, “Can I ride your bike?” Finally, I told him, “Yes, and you don’t have to ask.”
For the price, it’s a surprisingly capable bike. We even rode it on a dirt trail to some nearby petroglyphs. It’s no mountain bike, but you can take it off-road if the trail is mellow.
Features
Rating: 9/10
I’m no bike aficionado, so I won’t even try to get technical about the Via’s features.
What I can tell you is that this bike rides great, is highly adjustable, and it’s easy to do on the fly.
Both the handlebar and seat have quick-release clamps that allow you to adjust ride heights. Our families have a lot of different sized people, so this has been really convenient.
The max-load weight is listed at 240 lbs. Kim’s dad is 6′ 3″, 220 lbs and he was able to ride it no problem.
In combination with the rear derailleur, the shifter cranks between the 7 speeds smoothly (they’re both Shimano).
We haven’t ridden in the rain yet, but there are front and rear fenders to help prevent splash-back.
The frame and stem locks feel sturdy and safe and are purported to have “vice grip” strength.
Durability
Rating: 9/10
It’s hard to assess durability after only a few weeks, but the Via seems like it’s built to last. All of its parts and mechanisms are solid.
Comfort
Rating: 6/10
The saddle is extremely uncomfortable, so we’ve been keeping our rides short. I’d like to replace it with something more cushy for the tushy. Nobody wants a bruised fanny!
Style
Rating: 7/10
Personally, I think the Via looks kinda goofy. It’s got smaller wheels and you sit up high off the ground. That being said, you don’t buy a foldable bike to look cool.
This is a practical option for someone that wants an ultra-portable bike that doesn’t take up a ton of space.
Value
Rating: 9/10
Given its great build quality and highly specialized use case scenarios, I feel the Via is priced appropriately.
ZiZZO Via Folding Bicycle
$299.99
