Exclusive bike test: Islabikes Icons Janis road bike

While Islabikes have long had an adult bike in the range, the versatile Beinn 29, they’re best known for their benchmark children’s bikes. The new Icons range is aimed at the other end of the age spectrum: over-65s who aren’t ready for an e-bike.

The Janis (after Joplin – you can work out the others) is the flat-bar road bike in the range. It’s distinguished by its step-through, mixte-style frame, which makes it easy to get on and off. Most step-throughs – bespoke ones and Moultons aside – are heavy. The Janis is a mere 9.19kg. As with children’s bikes, low weight makes a bigger difference the less strength the rider has.

Even on a lightweight bike, hills are hard when you’ve got less power. This is compounded by road bike gearing, which is arguably too high for anyone who isn’t racing. The Janis has a bottom gear of just 20 inches, despite its 1× drivetrain. The cassette is huge (11-40t) and the chainring small (30t). Top gear is smaller too but it’s a fair trade; you can’t coast far up hills. Other chainrings are available (26-38t).

Most road bikes, even flat-bar ones, demand an athletic position that’s good for going faster but not for aching backs or arms. The Janis sits you more upright. Less weight on the front wheel makes the steering feel light initially; you soon adapt.

There are concessions to limited hand strength. The Gripshift gear control is light action. Hydraulic discs transmit little lever effort into lots of braking power. The rims have a less prominent lip, so it’s easier to get the tyres on and off.

I’ve no real criticisms beyond the front wheel being out of true, a potential issue with any bike arriving in a box.

But I’d like: a slightly (10mm) lower bottom bracket to make it easier for those who don’t fit a dropper post to put a foot down; flared, Ergon-style grips; a front mudflap; and ‘more cupholders’ – that is, a handlebar bottle mount as standard, not an extra.

Verdict

Inspired! A lightweight, low-geared, step-through sports hybrid for pensioners that would suit riders with mobility issues at any age.

First published in Cycle magazine, February/March 2019 issue. All information correct at time of publishing.