MALVERN STAR FREEDOM M1 - MATTE GREEN

The Freedom M1 is part of Malvern Star’s new sports hybrid collection. It’s designed for those who want a new bike that’s designed for general fitness riding, short commutes and family bike rides.

The new Freedom M1 is slimmer and sleeker compared to previous generations and the overall frame finish is a step up to rival that of Giant’s Roam product range.

WHO IT’S FOR

As a sports hybrid, the new Freedom M1 is meant to be versatile.

It’s designed to be ridden on bike paths, rail trails, light dirt and gravel surfaces.

And it’s suitable for those riders who need a bike for general fitness rides, commuting or simply riding with the family.

THE FRAME

Like most bikes at this price point, the Freedom M1 comes with an aluminium frame. There’s absolutely no difference between the M1 and the higher spec M2 frames.

The new Freedom frame does get a little more sophisticated though compared to last gen. Material has been removed in areas where it’s not required and added to areas where it is - resulting in a better stiffness-to-weight ratio.

What does this mean?

It transfers more power you put into it, to the road. Less effort and better handling are the end result.

The frame also features internal cable routing (it looks neater and cleaner) and mounts for a kickstand, mudguards and rear rack, if required.

THE COMPONENTS

Starting at the front of the bike, the M1 spec comes with front suspension with 65mm of travel.

This is sufficient suspension for smoothing out bumps on rail trails and rough bike paths. It’s not suitable for mountain biking because it just doesn’t have the suspension travel required. Light dirt, gravel fire roads and rail trails pose no issue though.

Mechanical disc brakes help with stopping. If you’re accustomed to cantilever or mechanical V-brakes (linear pull brakes), these will be a significant step up.

They deliver more power and you have more control slowing the bike down.

Drivetrain components are sourced from microSHIFT. Supply all over the world has been affected. And that’s been a window of opportunity for smaller and reputable brands like microSHIFT to expand.

And they’ve done exactly that.

So many new bikes are now coming equipped with microSHIFT now and it has been worth the change. It’s as good as Shimano at the entry level and mid-range. Sometimes better.

The Mezzo component-level used here is their mid-range recreational. There are 3 front gears and 8 rear gears, delivering a 24-speed drivetrain.

microSHIFT’s thumb-tap shifter is ergonomic and has a light lever action. The cassette range is from 12T-32T and gives riders plenty of range to climb up moderately steep inclines.

Aluminium double wall rims deliver strength without adding excessive weight. A 32-hole rim and hub also ensures the wheels will last, especially for those who intend any touring adventures or commuters using the Freedom M1 as a workhorse.