Malvern Star Freedom W1 Womens

Malvern Star Freedom W1

Malvern Star’s Freedom W1 womens hybrid bike is designed to tackle varied terrain from bike paths, rail trails, to light dirt and gravel. It's ideal for general fitness, short commutes and weekend rides with the family. Malvern Star have introduced some nice elements to the Freedom 1W, including internal cable routing for a clean setup, mechanical disc brakes and an 8-Speed drivetrain by MicroShift. The Freedom's new componentry  brings it in line with other sports hybrids such as the Liv Rove.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Versatile: suitable for bike paths, rail trails, light dirt, and gravel
• Ideal for general fitness, short commutes, and family rides
• Lightweight aluminium frame
  
• Internal cable routing for a clean setup
• Suspension fork for versatile terrain handling
• Mechanical disc brakes for better stopping power and control
• MicroSHIFT 8-speed drivetrain
  

Who It’s For

As a sports hybrid, the new Freedom W1 is meant to be versatile. It’s designed to be ridden on bike paths, rail trails, light dirt and gravel surfaces. It’s suitable for riders who need a bike for general fitness rides, short commutes, and family bike rides.

The Frame

Like most bikes at this price point, the Freedom W1 comes with an aluminium frame. There’s no difference between the W1 and the higher spec W2 frames. The new Freedom frame gets a little more sophisticated though compared to the last generation. Material has been removed in areas where it’s not required and added to areas where it is, creating a frame that’s not only lighter but responds and handles better.

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

The Components

Starting at the front, the W1 comes with a suspension fork. The aim of the bike is to be versatile, and this opens up gravel and dirt paths, rail trails, as well as sealed bike paths. Another important aspect of having front suspension is it places you in a more relaxed riding position. Because the bars are higher off the ground, your hands are higher and your back straighter.

Mechanical disc brakes are better at stopping you than old-style caliper brakes. They deliver more power and you have more control slowing the bike down, which is especially beneficial to riders who live in hilly areas or will ride in damp and wet conditions.

The W1 uses an 8-speed drivetrain which puts it squarely in the mid-range category. Components are sourced from microSHIFT. The Freedom W1’s gear range is designed for flat, undulating, and moderately steep inclines.

Aluminium double wall rims deliver strength without adding excessive weight. A 32-hole rim and hub ensure the wheels will last, especially for those who intend any touring adventures or commuters using the Freedom W1 as a workhorse. The tyre tread delivers grip in a variety of surface conditions. A smooth center tread results in minimal rolling resistance in a straight line. Grooves in the tyre help to channel away water, and there’s enough tread to corner fine on smooth, compacted gravel and dirt.

Specifications