Btwin My Bike vs Mach City iBike – Review
This review post will compare Btwin My Bike vs Mach city iBike in India. The review will cover single speed as well as geared cycles by these two brands.
If you are looking to buy a good quality budget bicycle (Well under 10000) then Btwin MyBike and Mach City iBike will surely pop up in your radar during the research phase. Hence, I decided to write an article comparing the two bicycles. The idea is to help you decide which one should you buy.
Mach City and Btwin, both have been rising in popularity in India. Mach City is a brand owned by the renowned BSA cycles. While Btwin is the brand name for bicycles by Decathlon. Decathlon is a French sporting company and the largest sports goods retailer in the world.
Summary:
To be honest both cycles are good for beginners with a limited budget. However, you also need to keep your expectations lower according to the budget. We have to acknowledge the fact that companies cannot use to notch components for bikes that so budget friendly.
Who should buy Btwin My Bike – Someone who wants to buy a basic single speed cycle with the minimum budget. Ideally, you should have a Decathlon store nearby where you can get the bicycles serviced/fixed if there is an issue with the same.
Check the price of Btwin My Bike in India – Flipkart | Decathlon
Who Should buy Mach City iBike – Someone who does not mind spending some extra money for a slightly better build (Very minor difference), colours & more options. If you are looking at a bicycle with gears, Mach city has three options for you. A single speed/gearless cycle, a 7 speed and 21-speed version.
They also have a special frame meant for Women called iBike Women. The premium range of Mach City is called Munich.
Check the latest price of Mach City iBike online (All Versions) – Flipkart | Amazon
I will now proceed with the detailed review.
Mach City iBike Review:
As stated earlier, Mach City is owned by TI Cycles (BSA). This is lately one of their most popular products. Mach City is available in a lot of variations (Quality / Colour / Speed etc).
At a high level, these are the variations available in Mach City iBike
- Gearless Bicycle (Most Basic version)
- 7 Speed Bicycle
- 21 Speed Cycle
- Premium – Munich Single Speed
- Premium – Munich with 21 Gears
- iBike W for Women – Single speed
(Single Speed / Non-Geared iBike)
If we compared the single speed version of Mach City iBike with Btwin My Bike, the iBike is almost 2 to 2.5 thousand rupees more expensive compared to Btwin (At the time of writing this article).
However, the good part is that the 21 gear version is only a few hundred rupees more expensive compared to the single speed iBike. So if you want a bicycle with gears, this is certainly a great deal for you.
(21 Gear Model of Mach City iBike – For More user reviews click the link in the summary above)
Key Features of iBike:
- The bicycle is made using lightweight and sturdy steel. The advantage of steel is that it helps the manufacturer keep the costs down. However, the frame is very strong and can last you for a long time.
- Surprisingly even the cheapest model of Mach city has a quick release lever on the front tyre. This makes maintenance very easy as you can take off the tyre in a jiffy. (Compared to regular bicycles where you would need to open up a bolt)
- The single speed bike uses a bird type (a little raised) handlebars, while the geared version shown below has MTB style handlebars. Both models have a comfortable ride quality for shorter rides around the city.
- The saddles are comfortable enough and have a quick release system to easily adjust the height as per your needs.
- The geared versions of the bicycles use entry level components from Shimano. Shimano Tourney Gear System with Shimano EZ Fire Shifters.
- The tyres used are standard nylon ones.
- The bicycle uses regular brakes. The braking works fine for a city usage (Don’t expect it to stop immediately at high speeds)
(Colour variations on the geared model)
Pros of Mach City iBike:
- Excellent build and ride quality compared to the price you pay
- Multiple options available. Beginners will find at least one option suiting their requirements. A model available for Women as well.
- A lot of colour options available across models.
- The bike uses good quality entry level components like Shimano Tourney.
Cons of iBike:
- Like any other entry level bike, you will have to take good care of your bicycle. Maintain & service it after regular use to extend its life
- No meant to ridden hard. You will need to avoid potholes. Do not suddenly ride over to the pavements/off the road while you are riding on the road at a speed. You will likely damage the rims.
- You will have to take care while shifting the gears.
What Size Bike Should I Buy?
Ok, so this is a very subjective question and not easy to answer. Simply because no two human beings are the same, their need will be different too. However, you can still use the below as guidelines to buy your Mach City (or even Btwin).
Mainly two sizes of bikes are available in these two models:
- The “M size” bike is the right fit for adults have a height of around 5’4′” to 5’8″
- Someone with the height of 5’9″ and above can go for the “L Sized” frame
Btwin MyBike Review:
Btwin MyBike is amongst the cheapest quality bicycles that you can buy online in India. It has a clean and simple design. Very close to the bicycles we used to ride a couple of decades back in India.
In fact, Decathlon is so confident about the quality of the bicycle that they offer a lifetime warranty on the frame, the rigid fork, handlebar and the stem of the bicycle. They also offer a three-month free service for the bike, provide you bring the bicycle to their workshop.
(Single Speed Btwin My Bike)
Key Features of MyBike:
- The bicycle as expected uses a steel frame. The bicycle feels really sturdy and I did not find any issues with the ride.
- MyBike uses a PU saddle. This is a mountain bike style saddle (Wider – To make your ride more comfortable)
- The cycle uses V-brakes (Helical spring) – The performance is good enough for a leisurely ride in the city.
- The rim is made using aluminium to help keep the weight of the bicycle down. You cannot use this bicycle off-road or ride it at high speeds on the potholed roads. This will surely damage your bicycle.
Pros of Btwin MyBike:
- The cost of the bicycle is the biggest advantage. At the time of writing this review, this bicycle is available for under Rs. 5000.
- Sturdy and a well-built bicycle for someone who wants to ride under 10 kilometres per day (I know people who ride it over 30 Kms per day, However, I feel this is not built for extreme usage)
Cons of MyBike:
- Only a single speed version is available.
- The bicycle is available only in White colour (AT the time of writing this post)
- Few users have a complaint about noise coming from bottom bracket after some usage.
- Additional accessories by Btwin Cycles are generally expensive.
- No meant to ridden hard. You will need to avoid potholes. Do not suddenly ride over to the pavements/off the road while you are riding on the road at a speed. You will likely damage the rims.
- Regular care and maintainence is required.
Suggested upgrades for both Bicycles:
Apart from essential accessories like a good helmet, lock, kickstand & air pump, I suggest the following two upgrades to both bicycles for a more comfortable ride.
- A good saddle. You can replace the saddle or add a gel cover which suits your riding style and body.
- You can add better bicycle grips or get yourself some gloves if your hands don’t feel too good after a ride.
Other Alternatives to consider:
Below are some alternatives you can consider. Some of these are a bit expensive bikes compared to the two in discussion in this post.
3. Btwin Riverside 100
4. Viva Ryde On
How to assemble Btwin My Bike?
If you buy any cycle online, most likely you will get it in a semi-assembled state. The video below will help you understand how to assemble your bicycle once you receive it at your home. The procedure would be very similar for the Mach City iBike too.
Final Words – Btwin My Bike vs Mach City iBike:
As you can see from the review both the bicycles are worth every penny. If you are just starting out, these bicycles will act as a cost-effective way of testing your passion.
You can also use these bicycle to build you knowhow about self-maintaining your bikes. You can easily take apart a few parts and try to fix them yourself. Even you if you make a mistake, it won’t be a very expensive one 🙂
You can upgrade to a good quality bicycle after a year or two.
Which one did you decide to buy? Do let me know your choice in the comments below. If you already own one, do leave a review below for fellow cyclists.
28 Comments
Daniel
Can you please let us know the tyre width of both the cycles. I do not find it specified in any site online 🙁
bicycleXP
Hi Daniel,
Sorry, I should have mentioned this in the review itself.
Most MachCity Models use – 26″ X 1.95″ Nylon tyres.
While the MyBike uses – Ralson Semi-slick 26 x 2.0 tyres.
p.s – This might change in future models.
Roopak Patel
Hi,
Is maintenance of btwin bikes easier compared to mach city since there are service stores in Decathlon ? Where are mach city bikes serviced ?
bicycleXP
Hi Roopak,
If you have a Btwin store nearby, you can avail of their free service. It makes sense for you to opt for Btwin bikes in this scenario. Else, opt for Machcity iBike.
Tarun
I want to start cycling but confuse how much i should spend as beginner. Many says get low budget bike first than after 1-2 yr you can buy mid or higher rang. On othet hand its also option to buy mid rang bike. I NEED A bike for Indian road so what should i buy MTB or hybrid?? Without suspension i can get easily within 10000 rang but if I choose suspension cost increase much.
bicycleXP
Hi Tarun,
Start with a good bike. If you enjoy your ride, chances are you will take up cycling for the long term. If the bicycle is not good, you will anyways give up (you will end up wasting that money).
Save money by opting for a good bicycle without suspension. You don’t need suspensions on city roads (If there are potholes, concentrate on your ride and avoid them)
Good luck and have fun riding!
Mubasshir
Which bike would you recommend for leisure use for a 135 kg rider?
bicycleXP
Hi Mubasshir,
Opt for a good hybrid bicycle (Budget 15 K and above) from this guide.
R
I have a mybike medium size that I bought according to my height. However, I have to bend a lot to reach handlebars. So, either I put too much pressure on low back or on my hands which are hurting now. I tried small sized riverside and it felt good, my back was straight and hands were light. But btwin didn’t have small size mtb for trial. Will a smaller mountain back be fine to put low pressure on hands, or do I need one with raised handlebars?
Also what is the minimum I need to spend to get ok quality for 10km+ rides (just in case, right now I only use for 15 minutes at a time)
bicycleXP
Hi R,
Have a look at the bicycle collection of Decathlon online. (Use the link above) – Mostly, there won’t be much difference in the size of a hybrid and an MTB. The Decathlon website also provides a bike size guide which will help you select the right size.
A 15K bicycle should work well for 10 Kms ride.
A
Which bike is better among Btwin riverside 50 and Mach city Munich Single speed??
bicycleXP
Hi Achintya,
The main difference between the two is the tyres. The Mach city uses 26″ X 1.95″ tyres while the Riverside uses 700X42 tyres. The seating position on the Riverside is also a bit more comfortable. Quality wise there is hardly any difference.
If you wish to buy a more regular cycle Mach city is a better option. While the Riverside has slightly thinner tyres. Opt for the one that you like the most.
I hope this helps!
Ravi Yadav
Hi , I need a bike for 35 km ride everyday in jaipur . My budget is 10 -12 k . Suggest me which type of bike is good road or hybrid And which brand .
bicycleXP
Hi Ravi,
MachCity from BSA will be a good option that will meet your requirements.
Ratheesh
I am seeking admission to LKG class of Cycling school. Planning to cycle 2 days in a week to office, with return it may cover up to 50-55 km. May ride occasionally around 100-150km. I am 39 years old. Which Cycle suit me most, Whether gear cycle necessary ? Or single speed work for me Hybdid or MTB ? What about Suncross Innovate and Raliegh Cadentt in Hybrid and Suncorss Skarn and Raliegh Moonraker in MTB. My budget is around 8000-20000.
bicycleXP
Hi Ratheesh,
Welcome to the community. Ya, I would surely recommend going for a geared cycle with an alloy frame (Light weight). For the distance you are looking to cover, a hybrid cycle would be a good option (Less resistance and hence lesser effort required to cycle). I would recommend you consider this bike from Amazon or This one on Decathlon.
Do let me know which one you decided to buy and also do share your learning experience with others on this community.
Cheers.
Vishnu Reghu
Which one is more suitable for a fitness rider(one hour usage daily) for bumpy road with potholes and almost maintenance free? What about tyre width? Does that matter? Can we get Btwin spares online?
bicycleXP
Hi Vishnu,
I recommend you go through my buyers guide for more details. I am sure it will help you clear a lot of queries.
Cheers.
Vikalp Patel
Hello,
I need a bike for 10Km per day in Mumbai. I am a beginner in bike having height 5′ 6″.
Yes, Decathlon is very nearby to my house.
What bike should I go for Mach City Single Speed or Btwin my bike or Btwn riverside 50?
Is it worth to spend ₹2500 extra on Btwin riverside 50 or Mach City over Btwn my bike?
bicycleXP
Hi Vikalp,
Since Decathlon is near your home, I recommend you to go and try both these models out. You can take a decision based on what you find more comfortable.
Damarla Naga Satya Sai Kumar
I need a bicycle ,
I’m a beginner . need a bicycle budget is 15k . Best buy to be done .. Any advice regarding this?
bicycleXP
Hi,
If you are planning to buy a mountain bike, go for this one by Decathlon. Else, you can buy this model by Montra.
ARVArma
Hi,
Tell me which cycle is best.
I am giving an a gift to my friend on his birthday.
He loves bicycles so much
SUDHIR P
I am a resident of Palakkad Kerala.. I am 55 years and is a college professor.I am in bicycling for last 27 years..I commute in a old ladybird fitted with gears.. Please suggest a good cycle, lightweight, geared to counter the terrains….
Manoj Kumar Reddy Manchala
what is the weight of the machcity ibike hardtail version??
divya sridar
I am 23 years old with 5’6 height. My main purpose for cycling is fitness. Which one would you prefer? machcity or river side? . i have lower back pain issue, so geared or non geared?, kindly help me out. The internet and the shop executives are really confusing. Montra seemed comfortable but its too costly. suggest an economical and best bike for fitness sir.
bicycleXP
Hi Divya,
My choice would be Mach City.
KARAMCHAND
Hi,
I am Karamchand and planning to buy a cycle ofr fitness. Have been riding cycle for almost 5 years on Weekaends. now i want to upgrade my cycle. I am confused between these 2 .
Btwin Riverside 900 is around 38k and Btwin Riverside 500 is around 23k is it worth paying that additional cost of 15K. Iam looking interms of value for money. Please help me in taking a decision.
Regards
KARAMCHAND