We review the Capri Vita, the vintage folding bike

The Capri Vita is one of the most comfortable folding bikes for everyday use. In this article we analyse its main features so that you can discover everything it has to offer.

Capri Vita: an attractive design from another era

This vintage folding bike is reminiscent of the designs of Spanish manufacturer BH, which in the 1980s popularised this type of small-sized bike throughout the country. This feature is perfectly matched by bright and attractive colours with a very elegant metallic tone. Thanks to this double-layer paint, you can prevent small stones from damaging the surface.

The importance of efficient folding

One of the things that will attract your attention from the very first moment is how small it is when folded. In fact, a space of 80 cm high, 75 cm long and 15 cm wide will be sufficient for storage.

Moreover, its system is very intuitive. It is very reminiscent of scooters or saddles and, when loosened, it splits the bike in half a little above the bottom bracket. However, you will not always need to close it, as even when it is fully extended it is very compact in size.

Comfortable for urban commuting

Another of the most important aspects of any bicycle is its comfort. In addition, pedalling must be efficient to reduce effort and avoid muscle pain. All this is fulfilled in this model.

The saddle is interchangeable, as are the grips, and offers perfect padding for riding without the need for cycling shorts. Whether you’re a man or a woman, you’ll ride the streets in the utmost comfort.

Finally, its 20-inch wheels are well suited to handle the small bumps and potholes of any urban environment. You will be able to move perfectly on pavements, cycle paths or asphalted roads.

Who can use it

The frame has a height of 40 cm and can be used comfortably by adults between 150 and 180 cm tall.

Built to last for many years

The fundamental components of this bike are made of steel, a material that is highly resistant to both impact and wear. Even the connecting rods, which are increasingly common in plastic, are made of steel. This is crucial so that you can transmit the full force of the pedals to the rear wheel.

You may think that steel is a heavy material, but nothing could be further from the truth. The whole set weighs just 12 kg, so you can comfortably move the bike with one hand wherever you need to go.

The standard tyres are CST tyres, which are very durable and perfect for everyday use. In addition, at the rear the 20-inch rim allows you to add a 20-inch luggage rack for carrying small backpacks or saddlebags.

The pedals, another important component, are made of plastic resin. This provides a great firmness while pedalling, but also prevents them from being damaged by rubbing against different surfaces.

Will you be able to use it at night?

The Capri Vita is equipped with reflectors on both the front and rear wheels. In addition, it is compatible with the use of floodlights. If you drive in poor visibility, you can be seen by other vehicles at a great distance.

Braking system

This bike has two brake levers, one for each wheel, and incorporates a brake shoe system that allows quick stopping without locking the tyres. These brakes are made by Saccon and perform well in both dry and wet conditions.

Departures in adverse conditions

Is the climate in your city difficult? This vintage folding bike is equipped with comfortable mudguards. Its function, beyond aesthetics, is to provide greater safety if the pavement is wet. Any water displaced by the tyres will be stopped at that point and you won’t have to suffer the discomfort of water splashing.

During the winter months and on rainy days, you’ll be very grateful for this standard accessory. Finally, the tyre tread pattern, adapted to this type of weather conditions, is noteworthy.

Traction and movement

For ease of use and reduced maintenance, this folding bike has a fixed gear system. On the other hand, both the crankset and the sprocket set are perfectly adapted to city use. They will allow you to climb gentle slopes without too much effort and you won’t miss the gears.

Manufacturer’s warranty

As we have explained in previous lines, durability is one of the hallmarks of this model. In fact, you get a five-year warranty on the frame and a three-year warranty on all components. This is more than most brands offer, but with the materials in the Vita, you won’t have to make too many visits to the mechanic. In addition, most spare parts are available at Biciclásica.

What about punctures?

You don’t have to worry, as, fortunately, 20-inch cameras are standard. In addition, you only need two or three tyre levers to remove the tyre from the rim. The reverse process is also very simple. As it has a fixed sprocket, removing the sprocket from the chain and putting it back on again will not cause you any difficulty. You will be able to complete the whole process in less than ten minutes.

As you can see, the Capri Vita is a folding bike that gives you great performance in all conditions. It is very versatile and can be used for work or for a comfortable stroll. In any case, it will perform exceptionally well and will not let you down. Moreover, it is very easy to maintain and has very robust components. Now it’s up to you to get it or one of the other models we have available at Biciclásica.