April 17, 2014

Devinci Newton RC City Bike Review

Momentum Mag reviews the Devinci Newton RC.

Written by: Guest

PRICE $1699 CAD

AVAILABLE IN US and Canada bikes stores or order online and get free shipping to any US or Canadian bike store of your choice.

The Devinci Newton claims to be the first of it’s kind, a commuter-geared bike with an integrated security light system, self-powered by a dynamo setup on the front wheel. Additionally this bike is made with an aluminum frame and fork set, internal cable routing, disc brakes, integrated kickstand, 700x32c tires, and includes a lifetime warranty on the frameset. Available in sizes XS (35cm/ 14in), S (41cm/ 16.25in), M (46cm/ 18in), L (51cm/ 20in) and XL (55cm/ 21.75in).

TELL YOUR FRIENDS

This bike packs a technology punch! With a mix of higher-end Shimano components, disc brakes, and internal cable routing, this is the most advanced commuter bike I’ve ridden yet. The Newton RC showcases a clever 360-degree integrated front and rear light system borrowed from bike share technology and powered by a Shimano Alfine dynamo front hub. Reflective tire stripes round out the high-visibility package, but is done in an understated way that keeps the bike’s style intact.

WISH LIST

The Newton RC could use another 15-20mm rise in the riser handlebars or a handlebar with a bit more of a rearward sweep as the riding position is a touch too aggressive for my taste. To lay claim to being the ultimate commuter bike, the Newton RC should come from the factory with fenders to allow easy commuting in any kind of weather.

IDEAL RIDER

This is a great bike for a tech savvy commuter who’s excited about “the new” and often commute or ride for longer than average distances.

SUMMARY

The Devinci Newton RC is an impressive package of innovations that have been elegantly packaged into a solid commuter bike, with a range of features that were previously out of reach for the everyday biker. The integrated light system is a seamless, hassle-free solution for the urban cyclist who explores their city by night and day.

Keith Ippel is a Richmond, BC, based entrepreneur and bike commuter who weaves his love for cycling and start-ups into a daily journey. He rides his sturdy Garneau Cross/Commuter by day, and his 30 year-old Gardin to pay homage to his childhood hero Curt Harnett by night. @KeithIppel

5 Comments

Knuckles
May 16, 2017
As a long-time commuter, my experience with a Newton is “meh”. Yes, you can put a rear rack on it. BUT, the no one behind you can see the rear lights. So now, I have to add rear lights. And, as a year round cyclist who also finds herself in snow-storms and trying to make eye contact with drivers who aren’t looking for a cyclist on the road, the front lights are too low. And at first, it starts as a blinking light (good), but then turns to a solid light (bad). So now, I have to add a front light. Not cool. And I was surprised to hear it comes with integrated kickstand. Mine didn’t. And my bike-boys who are great told me I HAD to get a Devinci kickstand. So I asked in Devinci in December for one. It’s now May, and still no kickstand. Not cool. And the chain ring. If this is truly for city/commuting/touring, why am I constantly getting grease on my pants, not to mention killing my work pants. Put a guard of some sort so I don’t have shredded clothes please. Not cool. And the seating is odd. I’ve also had to change the headset to a longer stem, but still find myself shifting back on the seat; even with the seat at the back of the seat rail. Not cool. And for some reason (maybe because my last bike was a cyclecross???), the front wheel seems not to have the same radius to do turns … it gets stuck when I have to turn suddenly to avoid a streetcar track/curb/seasonal cyclist. And yes – why are there no fenders on a bike like this??? Not cool. And lastly, the pedals were cheap.
So having said all this, do I have anything positive to say? Yes. It’s a faster ride than my cyclecross. And sometimes when someone steals my external lights, I have a prayer of getting home without being killed if a driver looks closely and sees my integrated lights. And it’s not heavy so when the snow gets ridiculous, I can lift it onto a bus bike rack easily because it’s light. And I like the fact it’s Canadian made.
I’ve said all this to Devinci, who’s only response was to tell me I could order a kickstand. Not cool (especially considering I still don’t have it months later!).
So there. That’s what I have to say on the matter of my first Devinci 🙂
Julien
May 17, 2014
Yes, the bike features eyelets to allow for a rack to be fitted. The eyelets are located under the rear light and above the Devinci logo on the seat-stay. It would not make sense for them to produce a commuter bike that does not fit racks !
Julien
May 17, 2014
Yes, the bike features eyelets to allow for a rack to be fitted. The eyelets are located under the rear light and above the Devinci logo on the seat-stay. It would not make sense for them to produce a commuter bike that does not fit racks !
Golly
April 28, 2014
No rear eyelets to allow a rack to be fitted, so not much use if you need to carry a change of clothes or a briefcase.
- Fred
  July 30, 2018
  Actually there are eyelets both on the fork and on the frame at the regular places. So yes you can put racks on both front and back wheels. I conquer with Knuckle’s argument with low light visibility when the rear rack is loaded with bags but I fixed the issue by installing a much wider rack which was required for my baby seat which totally fixed the issue. My bags are further away from the lights and now I can really be seen from the backside all loaded. The integrated light are nice but not high enough to be seen by a driver looking back through their mirrors. SO for visibility and if your wear an helmet, best option is to combine with helmet lights and lamps for actual low-light conditions.