As one of the world’s oldest bike brands, Malvern Star is an iconic part of Australian cycling. However, recent years have seen the brand struggle for identify in a rapidly changing market. For 2016, this is all set to change, with Malvern Star looking to its past with a classic and quality ‘Heritage Range’ that joins the brand’s lifestyle and children’s bikes.
Below we take a look at some of the new range highlights.
Oppy S
Named after Australian pioneering cyclist Hubert Opperman, the Oppy name continues for 2016
Perhaps the most exciting model to join the Malvern Star range is the Oppy S. Gone is the carbon – this versatile gravel bike combines classic steel style with modern features such as disc brakes and Shimano road shifting. While not light, the bike should fit well with the growing number of riders seeking to go more places with their road bikes.
Plenty of clearance for fenders and big rubber
The 700c Cro-Moly steel frame features double-butted tubing and a lugged fork. There’s clearance for up to 40c tyres (35c stock). Mounts for fenders and loaded racks are given front and rear.
There are just two models in the range. The more expensive Oppy S2 (AU$1,700) will feature Shimano 105 22-speed shifting with matched hydraulic disc brakes.
The gearing range is well suited to loaded touring, with a compact crank up front matched to an 11-32T cassette at rear. Tubeless-ready, 32-hole Alex rims sit laced to Shimano disc hubs. Lastly, leather bar tape and saddle add further retro touches.
The Malvern Star Oppy S1
If the Oppy S2 is too much, the S1 (AU$1,000) keeps the same frame, but moves to base level Shimano Claris 16-speed shifting. This gearing maintains the same range as the S2.
The S1’s braking duties are handled by Promax mechanical disc calipers, while cheaper 32-hole Alex rims are featured.
Porter and Vogue
At first we walked past these new men’s and women’s models without much of a glimpse, but were encouraged to lift one up. These aren’t the steel clunkers they appear to be, but rather classically inspired rides made from lightweight aluminium frames, with matching aluminium racks and Bamboo fenders. The fit is upright and designed for leisurely riding around town.
Porter 2 (beer not included)
For the men, the Porter is based on the Porteur style delivery bikes of the past. Selling at AU$1,000, the Porter 2 (pictured) offers an 8-speed Shimano Nexus internal geared hub, 38c tyres and a leather touring saddle.
For a little less (AU$800), the Porter 1 offers 7-speed Shimano Altus derailleur shifting. Both Porter models include the front rack, front rack bag, center kickstand and bamboo fenders.
Malvern Star Vogue 2
For the ladies there's the Vogue with a classically flowing frame. Both the Vogue 2 and Vogue 1 are priced equal to the men’s Porters and share similar component specifications. In addition to the accessories given with the men’s rides, the Vogue includes a matching rear rack too.
On all four bikes, the spring-loaded fork is there to stabilise steering and ensure the bike doesn’t flop and fall over when the front basket is heavily weighted and the centre kickstand down.
Path Racer
First seen last year, this old school flat track racer is a large contributing start to the new Heritage Range. For 2016, things don’t change a whole lot and the raked out front fork and moustache bars remain.
Pictured above is the Path Racer 2 (AU$900), which features a Sturmey Archer (yep, they still exist) 2-speed Kickshifter – simply kick backwards to shift.
This ride surely isn’t for everyone, but owners of moustache wax will likely be in delight.
For closer details of the new models, check out the gallery up top.