Revolution Cross 0 first ride review

Bikes don’t come much simpler than the Revolution Cross 0. This elemental steed is the handiwork of retailer Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative and features a single gear — a 46/18 combination as you’re asking — that provides a good ratio for the majority of urban routes. Bikes don’t come much more affordable than the Cross 0, either.

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Revolution Cross 0 spec overview

• Frame: Strongman 7005 aluminium alloy
• Fork: Strongman hi-tensile steel with 1-1/8″ unthreaded steerer
• Stem: Kalloy alloy, matt black, 7 degree rise — 90mm extension (52cm frame), 105mm (55-58cm frame)
• Handlebar: Kalloy alloy, matt black, 31.8mm centre — 40cm (52cm frame), 42cm (55cm frame), 44cm (58cm frame)
• Grips/tape: Velo black tape with silicone gel padding
• Saddle: DDK comfort saddle on Kalloy 350×27.2mm micro-adjust seatpost
• Brakes: Tektro RX-1 Mini V-brakes
• Rims: Strongman 32h double-wall, single eyeletted alloy rims with CNC sidewalls
• Front hub: Formula alloy with track nuts
• Rear hub: Formula alloy, threaded for freewheel and track nuts. 110mm O.L.D.
• Tyres: Kenda 700×35 with Kevlar Shield puncture-resistant belts
• Crankset: Prowheel 546 PP Pro with 46t steel chainring, 3/32 inch, double chainguard. 170mm alloy crankarms
• Bottom bracket: Square Taper, Semi-Cartridge Bearings
• Chain: KMC Z-610 3/32 inch
• Freewheel: DNP 18t. 3/32 inch
• Weight: 11.3kg based (55cm Revolution Cross 0 without pedals)

Adam Gasson

Revolution Cross 0 ride impression

The Cross 0 is designed to be as simple as possible, right down to the tough matt black paint job and distinct lack of overbearing decals. But that minimalist facial masks a surprisingly impressive ride.

Yes, you can feel the excess of the budget aluminum frame when you begin heading toward the stars, but that ascending blemish is more than compensated by the relaxed fork that aids stability when venturing off-road onto a river path. It’s also ideal shaping to bounce up and over kerbs, speed bumps and, what the hell, even flights of steps.

Accessories are more than acceptable, too. Take the contact points. The squishy, compliant saddle won’t give you grief when riding in civvy attire and the quality silicone-gel bar tape is comfortable upfront. But it’s the brakes that are a real highlight, providing plenty of stopping power alongside appreciated feel.

The wheels are built around box-section aluminium Strongman rims, which are nicely finished with flat-machined brake surfaces (with a brakewear marking line). They’re part of a solid wheelset that includes simple-bolted axle Formula hubs and a sensible 32 spokes at each end.

The K-Guard tyres are tough and surprisingly good on dirt, albeit they’re hefty numbers. But that’s a minor moot point on a bike at this price point. In fact, the frugal nature only expresses itself with the mediocre Prowheel chainset, but a double chainguard goes some way to rectifying those flaws.

Finally, the frame can accommodate mudguards and a rack, and that’s the final cherry on the affordable cake that makes the Cross 0 exactly what we look for in a great and cheap commuter.

Revolution Cross 0 pricing and availability

The bike retails for £299 and Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative will deliver internationally via courier.

Revolution Cross 0 early verdict

Simple, cheap, fun — what more could you want?