Momentum Vida Review
- Price: $760
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 650b Aluminum
- Gear: 1 × 8
What we like about it: The very comfortable riding position provides an unforgettable riding experience.
What we don’t like about it: Some people may not be too happy with its speed performance.
Rating: (4.7/5)
I have many friends around me who neglect exercise due to their busy schedules. However, when they do have free time, they still enjoy embracing nature and experiencing some not-so-challenging off-road biking.
I completely understand why they choose hybrid bikes, but what puzzles me is why so many people opt for the Momentum Vida.
What magic does this bike possess? To find the answer to this question, I placed an order for a Momentum Vida, and now let’s explore it together!
In the following sections, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Momentum Vida.
Additionally, in the latter part of this article, we will compare it with several other top bicycle models. If you’re interested in learning more about bike reviews, you can follow us.
Riding Experience
Urban Commuting
When I first rode the Momentum Vida to work, its comfort left a deep impression on me.
Typically, I use road bikes as my commuting bikes, with their aggressive geometry urging me to rush to the office. However, the congested roads hardly allow me to leverage their speed advantage, which often leaves me feeling regretful.
On the other hand, the Momentum Vida gives me a sense of going on an excursion. With a stack height of 659mm, it allows me to maintain a more upright riding posture and provides a broader field of view.
When encountering intersections or traffic jams, I can slow down in advance.
However, this doesn’t mean that Momentum Vida can’t handle unexpected situations. I’ve encountered instances where vehicles abruptly change lanes or pedestrians suddenly appear by the roadside.
Fortunately, the Shimano Mechanical disc brake is capable of promptly stopping the bike, ensuring my safety.
Park Trail Riding
After a busy week of work, I couldn’t wait to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. I quickly booked a flight to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta on Skyscanner, planning to experience the natural scenery at Blakeley State Park and do some light off-roading over the weekend.
I hopped on the Momentum Vida, ready to traverse the Hallets Trail, a relatively easy path in the park. However, due to the dense tree cover, some sections of the trail were muddy.
Fortunately, the Momentum Vida’s hybrid tires offered good traction, and I didn’t experience any slipping. The 2.4-inch width also reduced the impact of bumps, providing a comfortable ride.
Moreover, mountain biking inevitably involves varying slopes, but the Shimano Altus gear set performed well, allowing me to quickly and accurately adjust to the desired gear. This way, even complex terrain didn’t pose much of a challenge for me.
Recreational Riding
The abundant mounting points allow me to bring along enough water, food, and other essentials to enjoy the soothing touch of the sun and wind on a nice day.
Although the flat handlebars offer limited riding positions, the Alloy Mid-high raise saddle effectively reduces the fatigue that comes from maintaining the same sitting posture for a long time.
Additionally, the 60 TPI puncture-resistant tires and the sturdy ALUXX-Grade aluminum frame help alleviate any concerns when choosing an unfamiliar path.
All in all, I now fully understand why many friends choose Momentum Vida. Its comfort and durability leave a lasting impression on everyone who has experienced it. If you also wish to get your hands on a hybrid bike, believe me, the Momentum Vida is a great choice.
Specification
When I first saw the Momentum Vida, I was pleasantly surprised. The charcoal-black color scheme looks clean and sharp. Moreover, the ALUXX-Grade aluminum frame and front fork are sturdy and durable.
Although the suspension performance is average, it provides good support.
The tire width is also 2.4 inches, which sacrifices some speed and weight advantages compared to 2.2- or 2.3-inch tires. However, it offers better stability and adaptability to complex road surfaces.
The relaxed geometry may not meet aerodynamic requirements, but it provides a comfortable riding experience.
As a commuting bike, I believe this is one of the advantages of the Momentum Vida. Furthermore, even in crowded areas and traffic, the integrated valve stem provides excellent control.
Video
Other Versions
The Momentum Vida is a comfortable hybrid bike. But if you are petite and want to be able to get on and off the bike better, we have made recommendations for other models as well.
Momentum Vida Low-Step
Compared to the Momentum Vida, the biggest difference with the Momentum Vida Low-Step is the significantly reduced top tube height.
This lowers the standover height from 722mm to 427mm. Additionally, the Vida Low-Step has an additional color option and a more vibrant appearance.
Apart from the geometry and paint scheme, they are identical in all other aspects. They both feature the impressive ALUXX-Grade aluminum frame.
So, if you have a petite frame, the low-step design of the Momentum Vida Low-Step is tailored for you.
If you don’t have any issues with mounting or dismounting, then the Momentum Vida is worth considering. Its more stable geometry makes the frame more robust and durable.
What do we like about it?
- Comfortable geometry design for a good riding experience.
- 60 TPI puncture-resistant tires that can handle complex road surfaces.
- Sturdy and durable ALUXX-Grade aluminum frame.
- Integrated valve stem for better control.
- Selle Royal saddle for a smooth and enjoyable ride.
What don’t we like about it?
- Only two color options may make it difficult for some people to choose.
FAQs
- What about the Momentum Vida tires?
The 27.5×2.4 Hybrid tire 60 TPI Anti-Puncture tires provide good stability for more complex surfaces.
- What kind of people is Momentum Vida suitable for?
As a hybrid bike, the Momentum Vida has a comfortable geometry. It is ideal for daily commuting and can also meet the needs of light off-road enthusiasts.
- How do I choose the size of this bike?
The Momentum Vida is generally friendly to riders of most heights and comes in three sizes. You can refer to the size chart below, but it’s normal to have some differences based on your preferences. The best way to find the right size is to try it out for yourself.
Rider height | SIZE |
160cm – 173cm | SM |
170cm – 181cm | MD |
177cm – 193cm | LG |
Momentum Vida Specs
Build
Frame | ALUXX-Grade AluminumColors: Charcoal; Copper BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit |
Fork | ALUXX-Grade fork fender/rack mounts |
Bottom Bracket | Sealed Cartridge |
Stem | Alloy forged, 15 Degree, 31.8 |
Handlebar | Alloy Mid-high raise,comfort sweep 31.8 |
Saddle | Selle Royal ESSENZA comfort saddle |
Seatpost | Alloy 30.9 |
Pedals | Platform plus comfort FP-893 |
Grips | Momentum Comfort |
Wheels
Rims | Double Wall, 6061 Aluminum |
Spokes | Stainless steel |
Front Hub | Alloy, loose ball bearing, 32h |
Rear Hub | Alloy, loose ball bearing, 32h |
Tires | 27.5×2.4 Hybrid tire 60 TPI Anti-Puncture |
Groupset
Rear Derailleur | Shimano RD-M310 |
Crank | Forged alloy, 40t w/chainguard |
Shifters | Shimano SL-M315 |
Cassette | Shimano CS-HG31 11×34 |
Chain | KMC Z83 |
Brakes | Mechanical disc brake F[160 rotor] R[160 rotor] |
Brake Levers | ALLOY LEVER |
Comparison Table
Bicycles | Click to view | Tires | Driveline | Frame material | Groupset |
Cannondale Adventure 2 | Click View | Goodyear Transit Tour, 27.5×2.0″ | 1 × 7 | Aluminum | microSHIFT |
Momentum UX 3S | Click View | CST 1899 27.5x 2.1″ | / | Aluminum | Tektro M275 |
Momentum UX 9S | Click View | CST 1899 27.5x 2.1″ | 1 × 9 | Aluminum | Shimano Alivio, Altus |
Norco Scene 3 | Click View | Kenda Kwick Seven5 2.2″ | 1 × 7 | Aluminum | Shimano Altus |
Momentum Vida vs Cannondale Adventure 2
First and foremost, what pleasantly surprised me about the Cannondale Adventure 2 is its 50mm of travel Suntour NEX-E25 front fork.
It performs better in terms of shock absorption compared to the ALUXX-Grade fork on the Momentum Vida, providing a more comfortable ride on rough surfaces.
However, the SmartForm C3 frame used in Adventure 2 is slightly inferior to the ALUXX-Grade aluminum frame of the Momentum Vida.
If you are a petite woman, the extremely low top tube of Adventure 2 makes it convenient for mounting and dismounting.
Additionally, the lavender color scheme might appeal to your taste. However, if you primarily ride on relatively flat roads and are looking to save some budget, the Momentum Vida would be a good choice.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Adventure Worth Buying? [Cannondale Adventure Review]
Momentum Vida vs Momentum UX 3S
Needless to say, the 2.0-inch Goodyear Transit Tour tires that come with the Momentum UX 3S not only reduce the weight of the body but also improve its speed performance.
However, if you want more stability, then the Momentum Vida is a bit more suitable. And the high-capacity tires also reduce some of the bumps from the road.
Another thing that attracted me to the Momentum UX 3S is its Hydraulic Disc braking system.
Compared to the Mechanical Disc brakes on the Momentum Vida, the former is more responsive and requires less effort, delivering better braking performance.
Moreover, the UX 3S features an innovative belt drive, which makes maintenance easier and increases safety.
In the end, I think the Momentum UX 3S would be a good choice if you want a bike with more potential to have the ability to challenge more routes.
If you want a bike that looks better and doesn’t need too many complicated features, then going with the Momentum Vida would also be a good decision.
Momentum Vida vs Momentum UX 9S
Both bikes feature sturdy and durable ALUXX-Grade aluminum frames, which are suitable for everyday use.
However, the Momentum UX 9S with its Shimano Alivio and Altus groupset performs slightly better in areas such as the rear derailleur compared to the Momentum Vida with its Shimano Altus groupset.
Additionally, if you’ve ridden both bikes on downhill sections, you should easily notice that the Momentum UX 9S is the superior option. Its Hydraulic Disc braking system provides greater braking power and easier adjustability compared to the Mechanical Disc brakes on the Momentum Vida.
However, if you prioritize a more comfortable riding experience, the geometry design of the Momentum Vida might be more suitable for you. The higher stack allows you to maintain a more upright riding position, thus reducing pressure on your lower back.
Momentum Vida vs Norco Scene 3
In my opinion, the Norco Scene 3 is like a low-step version of the Momentum Vida, with almost the same price and an equally sturdy aluminum frame. The seat tube length and standover height of the Norco Scene 3 are noticeably lower than the Momentum Vida.
This design is safer for riders with a smaller stature when it comes to sudden braking in emergencies. However, if you prioritize the overall stability of the bike, then the geometry of the Momentum Vida would better suit your needs.
Furthermore, the trail of the Norco Scene 3 is higher, which helps provide a self-correcting tendency during steering. It allows you to maintain a straighter line while riding on uneven road surfaces.
However, if your primary riding environment is the city, I would recommend choosing the Momentum Vida. Quick maneuverability around obstacles is crucial in urban settings, and the lower trail offers faster and more agile steering.
Summary
Above is our review of the Momentum Vida, a comfortable ride that is unforgettable. Whether it’s for urban commuting, light off-roading, or leisurely rides, it delivers a good experience.
In our view, the Momentum Vida is a bike worth purchasing. Considering all these factors, we gave it a high rating of 4.7. If you’re interested in trying out higher-end hybrid bikes, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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