Looking for the lightest folding bike I could find, I was drawn to the simplicity of the Judd. that and the fact that it looks more like a real bike and not something a clown would be riding in the circus…
I’ve only had it a few days, so I can’t comment on long term performance/durability. But it seems to be solidly built. And after ensuring everything is torqued up to where it needs to be, it feels sturdier than what I’d expect for a bike with a hinge in the middle of the frame.
The weakest spot (and not that it’s flimsy, just not as solid) seems to be the long telescoping handlebar stem. But I’m hoping to correct this with a BMX-style turtle-neck stem and handlebar modification.
I thought I wouldn’t mind the coaster brake, but after riding freewheel for so long, it’s difficult to switch back. So, I swapped out the rear wheel for a freewheel setup and added a rear side-pull hand brake. I think if Retrospec offered these options/upgrades it would be a home run.
But I’m definitely digging' it so far and hope it’s as durable as it seems!