Vilano Diverse 3.0 Review – Performance Hybrid Road Bike

One bike for extreme weather, another for commuting and yet one more for speedy commutes! If I purchased a bicycle for every occasion—they’d fill my garage and drain my bank balance. This bike review explains why this Vilano Diverse 3.0 hybrid bicycle could be the answer to your prayers.

As a hybrid, this cycle promises to be an all-purpose tool, ideal for a leisurely weekend ride, commuting efficiently to work, and elevating fitness levels.

The Vilano Diverse 3.0 Performance bike is a step up from its 2.0 incarnation. The main difference is the manufacturer has replaced the V-pull brakes and upgraded them to discs.

While it may lack the fenders and rear-rack of the market-leading Schwinn Wayfarer—it’s flat handlebars and disc brakes deliver a more modern aesthetic while also providing greater braking efficiency.

Features and Benefits

Let’s kick off this look at the bike with a quick word on its overall styling.

Unlike many hybrids—there’s no room for a retro-appearance. Instead, the manufacturer has elected for a ‘mean’ design.

Silver decals accent the black color scheme, while its flat handlebars provide a discreet off-road appearance. To be honest, it’s only the size of the tires that give away this isn’t a mountain bike.

So, out of the box.
This cycle will need constructing before first use—which you can either complete yourself or pay slightly extra for a pre-assembled unit.

Luckily, this doesn’t include attaching brakes or installing gears, but you will need to mount the handlebars, front wheel, saddle and pedals. If you’re relatively handy with a wrench, this should be no issue—however, you may need to tune the brakes and derailleurs.

Now, out on the road.
Whether powering uphill, hanging your cycle in the garage or mounting on your vehicle’s bike rack—the overall weight of this bike will not be an issue. With aluminum frame and forks—it comes in at a lightweight 41 pounds.

Vilano has always concentrated on providing quality rubber-to-road—and this bike is no exception. Its reliable 35c tires may be too narrow for intense dirt and mud tracks—this isn’t a true all-terrain bike. However, on the tarmac, they’ll provide responsive control, high traction and quiet performance.

The 57-cm frame should be sufficient for cyclists up to six feet in height. A particularly distinctive aspect of its structure is that it possesses a curved top-tube.

While this adds to the overall aesthetic of the bicycle, it may restrict overall clearance when straddling. This may be of consideration if, during commutes, you’re frequently standing at intersections or lights.

If you live in an area with some severe undulation—you’ll probably welcome the Shimano EF 51 3/8 drivetrain. This features up to 24-speed settings—making lighter work of more challenging terrain.

As the shifters are handle-mounted—you can easily switch between settings while still keeping your hands in contact with the bars. This makes for a safer and more controllable riding experience.

In the saddle, the upright position will enable a comfortable ride without straining your back. The seat has a quick-adjust feature, allowing you to quickly position to an ideal height. Although it may lack sufficient padding for some users.

Advantages of the Vilano Diverse 3.0

• Modern aesthetics.
• Quality braking system and drivetrain.
• 700c tires.
• Upright handlebars for comfort.
• 24-speed to tackle challenging hills.
• The 6160 aluminum frame and fork provide a lightweight hybrid cycle.
• Integrated brakes and gear shifters.

Technical Specifications

What Do the Owners Say?

You’ve had my opinion, but what about the guys and girls hitting the road on this cycle?

The reviews are overall very positive, with users complementing its sleek looks, smooth gear change, and powerful brakes.

Most commonly mentioned are the flat handlebars, with many cyclists appreciating the slightly sporty riding position combined with accurate control.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Hybrid Bike

If like me, you’re addicted to riding—you’ll take any opportunity to be outside on two wheels.

Hitting the open road with friends, traveling to work, or letting off some steam with some intense pedaling—it’s all amazing.

To cover all these scenarios with one machine—you need a hybrid cycle.

These awesome bikes combine the most vital aspects of specialty machines. That is, the upright seating position and strength of a mountain bike, the thinner wheels and lighter weight of road bikes, and the sturdiness to cope with panniers of touring models.

And it’s the future of cycling.

Current research predicts that over the next ten years—hybrids will dominate the market. (1)

However, If you’re looking for a pure off-roader or want to complete some competitive sprints—these bikes aren’t for you. Instead, select a mountain or road cycle.

When choosing the ideal hybrid bike, consider:

Gears

Think about the terrain you’ll be riding.

If your cycling includes numerous hills or a lack of lower body strength you need more gears. Conversely, if you’re a powerful biker or your travels take you along flat terrain, fewer cogs will be suitable.

Bear in mind that the more gears a cycle has, the more complicated it is to use, especially if you’re a riding newbie.

Type Of Brakes

Rim brakes are more economical and easy to monitor their wear. However, disc brakes are more efficient in wet and muddy conditions, require less effort to use, and increase safety.

Frame Material

Seriously top-end cycles have carbon-fiber or titanium frames. Both types are extremely lightweight and durable—but they can be prohibitively expensive.

Luckily, the majority of hybrid cycles are either made from the more affordable steel or aluminum:

Steel—extremely durable material while also being surprisingly flexible, but it can lead to a rather heavy bike.
Aluminum—strong and lightweight, although it can feel a little ‘stiff’ on rugged terrain.

Suspension

Manufacturers often include suspension forks in their cycles.

These work as shock absorbers, cushioning your ride when traversing uneven terrain. This makes for a more comfortable cycling experience and can prevent wheel damage by lowering the impact pressure on these vital components.

However, suspension adds weight to your cycle and reduces efficiency—meaning you have to work harder with every turn of the pedals.

If you’re commuting to work or enjoy a leisurely jaunt on smooth paths, you may consider them unnecessary.

Frame Size

For a comfortable and safe ride, your cycle needs to fit you correctly.

Most manufacturers include sizing charts—enabling you to select the ideal frame dimensions for your particular height.

Handlebars

The handlebars on hybrid bikes generally take to forms—flat bar and riser bar.

As the name suggests, flat bars are straight and have little to no bend. This means your hands are virtually at the same height as the cycle stem. So when cycling, your back arches forward slightly, towards a more ‘racing’ position.

The benefits of flat bars include being more suitable for speed-riding—and having additional bodyweight on the front wheels to increase traction. (2)

Riser bars tend to angle upwards and backward toward the rider. This places you in a more upright seated position—making it easier on your lower back and reducing fatigue on your hands.

While risers offer greater visibility (as you’re higher up), they lack the speed and control of flat bars.

Fenders

If you cycle to work, you may appreciate fenders—they keep road detritus and puddles from splashing up onto your clothes. (3)

Furthermore, if you enjoy cycling with friends or family, they can prevent spray from puddles from springing-up from your back wheel and hitting them in the face.

Some manufacturers include front and/or rear fenders as standard—while others just included mounts or pre-drilled holes for retro-fitting.

However, you may consider them unnecessary. For example, if you’re a fair-weather rider or you wear cycling attire that you will wash after each outing—you can forego these weight-adding extras.

The Best Alternatives for the Vilano Diverse 3.0

If this hybrid bike review hasn’t rocked your world, the Schwinn GTX could be another reliable option.

With its front fork suspension, this may be a better alternative for cyclists who need more impact taken out of their ride or those who cover more uneven terrain.

Unlike the Vilano Diverse, this bike has a step-through aluminum frame for easy mounting and dismounting, particularly useful if you have mobility issues.

Furthermore, if you’re looking for a bicycle to suit your individual aesthetic, the Schwinn could appeal with its more extensive range of color options.

There is one crucial consideration to bear in mind.

The Schwinn 1.0 doesn’t have disc brakes—although the manufacturer does include them on the 2.0 version upgrade. Instead, it has rim calipers, a form that isn’t as reliable in extreme conditions as discs.

How They Compare

• 24-speed Shimano drivetrain—the same as the Diverse 3.0.
• Available in four colors—the Diverse only comes in black.
• Not as heavy as the Vilano Diverse 3.0.
• The Schwinn 1.0 has rim brakes—unlike the discs on our reviewed product.

Another related bike to the Vilano is this Schwinn Vantage cycle.

One stand out feature is the number of frame sizes. While the Vilano only comes in a 57 cm version, the Schwinn has choices of 55 through to 58 cm. Hence, delivering a height greater range of five-feet three to over six feet.

Compared to our reviewed cycle, the Schwinn Vantage has fewer gears, featuring a Shimano 21-speed drivetrain. This may suit those riders who consider 24 gear settings excessive.

Unlike the main bike of this article, the Vantage incorporates some rear shock absorption. It features an elastomer soft-tail suspension to promote a more comfortable ride—perhaps attractive if your journeys take in some harsh terrain.

How They Compare

• The Schwinn Vantage has fewer gears than the 3.0 performance hybrid.
• Similar seat across both cycles.
• The Vantage has a women’s version available—the Diverse lacks this option.
• The Schwinn price is harder on the bank balance than the Vilano Diverse.
• Both cycles include durable disc brakes.

The Last Word

Owning numerous specialty bikes is expensive and takes up valuable garage space.

Hybrid bikes are the answer.

With its features of reliable disc brakes, Shimano drivetrain, and impressive weight capacity, the Vilano Diverse 3.0 is the ideal cycle for commuting, fitness, or leisure.

To join the legions of fans that have already discovered the benefits of hybrid cycles.