Vello Rocky review

The Vello Rocky is a smart steel-framed folding bike with myriad options and a longer wheelbase that should appeal to seasoned cyclists and newbie riders alike.

Austrian manufacturer Vello’s original bike was based around this clever design, and since then the range has expanded into titanium versions, fast drop-bar iterations and even a gravel model.

Vello has also introduced some electric folding bikes and recently launched an all-new utility bike called the Vello SUB.

Vello Rocky frame details

My test bike is built around a beautifully finished chromoly steel frame.

The twin-tubed design of the front end is certainly distinctive. At the rear, a unified rear-triangle swingarm (where the drivetrain is part of the rear assembly) gives the back end a modicum of suspension comfort from its elastomer bumper.

This also serves as the main fold of the bike.

The elastomer suspension unit has a high-powered magnetic connector that snaps into the front end. Pull the magnets apart and swing the rear wheel underneath the bike and it folds offset to the side of the front end.

It’s then a case of undoing the fork-crown clamp (removing the safety pin), and the front and rear end of the bike lock magnetically together.

To finish the fold, you drop the saddle and stem extender. You can also separate the bars via quick-releases and fold the pedals to reduce the Vello to a compact 57x79x29cm.

The fold is intuitive, but it’s not quite as fast or compact as a Brompton.

The build is very good for the money, but there are a couple of lower-grade parts that bring down the overall value impression.

The Vello-branded disc brakes are very good hydraulic units, with plenty of feel at the lever and bags of stopping power.

I like that Vello has used large rotors (160mm) because that adds to the bike's performance and dissipates heat (and reduces noise) better than small rotors.

The gearing, combining a Deore trigger shifter and Shimano XT rear derailleur, performs well too.

Driving the rear wheel is an alloy crankset with a large 54-tooth chainring. Compared to the quality components elsewhere and the Shimano gearing, the crankset feels a little basic.

It’s also running on an old-school square-taper bottom bracket.

This has a certain old-school charm, but I’d rather see a more up-to-date standard for easier-to-source replacement parts.

On the plus side, the chainring has double chain guards to protect your trouser cuffs from oily chain rub.

The long seatpost enabled me to get my 6ft 2in frame at the correct height and it’s topped with a well-shaped Selle Royal saddle that has ample padding for unprotected hindquarters.

The 20in wheels are wrapped with tough and fast-rolling Schwalbe Marathon tyres in a generous 1.5in width to help cushion the ride somewhat.

The Orion magnetic-fitting lights are ideal for a bike of this type. The front and rear LEDs are more than bright enough to be seen, but the front isn’t a light to see by.

Because the Vello is an urban machine, I don’t see that as an issue.

The short rear mudguard stops some spray from the rear wheel kicking up, but in this basic trim, you don’t get a matching front.

An €89 optional extra extends the rear guard to full length and provides a matching full-length front guard. Rather than an option, I see this as an essential on the best commuter bikes.

The folding pedals are a nice addition and these Ki115 units have a fair amount of grip if you’re wearing soft-soled shoes. However, they can feel a little slippy with harder-soled, smart office shoes.

The fold is easy to execute, and the spring-loaded action means you can flip them out with just your foot when unfolding the bike.

Vello offers plenty of options for front and rear racks, bags and more, but it's worth noting it has a maximum load (rider and luggage) of 125kg / 276lb.

Vello Rocky ride impressions

Unlike most folding bikes, the Vello has a generous (106cm) wheelbase, so it feels more akin to a full-sized bike rather than a twitchy short-wheelbase folder.

That said, the Vello's frame is much stiffer than most bikes of its type, so it takes some getting used to if you’re accustomed to other folding bikes.

The steep head angle, combined with the very short stem, makes it easy to manoeuvre at slow speeds, but it can feel a little twitchy when riding at pace.

I’d much prefer to switch out the 50mm stem for something longer to slow the steering response down a tad, because it can feel a little nervy when making steering corrections.

For taller riders, it can also feel as though your weight is front-biased rather than balanced at the mid-point of the wheelbase, which can reduce stability slightly.

This is especially important, because the gearing on the bike certainly encourages faster speeds than you’d usually find on an urban folding bike.

Thankfully, Vello has introduced a longer stem as an option for taller riders.

The solidity in the frame is a real boon to the responsive feel of the bike, but the stiffness means it really needs its 1.5in tyres. The back end, with its elastomer-infused swingarm, feels much smoother and more comfortable than the upright front end.

Vello has countered the front end's firmness well with a set of soft ergo-shaped grips, but again a longer stem would help dissipate vibrations over rough surfaces much better than the short, stiff stem fitted here.

Vello Rocky bottom line

The Vello Rocky is a highly competent and well-priced addition to the world of folding bikes.

Its long wheelbase will appeal to seasoned cyclists and the fold – though more involved than a Brompton or a simple hinged Tern or Dahon – is compact enough to make it a great mixed-mode commuter to carry on trains, buses, or park-and-ride systems.

The quality of the frame stands out, but it deserves a better crankset. Now Vello has introduced longer stem options, that cures some of the handling quirks.

The Rocky also needs full mudguards as standard, though I’m impressed by the wealth of optional extras (a carry bag, locks, racks, panniers and day packs can all be bought).

The base frame design is a good one, but in this basic model, it deserves more. The Vello Rocky is a good mixed-mode commuter option, but with a few tweaks, it’d be a great one.