The Spec:

Frameset – Hi-tensile Steel frame and fork, built to proven angles and dimensions. 1 1/8” fork.

Headset – 1 1/8” threadless A-head

Rims – Deep profile 41mm alloy rims. 700c x 32H x 14G

Hubs – 32H high flange hubs. Flip flop rear hub with 16T freewheel and fixed gear

Tyres – Kenda tyre 700c x 23c

Tube – Kenda 700c 60mm presta valve

Handlebars – Alloy riser, bullhorn bars or drop bar.

Stem – 75mm x 20mm rise/fall

Brakes – CStar dual pivot calliper rim brakes with one piece integrated lever/clamp

Crankset – 3 piece forged 6061 aluminium, 170mm length

Chain Ring – 5 bolt aluminium, 44T

Bottom bracket – Sealed bearing 68 mm x 103mm

Pedals –  Coloured cartridge

Chain – KMC ½” x 1/8”

Saddle – Track saddle or Vader extra-padded

Seat Clamp – 28.6mm alloy

Seatpost – 25.4mm x 300mm

Read our awesome review by Urban Cyclist Magazine

Frame High tensile steel / Fork High tensile steel / Wheels41mm alloy rims, 32h high flange hubs, flip flop rear / Transmission Forged 6061 aluminium, 44x16T / BrakesCStar dual pivot calipers

Perhaps the most important aspect  of bike testing is calibrating your expectations. And expectations are, of course, different to preconceptions which should always be banished. These two challenges are never tougher than when testing very cheap bikes. By not wanting to be snobbish about them, it can be hard not to reduce your expectations so low that you end up being impressed because the wheels are round and nothing fell off in the first mile.

One thing that we really didn’t expect was for the Mango (no model name, it’s just Mango, like Lovejoy) to get so much love. On one occasion we looked round a few times before noticing the person banging on a first floor window to get our attention, give us a cheesy double thumbs-up and shout ‘cool bike’ through the glass.

Of course, you may not like green but if that’s the case try to see past the colour because, by our quick count, there are over 191 million colour combinations available. The frame, saddle, grips, rims, tyres, chain and pedals are all offered in eight or nine different colours and there’s a clever design tool online that will occupy you for hours. This personalisation was the core idea when the brand was started by university house-mates Jezz and Ben, and it was well received by BBC Three’s Be Your Own Boss, which gave them a leg up.

The good Mango saddle is the detail you’ll appreciate most often

The Mango has a basic high-tensile steel frame with a relaxed 72-degree head angle and steeper 75-degree seat angle. The build kit is impressive for the price. No corners have been cut even in places were no one would notice, such as the seatpost clamp and cable guides. The dual pivot brakes are decent, the gearing is ideal, the Kenda tyres are tough and a bullhorn bar is optional. It’s as well equipped as the State but it’s so much cheaper that it’s definitely the best value.

Typically for a hi-ten steel frame, it thumps a bit over bumps and flexes when you sprint for a gap in the traffic but it still steers and handles well. In fact, the Mango really made us smile. It’s fun to ride and, assuming you’ve bought one in your perfect colourscheme, it’s bound to make you feel good every time you open the garage door. It’s our clear favourite. Who expected that?

Verdict: Brilliant value for a decent quality bike with millions of colour options