French brand UTO is best known for creating some very well received folding electric bikes that ride on both 16in and 20in wheels, but here we have something a little different: the new 20in UTO PRO20 NE, where the NE stands for ‘Not Electric’. It’s a bike that more than lives up to the reputation of its electric siblings.
Let’s start with the PRO20’s USP: its folding mechanism. Although UTO says it has a unique system, the proprietary elements only appear when you get down to the details. At its core, the bike folds in half along the middle of the main frame’s single tube, and the stem folds down on itself. Both folds are similar to what you’d find on, say, a Dahon, Tern or other mainstream folding bike.
Where UTO goes a step further, though, is with the use of its self-locking hinges. Simply yank the stem up into a fully erect position with gusto, or flick the two sides of the frame into place, and the bike essentially builds itself with a satisfying clunk, requiring no further action.
With practice this works well, although you need to take some time to learn the technique needed to do the unfold quickly. Certainly, sorting out the main frame in one movement is a piece of cake. For me, the stem was slightly less easy to straighten and I initially found myself pushing down on the rubber cover of the stem’s fold latch just to be sure it was secure.
When it comes to folding again, simply pull a handy tab at each junction, and the bike hinges in two. In folded form, the bike is easy to manoeuvre on its wheels, using the saddle and seatpost for steering. The two sides of the bike also stay together impressively well via a little cupped receptacle for the magnetic joining button, which means you can bounce the whole folded bike down stairs without worrying that the wheels are going to separate and head in different directions.
Now, to the ride. Lamy’s first rule of efficient bicycle design is: how much noise is generated when you ride? Other than the click of the freehub, there’s absolutely none. This is impressive on any bike but especially so on a folder, whose join, latches and catches normally induce a bit of noise – not to mention the potential rattles of a rear rack and mudguards. Funnily enough, this ultra-quiet performance can be a bit of a problem when negotiating pedestrians, dog-walkers, stroller-pushers, etc, because you inadvertently sneak up behind them completely silently. Make sure you use the smart bell that’s provided!
When it comes to dodging road or cyclepath obstacles, the PRO20 NE’s handling is ready to work in your favour. Low speed stability is extremely good, and while those 20in wheels allow for snappy direction changes, the long wheelbase helps to keep everything balanced. In fact, stability is so good, you can pootle along at walking pace without any issues.
The bike is impressively stable at speed, too. It’s quite an eager machine and fantastic for cruising. Like all bikes with smaller wheels, getting out of the saddle is on the twitchy side of things – although far better with these 20in wheels than more diminutive alternatives. But once you are up to speed, it’s a perfectly pleasant place to spin those legs.
In terms of ride comfort, due to the PRO20 NE’s nature, we are not talking about a long-distance tourer here. Smaller wheels are obviously going to react to bumps and lumps more significantly than bigger hoops, and the bike’s eager performance suggests the whole set-up is pretty stiff. However, one of the great benefits of folding bikes is that their long stems and seatposts dissipate the messages coming from under tread, and this is by no means a harsh ride.
On middling to good surfaces, it’s actually really comfortable and position on the bike, with a wide range of stem height adjustability, is excellent. I set the bars fairly low, but you could easily sit up higher should you wish for a more relaxed experience.
Gearing is excellent. I have not always been a fan of Gates belt-driven Shimano Nexus hub gears in the past but, in my defence, that has generally been when they were fitted on drop-bar bikes. On this – a truly utilitarian bike which, I suspect, will be used on a fairly ad-hoc basis – the Nexus system not only suits the brief perfectly in terms of minimising maintenance and negating oily-trouser issues, but also provides really pleasant operation. There were no phantom gear changes with the twist-grip shifters. Whipping up and down the available ratios was swift and secure.
Of course, you only get so many gears with a Nexus system. The 7-speed range available here is ideal for city commuting, but you might find, if you use the bike for extended, uninterrupted road cycling, you run out at the top end. As well as testing review bikes on the mean streets of South Croydon, I do what might charitably be called ‘speed testing’ at a local former WW2 airfield. In that situation another, bigger gear wouldn’t have gone amiss. But for typical day-to-day use, the Nexus is excellent.
Shimano’s MT200 disc brakes are fantastic, too. Stopping is safe and secure in all weathers, and the amount of modulation provided – once the system is bedded in – is very good.
The less glamourous components of the UTO are worthy of highlighting too. Folding pedals are always fun to use, and those found here are no different. The 20in wheels provided really excellent performance – and are built where the bikes are assembled at UTO’s facility in Lyon. The Selle Italia saddle won’t put off new riders, but is probably a bit too plumptious for road-hardened backsides. And there’s also an SP Connect mount if you want to eschew the Garmin route and use Continental-style fittings for your phone, etc.
The overall weight of 14.8kg isn’t bad at all for what appears to be a really well put-together package featuring reassuringly high-quality engineering. Added to this, little design details – such as the easy-to-grab mini triangle at the rear – make manhandling the PRO20 NE very easy.
All in all, I was very impressed with the UTO, but I am a cyclist, so it’s against my nature to be content. The most significant suggestion I would have for UTO would be to change the Allen bolted collar for stem height to match the beautifully secure quick release collar found on the seatpost. Admittedly, you’re probably not going to be raising and dropping the bars as much as saddle height, but you might find you want a different ride experience one day. Adding another QR would make the UTO a completely Allen-bolt-free fitting experience.
Aside from that, pricing is the only other issue, and I say that hesitantly because – as a complete package – the UTO is fantastic and the speccing is super sensible. To my mind, the bike is absolutely worth the money. However, for £50 less, you could have a Brompton C Line Explore and we all know the cachet attached to that brand.
For people who don’t think they’ll really appreciate the finer details of the ride experience that we’ve mentioned here, they could get a bog standard, or even very decent folding bike from a number of mainstream retailers for less than £1,000.
So, the value you attach to the UTO PRO20 NE’s finer rider qualities very much depends on whether you see folding bikes as kind of a white good or more of a luxury item. Personally, I’d take the PRO20 NE every day of the week. Which, funnily enough, is exactly what it’s built for.
What does the manufacturer say about this product?:
“The lightest of our UTO bikes. Designed with our latest innovations and a modern look, it is built for simplified use. Perfect for commuting or leisure rides without any hassle. Equipped with self-locking hinges and a Gates® CDN belt. Compact and comfortable, suitable for all sizes, weighing 14.8kg (without pedals). Gear shifting possible even when stationary.”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:
This is a folding bike with a Shimano Nexus hub gear and Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes. However, perhaps the key technical feature is UTO’s unique self-locking hinges – simply unfold, hear the clunk of the stem and frame clicking into secure place, and ride.
Rate the product overall for quality (1-10):
9/10
Any further comments on quality?:
A very nicely made bike – from spec to build quality, it looks and feels like a premium product.
Rate the product for performance when used for its designed purpose (1-10):
9/10
Any further comments on performance?:
The ride performance is excellent – other than the slightest hint you’re on smaller wheels, this is really a ‘big bike’ feel.
Rate the product for value (1-10):
9/10
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested?:
The PRO20 NE’s £1,699 asking price puts it in the same ballpark as perhaps most people’s first thought when it comes to a folding bike: a Brompton C Line (£1,650). In my opinion, it’s a pretty fair comparison – the ride experience is similarly refined; the Brompton is slightly lighter, but the UTO has disc brakes; and the Brompton has that classic look and name, but UTO is surprisingly modern and stylish. You pays yer money…
List the components used to build up the bike:
Frame and fork: Aluminium with UTO’s proprietary self-locking hinges
Handlebar: Aluminium
Seatpost: Aluminium
Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc
Gears: Shimano Nexus 7-speed hub gear
Shifter: Shimano Nexus twist grip
Saddle: Selle Royal
Wheels: UTO 20in
Tyres: Schwalbe Big Apple
Extras: Rear rack, rechargeable front and rear lights, mudguards, folding pedals.
Tell us what the bike is for and who it’s aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it?:
As with most folders, the bike is primarily aimed at commuters and people hopping on and off different forms of transport. But I would say this is one of those folders that would be ideal for caravaners and anybody with limited bike storage – it really doesn’t feel like a compromise when out on the road.
Where does this model sit in the range? Tell us briefly about the cheaper options and the more expensive options:
This is UTO’s only non-electric bike so, cost-wise, is at the bottom of the range. If you’d fancy a PRO20 with an electric motor, that’ll cost you £2,999. However UTO’s cheapest electric bike is actually the diminutive 16in-wheeled OG16 at £1,799.
Overall rating for frame and fork
9/10
Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork:
The PRO20 NE’s frame and fork are, at first sight, fairly simple, although they do feature UTO’s clever self-locking hinges. The frame especially has some nice touches with reinforcement around the bottom bracket and a handy grab bar in the small triangle found there, as well as internal cable routing. And the area around the rear dropouts for fitting the frame and mudguards is particularly neat. Build quality and finish is superb.
Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork:
Both frame and fork are made from aluminium.
Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork:
Again, it’s a folder, so geometry is a moot point to some extent. However, there’s a lot of adjustment with stem height, so you can achieve anything from an aggressive low position to a more upright comfort-orientated option.
How was the bike in terms of stack and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?:
The PRO20 NE feels like a big bike, partly thanks to its fairly long (for a folder) wheelbase and good reach. I’m 6ft and I didn’t feel crowded on it at all.
Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality:
The PRO20 NE is very comfortable to ride, again thanks to that long wheelbase. Super rough surfaces do come through but on anything approaching smooth roads, it is very cosseting.
Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?:
For a folder, it is impressively stiff. With joins in the middle of the frame and stem, it would be forgiven the occasional creak or slight rattle but this was as solid as a rock.
Was there any toe overlap with the front wheel? If so, was it a problem?:
Nope.
How would you describe the steering? Was it lively, neutral or unresponsive?:
With smaller wheels, it’s always going to feel on the lively side, most noticeably at slow speed. But I have to say, this is probably the most composed folding bike I’ve ever ridden and it becomes very tame at higher speeds.
Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?:
As mentioned above, slow speed handling is very good and this becomes excellent at cruising pace. Cornering is secure – you can lean a fair way over without worry – and there’s nothing that urges you towards caution at speed. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike’s performance? Would you recommend any changes?:
I’m not always a big fan of Shimano Nexus hub gears, but in this context, it seemed a perfect match. Obviously, it adds a little weight, but gear change performance is secure; you can change whilst stationary; and it really reduces maintenance and the potential for oily trousers. Using the twist-grip shifter to cycle up and down the available ratios is a bit of fun on urban streets, too.
Rate the bike for efficiency of power transfer:
8/10
Any comments on power transfer?:
This is not a racing bike, but within the constraints of its design, it felt like efficient, good fun.
Rate the bike for acceleration:
8/10
Any comments on acceleration?:
Getting up to speed is fairly rewarding.
Rate the bike for sprinting:
5/10
Any comments on sprinting?:
Getting out the saddle is probably the least good aspect of the PRO20 NE. It’s still better than most folders, though!
Rate the bike for stability:
8/10
Any comments on stability?:
For a folder, it’s very impressive. Most noticeably, it’s stable at any speed. Only hopping out of the saddle induces a bit of wobble.
Rate the bike for cornering:
7/10
Any comments on cornering?:
Position on a folder is rarely going to be conducive to knee-down cornering, but the PRO20 NE feels secure and even willing to be pushed.
Rate the bike for climbing:
6/10
Any comments on climbing?:
If it’s a case of sitting and spinning up a climb, the PRO20 NE is perfectly fine. Out of the saddle climbing is slightly less enjoyable.
Rate the drivetrain for performance:
7/10
Any comments on drivetrain performance?:
The Shimano Nexus 7 hub gear seems a perfect match. Performance was good.
Any issues with drivetrain durability?:
None at all. In theory, a hub gear should offer effectively long-term performance.
Tell us some more about the drivetrain. Anything you particularly did or didn’t like? Any components which didn’t work well together?:
It says something about the PRO20 NE that this is possibly the first time I’ve really enjoyed using a Shimano Nexus hub gear set-up. Really good fun.
Rate the wheels for performance:
7/10
Any comments on wheel performance?:
The relatively small – 20in – form factor means you’re not going to be losing much to rim deflection. Seemed to suit the eager nature of the rest of the bike.
Any issues with wheel durability?:
The wheels are built at UTO’s factory in Lyon, so one would hope they are a step above Far East imports.
Rate the wheels for weight:
6/10
Rate the wheels for comfort:
8/10
Any comments on wheel comfort?:
Handled bumps with ease and actually took the sting out of hits that might have upset 16in-wheeled folders.
Tell us some more about the wheels. Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the wheels? If so, what for?:
I wouldn’t change wheels. Admittedly, I have fairly limited experience, but these are the best 20in wheels I’ve encountered.
Rate the tyres for performance:
8/10
Any comments on tyre performance?:
The Schwalbe Big Apples offer great traction and grip on wet (and dry) road surfaces, and can handle rougher cycle paths too.
Any comments on tyre durability? How much did the tyres wear during testing?:
Should prove to be very durable – no noticeable wear during testing.
Rate the tyres for weight:
6/10
Rate the tyres for comfort:
8/10
Any comments on tyre comfort?:
Quite chunky for 20in tyres, offering a good bit of bump cushioning.
Tell us some more about the tyres. Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the tyres? If so, what for?:
For urban duties, the Schwalbe Big Apples are an ideal choice with a nice mixture of capabilities.
Rate the brakes for performance:
8/10
Any comments on brake performance?:
Excellent stopping power and modulation.
Any issues with brake durability?:
No.
Tell us some more about the brakes. Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change anything? If so, why?:
For a general use, urban bike, the Shimano MT200 hydraulic discs are a really sensible option, offering good braking performance in all weather conditions.
Rate the controls for performance:
7/10
Rate the controls for comfort:
8/10
Any comments on controls comfort?:
The wide range of stem heights means you can really tweak your position to suit.
Tell us some more about the controls. Any particularly good or bad components? How would the controls work for larger or smaller riders?:
The left hand handlebar grip was slightly loose – that’s pretty much the only criticism I have of the entire bike!
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Use this box to explain your overall score
The UTO PRO20 NE provides a big ride feel, secure fold and unfold performance, and a really complete spec. For anybody worried about potential compromises that come with folding bikes, the PRO20 NE addresses pretty much all those concerns.
Age: 25 Height: 173cm Weight: 65kg
I usually ride: Road bike My best bike is: Road bike
I’ve been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Semi pro
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,