Detroit Bikes US Chromoly Cortello | Made in USA with American Chromoly Steel

Detroit Bikes offers a line of U.S. made bikes and one of those bikes is their U.S. Chromoly Cortello, a hybrid bicycle that's at home on city streets, sidewalks, and bike paths. This isn't an 'Assembled in the US' bike. The frame is actually hand welded in Detroit using American steel. Not just any steel. The Cortello uses Promoly branded steel which is used in high end race cars where it is favored for it's weight-to-strength ratio.
Detroit Bikes sent this bike for me to review, but this is not a paid review, nor is it sponsored in any way. All the opinions are mine and based on my experience with the bike. Detroit Bikes doesn't know what I say in the video until it is published. I don't allow paid reviews!
Check out the video and then comment below with your thoughts on the bike. Also, is it important to you that it is US made with American steel?
See the bike on their website:
detroitbikes.c...
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Music credits:
Stranger Danger by Francis Preve
8-Bit Dreamscape by The Whole Other
Copycat by R.LUM.R
Songs from the YT audio library

[@danielbond1227]

Heck yes, made in the USA matters to me. Price seems reasonable given the components. BTW, if we Americans would cycle more, health costs would lower (rise more slowly).

[@NJP76]

You sure called that one! I recently started taking cycling a little more seriously as a hobby and for the health of it. At age 60, I have not felt better in years.

[@langhamp8912]

It's pretty dangerous to ride a bicycle in most parts of the USA, especially Alabama, since drivers hit you.

[@LTPottenger]

and stop eating sugar and vegetable oils, they are poison

[@LTPottenger]

@jajajah86 Olive oil is healthy because it is low in lineolic acid and has many healthy things in it. Seed oils are not meant for human consumption and would be unhealthy even if you could magically get them out of soy and corn husks without heavy duty processing.

[@bobg4657]

@Ben Höflinger How's the Axel for trail riding? Not much detail/specs on their website.

[@usmclee65]

Great job, i was born a raised in Detroit from the late 40's to the mid 70's and finally gave up and got out of there, its great to see that someone is trying to do something there that isn't automotive, they have some great craftsman there and they know how to build quality products when the company they work for designs quality products. Great job Detroit Bikes i'm proud of you!

[@ThatClassic70sGirl]

My father lived there during the 30's and 40's; he worked in the Allison Engine factories during WWII. He would've been proud to see manufacturing jobs coming back to America.

[@Emergefit]

I just bought it. Number 13 in the stable. Too irresistible to decline. The 10-speed made it for me. Thanks, Kev, for all you do. Truly.

[@junboo8730]

Did you received it?.

[@ronilaba]

Made in the USA is very important to me and this comes from a Canadian!

[@fendermon]

Respect back to you @roni

[@CraigEngstrom1]

The founder is a Canadian.

[@ThatClassic70sGirl]

@@CraigEngstrom1 The founder of Detroit Bikes, you mean?

[@CraigEngstrom1]

@@ThatClassic70sGirl Yes. I believe he is a Canadian (musician/entrepreneur), but now lives in Detroit. His name is Zak Pashak.

[@daytonkoop8534]

even Canadians understand lol

[@TayySanderson]

That is a gorgeous bike honestly

[@huskerfan3352]

I love it too

[@josephsiiiyahoocom]

I bought this bicycle, in the Rally Blue. At the time, it was not on sale. I needed the large size. No complaints. The ride is much smoother than my aluminum bike. When I first rode it, I thought the tires were underinflat3d because the ride seemed soft. It was the smoothness of the stee frame. It's Nice. Get what you want. Maybe a bit pricey, but it is cool. Smooth ride. No complaints. 6:58 😊

[@singletona082]

Holy christ, this looks like an amazing 'one stop shop' bike. that price. I mean yea I expected high and i feel it's appropriate, but at the same time it's still a 'OH GOD' moment. One of those bikes i wish I had money, and eyesight, for.

[@adambcvg]

I've got a USA made chromoly steel bike with an XT groupset. Love it! It's 30 years old mind...

[@williamkeltner5119]

What is it then? I keep riding my 1995 blue 'Made in the USA' Cannondale hybrid hardtail and it still looks brand new.

[@adambcvg]

@@williamkeltner5119 it's a 1990 Stumpjumper Team. It's not immaculate at all but still very fun to ride

[@michaeldresler1751]

Glad to see Detroit Bikes churning out something decent, I am a Detroit area native and i guess i could be biased but I was skeptical when i first seen them but im glad to see that they are competitive.

[@Rocky4719]

Probably the most beautiful bike I’ve seen on the channel so far! Really think this should be the gold standard of city bikes that other companies should strive for

[@trekkeruss]

It is almost exactly the kind of bike that I would recommend to people. No gimmicks, very little plastic, everything just solid and reliable. They even spec'd 36 spoke wheels, and cast pedals without bolted-on cages to fall off...love it. The only "modern" concession is the hydraulic brakes; cable-actuated calipers would have made it even simpler. Truly a great value, especially considering it is made here in the USA. BIG 👍

[@blipco5]

Made In The USA 💥🇺🇸💥 I'm going to ride one. Highly possible my next purchase whether I need one or not (I've been riding a single speed the last fourteen years).👍

[@CraigEngstrom1]

I sold my Kona single speed after watching this review and bought the Cortello. Do not regret my decision at all.

[@michaelmay9728]

This will most likely be my next bike, I have a 1962 Ford Galixe that was built in Detroit in almost the same color

[@tarstarkusz]

Check out "Cold War Motors"

[@bicyclebookster6510]

You own a Galaxy, but can't spell it?

[@Esdeath_0001]

@@tarstarkusz nice channel

[@PulledPurk]

@@bicyclebookster6510 to his credit, Ford spells it Galaxie

[@PulledPurk]

I have a 65 Econoline. I might have to get one too

[@Arfonfree]

I am from Detroit and I appreciate the revival now taking place. I have one steel frame bike -- an early 1970's Raleigh, and it is a joy to ride. I've had it since new, rebuilt it a few years ago and it has fueled a lot of my fascination with riding. BTW, I like your idea of the adventure series. Looking forward to it.

[@Revhogleg44]

I’m extremely glad to see such a sharp looking, good quality, affordable bike being made in the United States again! Wouldn’t mind having one myself!

[@ScreamingEagleFTW]

affordable? Its a thousand dollars!

[@BruceChastain]

3 minutes in and I'm really liking this bike. Quality looks really good for the price point. Personally don't care where it's made.

[@classydays43]

It's a beautiful looking bike, and steel rides well. There's a reason why old old steel bikes are still rolling, and in decades to come this will be one of those antiques you find on forums of people talking about ther bikes of yesteryear. Looking forward to the explore series, too

[@98d31]

Really nice looking city cruiser, that stem makes it look more classy so just as you said, it fits some bikes. One thing I would like to see is bigger range cassette, with that size chain ring it might be useful on hills. I really like attention to detail, and that grease on cranks just proves that no corners were cut! Really good job by Detroit Bikes!

[@richardcranium5518]

Love this video.. I live in Decatur AL, I've delivered freight all over the shoals for 20 + years.... the area you're riding does hold a lot of history !! Thx 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jdschauss]

For a bike that is one hundred percent American made, the price is DEFINITELY justified. Well done, Detroit Bikes!

[@KevCentral]

Technically, the frame is 100% American made. The other components are from overseas, but the bike (and the American frame) are assembled in the 🇺🇸 100%

[@JimmyB463DP]

I absolutely cannot take my eyes off of this bike! I don’t know if it’s the pure simplicity in its styling, the shiny parts, or that SEXY XT “group-train”!! But in the words of Will Smith, “I gotta get me one a dees!” Thanks, Kevin, for reviewing this “non-Walmart” bike. And I totally look for to your upcoming Kev-McNally Adventures!

[@jameswittii4451]

Bought a Detroit Bike Sparrow single speed through KickStarter earlier this year. The bike is fun to ride and have not had one problem with it. Not even a flat tire. I live in a hilly area. The bike has made me a better hill climber which I especially noticed when I ride my geared bike.

[@KevCentral]

Thanks for sharing. That Sparrow is a nice looking bike.

[@3Dsjk]

I like that the packing material is mostly cardboard, and not some kind of foam product that has to be tossed in a landfill.

[@ThatClassic70sGirl]

All of it can be recycled/repurposed.

[@AndresGonzalez-bg8uk]

Wow! Only $899 and made here! Bring on more models.

[@junboo8730]

A gravel and I’m done. Still this one I would buy it if I didn’t buy one that hasn’t arrived ha.

[@junboo8730]

Markus Patients Where can I get a $345 bike like this?. Are you talking about Walmart bikes?.

[@AndresGonzalez-bg8uk]

Markus, the $170 bicycle from Walmart is highly subsidized by the Chinese government. The labor is less of an impact than previously assumed per several economic studies. I’m sure it looks good and performs well. I think this Detroit offering is interesting because it’s on par with comparably priced imports of similar quality and specifications offered by name brands.

[@AndresGonzalez-bg8uk]

Markus, the Cortello looks a lot like a Giant Escape 1 or Jamis Coda just to name a couple, so I don’t think it’s a style problem. Maybe more of a personal preference.

[@paulschmidtke425]

@Markus Patients great looking bike , please leave yours unlocked around me

[@HansensUniverseT-A]

I've ridden my Surly Pugsley for nearly 10 years now as a daily commuter summer like winter, it has a Chromo steel frame and it's smooth, no need for suspension, and it's very very durable.

[@aldeenatar4147]

I like this bike. It has mouthwatering parts(as a lowend biker here): deore, schwalbe. It's light for a steel bike. Looked smooth on the ride, looks sleek, and packaged well.

[@pdilor6768]

i love the fact it is US made from US steel! Unfortunately it is out of my budget, but i will save up and hope it is still being made when i have enough!

[@CraigEngstrom1]

Recently got my Cortello. @kevcentral is correct... very smooth, stable, and quiet ride. It is exactly what I needed in a commuter. Perfect addition to my stable. The saddle is comfy too!

[@TenScaryMonkeys]

While i’m thrilled that it’s built here, I actually kind of love that they DON’T find it necessary to slap a big ol’ flag on the bike, and just let the product stand on its own merits. Too often, that kind of marketing supersedes the actual quality of the product itself, and the classic, clean, understated lines of this bike speak for themselves. An XT-equipped bike for under a grand is a rarity, and my only quibble with the spec are those brakes. Would love to see low-to-mid range Shimano hydraulics on there (overall, have found the performance and maintenance on them superior to Tektro for only marginally higher cost). On the whole, adore this thing. Nice find, and thanks for showing it to us.

[@jimiwexler1260]

My Local Bike Shop sells these. They seem outstanding in quality!

[@nopets]

Nice "off-road" sidewalk. Looking forward to the upcoming adventure series. Keep the videos coming.

[@werecow68]

Im from near Detroit so any chance to support the area gets my thumbs up. The components for the price are outstanding! Going to put this bike on my list. Can’t wait to see your adventures on it.

[@beingcreative9503]

I would really like the review of the microshift advent 1x drivetrain as it is a wide range 1 x 9 speed setup with a clutch rear mech at the price of $125 which includes the 11-42 cassette, derailleur and shifter (with bearings) . You can easily find it on amazon and it looks like a great entry level drivetrain option. It would be even better if you compare it with box four a similar concept based 9 speed drivetrain with a similar price. Alhought the advent doesn't come with any cranks and is compatible with any 9 speed chain and cranks. Thanks

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

Not on this channel. LT woo and Sensah entire groupsets confirmed good on Aliexpress. Read the reviews. There wont ever be a review here but way too much info from around the world in terms of reviews.

[@normanaguia1502]

I love Made in USA bikes, from expensive Cannondale to humble old huffy, good reviews

[@BruceChastain]

I like it a lot! I went to their website and the Sparrow looks pretty sweet too.

[@pennsyltuckyden9823]

It's great to see such a high quality bike made in Detroit, USA.

[@sflorin123]

Im surprised to see high quality Shimano parts on the bike, looks great!

[@thebikehippie6562]

Steel frames deserve high end parts😀

[@ThatClassic70sGirl]

Especially that Deore groupset. :)

[@cebuanostud]

Sweet lookin bike. I would definitely cruise one 'round my city of Chicago, next summer of course. ;)

[@CraigEngstrom1]

I just got it. Trust me, you want it. Such a sweet ride!

[@KevCentral]

Congrats

[@CasperRc81]

Like how it has a slack geometry towards the cross over tube to the seat tube and chain stays. But still has that 80’s vibe.

[@MattePurple1]

That looks like a pleasure to ride. Smooth components and no unnecessary suspension. Classy and practical.

[@fendermon]

Steel does ride smooth @Matt

[@ScottStieg]

Thanks Kev. 28lbs seems reasonable for a steel bike that size. Love the clutch on the rear XT!

[@newttella1043]

My first fully rigid chromoly mtb was 32 lbs. So 28 lbs is excellent.

[@Djoki1]

Now i want one. Thanks Kev

[@mikerotch1315]

I do like that it was made in America with American steel. And this bike looks really nice!

[@maureendetroit]

I have a Detroit Bike that they no longer make, my husband had the Type A. Absolutely my favorite bike I've ever had, he loved his Type A til it was stolen. These bikes come with serial numbers so make sure to record yours! And truly made in Detroit! Get one...

[@crazy8sdrums]

That is a sharp looking bike! Made in the USA does matter!

[@ralphpannone3391]

Great review as ALWAYS. Impressive bike. The company's Close attention to detail comes with a price tag of $899. A bit steep ..but not outrageous. I'd buy it if it was around $600

[@KevCentral]

I think it’s fairly priced having experienced it.

[@Sylvan_dB]

Did you see Tom Herron's comment about 2018 clearance bikes for $549? I'm not sure how you cut $300 off the price other than Detroit taking no markup and possibly a loss. Oh wait, I thought of a way! Have it made in China. 🙂

[@remainfaithful5546]

I have been very curious about these bikes. I enjoyed the quick history tour as well. Thanks!

[@BruceChastain]

nice they include the pedal wrench

[@romulocabero8290]

Bicycle "Made InTHE USA", I love it . Looking forward to having fun riding it when I get it. Ordered one this weekend. Owned USA made TREK but lost in the house fire, too bad it is now made outside USA.

[@KevCentral]

Congrats on the new bike!

[@peterbaskind9872]

I’m getting ads on Facebook, indicating that Detroit Bikes has a 15% off deal right now. That would, in my opinion, bring the price point of this really nice-looking bike down to where I think it should be. My wife would like a bike. This might work well for her.

[@HanSolo__]

This is easy one of the best if not THE BEST of bikes you reviewed. Polish bikes manufacturer - Kross had steel MTB locally made out of Reynolds pipes. Its price was twice as high.

[@CGB65]

U.S. Made. Nice looking bike. Great components. It matters.

[@Factory051]

It looks like a good solid bike. Great specs as well.

[@thomashughes_teh]

I already bought 2 bikes this year. One a used American made. Both are recumbent. I have aged into desiring the recumbent geometry. I'm on my way to the Detroit Bikes website to learn more.

[@driver8sk]

Agree with everyone else, that's a nice price for this level of bike. $900 may seem pricey, but many bikes in this range ship with trash grips, seat and pedals (or no pedals) with the assumption that you'll swap them out for your personal choice. A new bike where you're into it for an additional $150+ isn't much of a deal. All the Cortello needs is a $5 water bottle cage.

[@keithcummings691]

Gorgeous bike nice components. For me I would need an adjustable stem for a more upright riding position as I have on my current ride.

[@matthewkluge5441]

It definitely is a sharp looking bike 🔪 . If it was in the $700 range I might consider it and will be looking forward to part 2 of this video .

[@paulwuzhere]

I can't bike commute in my area but if I could, this would be the brand that I bought from. Looks great, solid components and MADE IN USA! If they release a mountain bike, even just a frame, I will buy it.

[@TranquilNova]

You should look into “roll: bicycles” based in Columbus, Ohio. They were my first bike since childhood, and I love it. Named my blue A1 Charles.

[@trekkeruss]

They are nicely designed, but their frames are sourced from China (or Taiwan). From their Kickstarter campaign: "We've worked really hard to build relationships with some of the best suppliers and manufacturers in the bike business. With our approach of Source Global and Build Local..."

[@EditioCastigata]

Cables run along the top tube are a no-no in my book because that makes shouldering a bicycle awkward. You risk damaging your clothes. Unlike with rim brakes, with a disc brake they could've run it along the down tube. And a city bike is something you sometimes carry up or down some stairs (office, subway, train, …). Other than that, let's see whether and how fast it catches rust!

[@KevCentral]

Fair point

[@ukulelelifelessons1746]

A sub thousand dollar American steel bike?! Take my money!!!!!

[@ThePolyCyslist]

When I saw 899 price I was like woah, woah, this bike does not look like the price but looking at it closely, might be my next city bike. !

[@fendermon]

No corners cut here. This looks great

[@RRCP-RC]

I love biking. Having it made in the U.S. means it was built right!

[@LordHolley]

I'm all about it. Nice to see a quality US made item.

[@GaryCrowellJr]

i love every bit of this video and the potential stories.

[@curtn7076]

Looks like my kinda bike! thanks Kev, I would have never heard of this company if I weren't for you!

[@aacc8466]

that bike is a pretty penny to be had admired and ridden! WOW!

[@Ghostrider304]

That’s another looker for sure. Man, I’m going to have to get a bike like this one to add to my fleet. Looking forward to part two.

[@peterbaskind9872]

Wow. Not my kind of bike, but that bike is gorgeous. Simple, clean. And the color is perfect. I love the 1x with XT, albeit with only 10 speeds (I have that same shifter on my Trek DS4). Those look like 200-series Tektro brakes. Entry-level, to be sure, but competent. All-in-all, the bike looks well-made and solid. It’s probably worth the sticker price. I hope potential customers are not shocked by the cost, though. Would someone who would buy a cruiser-like steel city bike appreciate the sophistication of this model? I hope so.

[@GonkaGonkaGonka]

if you can get your hands on a worksman bike I'd love to see a video on that

[@ThatClassic70sGirl]

Worksman claims they're the only bicycle manufacturer "made in USA" -- they might need to update their website. :)

[@jerryseymour2738]

Yes made in USA matters to me, I want one but would like the Alfine 8 speed on it.

[@damien5442]

I really like this bike, top quality detailing with quality components to boot.

[@MichaelRei99]

Of course Made jn the USA matters!!!I love the look of this bike and it’s components my question is what is the weight limit?

[@KevCentral]

Good question

[@MichaelRei99]

KevCentral my son is built like an NFL lineman and destroyed my hybrid. Would like something that could stand up to his use and with that strong steel I have high hopes!!

[@davypig571]

I'm looking for a good bike and this one is now at the top of the list because of your review And the made in USA! Thanks! I am having trouble locally so I'm sure I'm buying online. Local price and selection seems to be crap.

[@jamesdonlan2392]

Hell yeah USA made means alot I love the look reminds me of bike in the 70's when they were made here 👌😎👍👍☝️💪👏

[@willardbuchanan9122]

That looks nice I like the way it looks and I'm glad it's made in USA real true metal not made in China

[@Mclovinthedank]

Very cool bike. Not many things made in america these days.

[@fehrcarlo2381]

I'm impressed! It's the kind of bike I like: Clean, retro looking, sturdy, quality components and probably can be used as a "gravel bike" too. Although, I Would change the pedals for pin platform pedals!

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!! GREAT PRODUCT AND A GREAT VIDEO!!!! THANKS FOR SHARING!!!!

[@kingcopycat9945]

Since learning about this bike I have been ugaling this bike I freaking want onw

[@3Dsjk]

Could you do a video on derailleur clutches and how they work? I’ve seen them mentioned in other videos but I haven’t seen any that actually explain what they are for.

[@chandlerwoody3925]

3Dsjk it locks out the cage (the part that sticks down) from moving back and forth easily to keep the chain more secure. It gets much more technical than that but that’s the important part

[@fmc6338]

been looking at buying one for wife a few years. nice bike.

[@maxweinberg22]

I actually like that the fact it is made in the USA isn't all over the packaging. I feel that a lot of times brands use the fact their products are made in the US to cover up bad designs. I try to buy things made in the US when I can, but I find I trust the marketing more when that fact is the third or fourth thing they mention rather than the first.

[@tomherron4334]

A great bike at a fair price that’s Made in USA! I definitely think it’s worth it.

[@aber416373]

I've got a Cromly Trek from the 80s, last of the USA Treks before they moved their manufacturing to China. It still feels more responsive and smooth compared to my more modern aluminium. Detroit Bikes could very well be my next bike.

[@brcc8208]

It appears to be a well-made bicycle with a few premium components at a very reasonable price point. You can't go wrong with a Cro-moly bicycle with a retro design.

[@JohnMFlores]

Nice! Looking forward to watching the next video...

[@如是青山]

I have still that bike almost 20years still design ,

[@joseyoguez3755]

Love this video just wondering why it has a quil stem keep the vids up ❤

[@KevCentral]

Very common in city bikes. It can be adjusted for different heights without the need for spacers.

[@KevCentral]

And thanks 😁

[@joseyoguez3755]

@@KevCentral oh that's why thanks for reviewing bikes so I know what I would or could buy one day nd I can't afford any bike 60 dollars plus it would be cool if I could peruse my mountain bike dream

[@joseyoguez3755]

@@KevCentral sorry that was tmi and something you might not have wanted to know ❤❤

[@jinyeow9951]

@@KevCentral Threaded headset isn't bad per se. Depends on manufacturing quality. I had a quill stem bike that is thin aluminium, it has no grip and soft, and while another quill stem that rust, made of steel can grip firmly and do not bend.

[@Freightlinerbob]

Yup. Made in the USA is definitely important to me.

[@madblunted]

That is a beautiful bicycle!! I wish I had one.

[@joerod1990]

That things pretty! Now I miss my old trusty Fuji track bike and it's steel smoothness. Nice review!

[@NorCalRide]

Those hubs are gorgeous

[@davestambaugh7282]

I do not like that kind of seat post. It uses only one bolt to hold the angle of the saddle. I have found that JB weld is the only way to keep them from moving no matter how tight.

[@drewsenthused6079]

Seems like a great bike at an awesome price for US made AND sourced materials! Now just gotta wait for a gravel style bike from them...

[@markclark7178]

I want one ! Great job Detroit bikes !

[@r.s.marcus3043]

This is a beautiful retro bike that reminds me of my younger years (mid 70's). As nice as it is, I'd never pay that much for a bike that Spartan. I want at least suspension forks (and likely a saddle). Though the memories were great, the old days of bike riding weren't that fantastic.

[@KevCentral]

Thanks for sharing

[@andrewlittleton7837]

I'm just down the road in Huntsville. Neat. Great bike too.

[@tomherron4334]

Right now they have some 2018 US made bikes on clearance for $549🙂