Building the LEGO Icons Road Bike (11380)

RetiredCormac
3 days ago
5 min read

Introduction

I’ve always loved LEGO, and when I first saw this LEGO set the similarity to my Trek 520 was so striking - that I knew I just had to get it.

It’s got 1015 pieces and is sufficiently technical to provide more than enough of a challenge for a 57 year old. Certainly kept me entertained for an evening.

Just like my Trek 520, it features working steering, chain, and derailleur. The brakes, pedals, back light and water bottle all add to the realism.

First Impressions -LEGO 11380

What's in the Box?

There are 1015 pieces in total - including two large rubber tyres.

In addition to the instruction manual are a number of paper bags organised into separate build sections - for instance bag 1 contains a stand, bag 2 contains the back wheel.

The instruction manual is easy to follow with excellent instructions and pictures to get the build right first time.

The bright red colour of the frame and the black of the tyres work together so well, and look so similar to the Trek 520.

It feels like the set was made for me.

Why This Set Caught My Attention

I love my Trek 520 - its iconic red colour is so similar to this LEGO set.

I spent a very relaxing evening working through the 8 or so bags to build the model, and it turned out so much better than I expected.

The Build Experience

Stage 1: Constructing the Stand and Back Wheel

First things first, I built the stand, that would secure the back wheel.

This worked well as it then supported the rest of the build, like a real bike you don’t want to lean it against something, put it on its side or upside down.

After that it was the back wheel - which was so well thought out. A bit more complicated than most other parts - but when done correctly so very secure.

It also gives a really good insight to how solid the build was.

Stage 2: Frame, Front Wheel & Chain

As the frame came together, again I could feel how robust the build was, and also how big it was.

The red of the frame looked so good. Not at all fiddly, unlike the chain.

Front wheel was a simpler build as it was pretty much a repeat of the back wheel.

But what a moment once the front and back cogs were added, the derailleur was fitted, and the chain was fed through.

It really looked like a bike.

Even better when tested and both pedalling and free-wheeling worked.

Awesome.

Definitely the most satisfying element of the build - but the chain was both fiddly and repetitive.

I used a couple less links than available in the kit to keep the chain tight.

Stage 3: Handlebars and Brakes

The front fork construction was a little different than the frame, but also designed really well.

The working steering was another welcome surprise.

The handlebars look great and the brakes also look great and even have a brake feeling when squeezed.

It’s all very smart.

A number of parts from other sets have been re-purposed / re-imagined to work in this model. This is highlighted in the instructions.

I won’t ruin all the surprises - but it’s quite cool when you see how a couple of hockey sticks have been used to bring the saddle alive.

Stage 4: Finishing Details

The addition of the water bottle and rear light are great touches. Though my only criticism is that the water bottle feels just a tad larger than it should be.

The saddle, pedals, brake levers and calipers, together with the working derailleur and chain bring an authenticity that is unexpected.

Favourite Features

The Working Drivetrain

The coolest part of the build. Necessary, I think.

But to actually build a working chain around front cog, around the back cog, and fed through a tensioning derailleur is just fantastic.

The pedals drive the back wheel as expected and when you stop pedalling, the back wheel free wheels.

Realistic Cycling Components

The derailleur is the most realistic component, together with the chain.

The wheels in isolation are great to build and look fantastic.

Challenges During the Build

There isn’t anything overly challenging on this build.

Whilst it is quite normal for me to make an error and have to rework a section - I didn’t have to on this model, which was pleasing.

Honestly take your time and enjoy the build. It’s 3 or 4 hours that was very relaxing.

How Realistic Is It?

You tell me?

Whilst the model isn’t specifically designed around a Trek 520 - it is such a good match that it could be.

I was tempted to take off the Trek 520 mudguards for a picture to further demonstrate this.

As mentioned some of the proportions don’t feel 100%, but I can forgive that given that it’s a model based on the specific limitations of LEGO blocks.

Who Will Enjoy This Set?

Cyclists

If you have a red bike then yes. If you don’t have a red bike - perhaps consider buying one - who doesn’t need another bike.

LEGO Collectors

I think it has all the ingredients of a good build, and is something quite different. I imagine for the LEGO designers it was a difficult one.

Both

Me - this hit my sweet spot.

Final Verdict

I loved it, and when I take it back down, I think I’ll get a another few builds out of it before I get bored of it.

The working functions - steering, chain, derailleur - they are all great.

What Could Be Better

It did feel expensive to me @ £109. But I don’t buy a lot of LEGO for myself these days.

I don’t think it’s one for display - I’d rather have my bikes sitting out.

Building the stand first was a bit of a disappointment, as it’s a little like any other LEGO build. To differentiate, I think I would have preferred building the back wheel first.

That said I understand the need for the stand early in the build.

Rating

Build Experience: 9/10
Display Value: 7/10
Realism: 8/10
Overall: 8/10

Conclusion

The LEGO Icons Road Bike (11380) hits the mark. It does so well by capturing the essential elements of a bike and delivers successfully on them.

It’s a rewarding build and looks great - whether it would appeal to a cyclist, or a LEGO collector, probably. If however you are both - like me - then YES, do yourself a favour and get it.

Here’s where I found it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4uUTLPv

If you want to buy it click through my link to generate a few pennies for me.