B'Twin bicycles: lineup and selection secrets
B'Twin bicycles attract attention not only with the unusual name of the brand. They are truly modern and quite diverse in their performance. For example, you can find models in hybrid versions - for road trips and off-road riding, exclusively mountain or city versions. B'Twin's Rockrider, Hoptown and other bikes are confidently winning the hearts of riders for their performance and modern looks.
A detailed review and reviews of their owners will help to understand and understand how important it is for a modern rider to purchase a vehicle under this brand.
Peculiarities
B'Twin bicycles are the "dark horse" in the two-wheeled vehicle market. However, if you take a closer look at their origin, it turns out that the country of origin of these bikes is France, and they are produced by a world famous company. The owner of the B'Twin brand is the Oxylane Group, which has a network of more than 1000 stores around the world.
Since 1976, the French brand, founded by the Mühle-Leclerc family, which also controls Auchan, has been designing and producing apparel, equipment and sports supplies. Moreover, each direction is dealt with not just by a separate division, but by a whole team of professionals. A separate subsidiary, B'Twin, was founded to create bicycles of the proper quality. It took 10 years from the moment the brand was founded to the release of the first production bikes. Since then, the brand has managed to conquer not only France, in which cycling is included in the list of favorite entertainment at the national level.
It should be noted that B'Twin bicycles are the only ones presented in the range of another European trading giant Decathlon. In addition, since 1995, the company has its own laboratory, where the most current novelties, prototypes and individual components are tested.
The selection is quite strict - only every 4th innovation that gets to the test site passes it. Since 2010, B'Twin Village has been operating in Lille - a place where you can see all the bikes of the brand, test them in action and find the perfect model for yourself.
As for the bicycles themselves, today the company has established not a temporary, but a lifetime warranty on all frames, handlebars and rigid rigid forks.
Among the innovations introduced are:
- the improved brake system for children 's bicycle Stop Easy;
- original Cadre Evo frames;
- Easy Speed for the easiest gear shifting;
- U-FIT handlebar forks;
- V100 CLIP - innovative lighting systems.
Developments for cyclists include ergonomic saddles for those who prefer long rides and cycling trips. The seats are called Selle Ergo Fit, and today they are officially used by riders forced to spend long hours at the wheel of a speed bike. It is worth adding that all models of the brand's bicycles have bright reflective stickers that make the athlete visible in the dark.
Today the B'Twin range includes MTB and Hybrid models, allowing the rider to feel free... In addition, we can note the children's series of two-wheeled vehicles with a large number of innovative design solutions included. High-speed road bicycles are also not deprived of attention. And among city bikes there are those that will appeal to both men and women.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the obvious advantages of the products of the French company are the following.
- Extensive and regularly updated model range... Choosing a bike for specific tasks is not difficult.
- European production. Of course, the factories of the group of companies operate in more than 20 countries around the world, but bicycles are designed and manufactured in France, assembly can take place outside of France, but according to the brand's own standards. Needless to say, their quality differs for the better in comparison with the products of most modern brands.
- Targeting a specific consumer... The company successfully collaborates with leading sports teams and tests its innovations in close collaboration with professionals. All high-tech solutions will definitely find their place in serial models.
- No problems with components... All spare parts are produced by the manufacturer himself. You can upgrade your existing bike or purchase replacement parts as they wear out.
- Full performance of warranty obligations. The French company is very scrupulous about its products and is confident in its quality.
- Availability of folding models for the city... They are so compact that they do not raise questions even when transported on the subway. The frame folds in length and height, the pedals can also be transformed, and with a branded cover, the folding bike can easily turn into a compact carry-on luggage.
Of course, B'Twin bicycles have drawbacks, and they are mainly associated with the problem of finding optimal models - not all of them are available in Russian stores... Another obvious disadvantage is that only basic options can be called budget, all the rest are not too cheap.
Popular models
There are many noteworthy options among the bike models produced under the B'Twin brand. For the youngest athletes, bikes are available with wheel diameters from 14 inches. Simple models are designed for ages 4-6 years. So, you can choose the 16-inch walking option and go on a trip through the park or square with the whole family.
The following models are traditionally most popular with adult riders.
- Rockrider ST560S... A flagship designed in close contact with the most experienced riders. The black frame enhances the sporty silhouette of the bike. This full suspension mountain bike is designed to tackle the most challenging mountain trails.
The frame is ultra-lightweight, the wheels have an average diameter of 27.5 ″, includes a suspension lock on the steering wheel, hydraulic disc brakes. This is a really high quality mountain bike that can withstand intense loads.
- Hoprider 500. A series of city bikes with a wheel diameter of 28 ", a special frame shape and a slight touch of retro style in the design. The bike is designed for long-term comfortable riding, ideal for overcoming distances of more than 10 km. At the rear, there is a trunk that can support up to 18 kg and a shock absorber fork that dampens vibration from the road while traveling.
- Hoptown. A series of foldable bicycles with a recognizable design. An excellent choice for active bike travelers. You can find versions for regular and occasional riding, choose a model of the right size - the standard serial diameter of wheels does not exceed 20 ″.
- Riverside 100. A trekking model focused on long-term skiing and travel. The bike is considered a hybrid, suitable for overcoming light off-road conditions.
Useful options include a custom foam seat, adjustable stem, 1-star transmission with variable speed knob.
- Racing 500. Walking bike model for active young riders. Designed for children of preschool and primary school age. A lightweight compact bike for confident cycling beginners. The 20-inch wheel diameter allows you to pick up sufficient speed.
- Elops 520. Available in high and low frames. One of the most popular urban models, created for comfortable riding without speed records and off-road trips. Attractive retro Dutch styling adds personality to the bike. A child seat can be attached to the trunk, there is a basket for things in front.
- Kemmel. A simple urban hybrid for newbies. The bicycles of this series are distinguished by their laconic performance, traditional design, reliability and functionality on the road. A good solution for riders without special requests.
- Triban 100. Classic road bike with 28 "wheels, improved geometry of a lightweight aluminum frame, hybrid tires for traveling on asphalt and dirt included. The model is available in 4 size ranges - from S to XL, gives you the opportunity to enjoy riding on a flat surface and is not afraid of short-term contact with off-road.
- Original 520. Hybrid bike model, equipped with a lightweight aluminum frame with low geometry. There is a children's version Original 500S with wheels 24 inches. The bike is positioned as versatile, suitable for both men and women.
Available in 2 sizes - 17.5 and 18.3 kg. This is a practical model for the city and light off-road, as a full-fledged mountain version, it is still not worth considering.
The set already includes extended mudguards with sides, its own lighting, a comfortable footrest, an ultra-comfortable gel saddle for long-term skiing.
Criterias of choice
When choosing a suitable B'Twin bike model, first of all, you need to pay attention to the purpose of two-wheeled vehicles. For example, BMX in the brand's lineup is only available for children and teenagers (up to 13 years old). Mountain bikes come in a variety of designs, from off-road bikes to downhill and cross-country bikes. If you have to drive mainly on the highway, you can take a hybrid or give preference to urban models.
The purchase budget also matters. Top models are significantly more expensive than conventional ones, while their functionality often remains unclaimed in the city. If you can save money, do not miss this chance.
The type of frame affects not only the weight of the entire structure.Whereas in road transport, the main emphasis is on lightness and streamlining of shapes, in a mountain bike, the main emphasis is on strength characteristics and precise geometry. Hybrids are able to drive off paved roads for some time, but in fact they are still closer to urban roads and cannot overcome serious obstacles.
The type of braking system also matters. This could be the classic V-shape for asphalt. But for mountain or off-road transport, you will definitely need a more serious option.
Here it is worth choosing disc brakes on a mechanical or hydraulic basis.
Availability of additional options can significantly affect the comfort of using the bike. For example, a folding mechanism will help ensure compact storage and transportation. The footrest will make parking easier. The presence of fenders and a trunk in the kit will significantly facilitate the transportation of goods and keep the rider's clothes clean. In general, there are actually many options and the wider the basic configuration, the better.
Review overview
Customer reviews are unambiguous - these bikes are worth the money. The package already includes all the necessary options - protective elements for the transmission, chain, footboards, reflectors, fenders for the front and rear wheels, bell and trunk, if provided by the design. It is noted that all accessories and components of the brand are fully compatible, so there is no need to separately look for suitable options.
Full compliance with price and quality is also important. In the case of B'Twin bicycles, this is a clear and obvious plus - you can not hesitate to take them for a teenager, counting on several years of riding, or to purchase them for adults as a main or off-road transport. Fans of the brand especially note the minimum weight of the bikes. Most urban models weigh less than 10 kg, are equipped with light alloy frames and are stored in a minimal area.
For an overview of the B'Twin bike, see below.