Challenger bicycles: lineup and subtleties of choice

Every year more and more cyclists appear on the streets of the country. This type of transport allows not only to move faster, but also to keep the body in good shape. The Chinese firm Challenger has been making bicycles for over a decade. You should find out the characteristics of the most popular models.

Challenger was founded in 2000. The country of manufacture for bicycles under this logo is China. Initially, the company focused only on the Chinese market and made mountain and city bikes. But later it was decided to expand the range of goods and enter the markets of Russia and Kazakhstan. Challenger products were immediately popular due to their attractive prices.

Today the company offers a wide range of bicycles of various configurations, colors and price categories. The low price and attractive appearance make the clientele of the Chinese brand more and more wider every year. Challenger devices fall into the following categories:

• mountain;
• walking;
• children and teenagers;
• female.

The first category is divided into 2 subspecies: hardtails and double suspensions... The range of hardtails consists of 8 elements with a price of 7-10 thousand rubles, depending on the model. They are ideal for beginners looking for a budget bike for riding on forest roads. There are two suspension brackets in the brand's lineup. Their cost varies from 7 to 11.5 thousand rubles. You can choose a model with a disc or rim brake system with a wheel diameter of 26 inches. These bicycles are equipped with a rear shock absorber designed for minor bumps in the road. Unfortunately, they are not suitable for hard off-road conditions. You can at least be left without a wheel.

Walking models for the city are presented in 2 versions. Both are equipped with metal fenders, roof racks and a gearbox. The comfortable fit of the devices will provide a comfortable ride on an asphalt road. Bicycles for the fair sex have a special design with a low frame. This product is designed with the female anatomy in mind for a more comfortable fit and ride.

Children's bicycles are divided into 2 series: for children 6-9 and 9-13 years old. The first one contains 3 bikes with a wide color palette. There are models for girls and boys. The wheel diameter of these devices is 20 inches. For teenagers, vehicles with wheels of 24 and 26 inches are presented. A total of 13 models in this line, each of which has a special configuration and color scheme.

The assortment is rich, but the products also have some drawbacks, the main of which is the build quality. Unfortunately, the cheapest Chinese parts of low quality are installed on Challenger bicycles (this is what explains such a low price for adult models), which cannot but affect the service life of the products.

Let's consider the most demanded products.

• Genesis FS 26 D. The mountain bumper model with a steel frame is available in black with yellow, red or green accents. The suspension fork dampens the unevenness of the road and allows you to move comfortably on small off-road. Wheels with a diameter of 26 inches are equipped with compacted rubber QS S003 26. The gearbox has 18 speeds. Comfortable saddle and handlebars are height adjustable. The cost of the model is 11,500 rubles.

• Mission FS 26... Excellent full suspension with 26 "wheels. The steel frame construction is designed for both women and men. The product is available in blue and yellow shades with a metallic sheen, as well as in blue and orange. A 50mm suspension fork dampens bumps when riding on uneven roads. V-Brake rim brakes are responsible for driving safety. The tires are equipped with YD-065 26X2.35 tires ”. The price of the model is 9990 rubles.

• Desperado Lux FS 26 D. The device is available in black, gray and blue colors. The steel frame structure is equipped with a shock absorbing spring for comfortable off-road driving. Wheels with a diameter of 26 inches with rubber YD-065 26X2.35 "quietly ride over bumps. Mechanical disc brakes are responsible for reliability while riding. The 18-speed gearbox allows you to drive at any pace. The cost of the bike is 10,690 rubles.

• Agent 26. The men's mountain bike is available in shades of blue, white, black, gray and red. Wheels with a diameter of 26 inches are equipped with Wanda P1197 26 rubber. The steel frame with shock absorber forks is reliable and durable. The gearbox has 18 speeds. A high-quality braking system is designed even for rainy weather. The maximum user weight is 95 kg. The price of the bike is 10,690 rubles.

• Donky 12/14/16... The children's design is designed for children 3–7 years old, depending on the model, the wheels can be 12, 14, 18 inches in diameter. The green bike is suitable for both girls and boys. The steering wheel is equipped with rubberized pads so that the hand does not slip when riding. The pedals are embossed for better foot support. The handlebars and saddle are height adjustable. The chrome-plated chain guard prevents dirt from entering and ensures a smooth ride. The bike is very maneuverable and comfortable. The set includes side safety wheels that can be removed when the child learns to ride on their own. The price of products varies depending on the size of the wheels: 5100/5350/5550 rubles.

When buying a bike, pay attention to the diameter of the wheels first. The size of the bike and the convenience of using it depend on this. This parameter is selected in accordance with the growth of the future owner.For children 3-4 years old, 12 inches is the best choice, 5-6 years old - 14 inches, 7-8 years old - 16 inches, and for 9- or 10-year-olds, 18-inch wheels are perfect. For youngsters it is recommended to choose products with 20 "wheels, and for adults - 24-26". Before buying, be sure to try on the transport and sit on it. Your foot should reach the pedal freely at its lowest point.

Pay attention to details. The steering wheel should be equipped with rubberized pads so that the hands do not slip, the pedals have a raised surface for better fixation of the legs, and reflectors on the wheels must be provided for safe driving at night. When buying a mountain model watch out for the presence of a suspension fork. Children's models must be equipped with a chain guard and a rear rack.

The opinion of buyers about the products of the Chinese brand Challenger is rather mixed. Some praise the company's products, others scold. Users agree on one thing only: these devices are suitable only for beginners in cycling, but not for amateurs, and even less for professionals. Among the positive aspects, there are stylish design and attractive appearance, as well as the democratic cost of bikes.

Good shock absorption of the front and rear wheels allows for gravel road driving. The sturdy steel frame attests to the high quality workmanship. The users are satisfied with a high-quality braking system with reliable rims and large wheels with compacted tires, which is especially important for mountain and city models.

Another plus is the bike's maneuverability and a comfortable saddle. Women are pleased with the lowered frame, thanks to which it is convenient for them to ride and get off the device. The wide range of the Chinese brand is also noted: you can find bicycle transport for all family members, and even for the smallest.

Unfortunately, consumers have also found a sufficient number of shortcomings. First of all the build quality is poor. Most of the world's bicycles are made in China, but not every brand is as economical on parts as Challenger does. Cheap parts immediately give out a budget model. In addition, reviews write that the company's bikes accelerate slowly, which is completely inconvenient, especially for those who have been riding bikes for a long time. The saddle was not comfortable for everyone, and the non-working fenders of certain models caused problems while riding.

In the next video, you will find a review of the Challenger Cosmik 24 children's bike.