Chopper bike: features and types

There are a large number of bike models. However, only a few of them are really good in practical terms, and are not the fruit of the gimmicks of marketers. Chopper is just such a product, and therefore it needs to be given special attention.

The first modern chopper-like bike was introduced back in 1936. It was then that the firm Schwinn, whose name still speaks to people a lot, first introduced a new class of bikes called "cruisers". Then they immediately appreciated the features of this transport, which was very different from the usual bicycles of the interbellum era. At a time when other companies were trying to maximize the riding speed of their products, Schwinn designers focused on ease of walking. Actually, choppers in the form that are familiar to our contemporaries appeared later - in the USA in the 1950s.

When Schwinn saw such a technique, they instantly appreciated what people actually need to drive. The management of the company reacted coolly to the new development, however, in 1963 it nevertheless entered the market. And the result exceeded even the wildest expectations of enthusiasts.

Less than a month later, thousands of people have already acquired choppers. But despite the expansion of production, ordinary cyclists continued their experiments. Tuning lovers created associations, clubs, where they shared their best practices and consulted on how to overcome failures. Modern choppers look more like a motorcycle than a regular bicycle. In recent years, they have been increasingly equipped with additional accessories.

The bike chopper differs from the classic-style bicycles in the modified frame geometry. Even non-specialists immediately notice the low seat, the associated low riding position.... The most experienced cyclists, when they first ride on a chopper, notice a completely different perception of the road, passers-by and other bicycle owners than usual. You have to get used to this gradually. The peculiarities of the chopper device cause some difficulty in controlling it.

The carriage and saddle are positioned so that pedaling is possible with almost completely relaxed legs. Sitting in the saddle is comfortable, you can lean back and stretch your legs. Therefore, the chopper is considered a good choice for long and long trips.

Experienced cyclists will immediately notice that The chopper is heavier than ordinary urban or mountain transport. But he has a much better roll. If you wish, you can always remake the bike, change the tuning concept. The high handlebar allows the rear-view mirrors to be positioned so that driving on city roads and busy intercity highways is as safe as possible. Now you can see than a chopper is better or worse than a "simple" bike.

Experts note the following advantages of the chopper:

• ride comfort;
• undoubted external originality;
• low vibration even when driving on an uneven or poorly equipped road;
• ease of change in appearance;
• increased security;
• compliance of the design with human anatomical features.

Of the minuses, the most fundamental are:

• impossibility of fast acceleration;
• difficulty in the passage of ascents and steep places;
• lack of maneuverability.

First of all, The chopper bike is divided into two-wheeled and three-wheeled types. Three-wheeled versions are in demand mainly by children and adolescents. Only sometimes you can see an adult on such a bike. In this case, a basket is usually attached above the rear wheel for transporting various things.

Most choppers drive at the same speed, however disc brakes or planetary hubs can fix the problem. In this case, it is possible to obtain up to 14 different speeds. A chopper can be not only a classic foot bike, but also an electric bike. A product with an electric motor is preferred due to:

• minimal fatigue while driving;
• affordability (even taking into account the cost of charging the battery);
• lack of odors;
• comparative silence when driving (in relation to gasoline counterparts);
• ease and simplicity of self-installation (cannot be compared with the same internal combustion engines).

Good and, moreover, very promising models of choppers can be offered by the company Bomber. They can even have different colors. Monotonous blacks give pleasant results. Bro, Roy. You can change their appearance with your own hands. And among lovers of ready-made original models, many prefer a chopper Charger.

But the model Alfabike Smart 5 speed. This chopper has a special aluminum alloy frame. A cartridge of 0.122 m is used as a carriage. The standard sleeve is designed for 5 speeds. As an alternative, you can consider products from Megavel. This company supplies time-tested and, moreover, very modern products.

Rather, in this online store you can officially buy choppers from the manufacturer Micargi Bicycles. The Bronco has 3 speeds by default. The total weight of the bike is 25 kg, and the largest transportable weight is 120 kg. The product is assembled by hand in full compliance with the regulations. Reflectors and chain included as standard.

Shows good results on the road Micargi Seattle FatBob. This bike weighs 27 kg. In the standard version, it translates 120 kg, and when using a reinforced seat up to 140 kg.The length, measured at the edges of the wheels, is 2.2 m. The designers have chosen a particularly robust steel frame. Standard equipment includes a high handlebar and a disc-type rear brake.

Fans of electric choppers should pay attention to Micargi FatBob One. The weight of the bike is from 38 kg. It is equipped with a robust steel frame. The steering column is made on the basis of industrial bearings. The chain and pedals are made of aluminum. There are several modes:

• economical (for a leisurely trip through the park);
• normal (at cruising speed);
• sports (usually used for short training sessions).

As always, you need to pay attention to the feedback on a particular model. They are usually more adequate than simple descriptions by producers or even journalists of specialized publications. But no less important point is the direct "acquaintance" with the bike. It is necessary to look at both its appearance and the ease of fit. Whenever possible, you should make a couple of circles, appreciate the proposed bike.

The steel frame is very durable, however, it also makes the structure heavier. Aluminum makes the chopper lighter. Therefore, the movement will be more agile and faster. However, you will have to pay more for the aluminum construction.

The same Kevlar will wear out quickly if the user of the bike rides on a dirt road. As for the wheels, you need to choose products with aluminum spokes. When you plan to ride only on a good hard surface, you need to give preference to products with a narrow rim without a pronounced relief. Then you can race faster. 28 "wheels are much better than 26" wheels at climbing stairs and similar obstacles.

In the next video, you will ride a Cruiser Chopper bike.