Review of bicycles "Desna"

The Desna bicycle was incredibly popular during the Soviet era thanks to its folding teenage models and reliable road bicycles. The range of products of the plant located in the Bryansk region in those years was rather narrow, but this did not prevent it from being among the leaders in sales. Today the brand has been revived and offers a much wider range of cycling equipment.

Urban and mountain, teenage and women's models of bicycles under the Desna brand are sold all over Russia today. And the double suspension and folding options are designed for the most active young cycling enthusiasts. Let us dwell in more detail on the review of Desna bicycles.

The Desna bicycle is produced today at the same plant as in Soviet times. It is located in the Zhukovsky district of the Bryansk region and has existed since 1873. True, at the beginning of its journey it was a factory where cast iron was melted. During the military campaigns of the 20s of the XX century, the plant was reorganized into a transport building, during the Second World War, production was sent to evacuation, and the workshop premises were completely destroyed. The restoration of the enterprise began in 1950, after which it has been creating locomotives and agricultural machines that are in demand throughout the country for 7 years.

The popularization of cycling in the country by 1958 led to a new reorganization. Since 1961, Desna bicycles have been rolling off the assembly line of the plant. The first one produced was a foldable model. By 1965, production reached its maximum capacity, and the number of bicycles produced exceeded 1,000,000 copies.Today, the manufacturing country Russia continues the glorious traditions of the USSR, restoring many brands lost during the years of perestroika. The Desna bicycle brand was no exception. The plant went through bankruptcy in 2004 and fell into disrepair over the next few years. The equipment was taken out, the hulls were partially destroyed from time to time.

Everything changed when in 2008 the production area was purchased by the Velomotors group of companies. The Moscow firm sought to revive the plant and prove that Russia can still make bicycles capable of competing on equal terms with products of foreign brands. And the ambitious plan was implemented. The production facilities were restored and underwent a complete modernization, new workshop buildings were erected on the territory.

By 2010, the company had almost completely switched over to automating most of its bicycle manufacturing processes. For example, the welding line today is robotized and allows for maximum precision when joining parts. The plant itself produces rolled pipes of the required quality; on its territory there is a paint shop that applies powder formulations and liquid enamels.

Modern bicycles "Desna" are produced in various model and size ranges, and among its technical capabilities there are really impressive solutions. It is worth noting the significant characteristics of the brand's products.

• Wheel size... Urban models use 26 "diameter, the most common and popular. In mountain bikes, this figure is 27.5 ″. For children's models "Druzhok" the diameter of the wheels is 16 or 18 ″.
• Bicycle weight. Since all models of the Desna brand use a heavy steel frame, the mass of the equipment itself is also significant. Weight ranges from 15 to 21 kg.
• Folding mechanism. Only models that support this function can be folded. The mechanism does not require significant efforts, all actions can be performed literally with one hand.
• Carriage. All mountain models "Desna" of the MTB series use modern technological solutions. Closed-type carriages with a cartridge provide full protection of the mechanism from dirt and dust, moisture and other sources of danger. This option allows you to reduce the frequency of maintenance sessions and not worry about the formation of corrosion on the surface of parts.
• Features of the placement of cables. They are concealed inside the frame and eliminate the risk of snagging or breaking on the rider. In addition, such an installation of the connecting elements gives the appearance of the two-wheeled vehicle a more attractive, modern look. The hidden cable routing was borrowed by the designers of Desna bicycles from the sports bike class.
• Hydraulic braking system. A quick reaction to pressing the brake lever is a guarantee of driving safety. Hydraulic disc brakes are used on sports, mountain models, and are used in bicycles for extreme racing. This system meets all the established requirements in the best possible way and guarantees a quick stop in all circumstances.
• Threadless steering column. This option has already become the standard in mountain bike design. In the model range of Desna plant products, this structural element is presented in the MTB series and allows you to exclude accidental thread stripping during pulling, which provides improved control when maneuvering.
• Reliable corrosion protection. Three-layer painting of all steel elements of the structure provides the best conditions for preventing the development of corrosion. In addition, multi-layer painting makes the bike especially attractive, retains the gloss and gloss of the surface longer.
• Installation of "Standard +" class tires... This bicycle rubber has a width of 2.4–3 cm and is characterized by increased cushioning properties. In addition, such tires do not need to be inflated to the limit, have increased cross-country ability on soft and viscous surfaces, and are more resistant to punctures and cuts.

The model range of Desna bicycles includes urban and road, mountain and folding, high-speed and classic options... The plant produces adult, female, teenage versions of equipment in a variety of colors. Every year the lineup receives new improvements and improvements. That is why, choosing the most modern sports or folding bike, choosing an option for city trips, it is worth focusing on the proposals of the current year.

In the category of folding bicycles, the factory offers 3 popular models.

• Desna 2500. The model with the largest wheel diameter in the range - 24 ″, frame 14 ″ in Hi-ten steel. The set does not include a speed switch, but there is a chain protection, a rigid fork, a threaded steering column, there is a typesetting carriage, a foot brake. The width of the tires is standard - 2 cm, which gives the bike good speed characteristics.

• Desna 2200... Model with 20 "wheels, equipped with 13 / 13.5" Hi-ten steel frame. The bike is presented in 5 color options, equipped with a foot brake, aluminum rims, plastic pedals. Steel wheel bushings, under the nut. A rigid type, threaded steering column is installed on the bike.

• Desna 2100... The compact model on 20 "wheels, with a two-tone frame - the combination of white and green, red, purple, black or purple looks bright and modern. In other respects, it is identical to the 2200.

MTB Series is represented by the Desna brand with high-speed models for adult riders who prefer not only driving on the highway. Among the most popular modifications can be noted "29ers" - versions with 29 "wheels, which are highly appreciated even by serious riders. Here are the models "Desna 2910 D" and "Desna 2910 MD" with a dimensional grid of a frame of 17, 19 and 21 inches. The only difference between them is in the braking system. In the first case, disk hydraulics are installed, in the second - mechanics.

And also in the mountain category, models of the series are popular Desna 2600... In total, there are 3 options here - with mechanical and hydraulic brakes, as well as a variant with a V-type braking system. "Desna 2600 V" is of greatest interest to the fair sex, even positioned as a women's bicycle. It is equipped with Shimano Tourney derailleurs and shifters, a cartridge bottom bracket and a threadless steering column.

"Desna 2610 D" - option with hydraulic disc brake. And also has different modifications, the mechanics have the MD index, the version with the V-type brake has a corresponding attachment. All models have 26 "wheel diameter, striking design, 16/18/20" frames. The package does not include additional attachments - trunk, fenders. The series is popular with novice riders.

"Desna 2710 V" - model with one of the most popular wheel diameters: 27.5 ″. This is a completely modern version of the bike, with V-brakes, 2.1-inch tires, steel rear and front hubs, and a cartridge bottom bracket.

Meteor, Phoenix and Sputnik - 3 series of Desna teenage bicycles. They feature bicycles with 20 ″ and 24 ″ wheels. "Phoenix" - the most compact, with one speed and a simple sprocket, made with a V-type brake in front and a foot stop in the back. The mountain performance and rigid fork allow the youngest riders to experience extreme riding conditions. "Meteor" is a series for active teenagers, with mountain performance and 24-inch wheels.Braking system - V-type or mechanical.

The only two-suspension model in the brand's lineup at the moment - "Desna 2620 V". It has a robust 17 ″ steel frame and bright design. The diameter of the wheels is 26 "with a tire width of 1.95", the rims are lightweight, aluminum. Lever shifters and derailleurs are manufactured by Microshift.

Voyage is a series of Desna adult bicycles with female and male frames. They also differ in color. Gent presented in blue-blue, silver, black tones, Lady - pink-purple and red. Otherwise, their parameters are the same - the 28-inch wheels, which provide opportunities for high-speed driving, are complemented by a threaded frame, a type-setting carriage and steel bushings. Foot brake in models, aluminum rims. The kit includes fenders, mud flaps, trunk and pump.

When choosing a bike for an adult or teenager, you have to consider a lot of all sorts of important points. So, depending on the driving style, you can prefer regular city models or full-fledged SUVs. The Desna brand has a MTB series for fans of extreme off-asphalt skiing, where mountain bikes are presented. In the model range, you can find both hardtails and two-suspension options, which allow you to choose the degree of driving rigidity.

City bikes make up the majority of the brand's products. The line includes foldable teenage models that are suitable for fragile women and the elderly. There is a special series for ladies with a modified frame design.

There are several important parameters to pay attention to when choosing a bike.

• Frame. It should be suitable for the height of the person who will ride the bike. If an MTB is purchased for a height of 155-163 cm, it is worth taking a frame of 35-39 cm, for people up to 172 cm, an option of 40-44 cm is suitable. Frame structures with sizes of 45-49 cm (up to 180 cm) and 50-54 cm are designed for high ones. Urban models have a slightly different size, the smallest range is 46–48 cm, it will suit people up to 163 cm. The most popular sizes are 53–56 cm, corresponding to a height of 173–181 cm.
• Depreciation rate. All road bike models belong to the rigid category - without shock absorbers, they have a rigid front fork that does not reduce runout when contacting the road. Hardtail is a cushioning scheme used in mountain bikes. Here the shocks sit on the front fork, the shank remains rigid. On two-suspension systems, 2 shock-absorbing elements are used at once, in front and behind. They provide maximum compensation for any road irregularities.
• Wheel diameter. In urban models, it ranges from 20 to 28 ″. The mountain wheels use 26, 27.5 and 29 ″ wheels. The larger the diameter of the wheel used, the more rolling it becomes, develops a higher speed, and provides high travel comfort. Small diameters are found mainly on teenage bikes with a lower stance and center of gravity.

A review of the reviews of Desna bike owners-buyers allows you to get an objective idea of ​​the quality of this technique. It should be noted that on average, this product leaves a positive impression. The brand's bicycles are produced in modern, bright colors, which are highly appreciated by children and adolescents, and the youth audience. Decorative solutions in metallic shades are especially popular. In addition, the construction itself is quite sturdy and reliable.

Buyers also have claims to the manufacturer: when buying a bicycle that is not assembled, you will have to have your own tools - here you need a 6 and 4 hex wrench, as well as wrenches or adjustable... Not every person has such a set at home, and the necessary components are not included in the package of a two-wheeled vehicle. Not all models have additional equipment - pump, saddle bag.

Traditionally, city road bicycles and folding models, for which the Desna brand has always been famous, deserve the highest reviews. It is noted here optimal ratio of cost and quality, at a price the branded products of the Russian plant are often more affordable than their Chinese counterparts. Buyers also notice the quality of components - imported parts are used in the undercarriage of mountain models.

The MTB series features high quality rubber, comfortable ergonomic seating and durable heavy-duty frames. The difference in price with analogs reaches 4 times, while the quality of "Desna", if different, is insignificant. Reviews of the children's series "Druzhok" are also very positive - they are most often supplied assembled, factory adjustment does not require special revision.

In the next video you will find a review of the Desna 2710 budget bike.