Format bicycles: advantages, disadvantages and model overview

There are many brands of bikes. But even among this mass, Format bikes stand out favorably. Let's see how good they are and what they can give consumers.

Format products have proven themselves very well in various high-level competitions. In 2015, at the Russian Championship, they won:

• a couple of gold medals in the discipline of cross-country;
• Downhill Gold Medal;
• gold medal in discipline 4X.

Sergey Izhboldin stood at the origins of the company. This person knew firsthand the problems and needs of cyclists. He won numerous bicycle races in the USSR, and later in the Russian Federation. For a long time, the record holder was interested in improving the design of the bicycle and increasing its reliability and convenience. Therefore, the invitation of Izhboldin to the post of technical director turned out to be quite a reasonable step.

An experienced cyclist led the development of the brand's first frames. The strategic goal was to create such structures that could take part in the races of the highest world level.... For the first time the products entered the market in 2006.

From 2009 to 2012, due to the crisis and for a number of other reasons, the company is going through difficult times. However, the designers did not stop working, and its results later became the basis for a number of successful versions. At the same time, promising designers come to the staff, who have developed a bright style of "Format".

Sales in Russia have been resumed since 2013. The model range is significantly updated. In 2016, the company's teams won a number of victories at competitions in Russia and abroad.They manage to prove that the created designs are ideal even for extreme rides. Over the past 2 years, the main focus of developers has been on the creation of touring bikes designed to travel on gravel roads.

If you need a children's bike, then you should pay attention to Format 1122 modeldeveloped in 2019. The product weighs 12 kg with a 29 "aluminum frame. Details are processed on a modern CNC machine. For the manufacture of the structure used aluminum alloy U6.

Format 1413 is often used as an alternative.... This is a trekking bike with a 29 '' aluminum frame. Rather, not pure aluminum is used, but alloy 6061. The steering column is half integrated. Other characteristics include:

• rather small weight (15.4 kg);
• double butting;
• wiring inside;
• postmount type dropouts;
• frame dimensions from M to XL;
• amortization of the hardtail type;
• spring shock-absorbing fork with a size of 9x100 mm;
• disc brakes on hydraulics;
• 27 speeds;
• lever shifters;
• 3 stars in the system;
• cartridge carriage;
• shifters from Shimano.

The connecting rods are made of aluminum. Both bushings use industrial grade bearings. The saddle frame is made of steel. Aluminum double-breasted rims work very reliably. The rotor is secured with 6 bolts and the seat tube height ranges from 0.43m to 0.53m.

Kids Format 16 also deserves attention. This bike for kids is very light (only 8 kg). For the manufacture of both the frame and the fork, aluminum alloy 6061 is used. The frame is selected individually according to height. The shock absorbing fork is very rigid.

The brakes correspond to the V-Brake type. Only 1 speed is provided. The connecting rods are made of aluminum. The seat tube height is 0.24 m. You can also consider purchasing the Format 5342.

According to the manufacturer, this model:

• designed for maneuvering trips in the city;
• facilitates sharp maneuvers;
• it has an excellent roll-off;
• allows you to sit comfortably even on a long trip;
• weighs 12.7 kg;
• absorbed by a rigid fork;
• Equipped with a partially integrated steering column and eccentric carriage;
• stops with mechanical disc brakes;
• designed for 16 speeds;
• equipped with lever shifters.

Regarding the Format 1414 model, then this bike has been discontinued and is not mentioned on the official website. The Format 20 model simply does not exist, but there is a Format 5322 modification with 20-inch wheels. Other parameters are as follows:

• seat tube 0.28 m high;
• head tube - 0.086 m;
• base - 1 m;
• fork 0.318 m high;
• head tube with an angle of 72 degrees;
• the only available size (size 11 inches);
• stylish looking graphite-colored frame;
• addition of a frame with a lock to facilitate folding the bike.

What is remarkable the frame is not only elegant, but also distinguished by its mechanical strength... The weight of the structure is 12.5 kg. The size of the product makes it easier to drive on the sidewalk and in general on a city street. An unusual feature of the model is the collapsible design of the right lower stays under the belt transmission. Red accents make the bike an eye-catcher.

The design office has carefully thought out all the details and guarantees the total practicality of the products. The 8-speed planetary hub allows for very fast and smooth gear changes. You can even select the desired transmission "from the spot."

An attractive feature of the belt drive is no need for continuous maintenance. There is no need to change stars all the time, there is no risk of clothes getting dirty with grease. Important: Note that this bike model does not make noise when riding. Only the tires emit a slight rustling sound. These tires provide fast travel on asphalt and excellent grip on wet surfaces.

Format products can be equipped with a wide variety of propellers. At the request of the consumer, each model can be equipped with wheels with a diameter of 18 inches or with a different section. As for the country of origin, where the production is located, it should be said unequivocally that all products of this brand are produced in our country. Moreover, production facilities are located in Perm, which allows optimizing logistics for delivery to different parts of the country.

The Format range of bicycles contains:

• models for children, adolescents and adult consumers;
• women's bikes;
• universal devices for city skiers;
• adaptations for sports competitions in narrow disciplines;
• original designs (road models with disc brakes, bicycles with a wheel section of 27.5 and 29 inches).

Judging by the reviews of the owners, the Permian products leave a favorable impression. The manufacturer's claims for quality control and careful design are supported. The lightness of aluminum frames and the quality of the manufacture of attachments are noted.

Of the negative features, you can name:

• not too high ground clearance;
• insufficient softness of the seats;
• the need to change preinstalled tires (they do not always satisfy experienced cyclists).

For an overview of the Format 1212 bike, see below.