Mountain bikes Stels: the best models, tips for selection and operation
Stels mountain bikes are a popular and affordable two-wheeler for off-highway riding. The range of products of this manufacturer is quite wide and includes offers for riders with different preferences. The brand regularly releases new models that meet the most daring expectations of buyers, takes into account current trends in the design and technical equipment of bikes.
Description of women's and men's bicycles Navigator and Focus, other folding and non-folding models allows you to fully appreciate the whole variety of offers available for purchase. The manufacturer supplies its equipment with everything you need, there are also additional accessories on sale - selection and installation of fenders or trunk in this case will not be difficult. In the article we will consider which models of mountain bikes of the Stels brand deserve special attention.
A little about the brand
The Velomotors group of companies, which produces Stels mountain bikes, is at the same time a manufacturer of another, no less well-known Desna brand. The brand's products are created at factories in the Moscow, Bryansk regions, Krasnodar Territory. Components - brakes, bushings and some other components are purchased abroad. The company has existed since 1996 and for many years has been confirming its status as a real market leader not only in Russia, but also abroad.
Today the Stels range includes mountain bikes for women, men, teenagers, off-road solutions and compact folding bikes.
Among the most relevant technologies used by the brand are the use of powder coating of the frame and technoforming, which makes it possible to reduce the number of auxiliary power elements in the structure.
Peculiarities
Mountain bikes produced under the Stels brand have features characteristic of this class of technology. There are double suspensions and hardtails, and the series are subdivided as follows:
- 900 - for professional sports;
- 700 and 800 - for long journeys over rough terrain;
- 400, 500, 600 - mountain.
All Stels MTB models are equipped with heavy steel or lightweight aluminum frames, the first type is aimed at the most budget options. The strength and rigidity of the base is achieved with the help of the large diameter of the pipes used, in addition, the company has made innovative changes to its geometry. So even heavy mountain bikes Stels weigh no more than 15-17.5 kg.
Wheels installed on serial production at the factory have a diameter of 26, 27.5 or 28 ". The gearboxes used in mountain bikes support operation at 18-24 speeds. Frame sizes range from 15-22 ″.
Models with disc brakes or V-brakes are available.
The lineup
We offer ratings of the best Stels bike models in different categories.
Womens mountain bike
Among the women's bicycles produced under the Stels brand, the Miss series, which presents inexpensive models, is among the current ones. Miss-5000 with mechanical disc or V-brake brakes. The model has a frame and fenders of the original shape, wheels with a diameter of 26 ". The Cross series belongs to the road, although it is often referred to as mountain.
Top models include Miss-6100 with disc hydraulic or mechanical brakes, wheel diameter 26 ". The lightweight aluminum frame helps to reduce the bulk of the structure, available in 15 ", 17" or 19 "sizes. The front fork is shock-absorbing, softens even the toughest ride, relieves stress on the arms and body.
Model Miss-7500 belongs to the category of modern, has wheels with a diameter of 27.5 ", which greatly facilitates driving uphill or on the highway. The design of the model is made in a sporty style, gear shifting in 21 positions allows you to choose a comfortable riding style.
Folding model
Mountain folding bike is not very common. But there are such models in the Stels assortment. The hit of sales is considered Pilot-970 MD 26 ″ V021 with an original frame design and a proprietary transformation mechanism. The model has a lightweight aluminum frame, double rims, and is equipped with mechanical disc brakes.
Pilot-950 MD 26 ″ V010 - mountain bike with an original folding method and a non-standard frame. It is convenient to transport it on the roof of a car or to mount it in the body. The size 17.5-19 ″ is designed for adults, for teenagers this frame height will not be very comfortable.
The bike is adapted to off-road riding, the shock-absorbing fork provides it with a soft ride, mechanical disc brakes are responsible for comfortable braking.
Men's mountain bike
Modern men's mountain bikes from the Stels brand are represented by a fairly extensive range of models. Several options are considered the most popular.
- Navigator 850. An amateur hardtail that is not part of the current model range of the brand today. For a long time he remained the sales leader. The model uses an aluminum frame, which has reduced its weight to 15 kg.
- Navigator 620. The basic model of a mountain bike, equipped with a male frame and 26 "wheels. A rare case for Stels, when the classic geometry of the main load-bearing structure has been preserved.
- Navigator 630. Model with 26 ″ wheel diameter, disc or V-type brakes, shock-absorbing front fork. The frame is aluminum, the size varies in the range of 16, 18 and 20 ″.
- Navigator 610. The model in demand today, is designed for use in cross-country races. The frame is aluminum, the weight of the structure is 15.06 kg.
- Navigator 500. One of the most popular models of the brand. A steel frame, 26 "and 27.5" wheels, mechanical disc or rim brakes combined with an affordable price tag make this a top seller.
Double-suspended models
Full suspension is one of the most comfortable mountain bikes to use. Stels produces 3 such series.
- Crosswind... Shown here is 1 model with a 20 "steel frame.The Crosswind 26 ″ 21-sp Z010 is equipped with a threaded steering column and suspension fork, V-type brakes and weighs 18.8 kg.
- Focus. Shown here are 26 "and 27.5" wheel models with mechanical rim or disc brakes. The frames are steel, heavy, the top-end version is considered to be with 18 speeds, without additional components.
- Challenger. This series is available with 26 "wheel diameter, steel frame, 21 speeds. The front fork in the model is shock-absorbing, V-type rim brakes are used. This model is considered optimal for both beginners and experienced riders, and deserves attention.
Actual adult models
To the list of current adult MTB bikes from Stels you can add 3 models - they lead the popularity rating.
- Adrenalin D 27.5 ″. The top model among the brand's mountain bikes. Modern appearance, stylish design, frame material X6 aluminum, the model is designed for the growth of a tall rider. The rims are double aluminum, designed for a wide 2.8 "tire with a wheel diameter of 27.5". The brake system is hydraulic, disc from Shimano.
- Navigator-930 D 29 ″. One of the few "niners" in the company's lineup. It uses a lightweight and durable aluminum frame and has a 24-speed gearshift mechanism. You can find an option with a size for a teenager, woman, man. Includes Suntour XCT suspension fork, hydraulic disc brake.
- Navigator 700 MD 27.5 ″. Basic model with larger wheel diameter and mechanical disc brakes. The steel frame makes it quite heavy, weighing up to 17.6 kg. Good technical equipment makes this model quite popular among novice riders.
How to choose?
When choosing mountain bikes Stels it is very important to consider a number of points.
- Frame material. Lightweight aluminum is used in all top-end Stels mountain bikes. The budget models are heavier, they include steel frames, which are just as reliable, but massive.
- Brake type. In most cases, the V-brake system is considered the best, but when traveling in the most extreme conditions, on mud and slippery roads, it is recommended to use hydraulic disc brakes.
- Wheel diameter. The 26 "size has long been considered the standard in the MTB class, but today it is used predominantly in teen or ladies' models. The main models of Stels mountain bikes have wheels with a diameter of 27.5 ".
Paying attention to these characteristics, you can successfully choose a suitable mountain bike from the Stels product line for women, men, teenagers.
For an overview of the Stels Navigator 790D mountain bike, see below.