Bicycle brands: rating and selection

A bicycle is a form of transport that helps not only to overcome distances, but also to keep fit. You can also have a good time on bikes, for example, go for a walk. There are a lot of bike manufacturers, and today we will look at various brands and brands.

A well-known brand that has been on the Russian bicycle market for a long time. This company produces bikes for both adults and children. The main product line is mountain and urban models. Stels differs from any other Russian manufacturers in that all manufacturing and assembly is fully automated. These processes are achieved thanks to new equipment, which was purchased at the Zhukovsky Bicycle Motorcycle Plant in 2008.

In total, the company employs over 1 thousand people, besides bicycles, component products are created. These are pedals, switches, saddles, brakes and brake pads, fenders, tubes, tires, protective mechanisms, gloves, bags and much more.

During production, several technologies are used that make Stels bicycles more reliable.

• Hydroforming - allows pipes and frame to give various shapes and bends without loss of strength. This approach makes it possible to create unusual designs for the entire range.
• Disc brakes - more resistant to damage and dirt than rims. Repairing such components requires specialized knowledge and the right tool. Also, this type of brakes allows you to ride in any conditions and at the same time not lose efficiency during the operation of the mechanism.
• Tapered head tube - technology, thanks to which the entire load on the steering wheel is distributed over the base of the part. It is wider at the bottom than at the top, so while driving, the load will fall on the part, and not the top of the handlebar. Thus, the user will not feel any discomfort during the trip.
• Aluminum X6 - This base grade is used for every product line. The advantage of this material is that it is lighter, stronger and more reliable than aluminum alloy 6061. The quality of this component is confirmed by the fact that the X6 is used on sports bicycles that participate in international competitions.
• Planetary hub - type of transmission installation when the gear shifting system is inside the hub. Thus, the mechanism will not be affected by the external environment. Due to being inside the structure, the sleeve has a longer service life.
• Fork lock - this technology makes cycling softer or harder. When riding on rough terrain, you can lock the mechanism and the bike will become more rigid. By unlocking the fork, you will soften the structure, which will make the ride more comfortable over bumps and holes.

Another domestic manufacturer that is known to most cyclists. This brand began its history in the 90s of the last century, when road and city bicycles became the first products manufactured. In 2003, the company began developing a new type of bike that would take the brand's assortment to a new level.

From 2006 to 2008, field tests were actively carried out, in which composite parts were studied in detail. Later, the brand began to develop rapidly, thanks to which the total production volume for 2008 exceeded 1 million copies.

It was from this period that the manufacturer began to develop not only in Russia, but also abroad. Later, their own team appeared, which began to participate in competitions. The Tour de France stage is considered to be the first major tournament. Also, Forward bicycles took part in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

After such a breakthrough at the international level, representative offices in the CIS countries began to be created. Thus, you can purchase the products of this manufacturer on the territory of Kazakhstan and Belarus.

The largest product line is mountain hardtails and urban models. Most of the technologies used are used to create these two types of bicycles. This manufacturer has production technologies that make the bikes more original.

There are both already announced (hydroforming, planetary hub, fork blocking, disc brakes), and our own developments.

1. Various frame geometries. This company has taken care of creating frames of various shapes for children, adolescents and women. The difference is that the top tube of the frame is lowered. Thus, it will be easier for a woman to climb onto a bicycle, and for children and adolescents, any fall will become less traumatic. In addition to these advantages, a diverse design is created, thanks to which the models have their own distinctive features.
2. Robotic welding of steel frames. A factory robot is used to weld seams with maximum precision. Thus, seams and joints are free from defects and ugly bumps.
3. 3D design. With this approach, engineers are able to follow the process in three-dimensional space. This improves quality during design and assembly.
4. Four-link suspension. This technology is designed to provide cushioning for mountain bike owners.A single or double wishbone system does not have a constant center of rotation, which makes the suspension stiffer and more dependent on pedaling.

Schwinn Is a global bicycle brand with a very rich history. The company was founded in the very distant 1895 in the United States. The development of the brand began at a time when the theme of bicycles began to develop all over the world. By 1920, Ignaz Schwin, the founder of the company, took over several small businesses. As a result, they formed a network of manufacturing facilities in Chicago.

In the early 30s of the XX century, the manufacturer decided to meet the buyer halfway by creating cruiser bikes... Back then, not all people could afford cars, so the demand for city-type models was quite large. Thus, the company began to earn money, which in the future went to the development of bicycle manufacturing. In the middle of the last century, Schwinn began buying bicycles in bulk and selling them under its own brand. Since the 60s, products have expanded. In addition to cruise units, cargo and three-wheeled models began to be created.

Currently, the products of this manufacturer are a tribute to old traditions. Many famous people own Schwinn bicycles as antiques. Now the line of models has expanded. Available for sale mountain, hybrid, road, teen and other popular types of bikes.

Aist - Belarusian bicycles, which have been known since Soviet times. The history of this brand began in the post-war years, namely in 1947. During the first year, about 5 thousand units of bicycles were manufactured. For 10 years, the number of manufactured products has increased several dozen times.

In 1963, the export of Aist models began, which began to enjoy popularity abroad. Continuing development, the company began to create new external forms for its products. Increasing production every year, in 1977 the company created a folding model, which at that time was considered innovative in Soviet bicycle construction.

In 1992, the first sports bike, the Aist, was created, which could withstand heavy loads and was no longer like most other bicycles. In 1997, the total number of released models reached 50 million.

A new stage in the development of the company took place when the company signed a contract with the Belarusian Cycling Federation. From that moment on, the brand's development vector went towards sports and mountain bikes. Since 2008, the best bikes of this brand have been participating in all kinds of World Championships and Olympic Games.

Pinarello Is a global Italian brand that became known in the last century. The initiator of the creation of the company was Giovanni Pinarello. This cyclist was famous both in Italy and throughout Europe. After many years of a successful career, his dream was to create his own bicycles. Developing his small workshop near the house, he started from the very beginning. Small profits and uncertainty increased Giovanni's enthusiasm for making Pinarello one of the best brands in the world in the future.

In 1975, the Giro d'Italia race was won on Giovanni's own assembled bike. This success was significant for the former racer's business. It was this moment that became the starting point for the small workshop in Treviso, where Pinarello worked. In 1988, the entire business was transferred to his son Fausto. He continued his father's ideas and was able to expand the company's production network.

Working with his father since the age of 17, Fausto was well aware of the direction in which production should be carried out. For the young man, working with the brand became his goal in life. In the 90s, Pinarello bicycles began to dominate all cycling. Thanks to this breakthrough in the entire industry, the brand bikes of this manufacturer became known all over the world.

Now the best riders of the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and other world cycling competitions ride Pinarello bicycles. Every 2 years, a new model is created, which surpasses the previous ones in terms of characteristics. Considering this fact, we can say that the company continues its active development.

The price of the models is, of course, very high. But the point is the quality that these bikes have. They undergo numerous tests so that a person does not just ride, but has fun.

Pride Is a Ukrainian brand that is the most popular bicycle manufacturer in its country. For more than 10 years, the products of this manufacturer have become famous throughout the CIS. The main goal of the Pride company is to create convenience for the consumer. This manufacturer translates his ideas into his own products. Before creating a bike, engineers carefully think over all the details. From the braking system to the position of the seat and steering wheel.

The main direction of the manufactured products is mountain and city bikes. They are designed for outdoor activities and enjoyable tourism. Feedback is one of the benefits of Pride. By contacting the consumer, the manufacturer understands how to make bicycles better and more affordable.

Author Is a Czech company whose assortment is known throughout Europe. The history of this brand began in 1990, and only with the import of bicycles and their spare parts. After gaining experience and studying the bike market, Author decided to build bikes on his own. In 1993, production began. Thanks to three years of work, the company already had production facilities in which it was possible to produce bicycles in sufficient quantities.

Author's development history differs from other manufacturers in that the brand decided to create a unique and own style. Therefore, modern models are predominantly made from materials of our own production. This includes handlebars, seat posts, frames and more. The assembly uses equipment from well-known manufacturers in the world of cycling: Tektro brake systems, RST suspension forks, Shimano attachments.

The main focus is on sports and mountain bikes, which began to be created at the very beginning of the company's ascent. This manufacturer is distinguished by high quality and unique style. It is worth mentioning that this quality costs quite a lot. The main advantage of Author bikes is their durability, after all, all models undergo serious tests before going on sale.

Helkama Is a brand from Finland. The history of this company began back in 1905, when a peasant from the city of Tampere Heikki Hellman decided to organize a small business. Considering the weather conditions in Finland, a bicycle could be a great solution for those who need to travel a short distance without the help of a car. The first problems the brand began to experience during the First World War, when the number of models produced significantly decreased. Soon the business became not personal, but family, as the Heikki brothers decided to continue his business. Since 1953, the production of goods has been adjusted, which amounted to 200 units per day.

Thus, Finnish bicycles began to gain popularity outside their home country. The presence of exports increased profits, after which the business expanded. The ideology of this manufacturer is that you need to adhere to traditions. Thus, even modern Helkama bicycles are not much different from those of 50 years ago. The emphasis is on quality and reliability. The most famous line of bikes is Jopo. In addition to regular road and city bicycles, Helkama manufactures e-bikes for children.

Kross - Polish bicycles, the main advantage of which is manufacturability. This manufacturer has a fairly wide range of bikes that are suitable for every riding style. All models are well supplied with attachments. The brand pays a lot of attention to the feedback department, thanks to which the manufacturer understands in which direction he can succeed. In addition to prefabricated workshops, a large amount of work is carried out in design bureaus. In them, engineers create new technologies that make products better.

This is how the models appeared SOIL and MOON, which have become innovations among the entire range of the brand. Also, very serious work is being done in the sports component. The KROSS VENTO TR and LEVEL B + bicycles are used by professional cyclists from Poland. For example, these models took part in the Olympic Games and races across the Sahara.

Kuwahara Is a Japanese manufacturer with a very rich history. It began in 1918 when Sentaru Kuwahara decided to set up a bicycle business. Thanks to the ability to work and the desire to promote the product, the company began to achieve significant success in its country. Increasing production volumes, the consumer base grew.

Exports abroad began in 1925. Japanese bicycles began to be supplied to the USSR, China and Southeast Asia. Until 1940, the Kuwahara concern increased the number of manufactured products annually. During the Second World War, workshops and factories were closed. In 1947, after the end of hostilities, the Kuwahara family continued their business.

In 1959, the first deliveries to the USA began, and after 3 years the bicycles Kuwahara began to be sold in Canada. The first models were modified as they had 10 and 12 speeds. In 1968, exports to the United States increased several times. The manufacturer Schwinn, described earlier, bought inexpensive bicycles and sold them under their own brand. Such cheap and reprinted bikes were Kuwahara bikes.

Since the beginning of the 70s, bicycles of the BMX type have become the main activity of the manufacturer. It was at this time that the freestyle style became popular in bicycle construction, which is characterized by the performance of tricks.

In the 80s, large-scale production of mountain models began, which were perfect for those who like fast and energetic driving. For 60 years, Kuwahara has built factories in Europe, Asia, Australia and America. For world fame, only participation in sports was not enough. Having created a cycling team in the United States and taking part in a Steven Spielberg film, the company and the products of this brand became known all over the world.

From the 90s to the present day, constructors and designers create more and more various models that meet all quality requirements. Also famous American cyclists worked with Kuwahara, who gave advice on development and shared their experiences with representatives from Japan.

Samchuly Is a Korean brand that is very popular in Asia. The company was established in 1944 under the leadership of Kim Chol Hu. In 1952, the active development of not only the workshop, but also the entire infrastructure began. The first mass model was a bicycle called the Samchuly Ho. By the end of the 60s, the brand set a certain quality bar by introducing special certificates that confirmed the presence of the original assembly.

In 1982, Korean cyclists won the Asian Games for the first time using Samchuly Goldwin bicycles. Having gained international fame, the brand produced 1 million copies in 1987 throughout its history.

If in 1987 the company produced 1 million units of bicycle equipment for more than 30 years, then the same figure was achieved only in 2007. With the opening of the new Uiwang plant in 2010, the production capacity has increased significantly. Meeting the buyer halfway, the Metro service was launched in 2011, allowing you to independently choose all kinds of coloring for your unit. In recent years, the production of children's bicycles has been launched, and in 2018 an online application was created where you can purchase any model from the brand.

Based on price and overall quality, you can create a top of the most reliable manufacturers.

• Pinarello;
• Author;
• Schwinn;
• Helkama;
• Kross;
• Kuwahara;
• Forward;
• Samchuly;
• Pride;
• Stels;
• Aist.

This criterion is one of the most important. Before purchasing, carefully study all the components of the bike, as the manufacturer may create a surcharge only for a known brand name.

The most expensive are not always the best quality. If you have decided on several manufacturers, then consider every advantage and disadvantage of your chosen model. It happens that 2 bicycles seem to have similar characteristics and attachments, but due to the difference in build quality, 1 firm is noticeably superior to the other.

Here, too, not everything is clear. Several manufacturers specialize in different types of bicycles. Although many manufacturers develop in different areas of activity, each brand has characteristics among other firms. Most of the companies represented are focused on mountain, sports and urban models.

See the video below for the top best bikes.