Stinger bicycles: features, best models and tips for choosing

Stinger bicycles are a popular two-wheeled vehicle that has been sold in Russia since 2002. The brand, whose country of origin is Taiwan, demonstrates a fairly good level of quality. In addition, the company regularly expands its model range: today its range includes mountain bikes and classic road bikes, teenage and women's versions. Owner reviews of this technique are also quite optimistic.

Bicycles Banzai and Highlander, Caiman and other models produced by this company are especially interesting for fans of extreme off-road riding, equipped with high-quality components, and are aimed at riders with different levels of riding. It is worth noting that it is from Taiwan that most of the parts for domestic bicycle brands are brought in today. That's why Stinger products compete on an equal footing with most offers in the mid-range and budget segment of the market.

Stinger bicycles are often cited as an example of the successful Russian business project Velobalt. But in fact, the country of origin of this two-wheeled vehicle is Taiwan, and in the Russian Federation there is a brand plant located in Kaliningrad. This is where the assembly takes place. The parent company is registered under the name Yung Grand.

Among the original Asian brands, the company is considered one of the clear leaders in the market. They have been producing Stinger bicycles since 2002, and during this time about 70 models of modern two-wheeled vehicles have appeared in the company's assortment, including the popular BMX, mountain, tourist and recreational options. Among the distinctive features of the company's products are a rich set - mirrors, roof racks, reflectors are often included in the basic set upon delivery.

Stinger bicycles have many advantages for which they are appreciated by fans of riding in the city and off-road. Among the obvious advantages, a number of characteristics can be noted.

• Affordable cost. Many models are much cheaper than comparable analogs in the class, while at the same time they do not look ultra-budget at all.
• Quality components... Most of the frames on the bike market are made in Taiwan. Not surprisingly, local brands have launched their own products. Stinger is a partner of many well-known component suppliers and does not skimp on the technical equipment of its bicycles.
• Interesting design. Striving to get into a higher category in the global market, Stinger makes a certain effort to make its products look expensive and interesting.
• Possibility of choice of execution. Almost all models can be purchased in basic (STD), extended (EVO) or professional (PRO) configurations.
• Extensive lineup. There are even e-bikes available, which are not often found on other brands. In addition, there are many options for mass road and teen bikes.

Not without its drawbacks. The main one is the abundance of Chinese-assembled products on the market, which significantly affects the reputation of the company.... Russian and Taiwanese models are radically different from them, and you should pay attention to this point when choosing a product. Another disadvantage is the focus on a non-professional audience.

An overview of the characteristics, types and models of Stinger bicycles is useful to study for everyone who plans to purchase bikes of this brand and is still thinking about the advisability of such a choice. Among the options presented, 5 basic product categories can be noted:

• electric bicycles;

• mountain;

• road;

• female;

• teenage.

The Stinger Aragon is a mountain niner with a massive and reliable high-alloy steel frame added to the 29 ″ wheel diameter. In addition, the series has options with a rim diameter of 26 and 27.5 ", the size is also varied for 18/20/22". The model has a shock-absorbing front fork, mechanical disc brakes. The bike is geared towards cross-country riding, suitable even for heavy riders.

Magnum - full suspension for adults, the series has wheel diameters from 26 to 29 ″. Includes special off-road tires, front lockable fork, lightweight aluminum frame.

For skiing on rocky trails, you should choose Apollo model with reinforced rims and all-terrain tires. This bike is also full suspension.

Suitable for beginners mountain bike Stinger Reload with a light frame and the most simple, reliable body kit.

Among the road models Singer no folding options, but there are a lot of interesting and reliable bicycles of different levels. The Vancouver series is considered the flagship, equally well suited for high-speed races and leisurely city walks. The hybrid is equipped with a lightweight aluminum frame, the necessary urban body kit - a chain guard, a trunk, a comfortable saddle.

Campus - road speed bikes for confident athletes. The roadside grip and stem allows for impressive acceleration on good asphalt. These are some of the lightest bikes from the brand.

The Cruiser 26 ″ is a retro-styled model that looks fresh and original. A comfortable fit is combined here with an elongated frame, rim and foot brakes, elongated fenders, and a rigid fork. Leather grips and steel footrests accentuate the individuality of the model.

The assortment of female models from the Stinger company is also quite impressive both in design and technical equipment. For example, Victoria - bicycles for city trips are presented in the size of a 15/17 "frame, equipped with 26" wheels and an 18-position speed switch. This is a stylish model for those who like short trips.

Series Element lady and is presented in two versions - both with 26 ″ wheels and in the mountain version, with sport suspension forks, a lightweight aluminum frame, original MTB fenders. The only difference is the braking system - it can be V-brake or mechanical disc, which behaves better off-road.

Vesta is a bicycle with 26 "wheels, reinforced rims, lightweight aluminum frame with a size of 15/17/19". The model is suitable for off-road riding, will suit both beginners and already experienced girls-riders.

Featured in the women's series and popular Cruiser Nexus Lady cruisers in retro style with planetary hub and 3 speeds, made in white and lilac tones, and Latina, Laguna, Calipso, Barcelona models in various designs.

Their main differences are associated with the characteristics of the size - the frame for teenage models is shorter, the diameter of the wheels is smaller, but mainly depends on the design. Actually The Stinger has a fairly extensive line of teenage bikes for boys and girls, advanced riders and beginners. Top-end, of course, is the Highlander D double-suspension, capable of satisfying the needs of fans of stunt or hard riding on rough terrain. The 14 "steel frame with interesting geometry and the 24" wheels provide the model with a comfortable fit in the most extreme conditions.

Another popular model is Stinger banzai, also with shock absorbers front and rear, 14/16 ″ steel Hi-ten frame, Shimano tourney shifter and 24 ″ wheels. V-type brakes are suitable for a teenage bike and make it easy to stop while riding.

Another interesting model is already related to stunt bikes. - BMX Shift with 10 ″ frame allows a beginner to try out different riding styles - park, street, flatland.

Defender is a line of teenage hardtails with a size range of 12.5 / 14 ″ and a minimalistic package. There is a 6-speed shift, rigid fork, 24 ″ wheels and V-brake brakes.

For active teenage girls, Stinger releases Latina model with 24 "wheels, steel frame and original design. The weight of the bike is less than 16 kg.

1 more teenage model for girls - Laguna with 12/14 ″ frame size and 24 ″ wheels, a special frame design and completely off-road technical equipment.

Versus D24 - the model for active teenagers... The size of the steel frame is 16.5 ", the wheels are 24", the switch is 21 speeds, the shock-absorbing front fork with a travel of 40 mm, mechanical disc brakes make it a serious unit for off-road driving. Particular attention is drawn to the mototype of the wings and the mountain saddle.

Caiman 24 ″ with frame size 12/14″ Is also equipped with a shock-absorbing spring-elastomer fork, grips, saddle and STG chain guard, looks pretty confident for conquering off-road. It is a good first choice for off-road riding.

In this line, the Stinger brand represents several series of products.

• Gent. Men's range of e-bikes with 20 ″ frame size and 28 ″ large wheels. The model is equipped with all necessary attachments, there are disc hydraulic brakes. Shifting will come in handy on the track when the lithium-ion battery runs out. In general, this is a versatile option for riding on highways and country roads.

• Reload. The series is represented by three models - E1, E2, E3 - with a wheel diameter of 27.5 ″. Available to switch between 8 or 9 speeds, there are eccentric bushings, disc hydraulic brakes. The frame size is designed for 18-20 ″. The models have mountain performance at the semi-professional level, but in general they are not very impressive in performance.

• Siena. Available in a single size range - with 27.5 ″ wheels and 17 ″ light aluminum frame. The model is equipped with a 21-speed transmission, a shock-absorbing front fork with a travel of 100 mm, mechanical disc brakes. This is a good "off-road vehicle" for beginners, accelerating to 25 km / h, you can charge the battery in 6 hours.

• Valencia. The bike is available in two versions, with 3 or 21 speeds, wheel diameter 27.5 ", designed for 18" and 20.5 "aluminum frame. The built-in electric motor allows you to accelerate to 25 km / h, the model is positioned as a universal model, equipped with V-brake brakes, a convenient trunk. More oriented towards women or adolescents.

When choosing a bike in the Stinger product line it is worth being guided by the basic rules that will help every skier find his own model.

• Appointment of the vehicle. A mountain bike will never reach the speed of a good road bike. And on the touring one you will not be able to perform even simple tricks. Before buying a bike, you should decide on the goals and objectives that the purchase should solve.
• Age and gender. Women's models are produced for a reason - they have a changed frame design, which allows you not to experience discomfort when landing and driving. Teenage bikes are also designed for a certain user height and weight, often have a lightweight design and are generally geared more towards riding over rough terrain than covering long distances or setting speed records.
• The presence of an electric motor. A weighty criterion for those who want to improve the speed characteristics of the bike or quickly get tired of pedaling. Moreover, Stinger's electric bicycles are presented in a quite reasonable price category.
• Frame height. The standard size is 10 cm below the cyclist's waist. For mountain models, the size is indicated in inches - you can convert it to centimeters by multiplying the number by 2.5.
• The presence of shock absorbers. Basically, the cheapest models do without them, offering to ride on a rigid rigid fork structure. Expensive two-suspensions also cannot be called universal - they are most often needed by fans of hard extreme riding, on the highway the rear suspension will be practically useless, vibrations are dampened by the saddle springs. The best option is most often a hardtail with a front suspension fork.
• Brake type. While the inexpensive Stinger models tend to have simple V-shaped options, they do a pretty good job. To overcome roads with different types of surfaces, ride in any weather, it is better to choose bikes in which there are mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes.

When buying Stinger bikes, each owner receives an instruction manual in the kit, which sets out all the basic points that every novice rider may encounter. But if the instructions are not at hand, you just need to remember a number of simple recommendations.

• Before the first ride, always adjust the saddle and handlebars to suit the rider's height.
• The first brake test should be done at low speed. Their work can also be adjusted to achieve soft or harder actuation.
• Before leaving, each time you need to check the attachment of accessories and main components. Loose fenders, trunk play can create serious problems on the road.When checking the wheel eccentric clamps, they must be in the closed position.
• Signs of wear or wheel damage are a good reason to replace your tire. A blown or flat tire will cause much more trouble and may incur additional costs for straightening the wheels.
• The pressure parameters in the tires must correspond to the marking on its side. If they do not match, you need to bring the values ​​to safe for operation, and only then go on the road.
• Do not start skiing without personal protective equipment. Helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, gloves make it possible to avoid serious injuries. Equipment is the only means of ensuring safety in the event of a fall - you should not neglect it.

According to the owners, Stinger bicycles have enough advantages to compete on an equal footing with any domestic and many foreign models. The attachments are noted as of very high quality, and already in the EVO the complete set is extensive. In addition, Shimano manufactures key chassis components and can be found on all top-end bikes from the most renowned brands. The braking system is also praised - even V-type rims work reliably, and discs even suit even aggressive riders.

Praised by owners of Stinger bicycles and the availability of modifications. If you wish, you can upgrade any bike with "native" factory parts. This is a significant advantage when you consider that almost all BMX and mountain models are modified by riders to their own preferences. Rubber with an accented profile is another signature element of the brand, and it is often installed on regular road bikes as well.

Women's bicycles from the Stinger brand are also well received. They praise the thoughtful geometry of the frame, which makes it easy to get into the saddle even in a skirt and get off the two-wheeled vehicle without any problems. In addition, the saddle design meets all the comfort requirements and is suitable for long trips. On the downside, Stinger bike owners note very heavy steel frames on almost all road models and weak forks combined with an aluminum frame on mountain bikes.

For information on how to choose the right Stinger bike, see the next video.