Totem bicycles: models, tips for choosing
Bicycles are a very popular form of transport. Plus, it's also a great way to keep fit. Noteworthy is the Totem bike transport. You should learn about the features and variety of models of this brand.
A little about the manufacturer
The country of origin of Totem bicycles is China. In Russia, the main supplier is the Econika firm, whose main base is located in the city of Ussuriysk. Products manufactured under this trademark are famous for their good workmanship, wide variety of models, reliability and long service life. Among the advantages of this brand, one can also note:
- relatively low cost of products, and, consequently, availability to a wide range of users;
- ergonomic and comfortable shape of the seats and handles;
- low weight due to the use of aluminum as the main material;
- ease of use and maintenance.
Among the most popular types of Totem cycling are:
- teenage;
- female;
- mountain two-suspension and mountain hardtail rulers;
- children's models.
Each type has its own design features. Bicycle models designed for women have a low beveled frame that allows them to ride in almost any clothing, comfortable seats, narrow handlebars and cheerful colors. Products designed for travel in rough and mountainous terrain are equipped with 2 suspensions and a reliable damping system for both wheels.
Hardtails are characterized by increased wheel width, rigid frame and shock absorption system. Children's and teenage models differ from adults only in size.
Model overview
Consider the most modern and popular Totem bike models. For better clarity, the technical characteristics are summarized in the table.
Indicators | Explosion 29 | Explosion 650B | Inspiron 29 | Inspiron 650B |
Type of | Mountain | Universal, mountain | Universal, mountain | Universal |
Floor | Unisex (more male) | Male | Male | Male |
Wheel diameter, inch | 29 | 27,5 | 29 | 27,5 |
Number of speeds | 27 | 27 | 24 | 24 |
Frame material | Aluminium alloy | Aluminium alloy | Aluminium alloy | Aluminium alloy |
Brakes | Front and rear hydraulic, Shimano BR-M355 | Front and rear hydraulic, Shimano BR-M355 | Front and rear hydraulic, Shimano BR-M355 | Front and rear hydraulic, Shimano BR-M355 |
Indicators | Ecosport 29 | Axion | Ecosport 650B | Strike SF-339M |
Type of | Niner, entry-level | Urban | Urban, entry-level | Mountain, cross-country |
Floor | Male | Female | Unisex | Unisex |
Wheel diameter, inch | 29 | 27,5 | 27,5 | 26 |
Number of speeds | 24 | 24 | 24 | 21 |
Frame material | Aluminium alloy | Aluminium alloy | Aluminium alloy | Steel |
Brakes | Front and rear mechanical, Tektro Disk MD-M280 | Front and rear hydraulic, Shimano BR-M355 | Front and rear mechanical, Tektro Disk MD-M280 | Front and rear mechanical, Zoom DB-450 |
Indicators | GW-12B111-24 | 1200D | SF-277-20 | Shakira 26 |
Type of | Teenage, mountain | Mountain, cross-country | Road, teen | Mountain |
Floor | Unisex | Unisex | Unisex | Female |
Wheel diameter, inch | 24 | 26 | 20 | 26 |
Number of speeds | 18 | 21 | 6 | 18 |
Frame material | Steel | Aluminium alloy | Steel | Steel |
Brakes | Front and rear V-Brake | Front and rear mechanical, Promax DSK-320 | Anterior and posterior tick-borne |
For each line have been developed their own types of brakes (on both wheels), ideally suited to this particular type. After all, it is one thing to ride on flat city streets or in a park area, and quite another thing to rush along off-road and mountain slopes.
Features of choice
There are several points to consider when choosing a vehicle.
- First of all, you need to decide in what conditions you will use it. Different models have been developed for different tasks. You shouldn't buy an ordinary city bike like a classic for extreme rides: it is not designed for this. Of course, you will make several trips on it, but at the same time you will see a discrepancy between the transport and the highway. And the risk of injury in such cases increases sharply - after all, the brakes of city transport may not be able to cope on a difficult section.
- The age of the user also matters a lot. It is not worth buying a bicycle for a teenager "for growth", because it is designed for a higher height, and when riding, the child will strain and get tired, which, in turn, increases the possibility of various injuries.
- Price question... You don't need to save money on the purchase, but you shouldn't overpay either.
Consult with the seller specifying the limit of your funds for the purchase of a bicycle in order to choose a high-quality and comfortable bike model.
Customer Reviews
Consumer reviews for the Totem brand are generally positive. Almost all users agree that products of this brand are a fairly high-quality product for relatively little money. They note the high reliability and quality of the design and materials used, the comfort and ergonomics of products, a large number of speed modes, the ability to withstand loads during normal driving and performing acrobatic stunts. The brand's strengths also include colorful design, simplicity and increased safety of use.
Some disadvantages are sometimes noted. Some buyers complain about too tight gearshift switches, which respond to pressing with a delay.
This problem can be solved by replacing the brake system. And also people notice that the models need to be run in and adjusted to their parameters, but this problem applies to all bicycles.
For a video review of the Totem bike, see the next video.