How to choose the right bike so as not to regret buying?

Buying a bike is a responsible business. If you approach this task carefully, then two-wheeled transport will delight you for a long time, providing pleasant and healthy minutes of leisure. Before making your choice, you should clearly understand what kind of bike you need, for what purposes, and what characteristics it should have.

Bicycles are different. This transport is divided into classes according to purpose, number of wheels, characteristics. Some people need a light and hardy "iron horse" that will help you quickly get to work or study, others need a special mode of transport that will allow you to get a lot of impressions and adrenaline from breathtaking cycling stunts.

This vehicle is ideally adapted for mountainous terrain, equipped with a reinforced structure. These bikes can be found under the names MTB, ATB, mountain bike. They are ideal for downhill, freeride, dirt and cross-country training. The bike easily overcomes rough terrain and is suitable for poor road conditions.

These models are distinguished by a rather powerful frame, wheels with solid tires and pronounced tread, a large number of gears, rim and disc brakes. There are many options for additional equipment of transport - it depends on the specific purpose. It's one thing to ride out of town on your day off, and a completely different approach will be required to complete a bike for a competition. Today, riders are using mountain models for everyday urban driving.

These bicycles have wide and thick tires. The frame outwardly resembles a mountain frame, but is distinguished by an even greater strength. This is a true off-road vehicle among bicycles. Snow porridge on the road, sand, mud patches easily obey him. On such transport, you can happily go on a hiking trip. Transport will go perfectly both in the forest and in the field.

The classification of sports models is extensive. This includes road bikes or roadbikes. They are ideal for highway cycling. They are distinguished by their very light weight, design with thin wheels, special shape of the steering wheel and seat. A person on this sits not vertically, but aerodynamically, with an inclination forward, which allows one to develop tremendous speeds. They require an even road surface.

Sports also include cyclocross... These bikes are similar to road bikes in appearance, but have their own distinctive features - they are designed to ride on uneven roads, if not even over rough terrain at high speeds. They are distinguished by a solid frame, excellent protectors, reliable disc brakes. Cyclocross is often used not only by athletes, but also by amateurs for ordinary driving in the city and beyond.

Another type of sports bike is the trial bike. It is also used for freestyle. Such models are designated BMX and trial. These models cannot be confused with others: they have lengthened frames, located low, there is no saddle, and a wide handlebar. This makes it possible to ride almost standing up, perform amazing stunts.

City bikes or road bikes are not much inferior to sports bikes in terms of the breadth of types. And the opinion that their main function is city and recreational driving is not entirely correct. They are simple only in appearance, in fact, these popular bicycles are strikingly different from each other.

Road bikes are heavier than sports bikes, but also more stable, comfortable, you can always attach a trunk to them, a shopping basket, fenders, there is a chain protection so that trousers and ladies' dresses do not fall into the chain during the trip.

City bicycles have wide saddles, cannot boast of a large number of speeds, but this is not required in urban traffic conditions. The design assumes an upright fit for the rider.

The hybrid is a true versatile option that combines the advantages of urban, highway and mountain options. To put it simply, it looks more like a mountain bike, but is ideally adapted for moving on the asphalt of cities and towns.

The hybrid models feature lightweight and tall frames. On them, you can, if desired, install fenders, a trunk, and other accessories. Such bicycles are very popular, since they correspond to several tasks at once, they are multivariate.

Touring or tourist models are designed for calm tourist riding on relatively flat roads. They are similar to road racks, but can be equipped with a rack designed for a large load of luggage, have a rigid fork and very reliable wheels. The drivetrain often includes off-road travel capability. Perfectly protected from dirt and moisture.

They are easy to store in conditions of space shortages, carry them in the trunk, or even carry them by hand when the rider has reached their destination. There are city, tourist folding bicycles, electric. They are slightly inferior in speed, handling, but the folding frame is worth it. Compactness comes first for these bikes.

Children's transport is a very diverse group. It includes two-wheeled, three-wheeled and four-wheeled options. Women's bicycles have structural differences that take into account anatomical features: the geometry of the frame is different, the distance from the seat to the handlebars is shorter, the seat is wider.

There are special bicycles on which it is convenient and easy to transport goods. They are usually three-wheeled and have a large basket at the back. Such a bike will become a real help in the country, in the countryside. There are models with trailers - wheelchairs for loads.

In fact, these are also almost trucks, but instead of a trailer, a structure is attached at the rear, on which the second cyclist can fit. The first one steers and chooses the direction, the second pedals and breathes fresh air for pleasure.

These bicycles have an electric motor. You can ride them both in the usual way, diligently pedaling, and using the "services" of a motor-wheel, which rotates by an electric motor.

A very interesting bike, which is also popularly called recumbent. The cyclist's back is on a special lounger. Such models accelerate very well, they are maneuverable, and a special fit allows you to travel long distances and not get tired.

A bicycle with one regular wheel. A cyclist is located directly above him. These unicycle are found in the line of mountain, stunt and even road vehicles.

This includes bicycle models for transporting people. There are seats for several people behind the main rider. There are triple and quadruple models. Usually, adults are in front and behind, and children are in the middle.

As you can see, there are many types of bicycles, and therefore riding style is the most important criterion for choosing a suitable model, which will allow you to choose the right vehicle for a summer residence, sports, commuting or walking, for a child or a pensioner.

As the name suggests, the purpose of such a vehicle is to quickly move around the city to work, study, take walks, travel to shops, to markets. Typically, such models are affordable, manufactured using materials that are inexpensive at cost. You should not be confused by the frame made of steel, there are no gears or there are no more than five.

The models are quite heavy - from 15 kilograms or more. When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the frame. If a woman is going to ride, then it is better to choose an open structure, men are more suitable for a frame in the form of a trapezoid.

City bicycles are most often all-welded, but there are also folding models. - they are more convenient to store, even in the absence of a special place for it. Adult city bikes have wheel sizes ranging from 20 to 28 inches. Tire widths range from 1.5 to 2.1 inches.

No other bike requires as much goal-setting as mountain bikes. They have a very specific purpose, and therefore you need to decide what exactly you need an "iron horse" for. If you need to drive on uneven country roads, then it is better to choose a model with a light aluminum frame, good shock absorbers. Mountain bike brakes are generally excellent, but dual brakes are preferable as a back-up system.

If the goal is to ride at high speed, then it will not be difficult to choose, preference should be given to models with a number of speeds from 21 to 27.

A road bike can be easily compared to a racing car: it is painful to ride on bad roads, but it is a pleasure to ride on a flat track. This is the lightest and fastest model, it should weigh within 5 kilograms. The lack of shock absorption makes the structure lighter, but it is this fact that makes the transport very inconvenient for driving on dirt roads. The road bike is great for fans of high speeds and for those who ride on tracks with a special surface, for fans of road cycling, trial.

The steering wheel of the road bike resembles a horn in shape and this is optimal for damping the resistance of the headwind, the wheels are narrow, there are no suspensions. Better to give preference to models with carbon fiber or aluminum frames. A convenient backpack will be a good addition to the purchase, since the trunk is not installed on such vehicles.

This type of bicycle is in the greatest demand due to its versatility and durability. It's a mix of mountain bikes and road bikes and it's all designed for multi-purpose use. The tires have a double tread: the outer side is rough, the inner side is flat, this makes it possible to drive a hybrid on different types of road surfaces.

The wheels are big, but the ride is quite light. They are stable, safe and reliable. When choosing such a vehicle, it should be borne in mind that a flat and elongated steering wheel is optimal. - it will provide the correct body position in which the rider will be less tired. The location of the gear and brakes is also optimal for a relaxed ride, not for overcoming racing.

The questions that arise when choosing an "iron horse" are varied and numerous. They are not only asked by athletes who choose a specific model, adapted for the type of cycling that a person is engaged in. All the rest are not immune from doubts. So, the basic tips for choosing:

• define the purposes for which you need a bike;
• specify where you will often ride it;
• have an accurate idea of ​​your own height and weight;
• answer yourself the question: what time of the year will the trips be carried out;
• set a price range that you can handle.

If we have already considered the main target purposes of cycling, then it remains to find out the compliance criteria for other issues. If you plan to ride in the winter, then it is better to choose models equipped with hydraulic shock absorbers and disc brakes.

There is an opinion among the people that the more speeds the bike has, the better, steeper and more fun. This is a myth, and before talking about the required number of speeds, one should clearly understand who needs it at all - a large number of them?

When choosing a bike, you can easily notice that the number of speeds ranges from 1 to 33. Moreover, the combinations can be different - 1x7, 2x9, 1x11 and so on. You should know that the number of stars in front is indicated by the first number, while the second answers the question of how many stars are behind. The bike has exactly as many speeds as you get when you multiply the first number by the second.

Basically, a gear change is a chain throwing from one chainring to another, which allows you to change the gear ratio and pedaling forces. Shifting gears is necessary to improve comfort, because this simple action helps to spend less energy when driving on a bad road, in unpleasant weather conditions.

Previously, it was believed that a larger number of possible speeds gives a real opportunity to choose a larger number of motion options, but today it is believed that a huge number of them is simply not required; in addition, the more speeds, the heavier the bike will be due to the set stars.

Hence the pricing. Bikes with 7-9 speeds are usually much more affordable than 10-speed bikes, and 11-12 speed bikes are sometimes found in professional models. Remember - the more speeds, the more stars, the thinner the chain. This reduces the durability indicators.

Frame material is important when choosing a bike. The most common frames are steel and aluminum, less often titanium and carbon frames. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. A good bike frame that you won't regret buying for a day needs to be durable and reliable.

Steel frames are conventional, carbon, chrome-molybdenum. Plain steel is the cheapest option and is used to make cheap bicycles. These are not the strongest or most durable frames. They are susceptible to corrosion and can break. Carbon steel exhibits corrosion protection, is flexible enough to provide shock absorption, and is affordable.

Chrome-molybdenum frame - the most reliable and durable among all types of steel, but it also costs more. The great advantages of any steel frame lie in the simplicity and affordability of its repair.

Aluminum frames give the bike less weight, it becomes much easier on it to drive up a mountain or quickly pick up speed. But aluminum, even in the composition of a high-quality alloy, is capable of accumulating "fatigue", and this increases the likelihood of instant breakdown. This is especially true for fans of extreme driving. Aluminum frames are not susceptible to rust, but they damp vibration worse, show increased sensitivity to shocks, cracks, dents. At the same time, such frames are almost impossible to repair.

Titanium frames are considered to be some of the best. The material has incorporated all the advantages of steel and aluminum alloys. But a titanium frame is expensive. These frames are most appreciated by cycling enthusiasts, because bicycles have excellent acceleration, keep speed and do not break, and are also indifferent to moisture, dirt and chemicals on the road.

Carbon frames are more reliable and durable, and therefore they are often found on professional sports models. The bicycles are lightweight, almost titanium-like, durable and not prone to rust. The disadvantages include the high cost and the impossibility of repair.

There are two options - either there is a shock absorber or it is not. A bike without a shock absorber will catch all bumps, stones and give a lot of unpleasant minutes, but on a flat road it will show excellent speed, and the version with a shock absorber is more suitable for riding on rough terrain.

For a quiet city ride, you can do without a shock absorber, but in the conditions of mountains or fields, forests, it is difficult to imagine driving without it. Modern mountain bikes and their varieties are equipped with different shock absorbers. There are options when the device is located only on the front wheel, there are double suspensions - with shock absorption in the front and rear.

Spring shock absorbers speak for themselves - the effect of suppressing shocks from irregularities is achieved thanks to a conventional spring. They are found on the most inexpensive models and are quite rare. Spring-elastomeric shock absorbers are more often used. They can be found on entry-level hobbyist models. Spring-oil shock absorber - an excellent choice for those who plan to ride in winter, because the oil retains its quality better in cold conditions. Air-oil - the lightest shock absorption systems. There is no spring in them as a species, there is only oil and air.

Good brakes are the key to your safety. Most often, modern bikes are equipped with rim braking systems - braking is achieved by acting on the wheel rim. Among these brakes, Campagnolo and Shimano are considered to be of higher quality.

Disc brakes are considered faster and more accurate, braking is achieved by compressing a special disc with brake pads. They are hydraulic and mechanical. Can only be installed in the front or both in the front and in the back.

The rim size and height are specified by the manufacturer. The width indicates the presence of several walls. The height indicates the resistance of the rim to possible deformation on bumps and holes. Respectively, wider and higher rims are used for freeriding than for measured city riding.

If the bicycle has disc brakes, then the issue of rim selection is not at all important. But if the brake is rim, it is important that it is made of high quality, for example, from aluminum with a flat wall.

If you have to ride on a flat road or track, then give preference to tires of the "slick" type - simple, without protectors. But they may not be able to handle wet braking. For driving on a dirt road, off-road and cross-country, "semi-slick" is more suitable - a tire with protectors on the sides.

For mud and gravel riding and mountain skiing, choose mud tires. You can opt for a universal option - rubber reinforced with carbon fiber. Tubeless tires are suitable for special rims with high heights. And for sports riding, bicycle tubes are ideal - tires of increased strength.

Wheel diameters range from 20 to 36 inches. The smallest are options for children's bicycles. 24 inches - teenage bikes and freeride models. 26 "is a popular and common type of wheel for city bikes. 27 inches is a road size. 28 inches - hybrid and off-road. 29 inches - mountain bikes, but not all.

When choosing a bike, it is important to consider the rider's height and age.

If a child's height is up to 85 centimeters, he is more suitable for children's models with wheels up to 12 inches, but as soon as his height exceeds a meter, you can pick up bicycles with wheels from 12 to 16 inches. The weight limit for children's bikes is 20 kilograms.

Teenage models are smaller versions of adults, the size starts from 135 centimeters. From about 15 years old, a child can switch to an adult model.

With an on-site choice, you just need to try on the frame for yourself. To do this, one leg needs to be thrown over the frame, resting against the saddle with your back. If there is about a dozen centimeters of free space from the frame to the crotch, the bike is suitable for you. Consider your own weight and the weight of the load, leave some margin in case of a sudden increase in the load on the frame when jumping from a curb, for example.

Pay attention to the package contents - it is important that the kit contains hexagons that will help you assemble the bike. Some models are additionally equipped with wings, bell. But bags and on-board computers, if desired, will have to be installed separately.

Do not miss the opportunity not only to try on transport in height, but also ride it at least a few meters. This will give you a feel for its features and make the final choice.

It will not be difficult to choose a high-quality and reliable bike if you know the names of the best brands:

• GT;
• Merida;
• Stels;
• Specialized;
• Cube;
• Giant;
• Author;
• Forward;
• Schwinn;
• Trek.

There can be two mistakes when choosing a bike - an attempt to buy a model you like as a gift as a surprise without the personal participation of the person to whom the gift is intended, and an attempt to buy a bike remotely in appearance. In the first case, you can miscalculate with the size, in the second - get a "pig in a poke".

In order for your bike to be on warranty service, make a purchase in the manufacturer's online official store, make sure you have a correctly completed warranty card.

Read the instructions carefully before using. remember, that the bike needs proper care as prescribed by the manufacturers.

No bike can be considered a completely safe device, and therefore take care of protection - carbon fiber helmet or plastic knee pads and elbow pads help avoid serious injury.

How to choose the right bike, see below.