How to choose a walking bike?

One of the most environmentally friendly means of transportation today is a bicycle. Walking on this vehicle will help to improve health, relieve excess weight, and improve mood.

The purpose of all models of a modern walking bike is determined from the name. This popular type of transport is produced specifically for leisurely trips along the flat roads of the metropolis or park alleys. They will not be able to take part in a real rally, because it is customary to drive on this device deliberately leisurely and beautifully.

Distinctive features of such models:

• under-seat or front-mounted shock absorber;
• open light frame (sometimes folding);
• wide and soft saddle;
• special wings;
• small tread pattern;
• trunk (sometimes with a basket);
• chain protection;
• special headlights or flasher.

These bicycles can be multi-speed (7-21 speeds) with a low-level gear shifting mechanism. Wheels can be of different sizes (from 20 to 28 inches), which will allow you to easily choose the most suitable option for yourself.

The fit of these models is almost vertical, which means that the load on the rider's arms and back is reduced. A big plus will be the fact that many mechanisms are, in fact, maintenance-free, which will help reduce the time for caring for such a bike.

For convenience, you can classify all city bicycles into the following groups.

These are very comfortable and practical enough bikes for leisure or business trips along the city streets. They have the virtues of a true high-speed bike (multi-speed gear system and front-mounted shock absorber). There are also adjustments here that will allow you to ride with a straight back.

On such models there are special seats with a soft base, and the handlebars are especially comfortable, there is excellent tire pressure, factory-type fenders are installed that perfectly match the design. Wheels are 26 to 28 inches.

Folding bikes make it easy to take them with you on the bus and fit in the trunk without any problems. On many urban models, in addition to the steering wheel and frame, the pedals can also be folded, which is incredibly convenient. Each well-known manufacturing company offers its own vision of such models:

• Author - classic folding types of bicycle transport with special wings and a spacious place for carrying luggage;
• Giant - premium bikes;
• Strida - the most compact models, differ in the weight category up to 10 kg - they are perfect for a young woman or for a light teenager.

The word "cruise" is translated as "travel", such bicycles are often called beach bikes. Cruisers are considered by the professionals to be the brightest of all adult urban models. Of the characteristic features, one can single out a catchy design, a saddle that is very comfortable for a long ride, a steering wheel of sufficiently wide parameters, special wheels for the most comfortable ride and relaxation within the city, at the dacha or on the beach.

These are pretty big cruisers. Elongated models, massive frame type with heavy weight, wide wheels, large double-crown fork. Outwardly, these bikes are very similar to small motorcycles - by the way, this is where their name came from.

Characteristics:

• wheels from 20 to 26 inches;
• several speeds;
• special bushings with rear coaster brake and shock absorber.

Another very original subspecies of cycling is tandem, or as it is more often called "bicycle for two". With its help, you can get really unique emotions and ride around the city with your loved one or friend. Features of this variety:

• wheels 24-26 inches;
• up to 8 speeds;
• hubs with rear brakes.

Very light, therefore fast and easy to maintain bikes for large cities. These bike models do not have shock absorbers, but they do have disc brakes. Serious speed, long parking on the street at any temperature - all this can easily be mastered by urban models.

If you are a happy parent, you can also look after a children's tricycle with a handle - a great solution to teach your little one to walk in the fresh air in the city limits and often take such walks with the child. Such models of children's bicycles are usually equipped with a visor (from the sun or rain), comfortable ergonomics for greater comfort of the baby's walk.

If you want to buy a bike not only for walking, but also for trips to the nearest store, opt for modern models with a basket or a large trunk.

Consider the most popular and demanded options for walking bicycles.

• The Forward 4212 model tops the rating. This walking "car" has a pretty good suspension, wide tires, reliable braking system and several speeds. It is perfect for leisurely city trips in any season of the year.

• Giant FD 806. A frequently purchased bike suitable for both adults and children. It is in the second place in the ranking, it is no coincidence, since it is a walking folding type of city transport, which means that it will take up little space during transportation and storage.

• Schwin Racer. Large wheels and reliable brakes, outwardly distinguished by a stylish and thoughtful design, many rightfully consider this bike to be one of the best. The advantages also include a lightweight frame and a very wide handlebar.

• Author Meteor. In the list of excellent models for walking on city roads, this bike takes an honorable fourth place. It has a sturdy aluminum frame, hydraulically operated brakes, padded forks and quality double rims. All this makes this model quite light and maneuverable, ideal for the city.

• Bulls Wildcross Lady. The bicycle belongs to the female formation, but in fact it can be exploited both as a male and female walking model, and even purchased for older children.

• Stern Compact - a folding bike suitable for both adults and teenagers. It was designed for leisurely driving on paved or flat roads.

If you are wondering which one to choose for a walking type of bike, first pay attention to its functionality. With such a device, you should easily go around hatches, high curbs and even stones lying on the way.

Check out the quick changeover system for available speeds. Usually, on walking models, you can change the speed while stationary. This is a very good idea for any city trips that will require constant stops.

Many people believe that special cycling for the city is only suitable for women. In fact, as in any other category of cycling, here you can easily choose both male models, as well as any children. They will differ in parameters and type of frame. You should choose a bike for a man, taking into account the angle of inclination of the frame, as well as the size of this frame and the wheels themselves, it is worth paying attention to such a parameter as the width of the saddle.

To choose a walking model for a girl, you should take into account the physiological characteristics of the female body. A pleasure bike for women should have a slightly raised handlebar, a shortened base, and the distance between the saddle and the handlebar is reduced. Additional shock absorbers may be present on ladies' bikes. The saddle is wide and low. The distance from the saddle to the pedals also decreases, but the pedals themselves will be wider.

If you want to buy a city bike for your child, first of all, pay attention to the models of different ages. For preschoolers, special two-wheeled walking bikes are chosen. They will refer to the intermediate options between a bicycle on three wheels and a model for teenagers. Such models are unable to gain significant speed. The wheels are filled with rubber, that is, there is no camera in them.

For slightly older children, it is better to buy a teenage model with a low steel frame. There will be only one speed here, but you can brake by turning the pedals in the opposite direction. Teenage bikes are often equipped with manual front brakes.