How to choose a bike for height for men, women and children – expert opinion

The fashion for a healthy lifestyle in recent years has swept the whole world and contributed to the rapid growth of sales of sports equipment and equipment. The popularity of bicycles has also not been spared – this compact, convenient and environmentally friendly transport is preferred by more and more people, it is it that is used to get to work and solve everyday issues, it is it that is often replaced by a car. But in order to feel the maximum effect and benefit from riding and training, you need to pay close attention to the selection of a bike, its main characteristics and mechanisms.

Best bicycle manufacturers – which company to choose

As in the case of cars, there are now a great many different bicycle manufacturers in the world, each of which has a variety of models for every taste and for every price budget. It is the latter that in many cases plays a decisive role in choosing one or another bicycle – high-quality, branded products are very expensive. In general, when choosing a specific bike model, the following brands should be preferred:

1. Giant

2. Forward

3. Shimano

4. Gt bicycles

5. Shtil

Each of the above manufacturers has in its own catalog a large number of different models for every taste – there really is plenty to choose from! Before buying a bike you like, it's best to study customer reviews, taking into account both laudatory and negative posts on the Internet.

The principle of operation and the device of the bicycle

The design of bicycles and the basic principle of their operation are well known to everyone, and therefore lengthy descriptions are not required. Any bike, regardless of its price range and design, consists of several key elements:

1. Frame. It has a welded construction and is made of durable metal pipes. Magnesium alloys, aluminum, as well as other metals and their alloys are widely used to achieve certain characteristics. The lower part of the frame is equipped with a special carriage that fixes the pedal assembly. It is he who sets in motion a gear wheel, which, through a chain, transmits torque to the rear wheel;

2. The steering assembly also consists of several key elements. In its upper part there is the steering wheel itself with the brake levers, gear change mechanisms and other elements attached to it. At the bottom, the steering column bifurcates and turns into a fork for attaching the front wheel.

3. The transmission mechanism takes a special place. Not all bicycle models are equipped with it, but it was originally intended to change the gear ratio, which has a direct effect on the speed of the bicycle, as well as on the force that must be applied to achieve a certain speed;

Types of bicycles

Despite the generality of the design, the bicycles on sale have cardinal differences between themselves, and therefore, before choosing the appropriate option, it is necessary to decide on a specific type of bicycle.

Mountain bikes

A strong frame, oversized wheels equipped with off-road tires, a powerful pedal assembly with a high bogie position – these are their main elements. These bicycles are designed for use in harsh conditions and for active travel on rough terrain.

Advantages

• Strong frame capable of withstanding significant dynamic loads;

• Excellent shock-absorbing properties;

• High cross-country ability;

• Maximum stability in any operating mode;

• A large number of speeds for different operating modes;

disadvantages

• High price;

• Not suitable for monotonous driving in urban environments;

• Inconvenient saddle;

Universal (all-round)

To some extent, all-round bikes can be considered versatile. Their design is very similar to mountain bikes in a somewhat simplified version, which makes it a very good option for both off-road rides and city riding. They are distinguished by excellent performance characteristics, high cross-country ability and the presence of high-quality components and assemblies.

Advantages

• High versatility – suitable for both off-road riding and driving on asphalt;

• Allows installation of a trunk;

• Low cost;

• Excellent shock absorbing capabilities;

• Robust and reliable frame construction;

disadvantages

• Limited functionality when operating on rough terrain;

Road bikes

Models that fully reveal their own characteristics when driving on good asphalt. Designed for movement at high speed, which is facilitated by a high-quality lightweight frame, a downward-curved steering wheel, as well as large-diameter wheels with fairly narrow tires.

Advantages

• Low weight;

• High-quality transmission, designed for high driving speed;

• High-speed and maneuverable devices;

• Lightweight and durable frame;

disadvantages

• Hard and not comfortable enough;

• Designed exclusively for road use;

City bikes

Simple and practical models for urban use. They are distinguished by a well thought-out design and provide a sufficiently high degree of comfort for the rider. Almost always equipped with a transmission that provides the ability to change the gear ratios depending on the load and driving mode.

Advantages

• Compact devices designed for everyday use;

• Low cost;

• Wide wheels providing a decent roll and good cross-country ability;

• Comfortable fit while riding;

• Well-developed luggage capacity – assumes the presence of both a trunk and a basket for things in the front;

disadvantages

• On most models, shock absorbers are absent as a class;

  Insufficiently developed braking system;

Bike selection options

Bicycle frame design and height

This parameter, in the opinion of experienced cyclists, is decisive – a correctly selected frame of the desired height provides maximum comfort when driving in any mode. The height of the frame is taken from the carriage of the pedal assembly to the cross, intended for attaching the saddle. This parameter is entirely linked to the length of the cyclist's legs, as well as to his height: the taller the rider, the higher the frame should be.

Frame material

1. The stainless steel frame is a good old-fashioned option. The frames made of steel can be found on budget bike models; it has decent strength and is able to withstand significant loads. The only downside to the steel frame is weight;

2. Aluminum frames can be considered to some extent the opposite of steel. They are lightweight, but aluminum structures cannot be called overly strong;

3. Frames made of magnesium, molybdenum and other alloys are strong enough and at the same time weigh quite a bit. Corrosion resistance, sufficient strength and low price – these are the main advantages of such frames;

4. Titanium and carbon frames are not suitable for everyone, primarily due to the sky-high prices. Otherwise, such frames have practically no drawbacks – they are very durable, practically weightless and capable of withstanding significant loads.

Bike weight

Traditionally, it is believed that the lower the weight, the lower the mechanical strength of the bicycle. However, this does not apply to professional models – the use of modern materials made it possible to achieve a minimum weight and decent strength. Traditionally, it is believed that for everyday use, the weight of a bicycle should be about 15-20 kilograms. If you like high-speed slalom and highway racing, you should prefer lighter, about 12-14 kilograms, models.

Shock absorbers

Similar to automotive shock absorbers, shock absorbers are designed to reduce shock and vibration transmitted from the wheel to the steering wheel and frame. For this purpose, four different types of construction are provided, each of which has both pros and cons:

1. Spring shocks are well known to many riders. Their main drawback is aging of the metal and a short service life as a result. There are a lot of advantages: there is good depreciation, low cost, and ease of maintenance;

2. Oil shock absorbers and their air-oil counterparts are an excellent option for off-road driving. They are a reservoir filled with special oil, which performs shock-absorbing functions. The disadvantages include the tendency to leakage, as well as the limited weight and size characteristics of the rider – models with oil shock absorbers are not suitable for people heavier than 100-110 kilograms;

3. Air shock absorbers are exclusively for city bikes, which do not “see” off-road and dirt. In urban use, they run for a long time and provide excellent shock-absorbing properties. And they can also be adjusted to the weight of almost any person;

Brake system

1. Traditional pedal brakes are the most common type of mechanism today. Stop the bicycle by pressing the pedals in the opposite direction. Simple and unpretentious in operation, but hardly able to provide decent braking performance during intensive use;

2. V-brakes are a special cable mechanism equipped with shoes that are pressed against the rim using special calipers. Only show their effectiveness when the wheel rim is dry and flat and the pads are in good condition. Whimsical in operation, in need of regular replacement of pads. Of the advantages, it should be noted the low price and significant braking efficiency;

3. Disc brakes – both mechanical and hydraulic. The key feature is that they do not brake the rim itself, but the wheel hub, being isolated from the environment. This makes them independent of weather conditions, temperature and rim conditions. The disadvantages include the high price and complexity of repair and service;

Transmission and number of gears

A mechanism that is responsible for the ride characteristics of a particular bicycle and allows you to change the load and speed depending on the operating conditions. The most sophisticated mechanisms produced by Shimano, Alteco and other world-famous corporations can have up to 28-30 speed adjustments, but they are needed only by professional cyclists. For normal urban operation, budget transmission models equipped with 7-10 different speeds are more than enough.

When choosing a transmission with which a particular bike is equipped, attention should be paid to quality, and therefore products from well-known European and Japanese concerns – Shimano, Alteco, SRAM – are in priority.

Which bike should you choose?

1. For everyday urban use and driving to a place of study or work, there is no point in buying highly specialized expensive models. A classic city bike with a lightweight aluminum frame, Shimano brakes and drivetrain, and large wheels with a road tread pattern will be the best option for this type of operation;

2. If your goal is to ride through the forest or country roads, but urban exploitation is also possible, you should give preference to a classic universal bike or an inexpensive mountain model. Big wheels, smart braking system and multi-speed transmission will surely be a nice addition;

3. Professionals looking to operate in harsh conditions close to extreme should pay attention to the top-end mountain models with a two-suspension frame design, equipped with powerful wheels with a diameter of 27-29 inches, hydraulic disc brakes and thoughtful damping system. Drivetrain – Exceptionally quality solutions from Shimano or SRAM;

How much does a bike cost?

1. Classic models for everyday use in urban mode, the so-called city bikes, start from 10 thousand and can reach 50-60 thousand rubles. Children's similar models are cheaper – when buying a high-quality bike, it is quite possible to keep within 10-12 thousand rubles;

2. Road bikes are very highly specialized models, and therefore the price for them is appropriate – the start starts at a level of 15-20 thousand rubles and can reach 80-100 thousand;

3. Professional mountain bikes are the most expensive devices in our ranking. Prices for the best models from well-known manufacturers can reach 400-500 thousand rubles, but it is quite possible to purchase a high-quality model for 40-60 thousand.

In the following articles, our experts tell you how to choose a bike for an adult, the secrets of choosing a bike for a triathlon and the peculiarities of choosing a bike for the city.

Bike selection video

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.