Bicycle - affordable transport for everyone and how to keep within 10,000 rubles

There are no people who have not ridden a bike. Even on a small three-wheeled one, as a child, but it was. Because great is a transport for any age, needs, requirements. It is simple and complex: easy to operate, difficult to balance, pleasant to relax, and you can seriously engage in sports. He has two wheels for all occasions and a lot of advantages. But the main thing is that you can master this type of movement at any age. Having learned in childhood, after 50 years, you can safely take the wheel and drive as if you did it every day. Let's talk about how to choose a bike and the best models for up to 10,000 rubles

A word to novice cyclists

Riding a bike is a favorite pastime, a useful activity, convenient eco-transport. If you do not have this unpretentious "iron horse" yet, it's time to buy it. If this is your first two-wheeled unit, then you've come to the right place - we'll help you figure it out. There are special reasons for beginners. One of them - what if you don't like it: maybe swimming will be healthier and more pleasant for your health? Important questions - where to store, where to ride, is there a company? Further, all this will rest on finances: you buy a cool bike, and it will be unnecessary for objective reasons.

There is a solution to this issue - the first bike can be bought from the budget line, inexpensive, without "bells and whistles", but safe, suitable for a beginner bike-reveler. Here it is important to know the structure of the bike, a few basic rules when choosing. Conversations that the minimum price for bicycle equipment cannot be lower than 10 thousand rubles is a trick of brand manufacturers. This statement can be accurate when choosing for specific tasks - long-distance travel, mountain biking, and other specifics.

Most of the population needs this type of transport to ride for pleasure and maintain health. It is not the number of speeds that is much more important, but the presence of a basket or trunk for transporting food. A good entry-level vehicle can be purchased for 5-10 thousand rubles. Yes, it will be without a lot of speeds and a reinforced frame, but for walks in the country or in the park, trips to the store, light sports training, it is quite suitable.

The budget price of a good option is not obtained at the expense of deteriorating security. To reduce the cost of goods, the manufacturer will save on additional attachments, lightweight materials. It is important to find a middle ground between banknotes and quality. In order not to run into a really cheap low-quality fake, you have to deal with the device, the capabilities of two-wheeled vehicles.For the same amount, you can buy a decent city one, and a beautiful one, which in one season will fall apart without the possibility of repair. So we are very carefully studying the useful information on this issue.

What are bicycles

This technique differs in type, style of use, construction. It looks simple, in specific versions it can be very confusing. The average buyer of a recreational bike does not need to understand disc mechanics, brake hydraulics, or distinguish between a semi-integrated or threadless steering column. But you need to have a general idea of ​​the device in order to understand what speed, comfort and safety depend on.

By type, bicycles are divided into:

1. Alpine (mountain bike): the most popular type in the world. They easily roll off-road, behave well on asphalt. They have powerful tires with deep treads. According to the degree of sophistication and the number of speeds, they are initial, amateur, semi-professional, pro. There is a type of MTB - two-suspension (two shock absorbers), it is also divided according to the principle "initial - pro". Among mountain bikes there are 29 bicycles with enlarged wheels.

2. Walking (comfortable): this type includes road, cruisers, tandems. They are suitable for quiet, calm bike rides on the hard ground of park alleys or asphalt. They are characterized by a comfortable soft saddle, stylish design aesthetics, easy gear shifting, and specific fit.

3. Urban: similar in use to the comfortable type - driving on asphalt and unpaved paths. Easy to operate, increased safety, high design. Subspecies - fitness, cross-country. Bicycle fitness is a hybrid of mountain and road, rigid fork without front shock absorber, sporty fit, large wheels. Cross suspension fork, 48 tooth chainring, large wheels, double rims. These modifications are designed for serious activity, tension.

4. Road (Touring): Fastest. Race on asphalt or track. Features - the steering wheel is bent down, the wheels are tall, narrow, and the frame is thinner. They have no fenders, side lights, luggage bells and whistles. A subspecies of road racing - cyclocross: tires are wider, the tread is convex, the frame is shorter and lower.

5. Extreme: for stunts, jumping, not for recreation or travel. Feature - maximum strength.

6. Electric bicycles (bicycle hybrids): have three modes of operation - from the electric motor, on the pedals, pedals + engine. The batteries are removable and can be charged from the mains like phones.

Each type has modifications: female / male, regular / folding. Folding is convenient for transportation, in urban environments, when you have to use public transport. It fits in the trunk of a car without any problems, it is easier to store it at home. It is not a sports-speed one, but it is very convenient for walking. Speed ​​modes are available on some foldable models.

There is another gradation. This point of choice is the most straightforward and obvious, each type of list has features:

1. Men's / Women's: The difference lies in the design of the frame - it is understated in the women's walking models. In sports, there are no differences between men and women.
2. Teenage: Similar to adult mountain. Wheels - 24 inches, the design is arranged for safe handling with a relatively low weight and height of the driver. There are fenders, a footrest. Special ones are produced - for girls, where there is a special style.
3. Baby: small uncomplicated structures equipped with side castors for stability. Soft overhead details, trunk, bright colors. Children are considered great in age categories:

• up to three years (wheel diameter 8-12 inches);
• 3-5 years old (14-15);
• 5-9 years old (18-20).

1. The older the age, the more they look like adults, but the controls and equipment are simpler.

Something about bike construction

In general, it consists of a frame and attachments. Several knots are essential for a good ride.

Frame

We pay the closest attention to the frame - this is the main element of the bike. They are made from aluminum, carbon, steel, chromium-molybdenum, titanium.Steel structures are heavy, used in folding models. Aluminum and carbon - the structures are light, the rigidity is good. The price of the product depends on the material. Attachments cost 2-3 times more than the base itself.

Material	Weight	Resistant to damage	Repairs	Price
Steel	heavy	strong but corrosive	Easy to fix by yourself	Budgetary
Aluminum alloys	easy	less strong than steel, not afraid of corrosion	Repairs are possible, but not easy	Average
Carbon	very light	durable, but is afraid of hitting sharp objects and moisture getting into the frame	Broke - throw it out	Premium

Frames differ in size according to a person's height, which is indicated by a sticker on the carriage. Size charts are available in every specialty store.

Frame size, inches	Frame size, cm	Height, cm	Designation	Value
13″-14.5″	33-36	145 — 155	XS (XSmall)	Minimum
15″-16″	38-40	158 — 172	S (Small)	Small
17″-18″	43-47	168 — 182	M (Meduim)	Middle
19″-20″	48-52	178 — 190	L (Large)	Big
21″-22″	55-58	188 — 200	XL (XLarge)	Very big
23″-24″	59-62	200 — 210	XXL (XLarge)	Maximum

Why this indicator is important: a large or small frame for the driver will make an incorrect, uncomfortable fit. Stress, quick fatigue will not allow you to rest on a walk, exacerbating the problems of a sedentary lifestyle.

Depreciation

How smoothly the vehicle responds to uneven road surfaces depends on the shock absorbers. For bicycles, they are of three types:

1. Rigid: a classic, rigid fork, seat post with shock absorber or saddle with springs (road, road, BMX, cruisers, fat bikes).

• pedals spin efficiently without swinging;
• less weight.

• shaking when driving on rough roads.

2. Hardtail: front fork with shock absorber, rigid tail (any, except road).

• comfort on bumps;
• reduced vibration.

• pedaling is not easy;
• increased weight.

3. Two-suspension: the presence of two shock absorbers: front - like a hardtail, rear - a pendulum (mountain, specialized for downhill).

• comfortable ride;
• reduced load on the spine.

• even more weight;
• maximum effort when pedaling.

Steering column

There are 4 options for the device of this node, the reliability and price depend on it:

• threaded - classic, lightweight, the most budgetary. But it is difficult to configure, the reliability is low;
• threadless - it can be cleaned without problems, lubricated, easy to install, more reliable, reasonable price;
• semi-integrated - the price is higher, the design is more complicated, but the quality and safety are growing;
• integrated - the most complicated, expensive, lightweight, reliable, but difficult to maintain and repair.

There is no need to decide on your own, it is better to consult with experts.

Wheels

The size of the wheels is determined in inches (1 d = 25.5 mm). Huge number of variations:

• mountain bikes have three rim diameters - 26; 27.5; 29 inches;
• road racing - 28;
• urban - 20, 26, 28.

Realizing that a large wheel is a guarantee of a comfortable ride, a higher speed, we note that you will have to spend more energy on spinning a “large diameter”. The downside will be reduced maneuverability.

A separate topic is tires and tread. The bead cord in tires enhances durability, but affects the price of the product. The cheapest option is steel threads, but they tend to break, the result is a punctured chamber. Ideally - nylon, more expensive - Kevlar.

As for the pattern on the tire, the more powerful the tread, the easier off-road patency, more confident driving, more control. On the other hand, pedaling with aggressive tread is much harder on a good track. If there are cleats, it makes pedaling even more difficult, and the cleats are mercilessly erased by asphalt.

The rims are single, double, even triple. The double is as good as possible - the price and reliability are optimal. Material for money-quality - aluminum. This rim is lightweight, durable and inexpensive. In case of deformation, it can be aligned. The carbon rim is expensive and cannot be repaired. Steel - only on single rims, the most inexpensive models.

Brake

There are also many variations: rim, disc, mechanical drive, hydraulic.

1. The old way, when the pedals slow down, turning back, they are put on simple bikes without speeds. The design is complex, but reliable.
2. V-Brake, tick-borne. Brake levers - on the handlebars for both wheels. When pressed, the cable is pulled, the brake pads are activated, clamping the rim. Cheap, easy to operate, but do not work well when dirty, in the rain.
3. Disk mechanical. The principle is tick-borne, but the pads dampen the speed of the brake rotor. Braking reliability increases in bad weather and deformation.
4. Disc hydraulic - hydraulic lines drive the brake pads. Excellent performance in all conditions. But they make the structure heavier, increase the cost, and it is difficult to repair it yourself.

When choosing a hydraulic brake, pay attention to the rotor diameter. Optimal - 16 cm, the larger the diameter, the more effective the braking, but the weight increases.

Pedals

They are of three types:

1. Platform - plastic, metal, combined. A traditional axle with bearings is the most budgetary option.
2. Contact - special shoes are fastened with a clasp. Dear sports guy.
3. Combined - the pedal has a fastener, on the other hand it spins from ordinary shoes.

Here are the basic points to know when choosing a two-wheeled friend. There are also a lot of minor minor ones - a carriage, a speed selector, a seatpost, a type and stem of a rudder, sprockets. They affect ride quality, price, stability, but to a lesser extent.

Brands and firms

As for the manufacturers of the two-wheeled miracle, the skeletons of all budget models are made in Asia, the highest quality in Taiwan. A European or American label is a publicity stunt: the head office may be located there, and the production facilities are in Asia. Low-quality bases come to the market from Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia.

Each company has its own price ranges, but the bottom line is different everywhere. If you have no more than 10 thousand rubles for a purchase, pay attention to budget brands Stels, Stark, Atom, Haro.

Ratings

There is no point in looking for the cheapest bikes, because the stingy pays twice. It is more practical to look at the ratings of promoted companies, where along with the expensive ones, economy models will certainly be presented. Here the Stels brand bikes are the palm.

STELS

Stels is a brand of the Russian company Velomotors. A wide assortment, excellent quality, reasonable cost - this is what distinguishes it on the bicycle product market. A weighty argument in favor of the company - spare parts and accessories are available, European level of service - sales and further maintenance. Great for children can be purchased from 3 thousand rubles. Numerous models for adults in the range of up to 10,000 rubles allow you to choose not only by price, but by other indicators.

TOP-9 for 2020 of the Russian brand "Stels" offers three popular models (places from 7 to 9) in the price range we need.

7th place: STELS Navigator 210 Gent 26 Z010 (2018)

RUB 5,850 - RUB 7,665

City bike for beginners. The middle tread on 26-inch wheels makes it stable and passable in any weather. The double rim will prevent deformation when meeting the curb. The frame is steel, increases the weight of the equipment, but dampens vibration when driving on uneven roads. The usual foot brake, the most reliable for the first attempts. Comfortable seat, curved, adjustable steering wheel, good equipment. Cover for fenders and chain is provided.

Specifications:

• urban (rigid - rigid);
• frame - steel, size 19 inches;
• wheels - 26 inches;
• brake - rear foot;
• one speed;
• weight: 16.55 kg.

• decent design, easy control;
• cross-country ability is very decent;
• the equipment is pleasantly pleasing;
• an excellent price tag - a budget model with a bunch of bonuses.

• the drive system is not credible.

8th place: STELS Navigator 325 28 Z010 (2018)

RUB 6,090 - RUB 7,870

Reminiscent of retro great, very elegant type, stylish design. Suitable for walking, quiet driving. Buyers appreciated the simple controls, reliability, and comfortable riding. The steel frame can handle heavy loads.The traditional brake provides maximum safety in urban conditions when hard braking is required. The saddle and handlebars move in height for added ride comfort.

Large fenders on wheels, mud flaps - good protection from mud in bad weather. There is protection for the chain. The trunk is equipped with a clip. The front basket is quite roomy. For good performance, the consumer singled out this model, it is very popular and buyable.

Specifications:

• female urban (rigid);
• steel frame, size - 20 inches;
• wheels - 28 inches;
• brake - rear foot;
• speed - one;
• weight - 17.3 kg.

• soft saddle, very comfortable riding;
• solid base, protection from dirt, splashes - very impressive;
• the bike is "elegant as a piano".

• when buying online - the rims or basket may not match the color of the frame, this spoils the design.

9th place: STELS Pilot 310 (2013)

RUB 3,700 - 4,900

A five-year-old car is still a hit of sales, which speaks of its quality and functionality. The model is foldable. Suitable for adults, teenagers. Convenient for carrying, storing, quickly folds, fits in the trunk of a car. Steel frame, small wheels roll not only on asphalt, but also on uneven country paths. The tires provide good traction in all natural disasters.

Comfortable spring saddle that can even be washed. The steering wheel is height adjustable. Nice to ride, easy to drive.

Specifications:

• urban (rigid);
• steel frame, size - 13 inches;
• folding;
• wheels -20 inches;
• brake - rear foot;
• one speed;
• weight - 14.33 kg.

• the folding model in the city is very cool thing;
• the presence of a trunk makes the model practical;
• the kit includes a pump, a bell - a useful device for beginners;
• good splash protection on rural roads.

• heavy to carry;
• rattles on the bumps.

VELOLIDER

A network of stores specializing in sports goods. All bikes with this name are brand exclusive for the Russian buyer.

VELOLIDER 24 ″ FAVORIT 246

RUB 7,999 - RUB 10,040

The teenage bike is designed for a driver's weight up to 95 g. Suitable for moving around the city and out-of-town walks. Equipped with fenders, reflectors, footrest. There is chain protection.

Specifications:

• mountain (MTV) two-suspension;
• steel frame, for height 145-160 cm;
• wheels - 24 inches;
• speeds - 6;
• front and rear V-Brake brakes;
• weight - 15 kg.

There are no reviews yet on the merits and demerits. Perhaps this bicycle transport is waiting for your break-in, evaluation.

STARK BIKES

The Stark Bikes company (Russia, Germany, Taiwan) appeared on the bicycle market in 2002. Produces sports models (extreme, BMX, cross-country sports, fitness). The arsenal includes women's, children's, teenage, folding bikes.

STARK Bliss 20.1 V (2017)

9 490 - 12 970 rubles.

Teenage mountain bike for girls 6-9 years old, size up to 135 cm. The original shock-absorbing fork, double rims, footrest make using the bike comfortable. You can ride in the city, in difficult road conditions, transport shows itself from the best side.

Specifications:

• mountain (hard tail);
• frame - aluminum alloy;
• wheels - 20 inches;
• speeds - 7;
• brake - front and rear V-Brake;
• weight - 12.5 kg.

• Russian development in Taiwanese performance - super quality, no need to file, cut;
• everything is calmly regulated;
• the price is good for this quality, child safety.

• the set does not include the necessary keys for assembly;
• no assembly instructions.

ATOM

The Russian brand Atom has gained popularity among riders and was developed with the participation of professional cyclists. The product is for aggressive driving. Expanding the assortment, there were lines of walking, children's products.

Atom Bomber (2008)

RUB 5,090 - RUB 5,254

BMX for beginners to ride in styles of street, dirt. The frame (chrome-molybdenum alloy) and steel fork are reinforced, the rim strength is increased. This machine can withstand extreme loads.The bike can perform tricks with 360-degree steering.

Specifications:

• ВМХ - bike and motorcycle extreme;
• brakes - mechanical rim Tectro UA-907;
• rims - single Weinman ZACX;
• wheels - 20 inches.

• good, high-quality "bem";
• I liked the geometry of the frame, it is more convenient to carry;
• not expensive.

• somewhat heavy for serious tricks;
• street tires on loose snow do not cling, drifts.

HARO

The California mountain bike and BMX brand has been around for 30 years. Wide assortment, American quality, there is a budget price tag.

Haro Z20 (2015)

RUB 9,990

Models released several years ago do not lose their relevance, quality, and the cost decreases, becoming quite budgetary. This type was not created for comfort, so the saddle is not often sat on, but it is safe, rather soft. The aggressive riding bike is suitable for active sports teenagers who are ready to go all the way.

Specifications:

• adolescent (rigid);
• age 6 - 9 years old, height - up to 135 cm;
• steel frame;
• wheels - 20 inches;
• speed - one;
• brake - rear;
• weight - 11.11 kg.

• by the year of release, a tangible discount in price, quite economically obtained;
• comfortable, easy move, you can learn tricks;
• in extreme sports, beginners often fall: knees in abrasions, great - as good as new.

• difficult to find on sale after price reduction.

Haro Z20 Girls (2015)

9,990 - 11,000 rubles.

An entry-level bicycle classification, stylish yet aggressive bike for girls. No gear shifting, stable and cute. During training, falls are possible, therefore individual components of the vehicle are reinforced.

• teenage for girls 6-9 years old, height - up to 135 cm;
• frame - steel;
• wheels - 20 inches;
• rear brake - V-Brake;
• shock absorption - rigid;
• speed - one;
• weight - 11.11 kg.

• high-quality assembly, lightweight, stable, convenient in the city and in the country;
• comfortable saddle, this is important for girls;
• there are additional wheels for beginners;
• there are foot and hand brakes, this is a plus for safety;
• stylish - the wheels are white, but the dirt does not stick.

• no chain protection.

Seasoned Cyclist Tips

Every year companies release new models, improving something, updating something. They can change color or put on a different type of brake. But a fresh model will always cost more. Therefore, take a closer look at the product of the early years, they are no worse, sometimes even better, but they will cost less.

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The lower the weight of the "wheelbarrow", the easier it is to operate, more maneuverable on the road, better rolls uphill, easier to carry on floors and steps. But on the other hand, the easier the transport, the higher the price.

How to choose by type:

• mountain - frequent off-road walks;
• urban - an alternative to vehicles, a smooth asphalt surface;
• highway driver - if you want to become a marathon bike and race 50 km every day;
• road - the simplest, withstands harsh operating conditions.

***

When buying equipment, it is important to choose the correct size, it is determined by the height of the seat tube (on which the saddle is attached). For each type there is a table depending on the size of the frame and the height of the person. The common way of measuring looks like this:

• stand over the frame, touching the back of the saddle;
• the distance between the upper tube of the frame and the crotch is allowed from 5 to 15 cm.

If the stars are large in front and small in the back (on a highway), you can develop high speed in a straight line. A sporty fit (tilt on the steering wheel) also helps. But this particular landing is not suitable for everyone - for an amateur. The road bike is recommended for experienced fans, you don't need to start with it.

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Don't buy bicycles that look very cool. Quality brands do not have cast wheels, rear-view mirrors, rear shock absorber. Moreover, such things are not safe. Frame lettering like XTR, BMW badges are management gimmicks.

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Pay attention to the equivalence of components in terms of quality and price. A budget cassette and an expensive chain are not an indicator of quality, but a publicity stunt. Everything must be balanced.

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If you like everything in the technique, but one detail does not suit you, do not rush to turn away: it can be replaced by making an upgrade.

Generally speaking, when buying an inexpensive bike, you shouldn't delve into the specifics of technical variations. Focus on your impressions, sensations: check compliance with growth, sit holding the steering wheel, try the softness of the turns. Driving around the first "iron horse", you will eventually understand what interests you most - easy walks, trips for groceries, speed, stunts or overcoming off-road. After that, you can say with certainty whether you need a dear two-wheeled friend for pleasure and improvement. Perhaps the purchased budget model will be enough for your eyes.