The end of the last century in the post-Soviet space was marked by mass motorization of the population. If in the USSR a car was considered a luxury, and it was not enough to accumulate finance for it, but also to wait for your turn to buy, then during the years of “wild capitalism” the task of acquiring a car, albeit a used one, became much easier. This is what caused the decline in the popularity of bicycles. But not for long. After 10-15 years, the windows of sports shops were full of bright models, radically different from the usual bicycles of the Belarusian company "Aist".
Today the bike is back. True, it has turned from a means of transportation into an indispensable tool for outdoor activities. There are many activities to promote cycling in the urban environment. Cycle paths are allocated for cyclists, parking is organized, and companies are mastering more and more new models. Today, mountain bikes are especially popular, which are distinguished by their versatility. If you do not purchase a bike for professional extreme types of cycling, then it is perfect for moving around the city and for riding with the breeze along country paths and slopes. Before you go to choose the best mountain bike, it is worth finding out how it differs from other models and what types are available.
Content
Mountain or road
Why most buyers today are choosing models for off-road riding Here are some selection criteria.
- Versatility. The main differences of a mountain bike are wider tires with high tread, which provide reliable grip on the surface. And also in a higher ground clearance or ground clearance due to the raised carriage. It's hard to argue that such characteristics will interfere on the highway. And softer shock absorbers, reliable brakes and derailleurs are a nice bonus.
- Strength and durability. No one argues that if you move on a road bike exclusively on good quality roads, then it will faithfully serve for many years. But sometimes our yards resemble a freeride training ground, albeit not the most difficult part of it. What to say about country roads. Mountain bikes are usually equipped with sturdy steel alloy or carbon fiber frames. The best manufacturers use internal stiffening threads to strengthen the frames, and the wheels are made of two rims.
- Large lineup. Today it is easy to find a model for the most sophisticated buyer with any riding style, from beginner to sportsman. The latter, however, will not be considered today due to the high cost. It is just as easy to find a bike for a child or teenager. The production of male and female versions has been launched.
Mountain bikes for the whole family
Nowadays, bikes are often mastered by the whole family. A car like a garland hung with bicycles is a rarity on the road. However, this is not surprising. It is better to rest and ride a bike in a large company. But everyone has a different level of fitness. Riding skills and, of course, the requirements for the bike also differ. Let's make a small rating of models that are popular with cyclists.
For beginners
Those who just want to try their hand at off-road cycling should pay attention to budget models. This does not mean that they are bad. The price of a bike is made up of the cost of the frame, wheels and attachments. The higher the requirements for the latter, the higher its cost, the more expensive the bike will cost. At the same time, they require some experience and skill in setting up. For beginners, entry-level shock forks are fine. They do not have an adjustment system, and the maximum travel is no more than 60 mm. In principle, this will be enough for a suburban outing and a walk on light off-road. For those who are confident in their abilities, you can try the touring forks. They are adjustable in stiffness and have a projection from 60 to 100 mm. And this is a completely different feeling from cycling.
By the way, and the rear derailleur, initially should be chosen not lower than the walking level. It is quite possible for a beginner to adapt to it. Entry level switches are not durable and need frequent adjustments. Often they have to be adjusted every 100-150 km.
SHARK 206, NOVATRACK (Russia)
| SHARK 206, NOVATRACK | |
|---|---|
| Height, cm | 135 |
| Wheel diameter, inch | 20 |
| Number of speeds | 6 |
| Frame material | steel |
| Wheel rim material | Aluminium alloy |
| Soft fork | initial |
| Rear derailleur | initial / Power |
| Weight, kg | 14 |
It is better to master a mountain bike from childhood. Boys, and girls do not lag behind them, love to drive in the park or in the country in the company of friends or parents. A two-wheeled mountain bike with a "cool" design will be a great gift.
Advantages:
- A catchy design that teens will surely love;
- Execution in blue-green or white-red, makes it easier for a serious guy and a daring girl to choose a bike;
- The presence of shock absorbers on the rear and front wheels, as well as wide tires make the bike stable, keeping its maneuverability;
- Reinforced steel frame, long headset and seat overhang will allow you to use the bike for a long time. The optimal age for a young cyclist is 6-11 years.
Disadvantages:
- The bicycle has one significant drawback that residents of houses that are not equipped with an elevator should pay attention to. The weight of the bike is 14 kg.
Average price of a bicycle: 8200-9000 rubles.
CAIMAN 26, STINGER (Russia)
| CAIMAN 26, STINGER (Russia) | |
|---|---|
| Height, cm | 145-190 |
| Wheel diameter, inch | 26 |
| Number of speeds | 18 |
| Frame material | steel |
| Wheel rim material | Aluminium alloy |
| Soft fork | initial / Stinger Sf-100 Alu. Crown |
| Fork travel, mm | 50 |
| Rear derailleur | starter / Shimano Fd-Tz30 |
| Weight, kg | 10 |
Almost ideal basic model for beginner cyclists. Strong and durable. She will not allow to arrange frantic races on steep slopes and dashing off-road. But it is quite possible to enjoy skiing in the forest park area. And at the same time, a maneuverable bike will make you feel comfortable in the city among cars and pedestrians.
Advantages:
- CAIMAN 26 is produced in four sizes, suitable for teenagers and adults;
- The bike has a stylish design and is available in 4 colors;
- The bike is light and maneuverable, it is easy to drive it even at high speeds.
Disadvantages:
- Designed specifically for beginners. You should not expect great opportunities from him.
A reliable and stylish bike will cost from 10,000 to 12,000 rubles. It should be borne in mind that if you get a taste, then it will quickly become small in functionality, and will require modifications or replacement for a more advanced model. Otherwise, it will faithfully serve long nodes.
TREK 820 (USA)
| TREK 820 (USA) | |
|---|---|
| Height, cm | 150-190 |
| Wheel diameter, inch | 26 |
| Number of speeds | 21 |
| Frame material | steel |
| Wheel rim material | Aluminium alloy |
| Soft fork | touring / SR Suntour M3030 |
| Fork travel, mm | 75 |
| Rear derailleur | entry / Shimano Tourney RD-TY300 |
| Weight, kg | 15.3 |
This year's model is from a bike manufacturer that has proven itself in the market.Its stylish design and transitional characteristics from beginner to walking, as well as the opportunity to try your hand at cross-country or cross-country racing, will surely attract the attention of young people.
Advantages:
- The choice of frame from 13 "to 21" makes the bike almost versatile. It is suitable for a teenager, girl or young man. Its design will be optimal for a height of 150 cm and a height of 190 cm;
- The bike is equipped with a successful braking system from Tektro, which allows you to stop the bike in a few seconds;
- Most buyers report a comfortable seat and handlebar, as well as a high level of grip between the outsole and pedal.
Disadvantages:
- According to some users, it is rare, however, there are bicycles with poor-quality paint coating.
- The model has an entry-level rear derailleur, which fails quite quickly when involved in XC.
For 19,000-20,000 rubles, the buyer will receive a really comfortable, maneuverable, lightweight mountain bike.
For advanced users
The first steps have been taken, the first bruises are healed. I want a little more. Namely, speed and adrenaline. It's time to take a closer look at sports or semi-professional models. As a rule, such bicycles have wheel diameters from 26 cm to 29 cm, standard for a mountain bike. A soft fork is installed for pleasure or sports. All riding sensations depend on its stroke and settings. You can slowly roll down the slopes, contemplating the surroundings, without feeling the pits and bumps. Or rush off-road, overcoming all kinds of obstacles, experiencing the feeling of flight.
These mountain bikes are bought for intense training and frequent use in difficult conditions under heavy load. Accordingly, the rear and front switches should be durable, not afraid of dirt and not require frequent manipulations to set them. The most popular models in the "middle and slightly higher" price category include attachments Shimano Saint, Hone, SRAM X.7, Attack. This is a sporty level.
NAVIGATOR 650 D 26 V010, STELS (Russia)
| NAVIGATOR 650 D 26 V010, STELS (Russia) | |
|---|---|
| Height, cm | 160-180 |
| Wheel diameter, inch | 26 |
| Number of speeds | 24 |
| Frame material | Aluminium alloy |
| Wheel rim material | Aluminium alloy |
| Soft fork | stroller / Hard tail |
| Fork travel, mm | 100 |
| Rear derailleur | walking / Shimano Acera |
| Weight, kg | 14.5 |
A reliable bike that can handle long climbs and long descents. It is distinguished by its lightness and good maneuverability, both on rough terrain and in urban conditions. But still, one cannot count on winning the competition. Let's just say, a solid bike with an optimal price / quality ratio.
Advantages:
- Has good cross-country ability on dirt roads, sandy embankments and even ice and snow;
- Versatility in use;
- The rear and front derailleurs are among the best in this price range;
- The buyer gets the bike almost fully assembled, with all the settings.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of fenders, which are desirable when driving on mud and off-road;
- Many would like to receive a set of keys for assembly and settings with the bike. Even though this will clearly increase the bottom line.
The cost of the bike is in the range of 15500-17000 rubles.
Revel 2, Giant (Taiwan)
| Revel 2, Giant (Taiwan) | |
|---|---|
| Height, cm | 160-186 |
| Wheel diameter, inch | 26 |
| Number of speeds | 21 |
| Frame material | Aluminium alloy |
| Wheel rim material | Aluminium alloy |
| Soft fork | touring / R Suntour M3010AL 26 |
| Fork travel, mm | 80 |
| Rear derailleur | initial / Shimano Tourney TX-35 |
| Weight, kg | 15.5 |
It's hard to say how the bike from the 2017 model line attracted the attention of cyclists. Nevertheless, it is in high demand among fans of a calm driving style. Although marketed as a mountain bike, it is not designed for aggressive XC or freeride riding. But out-of-town trips on it are comfortable and have a good speed of movement.
Advantages:
- Excellent design performance;
- Fast set of speed;
- Smooth running and excellent shock absorption;
- Ergonomics that allows both men and women to use the bike successfully. At the same time, even long trips do not create a feeling of discomfort.
Disadvantages:
- You can't drive over bumps and bumps.
The price tag is perhaps somewhat overpriced and amounts to 17,500-19,000 rubles. Nevertheless, in the segment up to 20,000 rubles, the bike has been holding its positions in the top ten of the rating of high-quality mountain bikes for 3 years.
NAVIGATOR 930 MD 29 V010, STELS (Russia)
| NAVIGATOR 930 MD 29 V010, STELS (Russia) | |
|---|---|
| Height, cm | 160-180 |
| Wheel diameter, inch | 29 |
| Number of speeds | 24 |
| Frame material | Aluminium alloy |
| Wheel rim material | Aluminium alloy |
| Soft fork | touring / SR Suntour XCT |
| Fork travel, mm | 80 |
| Rear derailleur | walking / Shimano Tourney RD-TX800 |
| Weight, kg | 15.6 |
Today this model is the recognized leader of Russian bicycle production in the price range up to 30,000 rubles. A mountain bike of a foreign assembly in a similar configuration will cost an order of magnitude more. Basically, it is a sports bike capable of traversing an All mountain trail. Attachments are of appropriate quality.
Advantages:
- The diameter of the wheels is 29 cm, which gives a lot of thrills of off-road driving;
- Acceleration to 60 km at third speed;
- Ergonomic seat and soft ride to avoid discomfort and micro-injury.
Disadvantages:
- Apart from the fact that the NAVIGATOR 930 MD 29 V010 is a purely masculine bike for strong arms and excellent reaction, then they are absent.
Currently, the cost of a bike varies from 20,000 to 22,000 rubles. But at the beginning of sales in 2016, it started at 35,000 rubles.
CROSSWAY 40-D, MERIDA (Taiwan)
| CROSSWAY 40-D, MERIDA (Taiwan) | |
|---|---|
| Height, cm | 160-180 |
| Wheel diameter, inch | 28 |
| Number of speeds | 21 |
| Frame material | Aluminium alloy |
| Wheel rim material | Aluminium alloy |
| Soft fork | walking / Suntour NEX HLO, Coil, |
| Fork travel, mm | 63 |
| Rear derailleur | walking / Shimano RD-M370 |
| Weight, kg | 14.5 |
The latest model introduced to the market by a leading Asian company this year. Combines the best qualities of road and mountain bikes. Probably, this is what the modern buyer with an active lifestyle needs. The bike behaves well in mountain conditions and allows you to develop good speed on the highway.
Advantages:
- Stylish design;
- Unisex format. The bike is great for women who want an adrenaline rush to the fullest. It's no secret that models with a female frame rarely overcome the entry level.
- Locking suspension fork, easily transfers the bike from the category of "mountain" to the category of "road" and vice versa.
- Fast and uniform set of speed, smooth, jerk-free braking;
- Maximum stability. It is difficult to fall on a bike even on rough terrain;
- Excellent handling both off-road and on the highway;
- The bike weighs just over 14 kg. Another plus sign in the women's piggy bank.
Disadvantages:
- This is a hybrid, not a sports mountain bike. It is unlikely that it will be possible to beat off the prize-winning place among freeriders on professional bikes in competitions. But today we are talking about bicycles for ordinary outdoor enthusiasts with a little adrenaline.
Average cost of a bike: 30,000-35,000 rubles. Most cycling enthusiasts agree that it fully meets the declared characteristics and quality of the bike.
Stride 15, Silverback (Germany)
| Stride 15, Silverback (Germany) | |
|---|---|
| Height, cm | 160-190 |
| Wheel diameter, inch | 26 |
| Number of speeds | 21 |
| Frame material | aluminum alloy with nickel |
| Wheel rim material | Aluminium alloy |
| Soft fork | sports / Suntour XCM HLO 26 |
| Fork travel, mm | 100 |
| Rear derailleur | sports / Shimano Acera RD-M360-SGS |
| Weight, kg | 15 |
Despite the fact that the German company Silverback began its activities in the production of bicycles only in 2014, today its products enjoy considerable popularity, thanks to bold design solutions, modern technology and build quality. Stride 15 is a comfortable bike that meets all the requirements of fans of mountain slopes and off-road riding.The lightweight aluminum-nickel alloy frame is strong enough to withstand bumps and bumps over time.
Advantages:
- Fork lock, which, if necessary, allows you to turn a mountain bike into a road bike;
- Reliable hydraulic brakes, will allow you to descend even from the steepest or longest slope, full of sharp turns;
- The model is equipped with a reliable and durable sport-type rear derailleur;
- The model is convenient to use by both strong and weaker sex;
- The USB connector is a welcome addition when traveling long distances.
Disadvantages:
- According to buyers, none.
The price of the Stride 15 mountain bike starts at 35,000 rubles. And it ends at around 42,000 rubles.
Today, buyers are increasingly being offered e-bikes. Including mountain ones. But true cycling enthusiasts treat them with a great deal of caution and some rejection. Still, riding a bike, especially a mountain bike, involves a lot of physical activity. Although, to each his own. Fans of leisurely bike rides in city parks will surely appreciate the fruits of technological progress.
