B'Twin bicycles attract attention not only by the unusual name of the brand. They are truly modern and quite diverse in their execution. For example, you can find models in hybrid versions - for trips on the highway and off-road skiing, exclusively mountain or city versions. Rockrider, Hoptown, and other B'Twin bicycles confidently win the hearts of riders due to their technical characteristics and modern appearance.
A detailed review and feedback from their owners will help to understand and understand how relevant for a modern rider to purchase a vehicle under this brand.
Features
B'Twin bicycles are the "dark horse" in the two-wheeled vehicle market. However, if we examine their origin more closely, it turns out that the country of manufacture of these bikes is France, and the world-famous company produces them. The B'Twin brand is owned by Oxylane Group, which has a network of more than 1000 stores worldwide.
Since 1976, the French brand, created by the Mühle-Leclerc family, which also controls Auchan, has been developing and creating clothes, equipment and accessories for sports. Moreover, each direction is not just a separate unit, but a whole team of professionals. A separate subsidiary, B'Twin, was established to create quality bicycles. 10 years have passed from the moment the brand was founded to the release of the first production bikes. Since then, the brand has managed to conquer not only France, in which cycling is included in the list of favorite entertainment at the national level.
It is worth noting that B'Twin bikes are the only ones in the assortment of another European trading giant Decathlon. In addition, since 1995, the company has its own laboratory, where the most current news, prototypes and individual components are tested.
The selection is quite strict - only every 4 innovations that fall on the testing ground pass it. Since 2010, B'Twin Village has been operating in Lille - a place where you can see all the brand's bikes, try them out and find the perfect model for yourself.
As for the bicycles themselves, today the company does not install a temporary, but a lifetime warranty on all frames, handlebars and rigid rigid forks.
And among the introduced innovations we can distinguish:
- advanced brake system for Stop Easy child bike;
- Original Cadre Evo frames
- Easy Speed for the easiest gearshift;
- U-FIT steering forks;
- V100 CLIP - innovative lighting systems.
Among the developments for cyclists included and Ergonomic saddles for those who prefer long rides and bike rides. The seats are called Selle Ergo Fit, today they are officially used by riders, forced to spend long hours driving a high-speed bike. It is worth adding that all models of the brand’s bicycles have bright reflective stickers to make the athlete visible in the dark.
Today B'Twin offers MTB and hybrid models that allow the rider to feel free.. In addition, we can note the children's series of two-wheeled vehicles with a large number of innovative design solutions in the kit. Highway speed bicycles are not deprived of attention. And among urban bikes there are those that will appeal to both men and women.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the obvious advantages of the products of the French company, the following can be distinguished.
- Extensive and regularly updated lineup. It’s not difficult to choose a bike for specific tasks.
- European production. Of course, the factories of the group of companies operate in more than 20 countries, but bicycles are designed and manufactured in France, the assembly can take place outside, but according to the brand’s own standards. Needless to say, their quality differs for the better compared to the products of most modern brands.
- Customer focus. The company successfully collaborates with leading sports teams and tests its innovations in close association with professionals. All high-tech solutions are sure to find their place in serial models.
- No problems with components. All parts are produced by the manufacturer. You can upgrade your existing bike or purchase replacement parts as they wear out.
- Full fulfillment of warranty obligations. The French company is very scrupulous about its products and is confident in its quality.
- The presence of folding models for the city. They are so compact that they do not cause problems even when transported by subway. The frame can be folded in length and height, the pedals can also be transformed, and with a branded cover, a folding bike can easily turn into a compact carry-on baggage.
B'Twin bicycles, of course, have disadvantages, and they are mainly related to the problem of finding optimal models - not all of them are available in Russian stores. Another obvious minus - budget can only be called basic options, all the rest are not too cheap.
Popular models
Among the bike models produced under the brand B'Twin, there are many noteworthy options. For the youngest athletes, bikes with a wheel diameter of 14 inches are available. Simple models are designed for ages 4-6 years. So, you can choose a walking option for 16 inches and go on a trip to the park or square with the whole family.
The following models are traditionally most popular with adult riders.
- Rockrider ST560S. Flagship developed in close contact with the most experienced riders. The black color of the frame emphasizes the sporty silhouette of the bike. This mountain double suspension was created in order to conquer the most difficult mountain routes.
The frame is presented in an ultra-lightweight design, the wheels have an average diameter of 27.5 ″, a set of suspension lock on the steering wheel, hydraulic disc brakes. This is a really high-quality mountain bike that can withstand intense loads.
- Hoprider 500. A series of urban bikes with a 28 ″ wheel diameter, a special shape of the frame and a touch of retrostyle in the design. The bike is designed for long-term comfortable riding, ideal for overcoming distances of more than 10 km. At the rear there is a trunk that can withstand up to 18 kg, and a shock-absorbing fork, which softens the vibration from the road during the trip.
- Hoptown. A series of folding bikes with a recognizable design. A great choice for active cycling travelers. You can find versions for regular and periodic skiing, choose the right size model - the standard serial wheel diameter does not exceed 20 ″.
- Riverside 100. A tracking model focused on long-term skiing and travel. The bike is considered a hybrid suitable for overcoming light off-road.
Among the useful options are the original seat made of foam material, adjustable steering wheel, a one-star transmission with speed control by turning the handle.
- Racing 500. Walking bike model for active young riders. Designed for children of preschool and primary school age. Lightweight compact bike for confident beginner cycling enthusiasts. A wheel diameter of 20 inches allows you to gain enough speed.
- Elops 520. Available with high and low frame. One of the most popular urban models, designed for comfortable riding without speed records and off-road trips. Attractive Dutch-style retrodesign adds personality to the bike. On the trunk you can mount a child seat, in front there is a basket for things.
- Kemmel. A simple urban hybrid for beginners. Bicycles of this series are laconic, traditional design, reliability and functionality on the road. A good solution for riders without any special requests.
- Triban 100. The classic road bike model with 28 ″ wheels, improved geometry of a lightweight aluminum frame, hybrid tires for traveling on asphalt and dirt in the kit. The model is available in 4 dimensional ranges - from S to XL, which makes it possible to enjoy riding on a flat surface and is not afraid of short-term contact with impassability.
- Original 520. A hybrid bike model equipped with a lightweight low-geometry aluminum frame. There is a children's version Original 500S with 24 inch wheels. The bike is positioned as universal, suitable for men and women.
Available in 2 sizes - with a weight of 17.5 and 18.3 kg. This is a practical model for the city and easy off-road, as a full-fledged mountain option, it is still not worth considering.
The kit already has extended mud flaps with sides, its own lighting, a comfortable footboard, an ultra-comfort gel saddle for long-term riding.
Criterias of choice
When choosing a suitable B'Twin bike model, first of all you need to pay attention to purpose of two-wheeled transport. For example, BMX in the brand line is only in the children's and adolescent version (up to 13 years). Mountain models are available in various designs - from a bike for off-road trips to downhill or cross-country. If you have to drive mainly on the highway, you can take a hybrid or give preference to urban models.
The budget for the purchase also matters. Top models are much more expensive than usual, while in the city their functionality often remains unclaimed. If you can save, do not miss this chance.
The type of frame affects not only the weight of the entire structure.While road transport focuses on the ease and streamlining of forms, then on a mountain bike, the main emphasis is already on strength characteristics and precise geometry. Hybrids are able to drive off the paved roads for some time, but in fact they are nevertheless closer to urban roads and cannot overcome serious obstacles.
The type of brake system also matters. It can be a classic V-shaped option for asphalt. But for mountain or off-road transport, you definitely need a more serious option.
It is worth choosing disc brakes on a mechanical or hydraulic basis.
Availability of additional options can significantly affect the comfort of using the bike. For example, a folding mechanism will help ensure its compact storage and transportation. The footboard will facilitate parking. The presence of wings and trunk in the kit will significantly facilitate the transportation of goods and keep the rider's clothes clean. In general, there are actually many options, and the wider the basic equipment, the better.
Review Reviews
Unequivocal customer reviews - these bikes are worth the money. All the necessary options are already included in the package - protective elements for the transmission, chain, steps, reflectors, wings for the front and rear wheels, a bell and a trunk, if provided for by the design. It is noted that all the accessories and components of the brand are fully compatible, so there is no need to separately search for suitable options.
Full compliance with price and quality is also important. In the case of B'Twin bicycles, this is a clear and obvious plus - you can take them without hesitation for a teenager, counting on several years of riding, or purchase for adults as a main or off-road vehicle. Especially fans of the brand note the minimum weight of bikes. Most urban models have a mass of not more than 10 kg, are equipped with frames of light alloys and are stored on a minimum area.
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