BMW Bikes: Model Features, Pros and Cons

There are a large number of varieties of bicycles. But among them, those models that are produced by trusted companies with extensive experience deserve special attention. The next step is a story about cycling equipment supplied from Bavaria.

It is unlikely that anyone needs to introduce the BMW brand today. Even those people who do not understand anything in cars understand how prestigious it is. But at the same time, the company had to overcome not such an easy way as it seems to reach today's shining heights and world fame. The advantages of the company are already confirmed by the fact that its annual turnover exceeds 170 billion conventional units. From 9 to 10 billion at the same time are net profit.

As known, The head office of the company is located in the German city of Munich. But the production facilities themselves are found in many other parts of the world. BMW began its journey back in 1916, when the production of aircraft engines started. Due to the ban on the development of aviation after World War I companies had to change their profile as follows:

1. at first she began to manufacture railway brakes;
2. then drew attention to motorcycles (and immediately gained popularity);
3. in 1928, the Bavarian manufacturer switched to the production of cars (initially small cars);
4. in the 1950s, when the group’s position was just beginning to recover from the effects of the war, it again crippled by a drop in demand for new models of cars that turned out to be unnecessarily expensive;
5. in the next decade, the company had to tackle the development of sedans and coupes; these machines not only had excellent technical properties, but also looked good;
6. the stage of rapid development occurred in the 1970-1990s; the product range was constantly improved.

The company continues to manufacture motorcycles - and they remain popular. And she is also engaged in the production of motors, and the manufacture of sports-class cars. The accumulated colossal experience allows you to calmly deal with the most complex technical tasks. When producing bicycles, all the technical achievements and know-how of the Bavarian company apply..

A feature of BMW bikes is that they are made using alloy wheels. A first look at such a wheel gives an erroneous assessment - it may seem that this is some kind of especially expensive unique, made to order. Initially, alloy wheels were used only on expensive sports bikes. Their main advantage, along with an attractive appearance, are improved aerodynamic characteristics. For casting, only proven aluminum alloys are used, which lighten the structure and guarantee its increased rigidity.

The proven casting technology gives a completely homogeneous disc structure. The appearance of the smallest dents and deflections is excluded. Joints are performed at an impeccable level, especially since German engineers take up the matter.

A good alloy wheel has the following features:

• It looks unusual and attracts attention;
• lowers the bike’s resistance to airflow;
• does not require complicated care;
• very resistant to minor deformations and strong impacts.

First, it is worth mentioning that cast wheels from Bavaria, like any other popular product, are actively faked. Since the counterfeiters strive to save as much as possible, the technological process is not respected or almost not respected. If the technology is not followed, injection molding gives a very poor result, especially when using outdated or low-quality equipment.

The result is a product that has various external and internal defects. However, Only trained specialists can deeply understand this, and the average consumer has to look for official stores and require certificates of conformity.

But it is important to understand that alloy wheels have such characteristics as:

• more expensive than usual;
• quite heavy, despite the use of light alloys;
• pretty tough;
• cannot be repaired if a breakdown does occur.

There is an opinion that alloy wheels are suitable only for a neat ride around the city or on a highway with a good hard surface. But such an opinion was inspired by low-quality crafts supplied by manufacturers of dubious levels. Since inexpensive alloys are too brittle, they do not allow to overcome barriers and perform dashing maneuvers. However, BMW products are much better than dubious products. They are quite durable so that bicycles can be used for the following purposes:

• in cycling;
• hiking in the mountains and foothills;
• when traveling at a limited speed within the boundaries of a settlement;
• to show dashing tricks and exercises;
• for down hill or cross country classes.

Description of the characteristics of the original Bavarian concern bikes is appropriate to start with the BMW X6. The Taiwan factory is engaged in the production of this model. It does not add up, and the release started in 2018. For the manufacture of disks, an alloy of aluminum with magnesium or ordinary steel is used. You can ride this bike from 1.45 to 1.95 m, provided that the total load does not exceed 125 kg.

Other parameters are as follows:

• mechanical disc brakes have a value of 0.16 m;
• outer section of wheels - 26 inches;
• tire size - 26x1.95;
• lockable fork with a stroke of 0.1 m;
• vertical trigger type trigger from the Japanese manufacturer Shimano;
• switching between 21 speeds;
• Disc Alloy hubs;
• time-tested aluminum pedals;
• genuine leather seat.

The BMW X1 also deserves attention. This version has a wide range of colors, and a bike can ride at 21 speeds. In the manufacture of the frame, steel and hardtail are used. The spring fork is made of steel. The weight of the bike is 15 kg. It can move normally under loads up to 130 kg. The device is designed for people from 1.45 to 1.9 m tall.

All technical equipment on a bicycle manufactured by Shimano Corporation. 24-inch wheels are made from hardened special steel. But there is another variation of the X1 that uses 26-inch wheels. Own mass of the bicycle, despite the increased diameter of the wheels, grows to only 16 kg. At the same time, it also uses Japanese construction equipment.

When analyzing Bavarian originals on alloy wheels, you should pay attention to the folding MINI Folding Bike model. This bike at the same time comfortable and stylish. Folding in a few seconds. This greatly simplifies both transportation and storage. The frame has a dark gray color with a matte sheen. Both the seat and the handles are made impeccable genuine leather.

A gearbox with 8 speeds is provided for gear shifting. Ride on wheels with a diameter of 8 inches. Thanks to the Teflon coating, the bike chain is barely covered in dirt. For the manufacture of the product, aluminum and stainless steel are used. Despite the innovative folding system, It works very simply.

It is worth taking a look at the Cruise M. model. This Bavarian development is made of aluminum. The frame is produced by hydraulic molding. The company acquires the shock absorber for this model from SunTour. An original and very good innovation is the use of Shimano carriages, designed for 30 speeds.

The seatpost is made of carbon. The tires are equipped with an advanced safety system. Both wheels and contrasting parts have a red color. The tire diameter is 22 inches. The total weight of the structure is 15 kg, while the bike is equipped with Shimano BR-M395 hydraulic disc brakes.

If you need a mountain bike from the entire line of the Bavarian concern, you should pay attention to the BMW Enduro 2012 model. It is in the 2012 version that it is in greatest demand. There are black and green copies. There are 2 frame options: for people 1.65-1.78 and 1.74-1.9 m tall, respectively.

The modernized frame of a matte black color in combination with richly green and shiny black inclusions looks attractive. The designers envisioned equipping the model with spectacular looking wheels of an innovative level. Consumers can take advantage individual settings. The design of the BMW Enduro 2012 is equally well suited for climbing, descending from higher hills and freeriding.

The total mass of the bike is 14.8 kg. The frame is made according to the monocoque scheme. To obtain it, a pair of identical aluminum parts obtained by rolling was used. The robot is responsible for welding. The metal is coated with a layer of powder paint. The only negative characteristic of this model is its high price.

As for sports races, you can pay attention, for example, to the BMW X5. This folding bike can be stored in the most confined spaces. With any frame configuration, the model weighs no more than 16 kg. For switching between speeds and for braking, selected Japanese components are used. Not only the wheels, but also the steering wheel, and the frame, and pedals are formed from a strong and relatively light alloy of aluminum and magnesium.

The bike with its own weight of 15.7 kg is designed to load up to 130 kg. An important feature of this version can be considered a spring-elastomeric type plug. Its developers provided for both blocking the stroke and changing the stiffness. The standard stroke is 0.12 m. 24 speeds are foreseen, and vertical shifters comply with the “Wi-break” standard.

Quite a few people, we note, are interested in buying blue Bavarian bikes. In this case, they need to pay attention to the E-Bike. By the way, such a modification perfectly matches the canons of sports riding, allows you to get extraordinary pleasure when riding on bumps - it doesn’t matter, up or down. A very important feature is the equipping with an electric motor. A special mobile application provides battery level control.

Thanks to calculations based on the estimated length of the route or the expected driving time, it will be possible to choose a rational charge support scheme. Special protection against overcharge is also provided.

As befits a touring bike, the E-Bike is equipped with a particularly sturdy frame, distinguished by a well-thought-out distribution of weight load. The frame has one of the following sizes according to the growth of the user:

• 1.58-1.68 m;
• 1.68-1.78 m;
• 1.78-1.85 m;
• 1.85-1.93 m.

They are indicated by the letters S, M, L, XL. The fork travel is 0.15 m. It is also optimized for comfortable outings. The hydraulic brake is powerful and reliable. Switches provide quick and accurate switching without grip. With 27.5-inch wheels, you can drive safely even on rough roads.

Engine power is 0.25 kW. It works pretty quietly. A built-in battery is provided, allowing you to travel 100-150 km. The mass of the bike is 23.2 kg.

But for a younger audience, the Cruise Junior model is useful. This aluminum product has a unique look. It is designed for riders aged 6–9 years. There are red inserts that decorate the seat and steering wheel. The angle of the pipe located under the seat allows you to take into account the growth of children.

Judging by the estimates of experienced owners and new buyers of BMW bicycles, these devices are very good and fully justify the investment in your purchase. Positive ratings give the version of Cruise M. She is appreciated for the attractive appearance and comfort of the saddle. The speeds switch easily and clearly. However, it is boring to remember that when sharply raised to the curb with a locked handle, a fall is likely.

The BMW X5 is causing far more mixed reviews. This bike is well worth the price, but some people mention low quality parts. Appearance, judging by such reviews, only disguises the actual state of affairs. The bike rides normally, but complaints about the pedals, chain protection and attachment specifications are very common.

But the BMW X1 causes, of course, enthusiastic ratings for its appearance. The running characteristics of the model quite suit people.The mechanisms work clearly. There is good dynamics during acceleration. However, the plug is a little stiff. However, with a calm riding style, the model does not cause problems.

Mountain bikes can be chosen not only for lovers of aggressive driving style, who want to conquer difficult off-road. Such models will suit both those who are going to calmly ride on the highway, and those who drive along city streets. A characteristic feature of a mountain bike are wide tires with a deep tread. Cross-country is designed to overcome light off-road. In more difficult conditions, he can not cope, but low cost and practicality justify this drawback. The “double suspension” option is more expensive, but due to the improved depreciation system, it allows you to ride more comfortably.

But we must understand that this is achieved due to the greater mass and complication of movements. The buildup of the bike makes you exert more power than usual. Downhill-type models should be selected if you need to descend at high speed from steep slopes and ledges. These modifications are appreciated for their superior margin of safety. Exactly these bicycles are taken by professionals when they go to competitions.

Children's bike is designed for ages 5-7 years inclusive. If we talk about teenage models, you need to indicate that they differ from adults not in bundling, but in weight and size. These versions are optimized for riders aged 7-14 years. Regardless of the target age you need to pay attention to the size of the bike. If it is chosen incorrectly, it can create a lot of problems and inconveniences.

The steel frame is durable, and in addition saves money. However, this metal is heavy and can be destroyed due to corrosion. Aluminum-based alloys lighten the structure and are not susceptible to rust. However, the frame made on their basis cannot be repaired. Therefore, you will have to drive quite carefully or save money for the purchase of a removable frame. To save often get spring front shock absorbersbut they are practically inoperative. Much better are spring-elastomeric samples.

For how to distinguish BMW bikes from fakes, see the next video.