Bicycles Challenger: lineup and subtleties of choice

Every year more and more cyclists appear on the streets of the country. This type of transport allows not only to move faster, but also to keep the body in good shape. The Chinese company Challenger has been manufacturing bicycles for more than a decade. You should find out the characteristics of the most popular models.

Challenger was founded in 2000. The bicycle manufacturing country under this logo is China. Initially, the company focused only on the Chinese market and manufactured mountain and city bikes. But later it was decided to expand the range of goods and enter the markets of Russia and Kazakhstan. Challenger products immediately became extremely popular due to their attractive price.

Today the company offers a wide range of bicycles of various configurations, color palettes and price categories. The low price and attractive appearance make the clientele of the Chinese brand wider every year. Challenger devices fall into the following categories:

• mountain;
• pleasure;
• children and teenagers;
• women’s.

The first category is divided into 2 subspecies: hardtails and double suspensions. The model range of hardtail consists of 8 elements with a price of 7-10 thousand rubles, depending on the model. They are optimal for beginners who want to buy a budget bike for riding on forest roads. There are two suspensions in the line of the brand 19. Their cost varies from 7 to 11.5 thousand rubles. You can choose a model with a disc or rim brake system with a diameter of 26 inches. These bikes are equipped with a rear shock absorber, designed for small bumps in the road. Unfortunately, for hard off-road, they do not fit. You can at least stay without a wheel.

Walking models for the city are presented in 2 versions. Both types are equipped with metal wings, luggage racks and gearbox. Comfortable fit devices provide a comfortable ride on an asphalt road. Bicycles for the fair sex have a special design with a lowered frame. A similar product was created taking into account female anatomy for a more comfortable fit and ride.

Children's bicycles are divided into 2 series: for children 6–9 and 9–13 years old. The first contains 3 bikes with a wide color palette. There are models for girls and for boys. The wheel diameter of these devices is 20 inches. For teenagers, vehicles with 24 and 26 inch wheels are presented. In total, this line of 13 models, each of which has a special configuration and color scheme.

The assortment is rich, but the products have some disadvantages, the main of which is the build quality. Unfortunately, the cheapest Chinese low-quality parts are installed on Challenger bicycles (this is what determines the low price of adult models), which cannot but affect the operational life of the products.

Consider the most popular products.

• Genesis FS 26 D. The mountain double suspension model with a steel frame is presented in black with yellow, red or green accents. The shock absorber dampens the roughness of the road and allows you to comfortably move on a small off-road. Wheels with a diameter of 26 inches are equipped with compacted rubber QS S003 26. The gearbox has 18 speeds. A comfortable seat and steering wheel are adjustable in height. The cost of the model is 11500 rubles.

• Mission FS 26. Great two-suspension with 26-inch wheels. The steel frame design is designed for both women and men. The product is available in blue and yellow with a metallic tint, as well as in blue and orange. A suspension fork with a stroke of 50 mm extinguishes the bumps when driving on rough roads. V-Brake rims are responsible for driving safety. The wheels are equipped with YD-065 26X2.35 tires. ” The price of the model is 9990 rubles.

• Desperado Lux FS 26 D. The device is available in black, gray and blue. The steel frame design is equipped with a shock spring for a comfortable off-road ride. Wheels with a diameter of 26 inches with rubber YD-065 26X2.35 "quietly drive over bumps. Disc mechanical brakes are responsible for reliability during riding. An 18-speed gearbox allows you to drive at any pace. The cost of the bike is 10 690 rubles.

• Agent 26. Men's mountain bike is presented in blue, white, black, gray and red shades. Wheels with a diameter of 26 inches are equipped with Wanda P1197 26 rubber. The steel frame with a shock-absorbing fork is reliable and durable. The gearbox has 18 speeds. A high-quality brake system is designed even for rainy weather. Maximum user weight - 95 kg. The price of the bike is 10 690 rubles.

• Donky 12/14/16. The children's design is designed for children 3-7 years old, depending on the model of the wheel can be 12, 14, 18 inches in diameter. The light green bike is suitable for both girls and boys. The steering wheel is equipped with rubberized pads so that the hand does not slip when riding. The pedals have a relief pattern for better fixation of the legs. The steering wheel and seat are adjustable in height. The chrome-plated chain guard prevents dirt from entering and ensures an even ride. The bike is very maneuverable and comfortable. The kit includes side safety wheels, which can be removed when the child learns to ride independently. The price of products varies depending on the size of the wheels: 5100/5350/5550 rubles.

When buying a bike, first of all pay attention to the diameter of the wheels. The size of the bike and the convenience of using it depend on this. This parameter is selected in accordance with the growth of the future owner.For children 3-4 years old, the optimal choice would be 12 inches, 5-6 years old - 14 inches, 7-8 years old - 16 inches, and 9- or 10-year-old children are ideally suited for 18-inch wheels. For teenagers, it is recommended to choose products with wheels in 20 inches, and for adults - 24-26 inches. Before buying, be sure to try on vehicles and sit on it. Your foot should freely reach the pedal at the lowest point.

Pay attention to the details. The steering wheel should be equipped with rubberized pads so that the hands do not slip, the pedals should have a raised surface for better fixation of the legs, and the wheels must have reflectors for safe driving at night. When buying a mountain model watch for the presence of the suspension fork. Children's models must be equipped with a chain guard and a boot in the back.

The opinion of customers about the products of the Chinese brand Challenger is rather mixed. Some praise the company's products, others scold. In one, only users agree: these devices are only suitable for beginners in cycling, but not for amateurs, and certainly not for professionals. Among the positive aspects distinguish stylish design and attractive appearance, as well as the affordable cost of bikes.

Good shock absorption of the front and rear wheels allows you to ride on a gravel road. The strong steel frame testifies to high quality of execution. Users are also satisfied with a high-quality brake system with reliable rims, and large wheels with compacted tires, which is especially important for mountain and city models.

Another advantage is the maneuverability of bicycles and a comfortable saddle. Women are pleased with the lowered frame, thanks to which it is convenient for them to ride and get off the device. A wide assortment of the Chinese brand is also noted: you can find cycling for all family members, and even for the smallest.

Unfortunately, consumers found a sufficient number of shortcomings. Primarily poor build quality is noted. Most of the world's bikes are made in China, but not every brand saves on details as much as Challenger does. Cheap parts immediately give a budget model. In addition, reviews write that the company's bikes are slowly accelerating, which is very inconvenient, especially for those who have been riding bikes for a long time. The saddle was not comfortable for everyone, and the non-working wings of certain models caused problems during the ride.

In the next video you will find an overview of the children's bike Challenger Cosmik 24.