Overview of Desna Bicycles

The Desna bike was incredibly popular during the Soviet era thanks to folding teenage models and reliable road bikes. The product range of the plant located in the Bryansk region in those years was rather narrow, but this did not prevent it from becoming one of the leaders in sales. Today, this brand is revived and offers a much wider range of cycle equipment.

City and mountain, teenage and female models of bicycles under the Desna brand are now sold throughout Russia. A double-suspension and folding options are designed for the most active young cycling enthusiasts. Let us dwell in more detail on the Desna bicycle review.

The Desna bicycle is produced today at the same factory as in Soviet times. It is located in the Zhukovsky district of the Bryansk region and has existed since 1873. True, at the beginning of its journey it was a factory in which cast iron was smelted. During the military campaigns of the 1920s, the plant was reorganized into a consignment building, during the Second World War the production was evacuated, and the premises of the workshops were completely destroyed. The restoration of the enterprise was started in 1950, after which for 7 years it created locomobiles and agricultural machines that were in demand all over the country.

The popularization of cycling in the country by 1958 led to a new reorganization. Since 1961, Desna bikes have been disengaged from the assembly line. The first, among those produced, was a folding model. By 1965, production reached its maximum capacity, and the number of bicycles produced exceeded 1,000,000 copies.Today, the manufacturing country of Russia continues the glorious traditions of the USSR, restoring many brands lost during the years of perestroika. The Desna bicycle brand was no exception. The plant went bankrupt in 2004, in the next few years it fell into complete decline. The equipment was removed, the case partially collapsed from time to time.

Everything changed when in 2008, Velomotors group of companies bought the production facilities. The Moscow company sought to revive the plant and prove that in Russia they can still make bicycles capable of competing on equal terms with products of foreign brands. And the ambitious plan was implemented. Production facilities were restored and underwent a complete modernization; new workshop buildings were erected on the territory.

By 2010, the company almost completely switched to the automation of most bicycle manufacturing processes. For example, today the welding line is robotic and allows for maximum accuracy when connecting parts. The plant itself produces pipe products of the required quality, on its territory there is a paint shop, applying powder formulations and liquid enamels.

Modern Desna bikes are available in a variety of model and size ranges, and among its technical capabilities there are truly impressive solutions. It is worth noting the significant characteristics of brand products.

• Wheel size. In urban models, a diameter of 26 ″ is used, the most common and popular. In mountain biking, this figure is 27.5 ″. In children's models "Friend" the diameter of the wheels is 16 or 18 ″.
• The weight of the bike. Since all models of the Desna brand use a heavy steel frame, the mass of the equipment itself is also significant. Weight is from 15 to 21 kg.
• Folding mechanism. Only models that support this feature can be added. The mechanism does not require significant effort, you can perform all the actions with just 1 hand.
• Carriage. On all Desna mountain models of the MTB series, modern technological solutions are used. Closed-type carriages with a cartridge can provide complete protection of the mechanism from dirt and dust, moisture and other sources of danger. This option allows you to reduce the frequency of maintenance sessions of equipment and not worry about the formation of corrosion on the surface of parts.
• Features placement of cables. They are located in a hidden form, laid inside the frame and relieve the rider of the risk of hooking them or breaking them. In addition, this installation of connecting elements gives the appearance of a two-wheeled vehicle a more attractive, modern look. The hidden cable routing was borrowed by the Desna bicycle designers from the sport class of bikes.
• Hydraulic brake system. A quick response to pressing the brake handle is the key to driving safety. Hydraulic disc brakes are used on sports, mountain models, used in bicycles for extreme racing. Such a system best meets all established requirements and guarantees a quick stop in any circumstances.
• Threadless steering column. This option has already become the standard in the design of mountain bikes. In the product line of the Desna plant, this structural element is presented in the MTB series and eliminates accidental thread breakage during pulling, which provides better control during maneuvering.
• Reliable corrosion protection. Three-layer painting of all steel structural elements provides the best conditions to prevent the development of corrosion. In addition, multi-layered coloring makes the bicycle especially attractive and retains gloss and surface gloss for longer.
• Installation of tires of the class "Standard +". Such bicycle tires have a width of 2.4–3 cm and are characterized by increased shock absorption properties. In addition, such tires do not need to be inflated to the limit, have increased cross-country ability on soft and viscous surfaces, and are more resistant to punctures and cuts.

The model range of Desna bicycles includes city ​​and road, mountain and folding, speed and classic options. The plant produces adult, female, teenage variants of equipment in a variety of colors. Every year the lineup receives new improvements and improvements. That is why, choosing the most modern sports or folding bike, choosing the option for trips around the city, It is worth focusing on the proposals of the current year.

In the folding bike category, the plant offers 3 popular models.

• "Desna 2500". The model with the largest wheel diameter in the line - 24 ″, frame 14 ″ of Hi-ten steel. There is no speed switch in the kit, but there is chain protection, a rigid fork, a threaded steering column, a built-in carriage, foot brake. The standard tire width is 2 cm, which gives the bike good speed characteristics.

• Desna 2200. Model with a wheel diameter of 20 ″, equipped with a 13 / 13.5 ″ frame made of Hi-ten steel. The bike is available in 5 color options, equipped with a foot brake, aluminum rims, and plastic pedals. Wheel hubs steel, under the nut. The bike has a hard-looking, threaded steering column.

• Desna 2100. A compact model on wheels 20 ″, with a two-tone color of the frame - a combination of white and green, red, purple, black or purple looks bright and modern. In other respects, it is identical to the 2200 model.

MTB Series It is represented by the Desna brand by high-speed models for adult riders who prefer not only movement on the highway. Among the most popular modifications can be noted "nayner" - version with wheels of 29 inches, which are highly appreciated even by serious riders. Here are the models Desna 2910 D and Desna 2910 MD with a dimensional grid of a frame on 17, 19 and 21 inches. The difference between them is only in the brake system. In the first case, disc hydraulics are installed, in the second - mechanics.

Also in the category of mountain models of the series are popular Desna 2600. In total, 3 options are presented here - with mechanical and hydraulic brakes, as well as an option with a V-type braking system. Desna 2600 V of greatest interest to the fair sex, even positioned as a female bike. It is equipped with Shimano Tourney switches and shifters, a cartridge carriage and a threadless steering column.

Desna 2610 D - option with a hydraulic disc brake. It also has various modifications, the mechanics have the MD index, the version with the V-type brake has a corresponding prefix. All models have a 26 ″ wheel diameter, bright design, 16/18/20 inch frames. The package does not include additional attachments - trunk, wings. The series is popular with beginner riders.

Desna 2710 V - A model with one of the most popular wheel diameters: 27.5 ″. This is a completely modern version of the bike, which has V-type brakes, 2.1-inch tires, a steel rear and front hub, and a cartridge carriage.

Meteor, Phoenix and Sputnik - 3 series of Desna teenage bicycles. They feature bicycles with 20 ″ and 24 ″ wheels. "Phoenix" - the most compact, with one speed and a simple asterisk, is made with a V-type brake in front and a foot stop at the rear. Mountain design and a rigid fork allow the youngest riders to test extreme riding conditions. Meteor is a series for active teenagers, with mountain performance and 24-inch wheels.The braking system is V-type or mechanical.

The only two-hanging model in the brand line at the moment is "Desna 2620 V". It has a reliable steel frame 17 ″, bright design. The diameter of the wheels is 26 ″ with a tire width of 1.95 inches, the rims are lightweight, aluminum. Lever-type shifters and gearshifts are made by Microshift.

Voyage is a series of adult Desna bicycles with female and male frames. They differ in color. Gent represented by blue, silver, black tones, Lady - mauve and red. Otherwise, their parameters are the same - 28-inch wheels, providing opportunities for high-speed driving, complemented by a threaded frame, a stacked carriage and steel bushes. The brake in the foot models, aluminum rims. The kit includes wings, mudguards, a boot and a pump.

When choosing a bicycle for an adult or teenager, you have to consider a lot of all kinds of important points. So, depending on the driving style, you can prefer the usual urban models or full-fledged SUVs. The Desna brand for lovers of extreme skiing outside the asphalt has the MTB series, where mountain bikes are presented. In the lineup you can find both hardtail and two-suspension options, allowing you to choose the degree of rigidity of driving.

City bikes make up most of the brand's products. The lineup includes folding teenage models that are suitable for fragile women and the elderly. There is a special series for ladies with a redesigned frame.

When choosing a bicycle, you should pay attention to several important parameters.

• Frame. It should correspond to the growth of a person who will ride a bicycle. If MTB is purchased for growth of 155–163 cm, it is worth taking a frame of 35–39 cm, for people up to 172 cm, the option 40–44 cm is suitable. On tall frames are designed with sizes 45–49 cm (up to 180 cm) and 50–54 cm The size of urban models is slightly different, the smallest range is 46–48 cm, it is suitable for people up to 163 cm. The most popular sizes are 53–56 cm, corresponding to a height of 173–181 cm.
• Degree of depreciation. The rigid category - without shock absorbers, includes all road bike models, they have a rigid front fork that does not reduce runout when in contact with the road. Hardtail is a depreciation scheme used in mountain bikes. Here the shock absorbers are on the front fork, the shank remains stiff. On two suspensions, 2 shock-absorbing elements are used at once, front and rear. They provide maximum compensation for any road irregularities.
• Wheel diameter. In urban models, it ranges from 20 to 28 ″. In mountain wheels on 26, 27.5 and 29 ″ are used. The larger the diameter of the wheel used, the more statistically it develops a higher speed, provides high comfort when moving. Small diameters are found mainly on teenage bikes with a lower fit and center of gravity.

A review of reviews of owners-buyers of Desna bicycles allows you to get an objective idea of ​​the quality of this equipment. It is worth noting that On average, this product leaves a positive impression. The brand's bicycles are produced in modern, bright colors, which is highly appreciated by children and adolescents, and by a youth audience. Decorative solutions in metallic shades are especially popular. In addition, the design itself is quite solid and reliable.

Buyers also have claims to the manufacturer: when buying a bike not assembled, you will have to have your own tools - here you need a hex wrench for 6 and 4, as well as wrenches or adjustable wrenches. Not every person has such a set at home, but the necessary components are not included in the complete set of two-wheeled transport. Not all models have additional equipment - a pump, a saddle bag.

By tradition, urban road bikes and folding models, which the Desna brand has always been famous for, deserve the highest reviews. Celebrated here optimum ratio of cost and quality, at a price, branded products of a Russian plant are often more affordable than Chinese counterparts. Buyers also notice the quality of components - imported parts are used in the chassis of mountain models.

The MTB series features high quality rubber, comfortable ergonomic seats and robust heavy frames. The difference in price with analogues reaches 4 times, while the quality of the Desna, if it differs, is not significant. The reviews about the Druzhok children's series are also very positive - they are most often delivered complete, factory adjustment does not require special refinement.

In the next video you will find an overview of the budget bike Desna 2710.