Bicycles Format: advantages, disadvantages and an overview of models

There are quite a few brands of bikes. But even among this mass, Format bicycles stand out. Let's see how good they are and what consumers can give.

Format products have proven themselves in various high-level competitions. In 2015, she won at the championship of the Russian Federation:

• a couple of gold medals in the cross-country discipline;
• gold medal in downhill;
• 4X gold medal.

At the origins of the company was Sergei Izhboldin. This man knew firsthand the problems and needs of cyclists. He repeatedly won bicycle races in the USSR, and later in the Russian Federation. For a long time, the champion was interested in improving the design of the bicycle and increasing its reliability, convenience. Therefore, Izhboldin’s invitation to the post of technical director turned out to be a completely reasonable step.

An experienced cyclist led the development of the first brand frames. The strategic goal was to create such structures that could participate in the races of the highest world level. The products first entered the market in 2006.

From 2009 to 2012, due to the crisis and for a number of other reasons, the company is going through difficult times. However, designers do not stop working, and its results later became the basis of a number of successful versions. At the same time, promising designers come to the state who have developed the bright style of the “Format”.

Since 2013, sales in Russia have resumed. Significantly updated lineup. In 2016, the company's teams won a number of victories at competitions in Russia and abroad.They manage to prove that the created designs are ideal even for extreme races. Over the past 2 years, the main focus of developers has been focused on the creation of tourist bikes designed for travel along gravel roads.

If you need a children's bike, then you should pay attention to Model Format 1122developed in 2019. The weight of the product with a 29-inch aluminum frame is 12 kg. Parts are processed on a modern CNC machine. For the manufacture of structures used U6 grade aluminum alloy.

As an alternative, often use Format 1413. This is a 29 inch aluminum frame trekking bike. Rather, it is not pure aluminum that is used, but 6061 alloy. The steering column is half integrated. Other characteristics include:

• fairly small mass (15.4 kg);
• double butting;
• wiring inside;
• postmount type dropouts;
• frame dimensions from M to XL;
• Hardtail depreciation
• shock absorbing spring fork with a size of 9x100 mm;
• hydraulics disc brakes;
• 27 speeds;
• lever shifters;
• 3 stars in the system;
• cartridge carriage;
• Shimano speed switches.

The connecting rods are made of aluminum. Both bushings use industrial grade bearings. The saddle frame is made of steel. Double-breasted aluminum rims work very reliably. The rotor is mounted on 6 bolts, and the seatpost height ranges from 0.43 to 0.53 m.

Attention deserves and Kids Format 16. This children's bike is very light (only 8 kg). For the manufacture of both frames and forks, aluminum alloy 6061 is used. The frame is selected individually according to height. The shock-absorbing fork is very stiff.

The brakes are V-Brake type. There is only 1 speed. The connecting rods are made of aluminum. The seatpost height is 0.24 m. You might consider buying the Format 5342 as well.

According to the manufacturer, this model:

• Designed for maneuverable trips in the city;
• facilitates sharp maneuvers;
• differs in excellent rolling;
• allows you to sit comfortably even on a long trip;
• weighs 12.7 kg;
• cushioned with a rigid fork;
• equipped with a partially integrated steering column and eccentric carriage;
• stops with mechanical disc brakes;
• designed for 16 speeds;
• equipped with lever shifters.

Regarding the Model Format 1414, then this bike is discontinued and is not mentioned on the official website. Model Format 20 simply does not exist, but there is a modification of Format 5322 with wheels with a diameter of 20 inches. Other parameters are as follows:

• seatpost height - 0.28 m;
• steering cup - 0,086 m;
• base - 1 m;
• fork with a height of 0.318 m;
• steering glass with an angle of 72 degrees;
• the only available size (size 11 inches);
• stylish looking graphite frame;
• complement the frame with a lock, making folding the bike easier.

What is remarkable the frame is not only elegant, but also distinguished by mechanical strength. The weight of the structure is 12.5 kg. The size of the product facilitates driving on the sidewalk and in general on a city street. An unusual feature of the model is the collapsible design of the lower right pen under the belt transmission. Thanks to the red accents, the bike catches your eye.

The design office carefully thought out all the details and guarantees total practicality of the products. The planetary-type 8-speed hub allows you to change gears very quickly and smoothly. You can even select the desired gear "from the spot."

An attractive feature of the belt drive is lack of need for continuous maintenance. There is no need to constantly change the stars, there is no risk of staining clothes with grease. Important: note that this bike model does not make noise while riding. Only tires produce a slight rustling. These tires provide fast asphalt traction and excellent wet grip.

Format products can be equipped with a wide variety of drives. At the request of the consumer, each model can be equipped with wheels with a diameter of 18 inches or with a different cross section. As for the country of manufacture, where the production is located, it should be clearly said that all products of this brand are produced in our country. Moreover, production facilities are located in Perm, which allows to optimize logistics for delivery to different parts of the country.

The Format bicycle range contains:

• models for children, adolescents and adult consumers;
• women's bikes;
• universal devices for skiers around the city;
• devices for sports competitions in narrow disciplines;
• original designs (road models on a disk brake, bicycles with a wheel section 27.5 and 29 inches).

Judging by the reviews of the owners, Perm products leave a favorable impression. The manufacturer's statements regarding quality control and a thorough approach to design work are confirmed. The lightness of aluminum frames and the quality of manufacturing attachments are noted.

Of the negative features include:

• not too high clearance;
• insufficient softness of seats;
• the need to change pre-installed tires (they do not always satisfy experienced cyclists).

Browse bicycle Format 1212 see below.