Bicycle brands: rating and selection

A bicycle is a type of transport that helps not only to overcome distances, but also to maintain one’s physical condition. Also on bikes you can have a good time, for example, go for a walk. There are a lot of bicycle manufacturers, and today we will look at various brands and brands.

A well-known brand that has been on the Russian bicycle market for a long time. This company produces bikes for both adults and children. The main product lines are mountain and urban models. Stels differs from any other Russian manufacturers in that all manufacturing and assembly are fully automated. These processes are achieved thanks to new equipment, which was purchased at the Zhukovsky Bicycle Plant in 2008.

In total, the company employs more than 1 thousand people, except for bicycles, completing products are being created. These are pedals, switches, saddles, brakes and brake pads, wings, cameras, tires, protective mechanisms, gloves, bags and much more.

During production, some technologies are used that make Stels bikes more reliable.

• Hydroforming - allows pipes and frames to give various shapes and bends without loss of strength. This approach makes it possible to create unusual designs for the entire range.
• Disc brakes - more resistant to damage and pollution than rim. Repairing such components will require specialized knowledge and a suitable tool. Also, this type of brakes allows you to ride in any conditions and at the same time not lose efficiency when the mechanism is working.
• Conical steering glass - a technology due to which the entire load on the steering wheel is distributed at the base of the part. From below it is wider than from above, so during the ride the load will fall on the part, and not on the upper part of the steering wheel. Thus, the user will not feel discomfort during the trip.
• Aluminum X6 - This main alloy is used for each product line. The advantage of this material is that it is lighter, stronger and more reliable than aluminum alloy 6061. The quality of this component is confirmed by the fact that X6 is used on sports bikes that participate in international competitions.
• Planetary hub - view of the installation of the transmission when the gearshift system is inside the sleeve. Thus, the mechanism will not be affected by the external environment. Thanks to being inside the design, the sleeve has a longer service life.
• Fork lock - This technology allows you to make cycling softer or tougher. When driving over rough terrain, you can lock the mechanism and the bike will become more rigid. By unlocking the plug, you will make the structure soft, which will make the trip along bumps and pits more comfortable.

Another domestic manufacturer, which is known to most cycle enthusiasts. This brand began its history in the 90s of the last century, when the first products were road and city bikes. In 2003, the company began developing a new type of bike that would take the brand's assortment to a new level.

From 2006 to 2008, field trials were actively conducted, in which the components of composite materials were studied in detail. Later, the rapid development of the brand began, thanks to which the total volume of products for 2008 exceeded 1 million copies.

It was from this period that the manufacturer began to develop not only in Russia, but also abroad. Later, there was a team of its own, which began to participate in competitions. The first major tournament is considered to be the stage of the Tour de France race. Also, Forward bikes participated in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

After such a breakthrough, representative offices in the CIS countries began to be created at the international level. Thus, you can purchase products of this manufacturer in Kazakhstan and Belarus.

The largest product line is mountain hardtail and urban models. Most of the technologies used are used to create these two types of bicycles. This manufacturer has production technologies that make bikes more original.

There are already voiced (hydroforming, planetary bush, fork lock, disc brakes), as well as own developments.

1. Different geometry of frames. This company has taken care to create frames of various shapes for children, adolescents and women. The difference is that the upper tube of the frame is lowered. Thus, it will be easier for a woman to climb a bicycle, and for children and adolescents any fall will become less traumatic. In addition to these advantages, a diverse design is created, thanks to which the models have their own distinctive features.
2. Robotic welding of steel frames. To weld seams with maximum accuracy, a factory robot is used. Thus, the seams and joints do not have defects and ugly tubercles.
3. 3D design. Using this approach, engineers are able to monitor the process in three-dimensional space. This improves quality during design and assembly.
4. Four-link suspension. This technology is designed to provide cushioning for mountain bike owners.One or two-link system does not have a constant center of rotation, which makes the suspension more rigid and dependent on pedaling.

Schwinn - A global brand of bicycle construction, which has a very rich history. The company was established in the very distant 1895 in the United States. The brand began to develop at a time when the theme of bicycles began to develop around the world. By 1920, Ignaz Shvin, the founder of the company, had taken over several small enterprises. As a result, they formed a network of manufacturing facilities in Chicago.

In the early 30s of the XX century, the manufacturer decided to meet the customer by creating cruiser bicycles. Then not all people could afford cars, so the demand for urban-type models was quite large. Thus, the company began to earn money, which in the future went to the development of bicycle construction. In the middle of the last century, Schwinn began to wholesale bicycles and sell under its own brand. Since the 60s, products have expanded. In addition to cruise units, cargo and three-wheeled models began to be created.

Currently, the products of this manufacturer are a tribute to the old traditions. Many famous people have Schwinn bikes as antiques. Now the line of models has expanded. Available for sale mountain, hybrid, highway, teenage and other popular types of bikes.

Aist - Belarusian bicycles, which have been known since Soviet times. The history of this brand began in the post-war years, namely in 1947. During the first year, about 5 thousand units of bicycles were manufactured. For 10 years, the number of products has been increased several dozen times.

In 1963, the export of Aist models began, which began to be popular abroad. Continuing development, the company began to create new external forms for its products. Increasing production every year, in 1977 the company created a folding model, which at that time was considered innovative in Soviet bicycle construction.

In 1992, the first Aist sports bike was created, which could withstand heavy loads and was no longer like most other bicycles. In 1997, the total number of released models reached 50 million.

A new stage in the development of the company occurred when the company signed a contract with the Belarusian Cycling Federation. From this moment, the vector of brand development has gone towards sports and mountain bicycles. Since 2008, the best bikes of this brand participate in various World Championships and Olympic Games.

Pinarello - A global Italian brand that became known in the last century. The initiator of the company was Giovanni Pinarello. This cyclist was known both in Italy and throughout Europe. After years of a successful career, his dream was to create his own bicycles. Developing his small workshop near the house, he started from the very beginning. Little gains and suspense increased Giovanni’s enthusiasm for making Pinarello one of the best brands in the world in the future.

In 1975, the Giro d'Italia race was won on the actual Giovanni bike. This success was significant for the business of the former racer. This moment was the starting point for a small workshop in Treviso, where Pinarello worked. In 1988, the entire business passed to the son of Fausto. He continued the ideas of his father and was able to expand the company's production network.

Working with his father from the age of 17, Fausto perfectly understood what direction production should be carried out. For a young man, working with a brand has become his life goal. In the 90s, Pinarello bikes began to dominate all cycling. Thanks to this breakthrough throughout the industry, the brand bikes of this manufacturer have become known around the world.

Now the best riders of the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and other world cycling competitions ride their Pinarello bikes. Every 2 years a new model is created, which surpasses the previous ones in its characteristics. Given this fact, we can say that the company continues its active development.

The price of the models, of course, is very high. But the thing is the quality that these bikes have. They pass numerous tests so that a person does not just ride, but enjoys it.

Pride - Ukrainian brand, which is the most popular bicycle manufacturer in their country. For more than 10 years, the products of this manufacturer have become known throughout the CIS. Pride believes that the main goal is to create consumer convenience. This manufacturer embodies his ideas in his own products. Before you create a bike, engineers carefully think through all the details. Starting from the braking system, ending with the position of the seat and steering wheel.

The main direction of manufactured products is mountain and city bikes. They are created with the expectation of outdoor activities and tourism that brings pleasure. One of the benefits of Pride is feedback. In contact with the consumer, the manufacturer understands how to make bicycles better and more affordable.

Author Is a Czech company whose assortment is known throughout Europe. The history of this brand began in 1990, and only with the import of bicycles and their spare parts. Having gained experience and explored the bicycle market, Author decided to make bikes on his own. In 1993, production began. Thanks to three years of work, the company already had production facilities in which it was possible to produce bicycles in sufficient quantities.

The development history of Author differs from other manufacturers in that the brand decided to create a unique and own style. Therefore, modern models are mainly made from materials of our own production. This applies to steering racks, seatposts, frames and much more. When assembling, equipment from famous manufacturers in the world of cycling is used: Tektro brake systems, RST suspension forks, Shimano attachments.

The main attention is paid to sports and mountain types of bikes, which began to be created at the very beginning of the ascent of the company. This manufacturer is distinguished by high quality and unique style. It is worth saying that this quality costs quite a lot. The main advantage of Author bicycles is their strength, After all, all models pass serious tests before they go on sale.

Helkama - a brand from Finland. The history of this company began back in 1905, when a peasant from the city of Tampere Heikki Hellman decided to organize a small business. Given the weather conditions in Finland, a bike could be a great solution for those who need to drive a short distance without a car. The brand began to experience the first problems during the First World War, when the number of produced models decreased markedly. Soon, the business became not personal, but family, as the Heikki brothers decided to continue his business. Since 1953, production of goods has been adjusted, which amounted to 200 units per day.

In this way, Finnish bikes began to gain popularity outside their home country. Existence of exports increased profits, after which the business became larger. The ideology of this manufacturer is that you need to adhere to traditions. Thus, even modern Helkama bike models are not much different from what they were 50 years ago. The emphasis is on quality and reliability. The most famous line of bikes is Jopo. In addition to ordinary road and city bikes, Helkama produces electric bikes for children.

Cross - Polish bicycles, the main advantage of which is technological effectiveness. This manufacturer has a fairly wide range of bikes, which is suitable for each riding style. All models are well equipped with attachments. The brand pays a lot of attention to the feedback department, thanks to which the manufacturer understands in which direction he can succeed. In addition to prefabricated workshops, a large amount of work is carried out in design bureaus. In them, engineers create new technologies that make products better.

So there were models SOIL and MOONthat have become innovations among the entire range of the brand. Also, very serious work is being done in the sports component. KROSS VENTO TR and LEVEL B + bicycles are used by professional cyclists from Poland. For example, these models took part in the Olympic Games and the Sahara races.

Kuwahara - A Japanese manufacturer with a very rich history. It began in 1918 when Centaru Kuwahara decided to create a bicycle business. Due to its ability to work and the desire to promote the product, the company began to achieve significant success in its country. By increasing production volumes, the consumer base grew.

In 1925, export began abroad. Japanese bicycles began to be delivered to the USSR, China and Southeast Asia. Until 1940, the Kuwahara concern increased the number of manufactured products annually. During World War II, workshops and factories were closed. In 1947, after the end of hostilities, the Kuwahara family continued their business.

The first deliveries to the USA began in 1959, and after 3 years, bicycles Kuwahara began to be sold in Canada. The first models were modified, as they had 10 and 12 speeds. In 1968, exports to the United States became several times larger. The manufacturer Schwinn, described earlier, bought up inexpensive bikes and sold them under his own brand. Such cheap and reprinted bikes were Kuwahara bikes.

Since the beginning of the 70s, the BMX type of bikes has become the main focus of the manufacturer. It was at this time that the freestyle style, which is characteristic of performing tricks, became popular in bicycle building.

In the 80s, large-scale production of mountain models began, which were perfect for lovers of fast and energetic riding. For 60 years, Kuwahara has built factories in Europe, Asia, Australia and America. For world fame, only participation in sports was lacking. Having created a cycling team in the USA and taking part in the Steven Spielberg film, the company and products of this brand became known worldwide.

From the 90s to the present day, designers and designers have created more and more diverse models that satisfy all quality requirements. Well-known American cyclists also worked with Kuwahara, who gave development advice and shared their experience with representatives from Japan.

Samchuly Is a Korean brand that is very popular in Asia. The company was established in 1944 under the leadership of Kim Jol Hu. In 1952, active development began not only of the workshop, but of the entire infrastructure. The first mass model was a bike called Samchuly Ho. By the end of the 60s, the brand set a certain level of quality by introducing special certificates that confirmed the presence of the original assembly.

In 1982, Korean riders first won the Asian Games, using Samchuly Goldwin bikes. Having gained international fame, the brand in 1987 produced 1 million copies in its entire history.

If in 1987 the company manufactured 1 million units of bicycle equipment for more than 30 years, then the same indicator was achieved only in 2007.Thanks to the opening of the new Uiwang factory in 2010, production capacity has increased significantly. Walking towards the buyer, in 2011 the Metro service was launched, allowing you to independently choose all kinds of coloring for your unit. In recent years, the production of children's bicycles has been launched, and in 2018 an online application was created where you can purchase any model from the brand.

Based on price and overall quality, You can create the top most reliable manufacturers.

• Pinarello;
• Author;
• Schwinn;
• Helkama;
• Kross;
• Kuwahara;
• Forward
• Samchuly;
• Pride
• Stels
• Aist.

This criterion is one of the most key. Before buying, carefully study all the components of the bike, as the manufacturer can create an extra charge only for the well-known brand name.

The most expensive - not always the highest quality. If you have decided on several manufacturers, then consider each advantage and disadvantage of your chosen model. It happens that 2 bicycles seem to have similar characteristics and attachments, but because of the difference in the quality of the assembly, 1 company is noticeably superior to the other.

Here, too, not everything is clear. Some manufacturers specialize in different types of bicycles. Although many manufacturers are developing in different areas of activity, each brand has features among other firms. Most of the companies represented are focused on mountain, sports and urban models.

See the top best bikes in the video below.