Light bikes: what are and how to choose?

For quite a long time, a bicycle has been a necessary means for quickly moving around the city. It is very convenient, because it allows you not to depend on public transport, not to pay attention to city traffic and not to stand in traffic jams. Thanks to all this, you know for sure that you can get to the right point when you need it. But the bike itself is a rather cumbersome thing.

Recently, they began to make the most lightweight so-called light bikes. Let's try to figure out what it is and what they are.

Everyone who has ever used a bicycle knows that it weighs quite a lot, which often negates a lot of its advantages. And when choosing a bicycle, this option is extremely important. Neither color, nor brand awareness, nor the number of speeds will be as important as weight. Indeed, on heavy models that are made of steel, you will not only go far, but you will get tired of driving. therefore when purchasing this vehicle, special attention should be paid to the mass.

The main element is the frame. It will be the basis of everything, because it carries a weight load for this entire structure. It should be said that manufacturers of this type of transport often use different materials to create this element.

• Aluminum - A fairly light metal, which has good strength indicators. Used to create frames for middle-class bicycles.
• Carbon fiber or carbon - ultralight material that has recently begun to be used for the production of bicycles. It is a dense carbon fiber that is covered with a layer of resin based on polymers. The use of this material allowed the creation of bicycle frames weighing 900 grams or less.
• Steel - the heaviest, but affordable metal. Very popular with domestic manufacturers of budget models of bicycles. The greatest advantage of the material is the highest strength.
• Titanium - very expensive and rather difficult to process metal. Its strength is higher than that of steel, and its weight is lower, which is why it is used only in expensive models.

Besides, The weight of the bike depends on how much the wheels weigh. And their mass will depend on the size. The larger it is, the greater their mass will be. Although this factor can be called additional.

If we talk about the purpose, then there are 3 categories of bicycles that belong to the lungs:

• highway;
• mountain;
• others.

We will tell you more about each group. For road bikes frames are developed by design teams specifically for road racing, and for this reason their frames are extremely light. The roadway is made of light materials - carbon and titanium. The result is a mass of not more than 6.8 kilograms. In stores, you can find models weighing up to 8 kilograms, which belong to this group. Often you can find such models with an aluminum frame.

Mountain models usually by weight significantly outweigh the remaining categories. The root cause of this is a more solid frame, as well as the presence of shock absorbers, which are not in models of other categories. But here, too, everything is done in order to lighten the weight of the bicycle: titanium alloys, lightweight mechanisms and so on are used. You can find models weighing about 8 kilograms, but most often such a bike will weigh about 11 kilograms.

If we talk about other models, then these are, as a rule, some special bicycles. The same specialized BMXs, fixed gears or track bikes. The mass is also important in them, but here everything will depend on the manufacturer and what indicators he focuses on. Therefore, there are no clear guidelines here.

Now let's talk a little about specific bicycle models that really deserve attention.

If we talk about urban models, then I want to start with a model called Forward enigma 3.0 weighing about 13 kilograms. This bike is interesting in that it is folding. It has a frame made of aluminum alloy with small wheels with a diameter of 20 inches. Depreciation is absent here, but this does not prevent the model from showing excellent results when driving. It is comfortable to ride around the city even for a long time thanks to the presence of a spring-loaded saddle and 20x1.95 30TPI tires. The model has 3 speeds, as well as additional rim brakes located at the rear.

Another model that will be interesting to everyone who needs a good city bike - Stels Pilot 410 20 Z011. True, it is slightly heavier than the mentioned model - about 14 kilograms. The reason is that the frame here is made of steel. Transport has good characteristics, but most importantly - affordable price. For little money, you can really get a maneuverable and durable bike with 20-inch wheels.

The third model that also deserves attention is Shulz Goa Coaster. This is a cool city bike that will delight its owner with a small mass of 12 kilograms. It is intended for adults, who should have a height of about two meters. With an increase of 185 centimeters, it will not be very comfortable to ride it. The rim and frame are made of aluminum alloy, which is durable and lightweight. The wheel diameter here is 20 inches. This model has a folding design, the mechanism of which works quite easily. Users note the good acceleration of the bike, as well as excellent equipment.

Now let's talk a little about good mountain bikes. The first model to be mentioned is Stels Navigator 460 MD 24 V021. It is a teenage and is intended for children from 9 to 15 years. The fact that it is quite lightweight is not the only strength of this model. Its weight is about 14 kilograms. The child will simply carry it, and the design itself is reliable and strong. The wheels are large - 24 inches. Lightness is achieved due to the fact that the 11-inch frame and rim are made of aluminum alloy. The model has a high-quality suspension fork, which makes it possible to ride comfortably on mountain roads. Among the advantages of the model should be called a nice design.

The second model I want to say about is Stels Miss 6100 D 26 V010. This mountain bike is considered one of the lightest in its segment with a mass of 14.6 kilograms. The model is female, which is why it has an understated frame, which is made of lightweight aluminum alloy, as well as a wide saddle. By the way, the frame size is 12 inches and the wheels have a diameter of 26 inches. They provide an opportunity to overcome almost any kind of obstacles. The model is equipped with sports-class brakes. There are 21 gears. In addition, given that the model is female, she will have an appropriate design.

Another model that may interest a lover of such bicycles is Forward seido weighing about 15 kilograms. This is a full female version for cross-country. There is a frame with a special understated design made of aluminum alloy, as well as a very wide saddle. The model is equipped with an excellent braking system, which works clearly and reliably. This bike has a cool design and impresses with its shape and grace. He has an attractive appearance and bright colors.

Now let's say a little about the road models. One of the most popular is Forward impulse. It is highly reliable, which in combination with light weight gives an excellent result. Its mass is 11 kilograms. The model uses components from well-known manufacturers: the Taya TS-30 chain, Weinmann SP17 rims, Kenda Kriterium rubber, shifters, cassette and Shimano switches. There are quite large wheels with a diameter of 28 inches.

Another noteworthy model - Stark Peloton 700.1. It is distinguished not only by its low weight - 11.8 kilograms, but also by its moderate price. This model is considered one of the most affordable in its class. On an empty and level road, the Stark Peloton 700.1 can show remarkable speed. If we talk about the braking mechanism, then it is also made at the highest level. Even with little exposure, the pliers can perfectly grip the wheels and slow down the movement. In total, there are as many as 14 speed modes.

There are also beautiful and strong 28-inch wheels. Owners note the cool and attractive appearance of these models, as well as their brightness and style.

It should be said that choosing a bicycle is not an easy question. You need to understand that, going on the road, a person must have a reliable bike that will not let you down at the right time. First you need to think about how the bike will be used. After all, it may be almost the most technically pumped in the world, but if it is not suitable for a certain type of coverage, then you definitely won’t get pleasure from riding.

The same racing models, even the coolest ones, are not very suitable for daily use, and their practicality is low. You can choose an intermediate option - a hybrid. Such transport combines the features of both a mountain and a racing model.Usually their distinguishing characteristics are landing and wide wheels. Frames are usually light in them. Another feature of hybrids are quality rim brakes that really work like clockwork.

When choosing a bicycle, you should ask yourself a number of questions. Namely, it should be understood how long the rides will take, how actively the bike will be used, whether it is needed as a means of transportation or entertainment, whether there was a riding experience in the past. When you can identify for yourself all of the above points, you will get an approximate idea of ​​what functions are needed in the bike.

If you need to ride daily to work and home, it is best to purchase a fast and easy road or road bike. If you need transport, where you can install some additional parts - a trunk or a basket, then it will be better to opt for a cruise or hybrid model.

A review of the carbon bike Stevens Haze SX, see the video below.