Bicycle Guide – 2023: brand reviews and 35 best models for different budgets

Bicycle Guide – 2023: brand reviews and 35 best models for different budgets

Urban and mountain, adult and child, expensive and quite affordable. Catch detailed instructions for buying your dream bike.

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Summer is the perfect time to go for a long bike ride. If you don’t ride too often, you can use a rental. Even so, it is much better to buy a bicycle, matching it to your physical parameters and riding style. Perhaps after you appreciate this option, you’ll change your attitude. Become a fan of cycling.

How to choose it, what brands and models to pay attention to? In this article we will deal with all the nuances in detail.

What kind of bicycles are there?

There are several types of bicycles, each of which is designed for a certain type of riding. The main types include:

• mountain bike. Designed for riding off-road, cross-country and trails. It has thick tires with rough tread, front shock absorbers (fork) and often a rear shock absorber. It is the most versatile type;
• road bike. Specially designed for high-speed riding on asphalt. Have a lightweight frame, narrow rubber and horn handlebars for better aerodynamic position;
• hybrid bike. Combines features of mountain and road models. Usually has wide tires, front shock absorption and a more upright seat position;
• city bike. Usually it has a wide seat, comfortable handles, often has a trunk or a basket for transporting things. Designed such a bike (as is clear from the name) for comfortable rides in the city;
• BMX-bike. It is used for tricks and riding on special grounds. It has a low frame, 20-inch wheels and one speed.

How do I choose the right bike?

When choosing a bicycle, it is important to consider the following factors.

• Determine the purpose of using the bike and your type of riding. A mountain bike is for cross-country riding, a road bike is for flat trails, a hybrid bike is for city riding, and a BMX bike is for stunts.
• Think about the size. You need to choose the right bike for your height. This is important for a comfortable ride and for safety. In order not to miscalculate with the “height”, refer to the manufacturer’s size chart.
• Pay attention to the material. What the frame is made of affects the weight, strength and stiffness of the bike. Aluminum is lightweight and strong, but it’s more expensive. Steel – heavy, but a cheaper material. Carbon – very lightweight, but it is the most expensive.

Be sure to try the bike before you buy it. Many stores provide a rental service for a few hours or even days. In general, though, a banal “try-on” in the salesroom is enough. According to her it is quite possible to determine whether the body is correctly positioned. And do not be afraid to ask questions to the seller and ask for advice.

The best bicycle companies

So, which brands should be trusted and why? Catch the list:

• Trek is one of the most well-known and respected bicycle manufacturers. They offer a wide range of models for different types of riding;
• Specialized is also a popular brand. Famous for its innovative technology and high quality;
• Gian produces a wide range of bikes, from mountain bikes to road bikes and city bikes. There is both high quality and affordable price;
• Cannondale is known for its lightweight and durable frames, as well as innovative technologies such as the Lefty shock absorption system;
• Scott specializes in mountain and road bikes. Here we get both modern design and cutting edge technology;
• Cube offers a wide range of bikes of different types: from mountain bikes to electric bikes. Known for their German quality and innovative design;
• Santa Cruz specializes in mountain bikes and is known for its high quality carbon frames;
• Merida is one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world. They offer a wide range of models for different riding styles;
• Canyon is known for their high-tech bikes, plus great value for money;
• Pinarello specializes in road bikes and is known for its high-tech and lightweight frames.

Now we move on to specific options, looking separately at mountain bikes, road bikes, etc. Bikes for teenagers and very young children, too, let’s not forget.

Best mountain bikes

1. Trek Fuel EX – great mountain riding options, including shock absorption and durable components.
2. Specialized Stumpjumper – One of the most popular mountain bikes on the market. Has excellent handling and shock absorption.
3. Giant Trance – A great combination of lightness, stiffness and shock absorption for mountain riding.
4. Cannondale Habit – Excellent handling and cushioning. It’s the perfect choice for mountain trails.
5. Scott Spark – A light and fast mountain bike with excellent shock absorption and control.
6. Santa Cruz Bronson – high rideability and control on demanding mountain trails.
7. Merida One-Twenty – versatile mountain bike with good shock absorption and control.
8. Cube Stereo – solid construction and excellent shock absorption.
9. Canyon Spectral – the perfect combination of lightness and rideability.
10. Pinarello Dogma XC – a high-tech mountain bike with a lightweight frame and excellent shock absorption.

Best bikes for the city

1. Trek FX is a great choice for city riding. It has a lightweight frame, comfortable saddle and reliable components.
2. Specialized Sirrus – fast and comfortable riding on city streets. It has a lightweight frame, wide tires and reliable brakes.
3. Giant Escape is a universal bike for the city. It has a comfortable fit, reliable components and good maneuverability.
4. Cannondale Quick – fast and easy riding on city streets. The frame is not heavy, the tires are wide and the brakes are reliable.
5. Scott Sub Cross is a versatile city bike with a comfortable fit and reliable components.
6. Santa Cruz Chameleon – comfortable and maneuverable riding in the city. It has a light frame and wide tires, brakes are also reliable.
7. Merida Crossway is a versatile city bike with a comfortable fit and reliable components.
8. Cube Hyde – fast and maneuverable riding on city streets. It has a light frame, wide tires and reliable brakes.
9. Canyon Urban is both comfort and style. It also has a light frame, wide tires and reliable components.
10. Pinarello Treviso is a high quality urban bike with a comfortable riding position. All the components here are also reliable.

Best road bikes

1. Specialized Tarmac is one of the most popular road bikes. It has a stiff frame, lightweight components and an aerodynamic shape.
2. Trek Domane – comfortable and stable riding on the highway. Here we get the innovative IsoSpeed cushioning technology that absorbs road vibrations.
3. Cannondale SuperSix Evo – a high-performance road bike with a lightweight frame and excellent aerodynamics.
4. Pinarello Dogma is an elite road bike often used by professional riders. It has a stiff frame, high-quality components and excellent maneuverability.
5. Giant Propel Advanced – High speed and excellent aerodynamics. Features a lightweight frame, integrated brakes and a stiff rear triangle.
6. Scott Foil – A road bike with a lightweight frame and excellent aerodynamics. Offers a fast and stable ride on the highway.
7. Merida Reacto – high speed and stability on the highway. Features a stiff frame, integrated brakes and aerodynamic shape.
8. Canyon Ultimate – A high-performance road bike with a lightweight frame and excellent stiffness. Offers a comfortable and stable ride on the highway.
9. Cube Litening – high speed and excellent maneuverability on the highway. Features a lightweight frame, high quality components and aerodynamic shape.
10. Ridley Helium – A high quality road bike with a lightweight frame and excellent stiffness. It offers a fast and comfortable ride on the highway.

If you want to save money but still get decent quality, catch the list of compromises.

Inexpensive bikes

1. Denton Storm – mountain model with front shock absorption and 29″ wheels.
2. Stern Q-stom neon – a city bike in a cute design.
3. Stern Energy 2.0 – advanced mountain model, which due to the 21st gear and shock absorption is perfect for active recreation
4. Bear Bike Minsk 700C – lightweight, reliable and maneuverable city bike.
5. Stern Motion 1.0 – mountain bike with shock absorption and ergonomic seat.

Children’s and teenage bikes

It is worth making a small digression here. Children’s bikes are present in the model grids of almost all major brands. Their main difference is the size of the frame and the diameter of the wheels. To pick up a bike for height, you should follow the same advice as in the case of adult models: refer to the size grid and focus on the physical parameters of the child.

Here are some of the best children’s bikes on the market right now.

1. DeStrider is a great choice for kids from 18 months to 5 years old. This pedal-less bike helps children learn balance and easy handling on two wheels.
2. Woom – these bikes are ideal for children between the ages of 2 and 14. They have a comfortable seat, easy to handle and are available in different colors.
3. Schwinn Koen – a bicycle with side wheels that is ideal for beginner cyclists. It has a lightweight frame and an adjustable seat, making it an ideal choice for children aged 3 to 7 years old.
4. DeGuardian Ethos is a bike with unique SureStop technology that makes it easy for your child to control speed and stopping. It is available in different sizes and colors and is ideal for children aged 4 to 13 years old.

Folding bikes – best brands

1. Brompton is one of the most well-known and popular manufacturers of folding bikes. They are known for their compactness, durability and build quality.
2. Dahon offers a wide range of folding bikes for different types of riding. They are known for their lightweight and easy assembly and disassembly.
3. Tern manufactures high quality folding bikes with innovative features such as one-hand folding system. They are known for their durability and reliability.
4. Montague offers folding bikes with full-size wheels, making them more stable and comfortable to ride. They are known for their durability and ability to handle rough roads.
5. Strida are unique folding bikes with a triangular shaped frame. They are known for being lightweight and compact, making them ideal for urban riding.
6. Birdy makes folding bikes with suspension, which makes them more comfortable for riding on rough roads. They are known for their compactness and durability.
7. Bike Friday offers customizable folding bikes that can be tailored to suit individual needs and preferences. They are known for their flexibility and ease of assembly and disassembly.
8. Airnimal are folding bikes that are highly rugged and can be used on different types of roads. They are known for being lightweight and compact.
9. Gocycle offers electric folding bikes that provide an easier and more comfortable ride. They are known for their innovative technology and stylish design.
10. Xootr Swift – are folding bikes with more gears and the ability to ride fast and smooth. They are known for their durability and easy assembly and disassembly.