Road bike rating. Do you need a road bike? Features and differences of road bikes

Are you about to buy your first road bike? Decided to try cycling to work? Or do you just want a fast, inexpensive bike to enjoy on the road? If you don't plan to be a professional cyclist, then there's no point in spending thousands of dollars - buy an inexpensive road bike instead. You probably don't get money easily. Therefore, you need to spend them with maximum benefit. This list has selected five of the best cheap road bikes based on their high quality and performance. Each of them is worth the money you ask for it. These are quality road bikes. entry level assembled from good components.

As is the case with other products, what you pay, you get a bike of this quality. That is, than more money spend, the better the model you can buy. It is not so important to decide on a specific brand, it is much more important that it suits your driving style, has all necessary characteristics and in line with the allocated budget. If possible, try to test the selected bike before buying. A test ride will help you get a better feel for the bike and give you the opportunity to make sure that the bike is the right fit for you. You wouldn't buy a car, no matter how good it was, until you've driven it for a test drive.

The Felt Z95 is a fast and dynamic bike that will not disappoint you. If you're looking for a quality road bike for little money to get started in the urban jungle, the Felt Z95 is the best choice. The bike is equipped with a 6061 externally and internally butted carbon fork that perfectly absorbs vibrations from the road. The process is facilitated by high-quality rear and front derailleurs, Shimano shifters. The bike is available in five sizes, so it won't be difficult. Felt Z95 took first place in this ranking due to its high-quality and reliable components, dynamism, value for money.

Rating: 5 / 5.


While the Jamis Ventura Comp Road Bike isn't the cheapest road bike on this list, it's still reasonably priced. Its price is due to the fact that it is assembled from quality components, but Jamis' pricing policy makes this bike affordable for budget cyclists. The Ventura Comp owes its stylish look to a lightweight aluminum frame, which is installed on more expensive ones. The weight of the bike is 9.5 kg. Think about whether you want to pay a lot of weight for a relatively small price.

Rating: 4.75 / 5.


Although the Specialized Allez Sport is the simplest and cheapest model in the Allez series, this is a very good entry-level road bike. It's built around a double butted A1 aluminum frame that delivers the strength and durability found on all Specialized bikes. The Shimano transmission provides easy shifting, which even a beginner who is only able to handle. The Allez Sport is available in six sizes and is the perfect choice for beginner cyclists.

Rating: 4.5 / 5.


The Trek 1.1 belongs to the Trek 1 series of aluminum road bikes, which offer models with great performance at an affordable price. The bike is assembled on the basis of a high-quality aluminum fork, but which, in terms of vibration absorption, is somewhat inferior to a carbon fork. The Trek 1.1 has a solid Shimano drivetrain that isn't as perfect as the other bikes on this list, but it's more than adequate for an entry-level road bike. Given the price, this model can be a good choice for a novice cyclist and deserves to be paid attention to.

Rating: 4.25 / 5.


Although Schwinn is long gone, Schwinn's entry-level road bikes are still the market leaders. The Fastback 3 is an affordable bike that makes you want to ride. The model is available in men's and female versions. It is assembled on the basis of a triple butted aluminum frame and a carbon fork, which ensures a low weight and high speed performance of the bike. Quality Shimano 2300 front and rear derailleurs and a 24-speed transmission ensure the performance you need.

A road bike (Roadbike, Roadracingbike) is a model that is designed for fast sports riding on flat surfaces, roads with good asphalt, highways.

Distinctive features of road bikes:

  • Low curved steering wheel, the handles of which are directed in the opposite direction;
  • High short frame;
  • Light weight (from 3.5 to 10 kg);
  • Narrow tires (18-22 mm);
  • Clip-on brakes (when braking, wrap around the wheel rim).

A road bike is primarily intended for sports riding. The largest cycling races take place on these models. Therefore, a novice cyclist will not be able to master the road bike right away: a low landing is designed specifically for fast sports riding and is in no way suitable for leisurely cycling. You also need to understand that on such a model you will not be able to ride off-road or bad roads - smooth asphalt is needed for a comfortable ride on a road bike.

Which road bike to choose for the first time?

The first thing a professional cyclist will pay attention to when choosing a road bike is the size of the frame and the material from which it is made.

If for the selection of a frame it is enough to tell your height and leg length to the sales assistant, and then try out the bike in practice, then it will be a little more difficult with the material.

Beginners may want to start with cheaper models with an aluminum frame and carbon fork (this is the standard fork on all road bikes) as there is not much difference on initial stage they won't feel. More expensive models are made with carbon frames, which absorb vibration better, provide a more comfortable ride and help develop great speed. But as cycling experts assure, beginners can safely buy the simplest and cheapest road bike model that suits you in size and just looks good.

How to organize your first workouts after choosing a road bike?

After buying their first road cyclist, a beginner often doesn't know where to start. As mentioned above, road racing involves sports driving, which means systematic training, a gradual increase in speed and improvement in riding skills. It is the first experience of sports riding that will help you evaluate the bike, understand what is missing in it and what you want to see the next model.

The famous American triathlete and trainer Joe Friel in his book "The Cyclist's Bible" names 10 basic principles for successful training:

  • Train moderately, that is, sensibly evaluate your physical capabilities, especially in the early stages. At the end of the lesson, it is better to feel that next time you can do more, and not run out of breath and it is not known when you want to ride again.
  • Train Consistently: It is important to do moderate workouts with regular breaks, if possible, without gaps.
  • Give yourself a rest: it is during rest that the body adapts to tension and becomes stronger. Without rest, you will not feel better.
  • Train according to the plan: the training plan can be the simplest, the main thing is to strictly adhere to it and not change it without serious reasons.
  • Train individually, not in a group: group training certainly has its advantages. But when training with other athletes, you will have to adapt to their speed and load, which may simply not suit you. It's best to stick to your workout plan.
  • Learn how to peak your training: Depending on the type of race you are preparing for, set and achieve different goals. For example, to pass a distance for a specific time.
  • Work on your weaknesses: Most cyclists spend too much time improving what they are already good at. If a weak sides your riding cannot be determined by yourself, ask those who train with you.
  • Trust your preparation: before races, many doubt that previous training has brought them nice results. These unnecessary doubts are best discarded immediately.
  • Listen to your body: avoid injury, overtraining and exhaustion.
  • Do not stop moving towards the intended goal: when you decide on the goal, evaluate what is preventing you from achieving it. Maybe you need to change your lifestyle, sleep amount, diet or adjust your training program?

The main thing - do not rush to buy an expensive and complicated road bike. Most of its functions and capabilities you simply physically cannot try out right away. After some time, you will develop your own riding style - then you will be able to approach the choice of a bicycle in more detail. So, professional cyclists at a certain stage begin to order not ready-made bicycles, but parts in order to assemble their “car” on their own.

A road bike is a great vehicle for people who plan to quickly cover long distances on good asphalt roads. Helps great also support physical form. Best Features road bikes - high speed with maneuverability. Therefore, many cyclists prefer this particular category of bikes. The article shows the best road bikes 2016 - 2017. The rating will allow you to make the best choice.

What qualities are characteristic of road bikes

The benefits and features of road bikes, regardless of rating, include:

  • Small wheels and tires.
  • A ram-horn-shaped steering wheel that allows you to overcome a fairly strong headwind.
  • The fork is made of composite carbon material, which makes the construction very durable.
  • All components of the bike are made of high-strength, but lightweight materials, so its total weight is about 5 kg.
  • Design features allow you to travel far and fast enough.

As you can see, the list is impressive.

And here are the cons:

  • No hangers.
  • Driving on rough roads is difficult or even impossible.
  • Almost all road bike models do not have rack mounts like urban, touring and mountain bikes. Therefore, along with the bike, you will need to include a backpack in the list of necessary things.

Road bike classification

Despite the fact that road bikes are structurally similar in many respects, there are different modifications of them. Which one to choose depends on the way the bike is used. And, of course, from the 2016-2017 rating. Here is a list of the main types of road bikes.

  • General purpose road bikes. Perhaps, the best option to overcome distances of 30-250 km, when traveling several times a year. Compared to racing models, they provide relatively vertical landing and quieter steering.
  • Racing road bikes are "sharpened" for competition. These models are for experienced riders. Riding such bikes involves horizontal stretching along the bike to improve aerodynamic performance. Managing such a "beast" requires great skill. Velik has a frame of a more complex structure, components made of high-quality material, lightweight wheels. Racing road bikes are in the highest price category and are highly rated.
  • A road bike with a straight handlebar resembles a regular bike. It is suitable for fairly long trips, as it allows you to look around and better control the situation on the road. Also, this model is suitable for those who want to buy a bike with good speed characteristics, but not used to the steering wheel, bent by "ram's horns". These bikes belong to the budget niche or to the middle price category.

Thus, the best for a beginner is the universal model 2016-2017. Of course, if he is not preparing for cycling or competitions.

What material is better to choose a road bike

When choosing road bikes, there are mainly 2 materials that appear: carbon fiber and aluminum. The latter is cheaper. Dural frames have proven themselves well on smooth, well-paved roads. In many models with medium or high rating places, an alloy frame is combined with a carbon fork.

Road bikes with carbon frames offer better rider comfort. However, the cost of such models is higher. The labor intensity of manufacturing carbon products is higher.

List of popular low-cost models 2016-2017

The last place in the ranking is Vilano Aluminum. This is the best choice for low income people. The model is suitable for women and men. The bike is designed for 21 speeds.

Advantages.

  • Relatively low price.
  • The road bike is suitable for men and women.
  • Great option for beginners.

Flaws.

  • Not the most best quality tires.
  • Gears need frequent debugging.

This road bike, ranked in 2016-2017. 9th place - for lovers of high speeds. The bike has a duralumin frame and a carbon fork. composite material. The transmission is great for 14 speeds. The shift lever is connected to the brake system.

Advantages.

  • Carbon fork.
  • Quality brake calipers.
  • Front wheel that can be removed quickly and easily.

Flaws.

  • There is only one size.
  • Poorly written assembly instructions.
  • Not very secure steering.

Road bike Giordano Libero 1.6 W - eighth place in the ranking. It was introduced in 2016-2017. male and female versions. The bike is designed for 16 speeds. The model is distinguished by high-strength wheels, shock absorbing on potholes, as for a road bike, pretty decently.

  • The bike is equipped with two water bottle holders.
  • Lightweight and high strength aluminum frame.
  • High strength wheels.
  • Not the best and most comfortable seat.
  • For people of small stature, the brakes are located inconveniently.
  • Rapid brake wear.

This bike with the seventh place in the rating table 2016-2017 is aimed at beginners and experienced athletes. The frame is made from carbon fiber. The pluses of the 2015 Kestrel Talon model include.

  • Can be used as a triathlon and road bike.
  • Possibility of use by athletes of various levels.
  • Carbon frame (in comparison with duralumin, the best option).
  • Assembling this road bike is quite difficult.
  • High price.
  • The model is available only in a single color solution.

The sixth position in the ranking for 2016-2017 is the Kestrel Legend Shimano 105. This is a racing road bike. Its geometry is fully consistent with racing characteristics. The carbon frame is strong and durable. There are various sizes of this bike. The model is suitable for men and women.

Advantages.

  • Carbon frame.
  • Ability to use for racing.
  • There is an extensive list of size options.

Flaws.

  • High cost (not the best option for a beginner).
  • Compared to other carbon bikes, a lot of weight.
  • The warranty is valid only for the store assembly of the product.

Road bike Merax 21 Speed ​​700C in 2016-2017 - the best combination of excellent quality and reasonable price. That is why he took the honorable 5th place in the ranking. There is a 21 speed gearbox. The frame is aluminum.

Advantages.

  • The bike is delivered assembled.
  • Quality gearbox from Shimano.
  • The front wheel comes off quickly.

Flaws.

  • There is no key to adjust the seat.
  • Not enough good fastening steering wheel.
  • Not the best tire quality.

The list, as they say, is 50/50.

G.M.C. Denali

The GMC Denali bike is in fourth place in the ranking. The lineup is represented by road bikes for men and women of various heights and builds. Great for both commuting and high-speed highway travel.

Advantages.

  • 21 speed gearbox.
  • Small mass.
  • The bike is suitable for women and men.

Flaws.

  • Not the best steering wheel in terms of design and convenience.
  • Assembly complexity.
  • Sometimes the footboard clings to the rear wheel.

This is the best budget option for men in 2016-2017. The line of models is presented in three sizes. The road bike is equipped with an aluminum lightweight frame. This makes it possible to travel long distances. The gearbox is large from Shimano STI and is designed for 16 speeds. The list of shortcomings includes substandard tires and flimsy brake calipers. The third position in the ranking is well deserved.

A road (sports) bike is an analogue of a Formula 1 car in the world of cycling. This class embodies such qualities as lightness, speed and a kind of grace. This article will discuss the appropriateness of choosing a road bike, as well as its features and design differences from other varieties. We will tell you how to choose the right inexpensive but good road bike, and what you should pay attention to when buying in a store.

Weighing the pros and cons of road bikes

If you are reading this article, then most likely you have not yet owned a road bike. And before you buy it, you should decide on all its minuses and pluses. After all, a road bike is not the same as a mountain or city bike. Pokatushki on this class can be attributed to a separate religion. So, let's start with the cons. The price of an entry-level road bike is higher than that of an entry-level mountain bike. The second can be attributed to the unspoken restriction on the area of ​​​​its application, namely, driving exclusively on high-quality road surfaces. Of course, you can ride off-road, but then get ready for frequent punctures and possible deformation of the rims (if you have aluminum ones). Yes, and it will not be very convenient to go. It's almost like racing a Ferrari sports car around a motocross track. And yet, the first thing that a beginner will experience when riding a road bike is not a very comfortable fit. At first, your back and neck muscles will get tired. But this is only until the moment when they get stronger. And then the benefits begin. Road bikes can travel much longer distances than, for example, mountain bikes. Accelerate to tremendous speeds that cannot be achieved on other classes of bicycles. And most importantly - to get great pleasure from riding a magnificent, graceful and fast bike. You certainly will not experience a similar feeling on any other iron horse.

Well, now for some advice on how to decide if a road bike is right for you. Ask your friends if they have a highway that you can borrow for a while. And ride for a while, preferably not alone (because it's boring), although this is already an amateur (many people like to ride alone). The advantage of riding with a friend is that he can always tell you how to ride a road bike if you have any questions. And if you feel that this is yours, then feel free to buy your own road bike.

Features and differences of road bikes

Looking at a road bike, it is difficult to confuse it with any other class of iron horses. It is released immediately characteristics, which we will discuss below.

  • wheels

The most common are clincher and tubular wheels. The differences are as follows. Clinchers are a tire (clincher), which clings to the edges of the rim, and a chamber. The working pressure of such wheels is about 6 - 10 atm. Their price is lower than that of tubular ones. Tubular, in turn, do not have a chamber and are attached to the rim with glue. Air is pumped directly into the tube. Working pressure reaches about 15 atm. Thanks to design features and high pressure tubular wheels have a smoother, easier ride and good rolling. But there is also a drawback in the form of a lack of maintainability. After all, in the event of a puncture of the clincher wheel, you can always change or seal the chamber even in the field, which is impossible in the case of using tubular wheels. Yes, and the price of tubular ones is higher, therefore, they are mainly used by athletes in various competitions.



Rims. The most popular rim materials for modern road bikes today are carbon and aluminum. It is not difficult to guess that carbon is more expensive, but has less weight, while its competitor is cheaper, but slightly heavier. Although the difference in weight is not always significant (about 200 grams). There are low profile, medium and high profile (aero wheels) rims. The larger the profile, the more stable the bike behaves at high speeds, but due to the increased windage, you should be more careful with a strong side wind.

The frame of a road bike should provide three main parameters: lightness, strength and rigidity (the stiffer the frame, the less power is lost to swing the bike). On good sports bikes high level all these parameters are provided by carbon frames, which in turn are also more comfortable when riding. This is achieved by a special arrangement of the fibers, which makes it possible to tune the frame in such a way that it springs in the right places, while remaining rigid in others. This accordingly makes it more expensive due to the complexity of the production technology. Beginner to intermediate road bikes use aluminum frames which are the best choice for beginners. They have a good margin of safety, they are very rigid, but their weight is greater than that of carbon ones. More recently, steel frames were used, but now it is not so easy to meet them.

Finally, I would like to note that there are no mounts for the trunk on the frame of a sports bike. Well, in principle, it is not needed on a speed bike.

  • Transmission

The transmission of road bikes is slightly different from, for example, the transmission mountain bike. This is easy to see from the large front sprockets (the number of teeth of a large star is 50 - 53 pieces), speed switches, which are often combined with brake levers, etc. Road bikes can use a double (2 sprockets in front and 10/11 in the rear) or triple (3 sprockets in front and 9 in the rear) crankset. Triple is better suited for beginners, because. it is easier to gear ratio when riding in hilly terrain, and the double is better suited for experienced cyclists.

Previously, the gear shifters were located on the frame, but this arrangement increased the risk of falling off the bike, because. When shifting gears, I had to hold the steering wheel with one hand. Now, as mentioned above, the switches are combined with the brake levers.

If you do not assemble the bike yourself, but buy it already assembled, then most likely it will be equipped with equipment kits from one of the well-known manufacturers. The most popular are Shimano and SRAM. These kits are divided into levels: basic, beginner, intermediate, amateur, racing, pro. Below in the form of a table we will give the level and name of the system.

  • brakes

Due to the fact that road bike manufacturers try to make them as light as possible, you will never find disc brakes on them. Therefore, on all road bikes there are varieties of V-brake. Please note that brake pads for carbon rims are different from those used for aluminum rims.

There are two types of handlebars for sports bikes: the so-called ram's horns and straight (used on cheap models). When using ram's horns, two grips are used: the upper one (for a leisurely ride) and the lower one, which provides minimal air resistance when driving fast. Most of these handlebars do not have grips. After purchasing and adjusting the position of the brake levers, the ram's horn handlebar is wrapped with a special elastic band, which is sold separately.

  • Saddle and pedals

In order for the saddle not to rub during intensive pedaling, it is made as narrow and hard as possible. As for the pedals, usually when buying a bike they are not. The manufacturer believes that this component of the bike is very individual, and you will have to buy it separately. If you have specialized shoes, we recommend using contact pedals. This gives you the ability to not only push on the pedal, but also to drag the top of it as your foot rises.

  • bicycle fork

A rigid (without shock absorbers) front fork is installed on all road bikes, which performs two functions: first, it gives rigidity to the entire structure, and, accordingly, reduces the loss of strength for rocking the bike, and secondly, it significantly reduces the total weight. Front forks are made of aluminum or carbon fiber. A carbon fork is more expensive but lighter. And also more comfortable when driving on poor road surfaces.

Choose a frame size according to your height

Choosing the right frame size is extremely important. They made a mistake with the size, got the wrong fit, and, accordingly, not a comfortable ride. Below we will give a table of correspondence between the height of a cyclist and the size of a sports bike frame. It should be noted that the dimensions are rather arbitrary and may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Therefore, before buying, you should always sit down and ride for about 15 minutes, as well as ask for advice from the seller (it remains to be hoped that he will be conscientious and will not try to fit you in the wrong bike).

Since a sports bike is quite expensive, you should probably consider buying a used one. This will help you save your hard earned money. If you are not going to engage in professional cycling, but will use a bike for walking, then you should not chase the TOP options, an entry-level or intermediate level is enough. Below we give a rather interesting video on choosing a road bike.

Conclusion

After reviewing this material, the following conclusions can be drawn. Before buying, ride a friend's bike, get the frame size right and decide on the components. If you are on a tight budget, consider buying a used bike. You shouldn't chase top road bikes if you don't plan to become a professional cyclist.

Content

Life in the city does not always have a good effect on the health of citizens: gas pollution, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to the development of many diseases. Thanks to this factor, a high-speed road bike, or road bike, has appeared on the bicycle market, designed specifically for riding on smooth asphalt. Learn the features of modern highways from Russian and foreign manufacturers with examples to make right choice road bike.

What is a road bike

A type of transport designed to drive on a flat asphalt road over long distances is commonly called a highway or highway. In addition to city streets, it can be seen on professional athletes participating in cycling races. Below are the distinctive features of this technique with examples.

Characteristics

The main task of the highway is to provide top speed for a cyclist, and he copes with it, for which he is in demand. Transport consists of a frame, steering wheel, saddle, wheels, pedals. All parts have their own structural features:

  1. Steering wheel. Road bikes are equipped with a straight steering wheel, commonly called a ram steering wheel. It is flush with the height of the seat, so that the cyclist's position offers the least resistance to the wind. This reduces the area of ​​the resisting surface, which affects the speed. The gear shift levers are located on the steering wheel.
  2. Saddle. The seat has no shock absorbers - this is done so that unnecessary parts do not reduce the coefficient of performance (COP) of the bike.
  3. Wheels. Distinctive feature wheels for the road bike is a large diameter (standard 622 mm) combined with narrow tires (25-28 inches) and smooth surface. Such parameters reduce friction on the road surface and, with narrow wheels, help to keep balance. Sometimes expensive products are equipped with flat carbon knitting needles.
  4. Pedals. Initially, standard plastic pedals are installed on the bike. For long walks or professional purposes, it is recommended to replace them with contact ones (purchased in a pair with suitable shoes). They reduce stress on the knee joint.
  5. Fork. This is the part of the bike that the front wheel is attached to. On highways, a rigid fork without depreciation is installed.
  6. Frame. This is the main part of any bicycle, to which all other components are attached. The choice of its size depends on the taste, complexion and desire of the buyer. This detail makes up most of the weight of the product, the smaller it is, the greater the speed can be developed.

The material for bicycle frames of the highway are:

  • Aluminum alloy is the most common material, it is cheap, durable, lightweight. The only negative is the level of rigidity, for the manufacture of a strong frame, it can be too high, which, in the absence of additional depreciation, will create an extra load on the spine.
  • Steel. It will add weight to the whole structure, but its flexibility will soften the blows.
  • Carbon fiber (carbon). Not cheap, but strong, and one of the lightest materials.
  • Titanium. Material used in space instrumentation. Sturdy, light weight, but very expensive.

Bicycle types

Initially, they were designed for long-distance travel on a flat road, but over time, the scope of road bikes has expanded. The main types of highways:

  • Racing or cyclocross. Their aerodynamic performance is higher than standard, the wheels are of better quality, and the frame is rigid.
  • Mountain. Lightweight products, the small weight of which reduces the load when climbing a mountain peak.
  • Racing comfortable. Used for long rides, the shape of the triangular frame reduces the load on the spine.
  • For triathlon. A feature of the structure of this species is the presence of a lounger on the steering wheel, which allows you to take the most bent position, and a device for quenching thirst without stopping.
  • amateur for sports walks. The frame structure of this road model provides a more comfortable riding position.
  • hybrids. They combine all the advantages of a highway, but are available with wide tires, a standard steering wheel shape, sometimes rear wheels different in size from the front. They have a slightly lower quality of speed characteristics.

Top Models

Road cars have been around for a short time, but many manufacturers have already managed to add several road cars to their lineups, more or less successful compared to others. Below is a list of fashion brands that have released such bikes, indicating the cost, main features, advantages, disadvantages. It will help you choose a proven brand and the best road model in terms of price / quality ratio.

Specialized

Specialized (Specialized Bicycle Components) is the fourth largest manufacturer in the United States, the first in innovation in the bicycle industry. It produces bikes of various types, equipment for them. For example:

  • title: Specialized Tarmac Expert Disc Race (2016);
  • cost: 320859 rubles;
  • characteristics: carbon frame, wheel diameter 28 inches, hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, integrated bottom bracket;
  • pros: high quality materials;
  • cons: expensive, only for professionals.

Specialized is valued for regular quality improvements to their bikes. Some of the patented innovations are specially designed models for women, the use of carbon fiber, 29" wheels and many others:

  • name: Specialized Allez DSW Elite (2016);
  • price: 69990 r;;
  • characteristics: aluminum frame, number of speeds 20, with caliper brakes, integrated steering column; titanium alloy frame;
  • pluses: through slots, sporty;

Scott

This company started its journey from the production ski poles, and the first bike was released much later. She specializes in equipment and clothing for winter views sports, produces road bikes. Here is one of them:

  • title: Scott Foil Premium (2016);
  • price: 639795 rubles;
  • specifications: chain drive, threadless steering column, dead weight 6.82 kg, Kevlar bead cord;
  • pluses: professional transmission, suitable for different heights;
  • cons: expensive, for professionals.

A distinctive feature of Scott is the high quality in the production of any bicycles, from professional to children's. You can be sure of the quality of materials and assembly, regardless of the cost:

  • name: Scott Speedster 60 (2016);
  • price: 46148 rubles;
  • features: aluminum alloy rim, initial derailleur, walking carriages and brakes;
  • pros: cheap compared to other road models, suitable for beginners;
  • cons: made in one color.

Format

Format has declared itself a worthy competitor in the bicycle market. This is a Russian company, founded 15 years ago, but managed to bring the production of bicycles to the world level. Here is one of the popular road models:

  • title: Format 2213 (2016);
  • cost: 42,000 rubles;
  • parameters: for different heights of a cyclist (1.72-2 m), aluminum alloy at the frame, double rim, construction weight 9.9 kg, walking caliper brakes, sports gear shifters;
  • pluses: a competent combination of sports and walking details;
  • cons: stylish, but not classic design, which will not suit everyone.

Their primary goal was to create a design that would ensure competitiveness in the course of the world's Olympiads. The task was successfully achieved, with this technique Format riders won several gold medals:

  • title: Format 2223 (2017);
  • price: 53559 rubles;
  • characteristics: product weight 9 kg, wide height range (1.65-2 m), material - aluminum, sports caliper brakes, 18 speeds;
  • pluses: light weight, nice design;
  • cons: not found.

top gear

Another young Russian manufacturer famous in the cycling business. Top Gear distinguishes itself by producing some of the simplest bikes in terms of design and features:

  • name: Top Gear Race (BH28100);
  • price: 13500 rubles;
  • characteristics: steel, the product weighs 15 kg, walking caliper brakes, 14 speeds, non-integrated bottom bracket;
  • pluses: cheap, high quality;
  • cons: only for beginners, heavy.

The lineup as a whole is aimed at beginners, youth and children. Low cost, tolerable quality make Top Gear products popular among the middle-income population:

  • name: Top Gear Jakarta BH26382;
  • price: 8638 rubles;
  • characteristics: designed for height from 1.75 to 1.9 m, own weight 20.7 kg, rigid frame, tire diameter 26 inches;
  • pluses: for different types of terrain;
  • cons: small wheel diameter.

Cross

Kross employees themselves are fans of cycling, which has a positive effect not only on the corporate spirit, but also on the collections produced. Its goal is to satisfy the maximum possible number of potential buyers, so that everyone can find a vehicle to their liking. Here is a decent example:

  • name: Kross Vento 3.0 (2017);
  • price: 47990 rubles;
  • specifications: aluminum alloy, sports caliper brakes, 18 speeds, sports shifters, weight 9.5 kg;
  • pluses: inexpensive road model for athletes;
  • cons: no.

The ratio of European quality and acceptable cost has a positive effect on the dynamics of demand, and this creates supply, and production is expanding every year. One of the successful road models:

  • name: Kross Vento 1.0 (2016);
  • price: 38990 rubles;
  • specifications: polyurethane steering column, walking caliper brakes, initial transmission, weight 10.7 kg;
  • pros: a good choice for beginners;
  • cons: for a small surcharge, you can buy a better highway.

Cannondale

Cannondale, a subsidiary of Dorel Industries, specialized in the production of hiking bags and trailers. From a small private enterprise, from the 70s to the 90s, it turned into a large company. Launching a series of motorcycles at a high price led it to bankruptcy before the firm was bought by Dorel Industries. Popular bike from Cannondale:

  • Name: Cannondale Synapse Carbon Disc Ultegra Di2 (2016);
  • price: 172,900 rubles;
  • features: carbon fiber frame, front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, titanium alloy seat frame;
  • pluses: the use of the best materials known in the production, a decent price for a professional model;
  • cons: not found.

Canndondale's current focus is on carbon products (launched first), sometimes aluminum alloys. Their road models are distinguished by high-quality front fork damping:

  • title: Cannondale Slice Hi-Mod Black Inc (2016);
  • price: 336400 rubles;
  • features: carbon frame, professional caliper brakes, chrome-silicon alloy saddle;
  • pluses: durable materials, high build quality;
  • cons: narrow cyclist height range.

Cervelo

The production of the Canadian company Cervelo was focused on the sports industry, releasing bikes for triathlon. Her models have allowed several teams to climb high in the world rankings. One of the latest:

  • name: Cervelo R3 Ultegra (2017);
  • price: 170625 rubles;
  • features: use of carbon fiber, professional transmission, caliper brakes, road handlebar;
  • Pros: Inexpensive pro-level road model, combination of high gears and low gears;
  • cons: only in black.

In addition to professional, the company produces road models. Taking into account the developments of previous years, their frames are among the lightest on the market (minimum weight up to 700 g):

  • name: Cervelo C5 Disc DA (2017);
  • price: 270725 rubles;
  • features: integrated steering column, hydraulic disc brakes, carbon frame, double rim;
  • pluses: a large number (11) stars in the cassette, the presence of disc brakes;
  • cons: designed for a certain growth.

Giant

One of the world's largest bicycle manufacturers (55%) is the Giant Bicycles Co. group of companies. Ltd. At first, assembling bikes from parts produced at other factories, over time, the company patented its own nonsense and successfully conquers a niche in the market. Here is an example of her products:

  • title: Giant Defy 3 (2016);
  • price: 30450 rubles;
  • characteristics: designed for height from 1.5 to 1.95 m, aluminum alloy, caliper touring brakes, 18-speed sports transmission, steel saddle frame;
  • pluses: a sports model for a humane cost, easy to overclock;
  • cons: no.

This the lineup focused on female consumers, takes into account their characteristics. Much attention is paid outside production, use of modern technologies:

  • name: Giant TCR Advanced 1 (2016);
  • price: 69000 rubles;
  • features: carbon, professional caliper brakes, 22-speed transmission, integrated bottom bracket;
  • pluses: professional model for the lowest cost, Japanese parts;
  • cons: not found.

Trek

Trek began as a privately owned workshop where quality, professional bikes were assembled by hand. Having won the trust of customers, the company was able to establish mass production without loss of quality. This road model is no exception:

  • title: Trek Émonda ALR 4 (2017);
  • price: 71300 rubles;
  • characteristics: own weight 8.8 kg, made of aluminum alloy, sports brakes caliper, 20 speeds, through-slots on the saddle;
  • pros: lightweight construction, high quality brake levers and brake levers;
  • cons: too high cost in the presence of a frame made of aluminum, not carbon.

The company has launched the production of most popular types of products: mountain, road, children's, women's, sports, pleasure. In each group there are models of different price categories, so everyone can buy a decent bike:

  • name: Trek Lexa S H3 Fit Compact (2014);
  • price: 46764 rubles;
  • features: women's road model, polyurethane steering column, touring-type caliper brakes, sports cassettes;
  • pluses: the design of the pedals ensures the stability of the foot (touklips);
  • cons: not a new model.

Pinarello

Private Italian company for the production of sports bikes. From the beginning of work until today, most of its road models are made by hand in factories:

  • title: Pinarello Catena CrMo (2015);
  • price: 71610 rubles;
  • features: steel frame, caliper travel brakes, non-integrated bottom bracket, one speed;
  • pluses: the ability to adjust the steering wheel;
  • cons: there are many road models for the same cost with great functionality, overpayment for manual assembly.

The first bicycles produced were rigid, but with the enlargement of the enterprise and over time, techniques were found that made it possible to improve production. One of them was the use of carbon fiber from China:

  • title: Pinarello Lungavita Aluminum (2015);
  • price: 78750 rubles;
  • features: aluminum frame, sports brakes (pincers), pleasure carriages and cassettes;
  • pluses: a combination of simple and sporty elements, beautiful design;
  • cons: one speed, one star in the cassette.

Leader Fox

The Czech company Leader Fox is considered a leader in the bicycle industry. This is facilitated by the use of Japanese components and compliance with standards in the manufacture of all types of products:

  • Name: Leader Fox Carbtec Racing 2012
  • price: 102,000 rubles;
  • specs: carbon frame with carbon forks, 8.1 kg curb weight, Japanese parts, 20 speed;
  • pluses: high-quality assembly;
  • cons: not found.

The company initially sought to become recognizable, to create a unique design. It took years to match stylish appearance and specifications:

  • name: Leader Fox Runner Gent 2012;
  • price: 70000 rubles;
  • characteristics: aluminum frame and fork, construction weight 9.6 kg, 18 speeds, Japanese components;
  • pluses: stylish design, high strength;
  • cons: the model was not re-released.

How to choose a road bike

When choosing any thing, especially at a high price, you want to be sure that it will be of high quality and last a long time, so it is very difficult to buy a highway. Many manufacturers, a large difference in prices, the difference in materials, design, additional options - all this can confuse an inexperienced buyer. Here are the main settings to help you right choice in a variety of modern road bikes.