How to choose a bike

Before buying a bike, decide for what purposes it is needed. Depending on the answer, it is worth selecting a model, as well as take into account individual characteristics that can significantly affect the cost of the bike.

The main types of bicycles and their purpose:

The most popular view is a mountain bike designed for off-road driving. It provides wider tires, a large number of speeds, a powerful protector, in some models - 29-inch wheels, which increases the permeability.
Highway bikes are the fastest, applicable to ride at a flat asphalt, sometimes on the soil.
Good handling is urban bikes. Large wheels and front stars with 48 teeth make it possible to develop a greater speed on the highway, and the front shock absorber - facilitates the rise of the mountain.
Electric bicycles are driven by both the electric motor and the movement of pedals.
Women's, male, children, teenage - differ in size, view of the frame, saddle.
High strength frame and wheels in an extreme bike on which you can perform tricks and jumps, but you can not ride long distances.

Modern bicycles are equipped with shock absorbers that significantly reduce oscillations due to road irregularities. The comfort of the bike depends on the presence and type of shock absorbers installed on it. The easiest option is the spring, the most expensive and more advantages - an oil-air-adjustable electron remote control. Spring shock absorber complicates bike management. Spring-elastomeric mechanism does not work well at negative temperatures. Spring-oil is more expensive and requires constant care. Air and oil can be adjusted in a wide range.

Types of steering wheel and steering columns:

On the tourist bikes install a threaded steering column, which allows you to adjust the height of the steering wheel. On mountain biking, a more durable loaf is used, while the height of the steering wheel changes slightly.
Road bikes are equipped with a steering wheel with raised handles. Highway - wheel in the form of horns. The rudder on the mountain bike straight or a bit curved, which gives an advantage in controlling steep roads.

The best option is the presence of anterior and rear brake:

The most common type of brakes is rim or v-brake. They are easy to install and maintain, provide efficient braking. They are afraid of dampness and low temperatures.
Drum brakes wear-resistant, are not afraid of changes in the weather. But when the chain falls, the braking is impossible.
Cheap option - Mechanical disc brakes having a simple design, high reliability.
The most expensive and highly efficient are hydraulic disc brakes.

A large variety of forms and filling are distinguished by the saddle. When choosing a saddle model, follow the comfort, anatomical features of the body. The saddle for women is wider, while shorter. On sports bikes install narrow rigid saddles. Wide and soft saddles put on road and urban bikes.

Bicycle frame is the main design part. The greatest value for those bicycles whose frames have low weight and high rigidity. But more the cost of the bike depends not on the frame material, but from the manufacturer. Materials from which frames are manufactured, their disadvantages and advantages:

Bicycles with the steel frame are cheapest, have high strength, the most severe.
A slightly smaller weight has a frame made of alloy steel, chromium and molybdenum.
Mountain bike frames are made of aluminum in most. They are easier and strong enough compared to steel frames.
Titanium frame is similar to characteristics with aluminum, but less common due to great value.
Innovations in bicycle construction - the use of magnesium, composites and special specials swaps. Bicycles with such rams are quite expensive.