Light bicycles: what are there and how to choose?

The bicycle has been a necessary means of getting around the city quickly for quite some time. It is very convenient, because it allows you not to depend on public transport, not pay attention to city traffic and not get stuck in traffic jams. Thanks to all this, you know for sure that you can get to the desired point when you need it. But the bike itself is a rather bulky thing.

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

Anyone 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 bike, this parameter is extremely important. Neither color, brand awareness, nor number of speeds will be as important as weight. Indeed, on heavy models that are made of steel, not only will you not go far, but you will also get tired of driving. That's why when purchasing this vehicle, pay special attention to weight.

The main element is the frame. It is she who will be the basis of everything, because it bears the 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 that has good strength indicators. Used to create frames for mid-range bicycles.
• CFRP or carbon - an ultralight material that has recently been used for the production of bicycles. It is a densely standing carbon fiber that is covered with a layer of resin based on polymers. The use of this material has allowed the creation of bicycle frames weighing 900 grams or less.
• Steel - the heaviest metal available. It is very popular with domestic manufacturers of budget models of bicycles. The greatest advantage of the material is its superior strength.
• Titanium - a very expensive and rather difficult metal to process. 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 higher 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 are classified as light:

• road;
• mountain;
• others.

Let's tell you more about each group. For road bikes the frames are designed specifically for road racing by the design teams and are therefore extremely lightweight for this reason. The road bike is made of lightweight materials - carbon and titanium. The result is a mass - no more than 6.8 kilograms. In stores, you can find models weighing up to 8 kilograms, which belong to this group. You can often find such models with an aluminum frame.

Mountain models usually, by weight, they significantly outweigh the other categories. The root cause of this is the stronger frame and the presence of shock absorbers not found in 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 kind of special bicycles. The same specialized BMX, fixed weights or track bikes. Mass is also important in them, but here everything will depend on the manufacturer and on what indicators he is guided by. Therefore, there are no clear guidelines here.

Now let's say a little about specific bike 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 because it is foldable. Has a frame made of aluminum alloy with small wheels with a diameter of 20 inches. There is no cushioning here, but this does not prevent the model from showing excellent results when driving. It is comfortable to ride around town, 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 of interest to everyone who needs a good city bike is Stels Pilot 410 20 Z011. It is, however, 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 the most important thing is an affordable price. For a little money, you can get a truly agile and durable bike with 20-inch wheels.

The third model, which also deserves attention - Shulz Goa Coaster. This is a cool city bike that will delight its owner with a small weight of 12 kilograms. It is intended for adults who should be about two meters tall. With an increase of 185 centimeters, it will not be very comfortable to ride on it. The rim and frame are made of aluminum alloy, which is durable and lightweight. The diameter of the wheels here is 20 inches. This model has a folding structure, the mechanism of which works quite easily. Users note the bike's good acceleration and 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 teenager and is intended for children from 9 to 15 years old. The fact that it is quite light is not the only strength of this model. Its weight is about 14 kilograms. It will be easy for the child to carry it, and the design itself is reliable and strong. The wheels are large here - 24 inches. The lightness is achieved here 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 pleasant design.

The second model that I want to talk 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 a lowered frame, which is made of lightweight aluminum alloy, and a wide saddle. By the way, the frame size is 12 inches and the wheels are 26 inches in diameter. They make it possible to overcome almost any kind of obstacle. The model is equipped with sports-grade brakes. There are 21 gears here. In addition, given that the model is female, it will have a corresponding design.

Another model that may be of interest to a lover of such bicycles is Forward Seido weighing about 15 kilograms. This is a full-fledged female cross-country version. It features a specially lowered aluminum alloy frame and a very wide saddle. The model is equipped with an excellent braking system that works well and reliably. This bike has a cool design and amazes with its shape and grace. He has an attractive appearance and bright colors.

Now let's say a little about road models. One of the most popular is Forward Impulse... Differs in high reliability, which in combination with light weight gives excellent results. Its weight is 11 kilograms. The model uses components from well-known manufacturers: Taya TS-30 chain, Weinmann SP17 rims, Kenda Kriterium rubber, shifters, cassette and Shimano derailleurs. There are fairly large wheels with a diameter of 28 inches.

Another model worthy of attention is Stark Peloton 700.1. It is distinguished not only by its low weight - 11.8 kilograms, but also by its reasonable 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 deliver remarkable speed. If we talk about the braking mechanism, then it is also made at the highest level. Even with a small impact, the pliers can perfectly grip the wheels and slow down the movement. In total, there are as many as 14 speed modes here.

Nice and sturdy 28-inch wheels are also present here. The owners note the cool and attractive appearance of these models, as well as their brightness and style.

It should be said that choosing a bike is not an easy question. You need to understand that, getting ready for the road, a person should 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 will definitely not get the pleasure of driving.

The same racing models, even the coolest ones, are not very suitable for everyday use, and their practicality is low. You can choose an intermediate option - hybrid. Such transport combines the features of both a mountain and a racing model. Typically, they are characterized by fit and wide wheels. The frames are usually lightweight. Another feature of hybrids is quality rim brakes that really work like a clock.

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

If you need to commute to work and home every day, it is best to get a fast and light road or road bike. If you need transport, where you can install any additional parts - a trunk or a basket, then it would be better to opt for a cruise or hybrid model.

For an overview of the Stevens Haze SX carbon bike, see the video below.