If you are thinking about buying a summer iron horse, you are probably wondering which bike to choose for the city and off-road. It's great if you understand that different types of bikes are needed depending on the type of road surface and the purpose of the trip. To ride in the city, one model is suitable, in order to comfortably overcome mountainous terrain and other off-road terrain, another.
In this article, we will figure out why it is so important to choose a large one based not only on its price, but also on the purpose. And also, we will review the best models for city and off-road driving. We hope with our help you will find the best bike for the city for adults and children.
What are bicycles
If you are a beginner in the field of cycling, the description and technical characteristics of the bikes will certainly seem like a Japanese letter to you. Let's see what bicycles are in general, and how they are classified. We will explain everything in simple language so that you clearly understand which bike to choose for walking in the city or off-road conditions.
- Depending on the type of road, mountain (off-road), road and city bikes are distinguished;
- By class, there are entry-level, amateur and professional models;
- By age (wheel size) for children, teenagers, adults;
- For the purpose of use - racing, walking, stunt, for long-distance travel;
- Also, bicycles are classified by price, brand, gender, presence of shock absorbers, etc.
We will not go deep into this topic and will only consider the main types of bicycles that you can choose for the city or off-road.
Mountain (for off-road and rough terrain)
The best city bikes are unlikely to be found among this type of bike. These bikes are equipped with usedaboutLarger wheel diameter (from 26 inches), thick frame, powerful tread, reinforced rims, and a gearbox with 18 or more speed combinations. These parameters help the cyclist to comfortably overcome mountainous terrain without asphalt and trodden paths. These bikes are heavy in weight and more difficult to drive, so they are completely unsuitable for a quiet ride in city conditions.
If you are wondering which bike is better to ride off-road, take a closer look at the mountain models. True, off-road conditions are still different, if you plan to ride on country roads, you can get by with a universal bike, if it is for mountains, forests and unknown paths, it is better to choose a mountain bike.
Road
These are the best bikes for long-distance cycling on smooth, high-quality road surfaces. They are distinguished by a sturdy narrow frame, large wheels, thin tires and a steering wheel in the shape of a "wheel". These bikes have no cushioning at all, so they're too stiff for city riding. They are not suitable for off-road because of poor cross-country characteristics. These bicycles are incredibly light, have excellent aerodynamic characteristics, so you can develop high speeds on them.
Urban (universal)
If you do not know which one is better to buy a bicycle for the city, take a closer look at the universal models. They are a mix of the previous two types, and they have absorbed the best from both sides. These bikes do not have very small wheel diameters (usually 24-26 inches) and average tire sizes. At the same time, the bike is not heavy and easy to handle. Most often includes a box with 3-8 speeds.
Why is it so important to choose a bike based on more than just the price?
- If you read the previous sections carefully, it should be clear to you that a road bike is absolutely unsuitable for off-road riding. He will not drive over bumps and will get stuck in every hole. In addition, your groin will have a hard time on this trip.
- Of course, you can ride a mountain bike around the city. But why? There is no point in straining, driving around the city on a heavy colossus with thick tires. Such large ones are also more expensive than universal or highway ones, so there is no point in buying them for comfortable roads.
- A universal model is also universal, which is only suitable for average characteristics. Such a bike can be chosen for the city, as well as for moderate off-road, and nothing more. A road bike is more preferable for long journeys, but for real mountains it is worth choosing a mountain bike.
Before choosing a great one, be sure to answer yourself the following questions:
- Where I will ride it more often: in the city, in the countryside, at the dacha, in the mountains, along the highway;
- How far am I planning to travel?
- Who will ride (woman, man, child). Women's models most often come with a low frame, lighter. For children, wheel diameter starts from 6 inches to 20 inches;
- How well I ride. This answer determines how much of a fancy bike you should choose, including how many speeds it will have (and whether there will be a box at all).
Based on the answers, you should have a clear idea of which bike you should choose: city, off-road or hybrid.
Review of the best models
Now it's time to move on to the rating of the best bicycles for the city and the forest - for convenience, we have sorted them in order of increasing price and divided by type.
City only
So, you know how to choose a bike for the city, and now, check out the best models to date:
Forward Valencia 1.0
This is a folding bike worth choosing only for city riding. It is convenient to transport it in the trunk of a car and is convenient to store, since it takes up very little space when folded. The bike is equipped with a solid steel frame, a rigid fork, a seat with springs (which eliminates discomfort on minor bumps), there is one speed and a foot brake. The price is 9000 rubles.
Trek zektor i3
Very lightweight thanks to an aluminum frame, with hydraulic disc brakes. Has 24-inch wheels with medium tread on tires. Feels great on city streets, rides well on park trails and moderate sand. It looks stylish and effective. Perfect for fitness rides on the nearest cycle track. The price is 17,000 rubles.
Giant suede 2
If you are looking for the best bike for women for the city, you should choose this one. The frame is made of aluminum so it is lightweight yet durable. By the way, the frame is very low, which is especially convenient for women who like to ride in skirts. This bike belongs to a line designed specifically for women. All of its features (seat fit, rod length, handlebar settings, etc.) have been rigorously tested and approved by excellent cyclists. Particular praise went to the saddle comfortable for the female pelvis. The price is 28,000 rubles.
Off-road
Next, let's try to choose a bike for riding off-road.
Cronus Soldier 2.5
This is the best inexpensive bike for walking on rough terrain - forests, fields, country country tracks. Equipped with a 27-speed transmission and a folding mechanism. This means that such a bike is convenient to store and transport, which the owners of Khrushchevs and small trunks will surely appreciate. Excellent shock absorption and high-quality hydraulic disc brakes complement the piggy bank. The price is 12,000 rubles.
Stels Navigator 800
The main plus of this mountain bike is its simple design and lightweight mechanisms. No bells and whistles and newfangled troubles, while the bike is of high quality and reliable. You will appreciate the rim brakes that can withstand even the tough jerks, the aluminum frame, and the smooth suspension fork. The price is 22,000 rubles.
Merida Big Nine 300
If you don't know how to pick the best off-road bike and are willing to spend over $ 500, just buy this one. The 29-inch wheels with powerful treads allow you to drive through even the wildest off-road conditions. 27 speeds will make it possible to adjust any speed mode. The weight is large - only 14 kg, which is very convenient. Allows you to develop high speed, equipped with a high-quality braking system. The price is 43,000 rubles.
Hybrids
So, you know how to choose a city bike as well as an off-road bike. You also studied the best models and asked the price. In conclusion, we give a rating of universal bikes, which, due to their belonging to both categories, are much more expensive.
Giant Roam 1 Disc
This is a cool bike that should be chosen by lovers of high-speed riding on the highway, comfortable riding in the city and extreme cross-country rides. It will give the rider a confident and comfortable ride, soft shock absorption, reliable sports brakes. The gearbox has 30 speeds and a wheel diameter of 28 inches. The price is 71,100 rubles.
Merida Crossway 100
If you are trying to choose a men's bike for city and off-road riding, take a closer look at this model. This is a great hybrid for a reasonable price. With these characteristics, many similar bikes cost 1.5-2 times more. Includes front and rear speed switches (rear also sporty), 27-speed transmission, hydraulic disc brake. The good and not too aggressive tread on the tires allows sand to pass through easily and adheres perfectly to the asphalt surface. Based on the reviews, the bike allows you to develop high speeds, gives comfort, and has a stylish design. The price is 43,000 rubles.
Scott Silence 10
This bike rounds out the top of the best bikes for city and off-road, and is the most expensive in it. But, believe me, it is worth every ruble. It will show itself gorgeous on a long journey along the highway, and in the mountains, and in the city. Differs in increased cross-country characteristics, transmission for 30 speeds. Includes hydraulic brakes (disc), double rims, wheels with powerful but not huge tread. And also, due to the aluminum frame, this colossus is not heavy - the weight of the bike is only 15 kg. Capable of supporting up to 125 kg. The price is 120,000 rubles.
So we finished our rating, now you know how to choose, and from what. Think about which bike you need to choose - city, off-road or hybrid. Additionally, we recommend that you read reviews on which bike is better for an adult to choose for the city and off-road. They will help you complete the picture and choose the best option.