The bicycle is a very common and convenient means of transport, which is gaining more and more popularity in large cities. The reason for this is simple, due to its maneuverability and convenience, a person can easily get from point A to point B bypassing traffic jams and crowds in public transport. And if you add to this the huge benefits for the environment and your own health, then this transport becomes one of the best at all. But in order for cycling to be comfortable and enjoyable, you need to choose the right one. We will talk about this today.
One of the biggest advantages of city bikes is that they don't need to be serviced regularly. This is partly due to the fact that their key parts and mechanisms are reliably hidden and protected. Moreover, such models often have headlights, turn signals and signals, which is also very convenient for driving among cars.
This category of bicycles also has a high seating position, which allows you to sit like a chair and creates a comfortable viewing angle. Such models exert a fairly high load on the spine due to their design, and therefore, the saddle has special springs at the bottom, which increases ride comfort.
Bicycle frame
The frames of such bicycles can be trapezoidal and without an upper tube. On models with an open pipe, it is much easier to sit down, which is very important if you are wearing a long coat or skirt (which is why they are also called women). You don't need to lift your leg high when boarding this bike.
At the same time, in order for the open frame to carry loads well, it is made more rigid, which makes the bicycle weigh more. In this regard, if, when choosing a vehicle for you, the key criterion is lightness and maneuverability, then it is better to buy a model with a trapezoidal frame.
It should be borne in mind that when choosing a closed bike, the distance between the body and the tube should not be less than 10 cm in order to reduce the risk of serious injury from hard slipping.
Material
The strength and lightness of a bike depends on both the type of frame construction and the material from which it is made. To date, these materials are distributed:
Aluminum. One of the most popular materials for bicycles with the best price / performance ratio. At the same time, aluminum is quite lightweight, durable and not subject to corrosion.
Steel. Another very common material that is highly durable and long-lasting. The bikes use chrome-plated steel for greater durability and good looks.
Carbon. Bicycles made of this material are very lightweight, but also high in price. Also, carbon is not very durable, so bicycles made from this material are not suitable for high loads.
Depreciation
In urban bike models, there are two types of cushioning - rigid and hardtail.
If you are buying a bike for the purpose of riding on smooth asphalt roads and are not ready for high costs, then the best option would be to buy a bike with no shock absorption or with rigid shock absorption.
In the case when the roads in your city are not always flat and smooth, or you prefer to go out into nature often, then it is better to use the hardtail system, where there is a suspension fork. Such models weigh a little more, and the suspension fork itself requires some maintenance, but even the most uneven roads will not cause you any discomfort.
Some models are equipped with a special system (LockOut), which completely blocks the fork. It can be of great help when you hit a hill and 100% of your footwork is transferred to the rear wheel of the bike.
Saddle
When your riding time does not exceed one hour, and you are driving at a calm pace and do not plan to make long trips, then a soft wide saddle, as well as gel counterparts, would be the best option. These models will provide you with the most comfortable ride.
If you are a fan of long bike rides, then you should look at the hard saddle. In this case, your fulcrum will be the ischial bones, and the tissues and blood vessels will not be pinched. In the case when a soft saddle is used for long trips, there is a risk of chafing and pinched vessels.
Wheels
City bike wheels range in diameter from 26 ″ to 28 ″. Models with a diameter of 28 ″ are much easier to overcome all kinds of obstacles due to the more optimal angle. On models with such wheels, it is much easier to drive up a small hill, such as a curb.
However, models with 26 "wheels are more maneuverable and lighter. But the difference between models with different wheels is very small and almost not felt when driving.
Gear shifting
When there is very little elevation difference in the city, a single-speed bike is perfect. Such models are lightweight and fairly affordable in terms of prices. However, bicycles with gear shifting are more suitable for riding on uneven surfaces.
If you are interested in a model where the gearshift mechanism is the most reliable, then you should look at bikes with an integrated planetary hub. In these models, the hub body protects all important parts, which favorably affects the reliability and durability of the bike.
Brakes
There are bicycles with drum brakes, located at the back of the model in a special hub and helping to brake when the pedals are rotated back. But such a braking system is not always convenient, since it requires a transition from driving to braking, and if the chain falls off, it will be completely useless.
However, predominantly rim brakes are used in city bikes. You just need to press the special lever located on the handlebar, and the brake pads will clamp the bicycle wheel. Such a braking system is more reliable and, if necessary, can be easily repaired.
Better to get a model with rim brakes. This design provides better braking on slippery or wet surfaces and is safer.
Additional accessories
There are many accessories for your bike that can be very helpful. The cost of the entire set can go up to one third of the price of a bicycle. Typically, the standard set is as follows:
- Multi-hex screwdriver;
- Pump;
- Rear mirror;
- Anti-theft security lock;
- Cycling glasses;
- Additional camera;
- Special lubricant for bicycle chain;
- Protective helmet;
- Gloves (this is not necessary, but riding is much more comfortable with them).
Prices
- $ 120 to $ 250. This is the advantage of the Chinese models. These bicycles are not very safe and break down quickly.
- $ 250 to $ 400. Very budget models that are perfect if you skate a little (up to 2 hours a day).
- $ 450 to $ 750. Quite good bicycles that are suitable for those who regularly ride around the city and are used to riding both on flat roads and in the countryside.
- From 1,000 to 2,000 dollars. The most expensive category of bicycles. They are used for driving on any terrain, have a long service life and require almost no additional maintenance.
You can buy a bike for driving around the city in the Magrash online store https://www.mag-russia.ru/. There is a wide range of the best bike models, and if necessary, you can consult with the manager to find exactly what you need. Contact us and you can buy the bike you've always dreamed of!
