Beautiful appearance, muscle tone of the whole body, good mood, healthy heart, this is an incomplete list of what awaits you when you start cycling regularly. In addition, this is a fun pastime and the prevention of stressful conditions.
Bicycle companies today offer such an assortment that it will be very difficult for an unprepared buyer to figure out the right choice. There are many models that are designed for different types of riding and have significant differences in their design.
But each person is individual and requires careful selection of a bicycle precisely according to their physical data. This is required in order for the ride to be fun. Therefore, the criteria for how to choose a bike an adult may not work for a child.
Types of bicycles by appointment
For specific terrain, as well as riding style, special bicycle models have been developed:
- City type. It is the most popular for urban residents. It is also called a walking bike. It has a simple frame design and provides maximum comfort during use. In addition, many models have a mount for a small trunk. With such a bicycle it is convenient to go shopping and to work. For different speeds, there are usually from 18 to 24 gears.
- Highway bike (road type). It is also called high-speed, as it is capable of developing decent speed. The design of this type is designed so that it can quickly accelerate and maintain high speed for a long time. The weight of this model averages 7 kg. All details are as light as possible and contribute to the high-speed mode of use.
- Bike for mountain walks. This is an option for those who like to ride on the road. It is convenient to overcome both large slopes and ride on stones. Usually it uses shock absorbers on the rear suspension and in the design of the front fork. They greatly help in damping shock and vibration. You should think about this option before choosing an adult bike.
- Hybrid view. It is a kind of cross between a mountain and highway type. It is suitable for those who love speed and at the same time appreciate driving comfort.
- Bike to perform various tricks. This type is also called BMX. Its design is very peculiar and designed specifically for this use. It has only one gear, and the height of its frame is small. Also, a saddle is not always installed in it, since it is practically not used.
- Bicycles for extreme riding. These are devices that combine a reinforced frame and highly developed shock absorbers. With their help, you can overcome the most steep climbs and steps.
User age classification
Bicycles are made for three categories of people:
- For the smallest. These are children under 7 years old. Bicycles, as a rule, are three-wheeled or two-wheeled, but with safety accessories. All structural elements are maximally simplified and have a minimum of development. Such a bike is rather regarded as a temporary means of transportation than a full-fledged option.
- Teenage models. These are the same as adults, but smaller. They have almost the same design, but in miniature. Actually, they primarily correspond to the growth of a child from 7 to 13 years.
- Adult bicycles.They are intended for a wide age group. It all depends on the growth of the rider and his preferences.
There is also a certain criterion on how to choose a bike for an adult by weight. For this, those who weigh more than 90 kg will need a reinforced frame.
Design Features
Before choosing an adult bike, you need to pay attention to the number of speeds. It may seem to some that the more there are, the better, but this is not so. If for some users this is a necessity, for others it can just get in the way. For most cases, the presence of 6-8 speeds will be the best option. In addition, mechanisms with a large number of speeds break down more often than those with fewer speeds.
Types of shock absorbers
The presence of shock absorbers is an indisputable advantage in most cases. But if it is a speed bike, then they will be superfluous. When using shock-absorbing elements, several options are possible:
- Lack of shock absorbers as such. Such a bike is called a "reed". At the same time, he has maximum stability indicators.
- Hardtail shock absorber system. In this design, only the fork is cushioned. This type of shock absorbers copes well with small irregularities and allows you to enjoy the ride to the fullest.
- The so-called double suspension. This design will completely damp the vibrations of both the front wheel and the rear. In this case, the whole structure is a little complicated. When using such a system of shock absorbers, stability is reduced. But if you use them with a small stroke, it will not hurt much.
- Softtail design. This is a special system for damping shock and vibration. It uses two shock absorbers of increased efficiency. Often, bikes with such devices are more expensive than others.
All this must be considered before choosing an adult bike for cross-country riding.
Top 5 criteria by which to choose a bike
In order not to make a mistake in choosing and use this vehicle as comfortable as possible, special attention should be paid to several design features:
- Shock absorbers.
- The brakes.
- Saddle.
- Wheels
- Frame.
Next, we will consider how to choose a bicycle for an adult, depending on the characteristics of each of these elements.
Shock Absorber Features
Different principles are used for the operation of such devices, and depending on the operation, they are not suitable for every cyclist. The option of cushioning only the front fork is suitable for those who like a fast ride. But if it is a high-speed bike, then it is better not to use shock absorbers at all, but only limited to springs in the saddle.
The use of a shock absorber of the rear fork is justified in case you need to dampen large fluctuations, and speed is not very important. In addition, they are quite expensive. If they are necessary, then when choosing them, you should pay attention to their types. It is useful to know before choosing a mountain bike for an adult. In production, three types of shock absorbers are used:
- Aerial.
- Oil.
- Oil-air.
Air shock absorbers
The first option is more common and has good performance indicators. But they are very afraid of dust and can not withstand too low temperatures. This is due to their seals, which, with a slight weakening, begin to let in the injected air.
However, the advantage of this type will be low cost and weight. When installed, the total weight of the bike will not increase much.
Oil cushioning systems
This type is characterized by exceptional work efficiency. They are durable to use and unpretentious in maintenance. But they are characterized by a cost slightly more than average, as well as solid weight indicators.
Oil-air shock absorbers
One of the most durable systems is considered oil-air.This type allows you to withstand the highest loads and harsh operating conditions. This is ideal for work in most cases. But a significant drawback is their price, which starts at $ 150
Brake system
There is a well-known principle of braking, in which small pads are pressed against the rim of the wheel, and deceleration occurs. Such brakes are fully functional, but have a number of significant drawbacks. First of all, this is a big loss of efficiency when wet and sensitivity to rim curvature. If a viscous substance, such as wet soil, gets on the lining, then such brakes will become inoperative. When the rim is curved, spontaneous braking will occur, which creates a lot of inconvenience. Therefore, you should be responsible for choosing the brakes before you choose a mountain bike for an adult.
However, such a system will work well on ordinary city bikes, which are used from time to time. And if an unforeseen situation arises, then you can safely ride your bike home.
Disc brakes are quite another matter. They allow you to brake well in any conditions and will never let you down. They cost significantly more than the first option, but it is justified.
For the drive, in addition to standard cables, you can use the hydraulic system, which increases efficiency several times. It also costs an order of magnitude more expensive, and its use is justified on sports and mountain bikes.
Saddle
This element also means a lot when choosing, but you can simply replace it if you wish. Here you just need to say that for walking models the wider shape of the saddle is more suitable, and for high-speed ones it is elongated and narrow. It is also worth paying attention to the possibility of adjusting it for more comfortable use.
Wheels
This item is of great importance in choosing. The speed of the bike depends on the diameter of the rim. The larger the wheel, the less energy is needed to ride. For high-speed bikes, narrow wheels with a small tread are used. This contributes to comfortable riding and cornering safety.
For mountain bikes, studded tires and wide rims are more suitable. The same option is preferred for performing stunts and off-road driving.
Choosing a bike by type of use
Before choosing a bike for an adult rider for urban use, you need to pay attention to hybrid options or a mountain type of bike. They are short and contribute to good maneuverability. If you need to carry out long journeys, then high-speed highway options are more suitable. To perform stunts and riding in the mountains it is better to use special models.
Choosing a bike by height
Before choosing a bike for an adult by height, you need to know that when holding the bike between his legs, his frame should be at least 5-10 cm from the crotch. This stock allows you to safely use the bike. To do this, you must try on the appropriate model before buying. An important criterion in choosing an adult bike is the height of the saddle. It should allow such a distance at which sitting on a bicycle you can get to the ground with your feet.
Manufacturer's choice
Giant, Cube, Felt and others are well established in the bicycle market. But there are also domestic models. You should pay attention to this before choosing an adult bike. Stels is one of the companies that produces high-quality Russian-made bikes.
General recommendations
You should pay attention to details such as wings that protect the rider from spray and dirt. At least fastenings should be provided for them.
An essential element for urban models and for travelers will be the presence of a small luggage device. On the road, it is invaluable, and when unnecessary it is easy to dismantle.You should pay attention to this before choosing an adult bike for the city.
During operation, as a rule, there is a desire to install additional equipment on the bike. This can be lighting, speedometer, DVR, navigator and other useful devices. All of them take up space and require a separate installation. All this must be predicted in advance so as not to puzzle over how to install them.
In addition, it is necessary to use protective equipment in the form of a helmet, gloves, overalls, safety shoes and other things. All this should be purchased before choosing an adult bike. Among them, the most important is the helmet, and it must be bought without fail.
In order not to make a mistake in how to choose a bicycle for an adult, you also need to read and listen to the reviews.