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How to choose a bike AUTHOR

First, determine how and where are you going to use the bike and for what purpose.

Classification of bikes by their use

Mountain bikes

Bikes especially suited to a demanding terrain. These bikes are for bikers intending to ride in off-road terrain. Of course, road and path riding is possible as well but its design and tyre type predetermine the bikes for rough terrain. The bike’s price reflects how demanding the terrain is.

Cross bikes

Universal bikes, for terrain trips, roads and paths. These bikes are for bikers intending to use the bike roughly 80% in fields, forest paths and roads. The bike can be used in light terrain for brief periods. The frame design is adapted to more comfortable and open seating when compared to a mountain bike. Recently, this bike type has been very popular and pre-determined for bike tourism. Optionally, you can have trekking bike (if equipped with mudguards, lights, carriers etc.).

Touring bikes

Bikes mainly for roads and compacted paths. It is completely unsuitable for any terrain riding. The touring bike can be used as a means of transportation thanks to its equipment (mudguards, lights, carrier etc.).

Road bikes

These are sports bikes for roads and closed circuits. Do not use this type of bike in terrain in any way.
BMX and freestyle bikes
Bikes either for closed circuits or compacted closed surfaces intended for this bike type. Absolutely not suitable for long-distance transporting.

Down hill bikes

At first sight, this type of bike can be confused with a mountain bike with a suspension front fork and suspension rear stay. However, the design of this bike provides much higher lifts and the bike is intended mainly for downhill riding in very demanding terrain.

IF YOU SELECT A BIKE TYPE BEST MEETING YOUR USAGE REQUIREMENTS, IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO SELECT A BIKE BY SIZE. THE BIKE SIZE INDICATES THE LENGTH OF THE SEAT TUBE.

For cross and trekking bikes, this size is given in inches. For touring bikes, this size is given in centimetres or millimetres. As you can see, there is no universal bike size but general pieces of information should be considered when selecting a bike or ask an expert shop assistant in a bike shop.

Another dimension usually specified with bikes is the wheel diameter.

Ordinary sizes:

  Wheel size   Type
  10", 12", 16", 18", 20", 24", 26"   Kids bikes
  26", 27.5", 29"   MTB
  27", 28"   Cross, trekking and road bikes

 

  Height in cm   Frame height
  to 165 cm   15", 16", S, to 44 cm, to 500 mm
  160 - 170 cm   17", 18", M, to 48 cm, to 520 mm
  170 - 185 cm   19", 20" , L, to 52 cm, to 540 mm
  185 - 200 cm   21", 22", XL, do 55 cm, to 560 mm
  over 195 cm   23", 24", 58-60 cm, over 580 mm

 

In the specification of each bike, you can find a specific size advisor.

« Back to Blog05.03.2024source: UA