Рейтинг велосипедных брендов (лучшие марки, производители, фирмы)

Время чтения: ~12 минут Автор: Михаил Скворцов 427

Рейтинги всегда были популярными, попробуем и мы исследовать «профильный» рынок, а именно бренды, под которыми продаются и производятся велосипеды. Для рейтинга выбраны наиболее часто упоминаемые в интернете марки, и число их ограничено десятью, чтобы не превращать статью в научный труд.

Что оценивать

Выберем несколько параметров, по которым можно оценить бренды, чтобы составить более или менее объективный рейтинг велосипедных брендов.

Ассортимент

Бренд может быть великолепным и известным… но лишь в среде профессиональных спортсменов. Или же талантливый дизайнер может выпускать гениальные серии детских велосипедов. Без сомнения, даже лидерства в одном из сегментов велосипедного рынка совершенно недостаточно для признания бренда лучшим.

Глобализация и объёмы продаж в наши дни таковы, что серьёзный производитель постоянно диверсифицирует свой модельный ряд, стремясь удовлетворить самых разных пользователей – спортсменов, триальщиков, BMX-еров и простых любителей велопрогулок. Именно в этом направлении двигаются лучшие, потому что каждый райдер уникален, и бренд должен помнить о его потребностях.

Качество

Очень сложное для определения слово – качество. Экономисты говорят, что качество – это мера соответствия продукта ожиданиям клиента. Будем исходить из этого определения. Наши ожидания от велосипеда таковы:

• отсутствие поломок;
• хороший внешний вид;
• реальная приспособленность байка к условиям, для которых он заявлен;
• выполнение производителем своих обещаний.

Можно далеко уйти по пути формализации требований, но в большинстве случаев мерой качества становится средний балл отзывов реальных покупателей. На них в первую очередь и будем обращать внимание.

Опыт и история

Знания, производственные мощности и история компании тоже очень важны. Конечно, новички могут быстро произвести большое количество велосипедов, могут предложить широкий модельный ряд и даже удовлетворить конкретных пользователей. В реальности же без серьёзной инженерной школы и признания в среде «фанатов» бренд не будет полноценным. У него отсутствует «подушка» на случай проблем и наработок, которые позволят сделать рывок в будущее.

Доступность

Последний, но самый важный для конечного покупателя пункт. В доступность входит:

1. Стоимость велосипеда.
2. Возможность приобретения в данный конкретный момент.

Почему доступность так важна? Потому что первый вопрос при покупке любой вещи длительного пользования – «какую сумму вы готовы потратить»? И только после этого можно начинать обсуждение о стиле катания, сезонах, привычках и различных ограничениях.

Второй фактор – это возможность вживую протестировать велосипед либо в магазине, либо по какой-либо программе тест-драйвов. Это очень важно, потому что для комфорта в катании может не хватить буквально пары сантиметров длины рамы или тактильного ощущения от облатки руля или манетки. Всё это можно почувствовать, лишь прокатившись на велосипеде до его покупки.

Общая таблица

Для составления рейтинга были выбраны 10 самых популярных фирм в России:

1. Stels.
2. Merida.
3. Cube.
4. TREK.
5. Giant.
6. Specialized.
7. Schwinn.
8. GT.
9. Author.
10. Forward.

По понятным причинам в список не выбирались велосипеды различных торговых сетей и зонтичные бренды, например, KIA или BMW. Список марок для сравнения может показаться неполным, но это те имена, которые знают и ищут в Интернете русскоязычные пользователи.

Сводная таблица оказалась следующей:

Место	Бренд	Ассортимент	Качество	Опыт	Доступность	Итого
1	GT	8	10	10	9	37
2	Merida	8	7	6	9	30
3	Stels	10	5	4	10	29
4	Specialized	5	10	10	4	29
5	Cube	6	8	6	8	28
6	Giant	10	6	4	8	28
7	Author	8	8	6	6	28
8	Forward	10	4	4	10	28
9	Schwinn	4	10	10	3	27
10	TREK	6	7	6	6	25

Немного о производителях

Рассмотрим каждого участника рейтинга подробнее.

GT

Безусловный лидер рейтинга – компания GT – вполне этого заслужила. Имея огромную популярность, несравненное качество и огромную модельную линейку, велосипеды этой компании доступны даже в небольших русских городах.

Современное поведение на рынке GT максимально выверено: выпуская несколько «хедлайнеров», которые максимально прорабатываются и выпускаются огромными партиями, компания формирует целый ряд редких моделей, которые закрывают конкретные потребности. Например, такими становятся дорожные гибриды, прогулочные круизеры или детские беговелы.

История компании началась в 1972 году, когда Гэй Тёрнер (GT) сделал для своего сына BMX раму, которая оказалась на редкость удачной. Со временем он закрепил свою разработку, создав ещё несколько моделей, а в 1979 была образована компания, основателями которой стал Тёрнер, отвечавший за разработку и совершенствование байков, и Ричард Лонг, в прошлом хозяин велосипедного магазина, который стал отвечать за сбыт.

В начале 90-х, после смерти Тёрнера, компания начала испытывать трудности, хотя и оставалась одним из ведущих производителей горных велосипедов в США. В 1998 году компания объединилась со Schwinn, а в настоящее время находится в конгломерате, включающем Cannondale, Schwinn и Mangoose.

Merida

Второе место занимает ещё один представитель «качественных массовиков». Не имея богатой истории, зато пустив корни в максимально выгодном для производства регионе, компания за 45 лет существования смогла выйти на рынки Европы и США, захватив в некоторых странах первую строчку по объёмам продаж. Подтверждением успеха компании в коммерческом направлении можно считать покупку Меридой 49% акций американской Specialized – производителя компонентов для велосипедов профессиональных команд и сборных.

Компания полностью тайваньская. Она была открыта как небольшой вело-магазин в 1972. Изначальная ориентация на японские велосипеды и запчасти сохранилась в качестве производимых сейчас продуктов, а сохранение производств на островном Тайване позволяет развивать свою инженерную школу при сравнительно низких издержках.

Stels

Российский производитель, долгое время импортировавший большое число компонентов из Китая, открывает в России уже третий завод. Под маркой STELS сейчас производятся не только велосипеды, но и мотоциклы, мотороллеры и различная мото-техника, в том числе запчасти. На компанию не повлиял кризис 2008-2010 годов, и сейчас, по заявлению информационной службы компании, STELS – первые по объёму выпуска велосипедов в Европе.

История же компании начинается в 1996 году в подмосковных Люберцах. Долгое время основатели занимались импортом и заказом конкретных моделей за границей, а в 2003 году открыли своё производство в Кубинке. По сумме очков STELS заметно превосходит других конкурентов за счёт доступности и покрытия рынка.

Каждый второй велосипед в России – это STELS, и каждый велосипедист сможет найти себе подходящую модель. Именно доступность, на фоне среднего качества и не самой серьёзной инженерной школы, делает этого производителя достойным третьего места рейтинга брендов.

К слову, это велосипеды Stels

Specialized

Полное название компании – Specialized Bicycle Components, и это один из крупнейших производителей велосипедов и комплектующих к ним. Компания является одной из лучших по всем рейтингам качества. Она всемирно признана как главный новатор вело-отрасли. Огромные объёмы позволяют инвестировать большие суммы в НИОКР.

Основана компания, как и многие современные лидеры рынка, в середине 70-х Майком Синьярдом, который сначала вместе с отцом, а затем и самостоятельно занимался восстановлением старых велосипедов и их перепродажей. Название Specialized появилось после налаживания контактов с итальянскими производителями комплектующих. Сначала Майк занимался их импортом и перепродажей в США. В 1976 году появилась первая инновация – собственная модель шины, а в 1981 году был выпущен первый велосипед.

Серия инновация продолжалась до середины девяностых, компания приобрела имя и огромное число поклонников, первой выведя на рынки многие современные «стандарты» – композитные материалы, найнеры, несколько типов амортизаторов. Однако ряд неудач привёл к тому, что в начале 2000-х бренд был куплен тайваньской Merida, но полностью сохранён как передовое в техническом плане подразделение, без объединения с основными производственными мощностями.

Место вне первой тройки рейтинга данной компании обусловлено исключительно редкостью и высокой стоимостью разработок, которые фактически мало кому доступны в России.

Cube

Немецкая компания Cube закрепилась на российском рынке как производитель качественных велосипедов. Основанная немецким студентом в 1993, компания не меняет изначального кредо – азиатские комплектующие собираются в Баварии (Германия), после чего продаются под маркером немецкого товара.

Действительно, качество сборки данных велосипедов великолепно, а цена вполне доступна. Как и многим «среднякам», данной фирме не хватает выразительности в самих байках, хотя общий маркетинг выстроен отлично. Немецкое качество в совокупности с поддержкой спортивного движения делают компанию очень известной, и мало кто не слышал об этих велосипедах.

Giant

Giant Bicycles Co. Ltd – крупнейший производитель велосипедов в мире. Как и Merida, компания родом с Тайваня, и там же держит большую часть производственных мощностей. Открыта компания, в отличие от своих конкурентов, была именно как производственная. Сейчас на мощностях Giant производится (по данным Wikipedia) 55% «фирменных» велосипедов, в том числе Trek и Scott.

Компания, производя велосипеды для многих заказчиков, имеет доступ ко всем технологиям, но сама не слывёт новатором. Giant – это доступные средняки, пока не очень популярные в России (сказывается импортное происхождение и конкуренция со Stels), и находится на своём месте в рейтинге из-за своего модельного ряда. Под брендом Giant можно найти велосипед любой компоновки и комплектации, хотя иногда его и придётся ждать из Китая.

Author

Удивительна популярность Author, бизнес-модель которой напоминает Cube и Stels. Недорогие азиатские комплектующие выпускаются под брендом чешской фирмы. Основатели умеют считать деньги, и широкий ассортимент, вкупе с приличным трейд-маркетингом, сделал данные байки популярными в России.

В публичной сфере Author часто появляется на MTB соревнованиях, фокусируясь на доступности велосипедов аудитории, а не на новациях и достижениях.

Forward

Вторая русская марка в рейтинге, пожалуй, имеет отрицательную репутацию из-за своих истоков. Фактически Forward основана на базе Пермского Велосипедного Завода (марка «Кама») и вследствие тяжёлого положения в стране (1999-2003 г.) выпускает преимущественно бюджетные велосипеды и переработки советских моделей. Лишь в середине 2000-х компания начала разрабатывать новые образцы высокого уровня, уходя от ультрабюджетных решений. До сих пор занимая нижу бюджетных байков, Forward является максимально доступным, но не особо качественным выбором.

Schwinn

Данная компания – это легенда среди велосипедных фирм. Каждый уважающий магазин выставляет 1-2 круизера Schwinn в зале, чтобы показать, что ценители здесь бывают. Конечно, такие велосипеды никогда не покупаются, но ведь главное – имя! Занимая низкую позицию в рейтинге, данный производитель является столетним эталоном качества и стиля, но слишком требователен к денежным ресурсам, да и ассортиментом моделей не стремится выделиться.

Schwinn Bicycle Company основана в Чикагов 1895 году американским немцем. Компания считается одним из «изобретателей» современного велосипеда за счёт ввода в своей продукции множества стандартов. Кроме того, само направление круизеров – модных городских велосипедов с качественным дизайном «под мотоцикл» – принадлежит ей и первой модели AeroCycle.

TREK

Замыкает рейтинг «среднячок» американская компания, которая «просто делает велосипеды». Среднее качество, доступные цены, отсутствие выделяющихся технологических и дизайнерских прорывов делает эту компанию «просто велосипедным брендом».

На самом деле, Trek – один из ключевых представителей американской вело индустрии, и на продукции Trek ездят чемпионы мира и олимпийские команды, а нововведения принимаются многими компаниями. В России позиции Trek не очень сильны из-за практически нулевого маркетинга и невнятного позиционирования.

Заключение

Данный рейтинг не полон, но достаточно объективен, чтобы составить представление о различных брендах и факторах, по которым их стоит оценивать и изучать. Но относительно реального выбора велосипеда бренд не должен быть определяющим. Главное – это качество, удобство и доступность конкретной модели, подходящей под ваш стиль катания и ваши запросы.

В рейтинге же, безусловно, заслуженно «побеждает» GT. Эту марку на текущий момент можно считать эталоном на российском рынке. Высокое качество, распространённость, яркое и знакомое имя, а также доступность в любом регионе и за вполне внятные деньги – всё это делает бренд одним из лучших. Перекосы в качество или массовость тоже вполне успешны, но это не полный успех.

Следует отметить хорошие позиции российских производителей. Несмотря на выбранную стратегию импорта и производства бюджетных байков, Stels и Forward имеют большие перспективы и демонстрируют это, увеличивая объёмы производства из года в год.

Купить велосипеды этих и других брендов вы можете на сайте наших партнеров.

загрузка…

90000 TOP 15 + Buying Guide For 2020 90001 90002 90003 90002 At 90005 Bicycle Guider, 90006 we do not believe in the terms ‘90007 Men’s Bicycles 90008’ and ‘90007 Women’s Bicycles 90008.’ We believe that there are unisex bicycles that can fit both genders equally well, depending on individual physical characteristics. 90003 90002 There are also bicycles that are designed to suit a woman’s body better, but the only difference from unisex bicycles is a different saddle and a shorter stem.90003 90002 However, since there is an increasing number of women’s bicycles flooding the market, and these are usually reliable bikes that will serve you well for years to come, we’ve decided to create a review of the best women’s bikes. 90003 90002 You can check out our list of the 15 best women’s bikes below (By categories — Hybrid / Road / Mountain / Cruiser) 90003 90002 In this review, you will find the following 90005 best bicycles for women 90006 (by types): 90003 90022 90002 90024 90005 Best HYBRID Bikes for Women 90006 90027 90022 90003 90002 90003 90002 90005 Hybrid bikes 90006 are versatile bicycles that can be used for commuting, training, or just casual riding.Hybrid bikes are fast, but have a comfortable geometry and are very stable and easy to control. 90003 90036 90002 They combine the best from two worlds — road bikes and mountain bikes. 90003 90039 90002 These bicycles in most cases have 90007 700c wheels 90008, aluminum frames, some expensive models are full-carbon or have a carbon fork, and they can have front suspension or be completely rigid. 90003 90002 There are lots of reliable female models for sale, so below we’ll show you the 90005 best hybrid bikes 90006 for women in our opinion.90003 90002 90003 90024 90005 Ghost Square Cross 1.8 Step-Through 90006 90027 90002 90005 Best Step-Through Bike 90006 90003 90002 90005 90006 90003.90000 Best lightweight bikes of 2020 90001 90002 In the past, finding the best lightweight road bike has been the sole requirement for a road cyclist when buying a new bike; saving weight was a racer’s primary concern in the pursuit of speed. Such was the obsession that in cult book 90003 The Rider 90004, Tim Krabbé recounts being told by another cyclist that, «Anquetil always moved his water bottle to his back pocket during climbs, so his bike would be lighter.» 90005 90002 Conversely, the contemporary fashion for aerodynamics might, at first glance, make lightweight bikes seem like a bit of an anachronism, but there are actually still a number of sound reasons why you should consider one as your next bike.90005 90002 Today, many lightweight bikes still feature prominently in our guide to the best road bikes, but with the UCI steadfast on a minimum weight limit of 6.8kg, advancements in design have looked towards improving aerodynamics and ride quality without increasing weight, to make the best lightweight bikes more enjoyable to ride, easier to own and faster over flatter terrain. 90005 90002 90005 (Image credit: Aaron Borrill) 90012 Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod Dura-Ace Di2 Disc 90013 90002 Progressive aero update to one of the most acclaimed lightweight bikes 90005 90002 90017 Price: 90018 £ 8,999 | 90017 Weight: 90018 7.49kg | 90017 Brake: 90018 Disc | 90017 Frame: 90018 Carbon | 90017 Sizes: 90018 XS-XXL 90005 90002 Aerodynamics 90005 90002 Stiffness 90005 90002 Handling 90005 90002 Tyre clearance 90005 90002 Women’s specific builds available 90005 90002 Activation fee for the integrated power meter 90005 90002 With its renowned blend of low weight and enormous stiffness, the Cannondale SuperSix has long been considered one of the best road bikes for climbing, but its round-tubed design was admittedly getting a little long in the tooth.90005 90002 The SuperSix 2020 brings a complete design overhaul, with truncated aerofoil tubing, a sleek integrated cockpit and system designed wheels. The SuperSix maintains the glorious pedalling efficiency, low weight and razor-sharp handling, but dropped seat stays increase comfort and hydraulic disc brakes bring improved braking control and tyre clearance. 90005 90002 Now arguably more of an all-rounder than just a pure climbing bike, the Cannondale SuperSix does sit a few hundred grams over the UCI weight limit, but the aerodynamic gains will likely offset this on less steep climbs.90005 90002 The only let-down is the activation fee for the Power2Max integrated power meter. It’s brilliant that the bike comes with one of the market’s 90047 best power meters 90048 already installed, but considering how much this bike costs, it’s a little annoying that you have to pay an extra $ 490 / € 490 to access its full potential. 90005 90002 90017 Cannondale SuperSix Evo review 90018 90005 90002 90005 (Image credit: Josh Croxton) 90012 Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 90013 90002 The Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 is incredibly light, stunningly stiff and it holds flatland speed well, it’s an out and out super bike 90005 90002 90017 Price: 90018 £ 9,499 | 90017 Weight: 90018 6.96kg | 90017 Brake: 90018 Disc | 90017 Frame: 90018 Carbon | 90017 Sizes: 90018 S-XL 90005 90002 Weight (sub 7kg, size large) 90005 90002 It holds speed over flat and rolling ground well 90005 90002 Power transfer is similar to a dedicated aero bike 90005 90002 Handling confidence takes time to build 90005 90002 The integrated seatpost makes flying with the TCR difficult, but not impossible 90005 90002 No Shimano builds available at Advanced SL level 90005 90002 The TCR Advanced SL 0 is a world-class road race bike.All the metrics and the riding experience suggest it has managed to bring itself back in line with — if not ahead of — the competition. 90005 90002 With the price at £ 9,499 / $ 11,000 / AU $ 13,999 / € 10,199, the TCR Advanced SL 0 is in the same ballpark as the S-Works Tarmac, Cannondale SuperSix EVO and the Trek Emonda. 90005 90002 The TCR Advanced SL 0 misses out on a perfect score due to a couple of things. The negatives of the ISP outweigh the positives and the lack of a Dura-Ace build is something that will put many riders off.90005 90002 All things told, if you’re forever chasing the final watt of energy, there will always be a new bike that claims to be faster, lighter, better. If you’re looking for a world-class bike that brilliantly blends weight, aerodynamics and efficiency, the Giant TCR is a bike you should consider every single time. 90005 90002 90017 Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 review 90018 90005 90002 90005 (Image credit: Specialized) 90012 Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL6 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 90013 90002 Hugely popular, WorldTour race winning lightweight bike, now more aerodynamic, more comfortable and with disc brakes 90005 90002 90017 Price: 90018 £ 9,500 | 90017 Weight: 90018 6.8kg | 90017 Brake: 90018 Disc | 90017 Frame: 90018 Carbon | 90017 Sizes: 90018 44cm-61cm 90005 90002 Grand Tour winning pedigree 90005 90002 Looks 90005 90002 Aerodynamic features 90005 90002 Components 90005 90002 Tyre clearance 90005 90002 Women’s builds available 90005 90002 Expensive 90005 90002 The latest version of Specialized hugely popular Tarmac retains the fantastic efficiency and handling we’ve come to expect, but goes and slows faster than ever before. 90005 90002 Time in the Specialized Win Tunnel has led to dropped seatstays and redesigned tube shapes, that Specialized claims make the new Tarmac as aerodynamic as the original Specialized Venge, even with the addition of hydraulic disc brakes.90005 90002 It’s pricey, but you do arguably get a lot for your money. Specialized specs its own components and wheels, but in every case these arguably rival or surpass offerings from dedicated component brands. You get a set of Specialized’s S-Works Power cranks, a carbon railed S-Works Toupé saddle, carbon handlebars and the Roval CLX 50 Disc carbon wheels come tubeless ready, with CeramicSpeed ​​bearings and Specialized Turbo Cotton tyres. 90005 90002 Specialized makes a big deal about the fact that each frame and fork size in the range is built with their Rider-First Engineering design, which means each size gets specific carbon layups and fork tapers, so that ride quality is maintained across the board .90005 90002 Unlike some other brands, however, Specialized has decided that gender-specific geometries are not actually necessary, and instead specs different contact point components and crank lengths on its women’s specific builds. It’s hard for this writer to say whether that’s the right approach, but it seems to work just fine for the riders of the Boels Dolmans Cyclingteam. 90005 90002 90005 (Image credit: Scott) 90012 Scott Addict RC Premium 90013 90002 So refined that Mitchelton-Scott will take to every race this season 90005 90002 90017 Price: 90018 £ 8,999 | 90017 Weight: 90018 7.12kg | 90017 Brake: 90018 Disc | 90017 Frame: 90018 Carbon | 90017 Sizes: 90018 47cm-61cm 90005 90002 Fully integrated cockpit 90005 90002 Aero tube shapes 90005 90002 Torx bolts 90005 90002 Such is the rounded performance of the latest iteration Scott’s latest road bike, the entire Mitchelton-Scott team has committed to using the Addict RC Disc for its entire 2020 race calendar. 90005 90002 The Addict RC Premium is one step off the range-topping model in the Scott range — that accolade goes to the RC Ultimate at £ 10,799 — the Premium is fitted with DT Swiss wheels, a full Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 disc brake groupset , and the fully integrated cockpit that sees cables hidden from sight entirely.90005 90002 90005 (Image credit: Bianchi) 90012 Bianchi Specialissima CV Ultegra 90013 90002 Bianchi’s range-topping lightweight frameset specced to a budget 90005 90002 90017 Price: 90018 £ 4,800 | 90017 Weight: 90018 7.55kg | 90017 Brake: 90018 Rim | 90017 Frame: 90018 Carbon | 90017 Sizes: 90018 47cm-61cm 90005 90002 Classic aesthetic 90005 90002 Lightweight 780g frame 90005 90002 Lower spec than others here 90005 90002 Frame has obvious aero consideration 90005 90002 While more premium models exist in the Bianchi range, we see this Specialissima as a great halfway step into the realms of the top-of-the-range lightweight bikes.90005 90002 With the premium Specialissima frameset hitting the shelves at £ 3,899.99, this model completes the build with some aluminium Fulcrum wheels and a full Ultegra groupset for £ 900 more. At 7.55kg, it’s already competitive on the scales, but if you’re looking to build your way to owning the best lightweight bike, the Specialissima Ultegra could be the starting point you need. 90005 90002 Alternatively, if you’re looking to spend big, the Dura-Ace Di2 disc version can be had with DT Swiss wheels at £ 10,500.90005 90002 90005 (Image credit: BMC) 90012 BMC Teammachine SLR01 Disc Two 90013 90002 Forward thinking bike design that seemed to inspire almost every other brand 90005 90002 90017 Price: 90018 £ 9,499 | 90017 Weight: 90018 7.14kg | 90017 Brake: 90018 Disc | 90017 Frame: 90018 Carbon | 90017 Sizes: 90018 XXS-XXL 90005 90002 Stiffness 90005 90002 Handling 90005 90002 Comfort 90005 90002 Grand Tour winning pedigree 90005 90002 Price 90005 90002 Dropping the seat stays for improved comfort and aerodynamics was a 2019 bike-design must-have, but the BMC commitment to progressive bicycle design is such that they debuted this feature back in 2010 on the Teammachine.90005 90002 The combination of massive pedalling stiffness from the oversized down tube and bottom bracket area, combined with the comfort gained from thin, dropped seat stays, made this design a winner from the start. Cadel Evans promptly rode to victory in the Tour de France only a year later, in 2011, and it continues to be the bike of choice for most riders at Dimension Data, thanks to its blend of efficiency, comfort and perfectly balanced handling. 90005 90002 With the addition of hydraulic disc brakes, a semi-integrated cockpit system (that still retains adjustability for both fit and maintenance) and updated cable management, the Teammachine is more evolution than revolution, but this just shows how advanced the original design was at the time.There’s little about this bike that looks out of date. 90005 90002 We’d perhaps like to see a nod towards more aerodynamic tube shapes on future models, but the only real downside is that you’ll need deep pockets to get hold of one. 90005 90002 90005 (Image credit: Colin Levitch) 90012 Trek Emonda 90013 90002 A bike that’s just as quick going down hills as it is at going up them 90005 90002 90017 Price: 90018 £ 9,700 | 90017 Weight: 90018 6.86kg | 90017 Brake: 90018 Disc | 90017 Frame: 90018 Carbon | 90017 Sizes: 90018 47cm-62cm 90005 90002 Light 90005 90002 Stiffness 90005 90002 Customisation options 90005 90002 Design not as evolutionary as rivals 90005 90002 It should come as no surprise that Trek focused on improving the aerodynamics of the new Emonda.Trek is not alone in this with Giant, Scott, Specialized and Focus (among others) also going this route, addressing the fact that aerodynamics come into play, even when you’re not travelling 40kph on flat ground. The new frame sees truncated aerofoils on the fork legs, downtube, seat tube and seat stays which the brand says saves 183g of drag over the previous model. Interestingly the no-cut integrated seat mast is round, and so is the cap, which Trek says helps to retain compliance. 90005 90002 While 183g of drag is probably an abstract figure to anyone that does not have an aerodynamicist within arms reach, Trek has modelled how much time a rider would save up various famous climbs around the world riding at 350-watts on the 2018 Emonda vs the 2021 Emonda.The new bike saves 15-seconds on Alpe D’Huez, 11-seconds on the Angliru, 21-seconds up the Stelvio, 80-seconds up the Taiwan KOM Challenge and 4-seconds up Willunga Hill. 90005 90002 For the latest edition of the Emonda, Trek as added a few new colour schemes to its Project One program ICON, KOM and Ultimate. Our test sample is the latter, which allows you full creative license over Trek’s colour palettes as well as tailoring every component. The yellow to pink fade is definitely Trek flexing its proverbial painting muscles, and the bike is anything but subtle.90005 90002 90005 (Image credit: Aaron Borrill) 90012 Factor O2 VAM Disc 90013 90002 An out-the-box hill climb weapon 90005 90002 90017 Price: 90018 £ 8,999 | 90017 Weight: 90018 6.78kg (actual) | 90017 Brake: 90018 Disc, rim | 90017 Frame: 90018 Carbon | 90017 Sizes: 90018 46-61 90005 90002 Exquisite aesthetics 90005 90002 Stiff and light chassis 90005 90002 Super-fast and reactive on the climbs 90005 90002 Predictable handling 90005 90002 Superb value for money at this spec-level 90005 90002 Ride quality can be quite hard at times 90005 90002 The Factor O2 VAM Disc can easily hold its own against the segment’s best road bikes.It’s unquestionably light, superbly efficient on the flats and descends with predictability, sure-footedness and poise. Sure, there are faster bikes out there but unless you’re riding at the highest level of the sport or testing it back-to-back against its rivals in a controlled environment those nuances are imperceptible to us mere mortals. 90005 90002 The O2 VAM does not profess to be a jack of all trades. It’s a master of situations where the road angle tilts upwards and gravity comes into the equation.This is a place where it’s at its happiest. 90005 90002 As far as lightweight climbing bikes go, the Factor O2 VAM represents the zenith of the genre and does not pretend to be anything other than what it says on the tin. If it’s pliancy and outright speed you’re after then you’re in the wrong place — go find an aero road bike instead. 90005 90002 90017 Factor O2 VAM Disc review 90018 90005 90002 90005 (Image credit: Canyon) 90012 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 9.0 90013 90002 Great value, super-efficient lightweight bike with top-of-the-line spec 90005 90002 90017 Price: 90018 £ 6,499 | 90017 Weight: 90018 7.1kg | 90017 Brake: 90018 Disc | 90017 Frame: 90018 Carbon | 90017 Sizes: 90018 XXS-XXL 90005 90002 Stiffness 90005 90002 Aerodynamic cockpit 90005 90002 Value 90005 90002 Wide range of sizes 90005 90002 Women’s models available 90005 90002 Can only be purchased online 90005 90002 With Canyon’s direct-to-consumer approach, it’s hard to argue the value for money aspect of the German behemoth’s range. While this particular model is still a considerable investment at £ 6,499, the 2020 Ultimate CF SLX can be had for as little as £ 3,899.00. 90005 90002 Women’s versions are available, and finishing kit varies between the two genders — such as the VCLS post being included on the equivalent women’s bike. Canyon claims the women’s frameset is lighter and more aerodynamic than the men’s version, but then it contradicts this with claimed weights of 7.07kg (women’s) to 6.89kg (men’s) for the ETAP disc version. 90005 90002 The Dura-Ace version sees an integrated cockpit, albeit with cables on show, DT Swiss ARC 1400 Dicut wheels paired with Schwalbe Pro One Evo 25mm tyres, and a Fizik Antares R3 saddle.90005 90002 90005 (Image credit: Cervelo) 90012 Cervelo R5 Red eTap AXS 90013 90002 A no-compromise lightweight bike that hides its performance credentials behind classic looks 90005 90002 90017 Price: 90018 £ 8,399 | 90017 Weight: 90018 6.9kg | 90017 Brake: 90018 Disc | 90017 Frame: 90018 Carbon | 90017 Sizes: 90018 XS-XXL 90005 90002 Classic looks 90005 90002 Aerodynamics 90005 90002 Stiffness 90005 90002 Handling 90005 90002 User friendliness 90005 90002 Design arguably getting dated 90005 90002 The bike of choice for former Giro d’Italia champion Tom Dumoulin, the Cervelo R5 is a bit of a wolf in sheep’s clothing.It would be easy to look at the traditional frame shape and assume it’s a vestige of a by-gone era (especially compared to wild aero design of the Cervelo S5 Disc), but you’d be far from the truth. 90005 90002 The Cervelo R5 is built from Cervelo’s Squoval ™ Max aerodynamic tubing, tuned to balance phenomenal levels of stiffness with low weight, whilst a stable yet racy geometry and hydraulic disc brakes offer confidence-inspiring handling. It also has clearance for 30mm tyres, so if you want more volume for grip and comfort on rough roads, this bike can handle it.90005 90002 Up front, Cervelo specs its own carbon stem and handlebars. There are nods to aerodynamics here, but Cervelo has not yet gone down the route of full S5-style cockpit integration with the R5. 90005 90002 This invariably means a small aerodynamic penalty, but it does also mean you can easily change the stem length or handlebar width to suit your personal fit requirements — something that might not be possible with a fully integrated system. 90005 90002 90005.90000 Best bike: top rides plus how to choose the best bicycle type for you 90001 90002 Looking for the best bike is like trying to find the ultimate pair of shoes … But even more fun. There are plenty of reasons why more and more people are turning towards the bicycle as a reliable mode of transport. The spiralling cost of public transport, increasing congestion, social distancing, and a general need to save our stricken planet are just a few. 90003 90002 But let’s not forget that riding a bike also results in improved fitness and very little can rival that «wheeeeee, look at me!» feeling derived from coasting down a massive hill.In this article, we’ll help you choose which type of bike is the best bike for you, from relaxed urban cruisers to trail-shredding mountain bikes, lithe road bikes to maintenance-free commuters, electric bicycles and beyond. And as well listing our pick of the best bike in each category, we’ve included links to our more bike buying guides should you want to delve deeper. 90003 90002 • T3’s guide to cycle to work: how does it work, how much you can spend and what can you buy? 90003 90002 Our list of best bikes has prices from a mere £ 399, up to a limit of £ 2,000 (which we have ignored on only one occasion).That means there is a bike to suit all budgets, tastes and demands. We’ve gone for the most affordable bike possible without significantly scrimping on quality here, which gets you off to a good start. Beyond that the key is to look for sale pricing, and above all, consider settling for last year’s model if you can find it. Last year’s version of most bikes will be all but identical to this year’s yet can cost hundreds less. 90003 90010 Which type of bicycle is best for you? 90011 90002 Below we’ve detailed the different types of bike you’ll come across as well as our top pick for the best bike in each category.90003 90010 Hybrid bike: great all-rounders 90011 90002 A hybrid bike offers the best bits of road bikes and mountain bikes in one hybrid package, hence the name. What that means is that you get a comfortable, upright seating position; plush tyres that will not rattle your bones; straight handlebars, which are ideal for commuting, urban and light off-road riding; with a light frame and road-orientated tyres. 90003 90010 T3’s best hybrid bike pick 90011 90002 90003 90002 (Image credit: Ribble Cycle) 90003 90024 1.Ribble Hybrid AL 90025 90002 90027 A hybrid bike that makes for all-round riding joy 90028 90003 90027 Specifications 90028 90002 Style: Hybrid 90003 90002 Frame: Aluminium 90003 90002 Gears: Various 90003 90027 Reasons to buy 90028 90002 + Lightweight aluminium frame + Hydraulic disc brakes + Affordable + A version for everyone 90003 90027 Reasons to avoid 90028 90002 -Has a slightly ‘rustic’ feel, for an urban bike 90003 90002 90047 • Buy from Ribble from £ 699 90048 90003 90002 Hybrid bikes are now seen as a bit quaint by some — ‘fitness bikes’ fill the same niche in many ways, but I’d still recommend a hybrid to most cycling newcomers, or anyone who wants a bike that’s great for commuting in cities but does not become a complete liability out of town.The best examples offer a comfortable riding position, a decent spec for not much money, and enough comfort and speed for many people’s needs. 90003 90002 Our current favourite, Ribble Hybrid AL combines slick city looks with a smart spec and practical touches to make this the ideal hybrid bike for commuting to work, riding to the pub or heading out for a few miles in the lanes, of a Sunday morning. 90003 90002 Available in a choice of black, green or — for a price — custom paint job of your choice, the Ribble Hybrid AL includes a wealth of options, from a stripped down, sportier Leisure edition, or there’s the Fully Loaded Commuter model ( £ 799), which should indeed handle just about any commute, with mudguards, rear pannier and lights thrown in.90003 90002 The flat handlebar provides a comfortable position for riding, with the brakes and gears both easily accessible. Speaking of which, the Mach 3’s 2×16 Shimano Claris groupset keeps gear changes simple while still offering a range of gears that’s easily wide enough for all UK cities and much of its countryside. When it’s time to come to a halt, the hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable, all-weather stopping power. 90003 90002 For as little as £ 699, you’re getting a lot of bicycle for your money here.Even the Fully Loaded Leisure version of the bike — as pictured above — with better wheels and upgraded SRAM gearing is under £ 1,000. Ribble offers 3-year, interest-free credit — putting the price as low as £ 24 a month for 3 years; compare that to your travel pass cost. There’s also the option of getting it for even less via Cycle to Work. 90003 90010 Road bike: best for speed on good roads 90011 90002 If it’s pure speed and power efficiency you’re after, you can not beat a good road bike. They’re light, with fast-rolling wheels and tyres, gear ratios suited for going fast on the flat and conquering steep hills and the dropped handlebars put you in an aerodynamic, racy position.However, that that racy position can get a little uncomfortable (as will that skinny saddle if you do not have proper cycling shorts) and the skinny tyres will be unforgiving on poor road surfaces. 90003 90010 T3’s road bike pick 90011 90002 90003 90002 best bicycle: Specialized Roubaix Sport 90003 90002 (Image credit: Specialized) 90003 90024 2. Specialized Roubaix Sport 90025 90002 90027 A more comfortable kind of racing bike 90028 90003 90027 Specifications 90028 90002 Frame: Fact10r Carbon 90003 90002 Groupset: Shimano 105 11 Speed ​​90003 90002 Wheels: DT R470 Disc 90003 90002 Finishing Kit: Specialized 90003 90027 Reasons to buy 90028 90002 + Clever suspension + Durable components + Disk brakes 90003 90027 Reasons to avoid 90028 90002 -Spec is a bit stingy for the price 90003 90002 • Read our full Specialized Roubaix review 90003 90002 The star of the show here is Specialized’s cleverly integrated Future Shock 1.5 cartridge, which gives 20mm of vertical stem and bar movement. As a result, the bike feels fast — well, it 90099 is 90100 fast — but bumps are flattened out, for the benefit of your butt. What’s 90099 really 90100 clever is that this very handy damping does not noticeably affect power transfer. 90003 90002 Tried-and-tested DT R470 wheels and disk brakes mean the Roubaix is ​​a zippy ride that can be brought to a rapid halt if necessary. The stiff, pointy Fact10r frame means power is applied with rigorous efficiency.Shimano 105 gearing and brakes may be a bit stingy for a bike of this price, but the brilliance of the frame makes up for that. 90003 90010 Electric bike: for when you need a little help 90011 90002 Electric bikes feature a battery and a motor to give you a bit of help up hills and along the flat. This makes them an excellent choice for commuters and those who are not at peak fitness. That’s not to say that you will not get fit riding an e-bike — you still have to peddle them as the motor just gives you some assistance (it’s not a moped, in other words).90003 90002 The downside? The added battery and motor adds some extra weight making e-bikes heavier than their non-electric counterparts and due to UK law, the motor can only provide assistance up to 15mph, at which point it cuts out and you’re left pedalling a heavier bike than if it did not have a now idle motor and battery strapped to it. As you’d expect, they are also more expensive than non-electric bikes and they need regular charging. 90003 90010 T3’s electric bike pick 90011 90002 90003 90002 (Image credit: VanMoof) 90003 90024 3.VanMoof S3 90025 90002 90027 An electric bike that is perfect for urban commuting 90028 90003 90027 Specifications 90028 90002 Weight: 19kg 90003 90002 Range: 60 miles 90003 90002 Charging time: 8 hours 90003 90002 Gears: 4-speed, automatic shifting 90003 90002 Power: 250W (500W in USA) 90003 90027 Reasons to buy 90028 90002 + Great fun to ride + Brilliant security features + Looks rather sexy 90003 90027 Reasons to avoid 90028 90002 -Automatic gear-shifting is pointless 90003 90002 90047 • Buy from VanMoof for £ 1970 90048 90003 90002 90047 • Read our 90048 90047 VanMoof S3 review 90048 90003 90002 The S3 is a sturdily built e-bike that rides extremely well, especially in town.You can get up to 20mph assisted on the flat with minimal effort, and the power means all but the most demanding hills are no problem at all. 90003 90002 Add hydraulic disk brakes, four gears and electric assistance that you can tailor to suit your riding style and you have a tech-packed marvel of an e-bike. A raft of security features — alarm, integrated lock, GPS tracing — render it all but thief proof. VanMoof is so confident of this, it even offers to go and retrieve your S3 if someone is determined / foolhardy enough to steal it.90003 90002 Our only quibble is with the auto-shifting gears. Surely even the most inept rider is able to manage manual shifting between four gears? They are also much more likely to break down than boring old manual shifters, so it seems an unnecessary extravagance. However, it does make an already near-effortless ride even more easy to manage … 90003 90010 Fitness bike: like a hybrid bike with added speed (and less comfort) 90011 90002 A fitness bike is basically a road bike with flat handlebars.So you benefit from the lightweight frame, fast wheels and tyres and road-orientated gear ratios without having to lean down over dropped handlebars. 90003 90002 So what’s the difference between a fitness bike and a hybrid bike? Good question. Fitness bikes tend to have higher specced components and be a little more speed orientated while hybrid bikes are more focused on comfort, but you’ll often see the same bike in both fitness and hybrid bike categories on retailers ‘websites, suggesting there’s no clear definition .To make it more confusing, some bike makers call a fitness bike a city bike, and some people simply refer to them as flat-bar road bikes. In general, though, the industry does seem to be settling on ‘fitness bikes’ as the category name, making it easier to shop around. 90003 90010 T3’s best fitness bike pick 90011 90002 90003 90002 (Image credit: Canyon) 90003 90024 4. Canyon Pathlite SL 7.0 90025 90002 90027 This zippy hybrid is designed to help you stay in shape 90028 90003 90027 Specifications 90028 90002 Style: Fitness bike 90003 90002 Frame: Canyon Pathlite AL SL 90003 90002 Gears: Shimano SLX M7000 90003 90027 Reasons to buy 90028 90002 + Ideal for light off-road use as well as in town + Excellent spec for the money 90003 90027 Reasons to avoid 90028 90002 -Not a pure road riding bike, clearly 90003 90002 Direct sales giant Canyon has a reputation for offering brilliant bikes that deliver plenty of bang for your buck and the Pathlite SL 7.0 is no different. The Pathlite is Canyon’s fitness bike, designed to whip you into shape and put a smile on your face in the process. 90003 90002 Unlike a drop-handlebar road bike, the Pathlite has a flat handlebar, so you do not need the flexibility of a Yoga teacher to pedal in comfort. Nor do you need the lung capacity of a Tour de France rider, with the Pathlite SL 7.0 coming with a broad range of gears to haul you up the steepest of climbs. 90003 90002 The frame itself is made from aluminium and is paired with a Suntour NRX-E fork with 75mm of travel.Combine that with the grippy, 40mm-wide Maxxis Rambler tyres and the Pathlite is ideally-suited to exploring your local bridleways and forest tracks. Tidy features include the internal cable routing and handlebar grips, while the Pathlite SL 7.0 is dripping in quality components, including a Shimano XT drivetrain and Shimano SLX hydraulic disc brakes. 90003 90010 City bike: for cruising around town in style 90011 90002 Here’s another slightly poorly defined category: as noted above, some firms — such as Canyon — also refer to their fitness bikes as city bikes.But in general, a city bike will have an upright riding position, slightly wider tyres than a road bike for added comfort, and mudguards to keep the rain off your back. 90003 90002 City bike designs vary from what are basically road bikes with the sort of flat handlebars you’d see on a mountain bike, to more ‘cruisy’ styles with swept handlebars for a much more casual riding position. Some will also opt for step-through frames rather than a frame with a crossbar, and may feature a basket on the front and a luggage rack on the back (think of the sort of bikes you see all over Holland and that’s your original city bike ).90003 90010 T3’s city bike selection 90011 90002 90003 90002 (Image credit: Genesis) 90003 90024 5. Genesis Brixton 90025 90002 90027 Best cruiser for sophisticated city riders 90028 90003 90027 Specifications 90028 90002 Style: City bike / cruiser 90003 90002 Frame: Genesis Mjlnir Seamless Double-Butted Cromoly 90003 90002 Gears: Shimano Altus 90003 90027 Reasons to buy 90028 90002 + Style and practically in abundance + Fully setup out of the box for city riding 90003 90027 Reasons to avoid 90028 90002 -A bit heavy 90003 90002 The Genesis Brixton is one of those rare beasts — a bike that offers style and practicality in abundance.This is a machine for sophisticated city riders, with the frame’s classic looks complemented by a subtly swept riser handlebar that would not look out of place on the bike lanes of Amsterdam. 90003 90002 That handlebar is also designed to put the rider in a relaxed, comfortable position for city cruising. Other practical features include the front rack — no need to lug your belongings around in a backpack — and full-length mudguards, to protect your backside in bad weather. 90003 90002 The steel frame and fork adds plenty of heft — this is not one for all-out speedsters — and the Genesis is not as hot on value as some of the direct-sales machines we’ve featured here.We’d like to see hydraulic disc brakes, rather than cable-actuated ones, at this price. Even so, this stylish, practical city bike is a compelling machine. 90003 90010 Gravel bike: road bikes you can take off road 90011 90002 Gravel bikes are a relatively new category of bike which is designed to be ridden both on road and off. What you get is a bike that looks like a road bike but generally it will have wider tyres for greater comfort on rough road surfaces, a slightly more relaxed seating position, and fittings for mudguards and panniers.That makes them excellent for commuting, light off-roading such as canal paths, and longer bikepacking trips. 90003 90002 If fitness bikes are a bit like road bikes with the straight handlebars you’d see on a mountain bike (as opposed to the drop bars you see on road bikes) then gravel bikes are more like road bikes with drop bars but with the sort of wide, comfy tyres you’d see on a mountain bike (as opposed to the faster, skinnier, less comfy tyres you’d see on a road bike). 90003 90002 So if you’re torn between a fitness bike or a gravel bike, it really comes down to whether you want flat or dropped handlebars.90003 90010 T3’s gravel bike pick 90011 90002 90003 90002 (Image credit: Canyon) 90003 90024 6. Canyon Grail AL 7.0 SL 90025 90002 90027 A lot of gravel bike for less than £ 2,000 90028 90003 90027 Specifications 90028 90002 Frame: Canyon Grail AL 90003 90002 Groupset: SRAM Rival 1 90003 90002 Wheels: DT Swiss C 1850 Spline db 90003 90002 Finishing Kit: Canyon 90003 90027 Reasons to buy 90028 90002 + Extremely versatile + Tough aluminium frame + Superb value for money 90003 90027 Reasons to avoid 90028 90002 -Unsightly welds 90003 90002 Go for an aluminium frame rather than carbon and Canyon will sell you this fantastic gravel bike from as little as £ 1,199.For that you get a bike that’s durable and a lot of fun to ride. Gravel bikes are often bought for commuting and mudguard mounts make it a useful there, too. The quality of frame and components is impossible to argue with at this price. 90003 90010 Mountain bike: best for proper off-road riding 90011 90002 If you want to ride off road on the sort of terrain that would eat lesser bikes for breakfast, then you have to have a mountain bike. 90003 90002 They feature chunky, strong frames, suspension to eat up bumps and potholes and fat, knobbly tyres for added comfort and excellent grip in slippery conditions.When buying the mountain bike you’ll need to choose whether you want front suspension only (also known as a hard tail model) or full suspension, and that will really depend on the sort of riding you’re planning to do. 90003 90002 The wider tyres, heavier frames and the suspension all add to the bike’s comfort and strength but at a cost of energy efficiency meaning that mountain bikes are not great for long or fast road commutes (unless, perhaps, it’s an electric mountain bike) . 90003 90010 T3’s mountain bike pick 90011.90000 REVEALED: The 9 Best Mountain Bikes Under $ 500 90001 90002 Finding the right mountain bike for you can be tricky because you want to take it up to the mountains and you need 90003 it to perform 90004. 90005 90002 After all, you want a good bike that will actually last. Read below, I have the 90007 best 90008 mountain bikes under $ 500 right here. Before buying a good mountain bike under $ 500, here are the 90003 best 9 90004 you need to consider! 90005 90012 90003 REVEALED: The 9 Best Mountain Bikes Under $ 500 For Everyone! 90004 90015 90016 90002 Well, these top 9 picks are the best mountain bikes for under $ 500 dollars.Enjoy! 90005 90012 1. Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 90015 90002 90003 Best MTB Under $ 500 90004 90005 90002 Full DRT Series review 90005 90002 90003 Co-op Cycles 90004 may sound like a new brand to your ear, but we’ve monitored it for several years now. It’s owned by REI.com, the maker of a few pretty slick mountain bikes priced at under $ 500 range. 90030 90005 90032 90033 Unisex 90034 90033 21 gears 90034 90033 Five sizes to accommodate riders from 5’0 «to 6’3» in height 90034 90033 90003 Free 90004 warranty tune-up from REI.com 90034 90033 Powerful hydraulic disc brakes 90034 90045 90002 The 90003 DRT 1.1 90004 is designed for cycling enthusiasts who want to take up trail riding and spend some time in nature. You can see the curved top tube, which lowers the standover clearance and makes this bike a good choice for men and women alike. 90005 90050 90002 Co-Op Cycles DRT 1.1 has a number of stand-out features that put it on par with more expensive trail bikes, even though it costs only around $ 550. 90005 90053 90002 The DRT 1.1 is the best mountain bike at this price because of the excellent component spec and tailored fit for recreational trail riding. The bike employs lightweight 6061 aluminum alloy frame tubing coupled with 100 mm of travel on the front suspension, which will make all trail surfaces feel much smoother, and also will increase the rider’s control and confidence. 90005 90002 Another standout feature of 90003 DRT 1.1 90004 is that it has not only disc brakes but 90007 hydraulic 90008 disc brakes. This means that y 90005.