Bicycle - the most economical mode of transport, which is also the most beneficial for human health. This two-wheeled friend is suitable for everyone, regardless of gender, age category, social status and even taste preferences. Thanks to simple exercises on a bicycle, the cardiovascular system is strengthened, the respiratory apparatus develops, and muscles are toned. That is why it is necessary with all responsibility to approach the choice of this type of transport.
Fundamental selection criteria
If you have finally and irrevocably decided to become the owner of a two-wheeled horse and you are concerned about the question of how to choose a bike for a man, then first of all you need to decide on such criteria as:
- The purpose of buying a vehicle. A bicycle can be purchased as the main means of transportation, sports and training, or for extreme stunts. Depending on the purpose, the type of bike that is right for you is determined.
- The quality of the road surface. This is an important factor that affects the choice of bicycles. The road can be asphalt or dirt.
- Height and weight of the potential owner. Depending on these indicators, the size of the frame and bicycle wheels is selected.
- Price. With this criterion, each is determined individually. Evaluate your budget and find out the range specifically for you, in which the cost of a two-wheeled brother can vary.
Typology of bicycles: an overview of types of cycling, their characteristics and features
Before choosing a bicycle for a man, it is mandatory to review all types of cycling that exist in principle. So, let's begin.
Road bikes
This type of bicycle transport is intended for city driving. This is the most common and most practical bike. It can be used for daily trips to work or to study. However, if a young man wants to impress others with various extreme tricks, then you should not take such a bicycle. Also, this type of transport is not intended for skiing for a long time. The standard equipment of a road bike, as a rule, includes: a rear trunk of a removable type, a basket, headlights, special shields that protect against splashes and dirt.
Mountain bike
Any model of mountain bike transport combines the reliability of the design, the strength of the individual elements of the bike, and comfortable operation. This type of bike is ideally suited for long journeys in the mountains.
Key features: durable wheels, thick tires, front and rear forks on shock absorbers, heavy-duty frame, disc brakes. Comfort depends on which saddle to choose on a bicycle - for men there are different types of seats. All bike models are equipped with comfortable seats, in a huge assortment of which everyone will find the most comfortable for themselves.
Sports bike
The second name is a cross bike. Representatives of this type of transport are high-strength bicycles. Distinctive features: huge wheels, tires have a deep tread, a large welded frame, made in the shape of a rhombus, the upper tube of the frame is beveled. Sports bike is a key link in extreme sports, an indispensable companion in outdoor walks. It is designed for men who prefer extreme riding.
City bikes
Urban cycling is an excellent alternative to motor vehicles and public transport. Such a bicycle should be preferred if the purpose of acquiring such a two-wheeled friend is:
- unobstructed (meaning no traffic jams) road from home to work and back;
- laid-back cycling in parks or promenades;
- driving to supermarkets for small purchases.
City-type bicycles have a low landing compared to mountain bikes, a comfortable handlebar, for the control of which there is no need to bend. The diameter of the wheels can vary depending on the model and ranges from 20 to 28 inches. As for the speed characteristics, the high performance of this parameter is not typical for the city two-wheeler - its speed is low, but as they say, you go quieter - you will continue. The loads of a sporting nature are categorically contraindicated for this bike, as a matter of fact, as well as riding on mountain ranges and hills.
Cruisers
Cruisers are bicycles whose appearance will not leave anyone indifferent. Their main purpose is long-distance travel with a high level of comfort. These bikes are simple and of high quality. Depreciation forks are not equipped, since cruisers should be purchased for a leisurely ride on good road surface. Characteristic features: wide saddle, curved steering wheel, retro frame, foot brake.
Tourist bikes
The tourist type combines all the best from mountain bikes and cruisers. Not one bike trip can do without a tourist bike. The main mission of this two-wheeled horse is to provide the most comfortable conditions for the cyclist while riding for a long time. Characteristic features: a wide saddle, a comfortable fit, the steering wheel is bent, the frame is durable, the structure is sturdy, a simple system for switching high-speed mode. If the purpose of acquiring a bicycle involves heavy loads on him, and a consultant in a specialized store offers a tourist model of a two-wheeled horse, then the question of how to choose a bicycle for a man does not automatically arise, since the store employee has hit the mark. A tourist bike is a reliable companion for tens or even hundreds of kilometers along the way. Passability to such bicycles is unusual. The owners of tourist cycling are easy to identify, they are distinguished from the crowd by huge backpacks on the trunk and special pants.
Road bikes
Road racers are sports bikes. Before choosing a bike for a man who loves speed, stop your eyes on this type of cycling. High-speed competition on a well-paved road is a highway element. Distinctive features: light weight, low-strength construction, low-rise steering wheel, narrow large-diameter wheels, minimum number of accessories. However, it is worth noting that such vehicles will not tolerate bumps.
Extreme cycling
The second name is stunt bikes or BMX bikes. The range of these two wheelers is striking in its diversity. A vehicle is designed to perform various tricks, in which both wheels are involved: jumping stairs, ramp races, ski jump tricks, coups and others. The main feature is its small size. Outwardly, this bike resembles a teenage bike. Distinctive characteristics: a frame in the form of a rhombus, wheels of small diameters.
Determine the component composition of the bike
As you understand, a bicycle does not only consist of a frame. The mass of elements is attached to the frame. Let's figure out how to choose a mountain bike for a man, taking into account its component composition, the structural units of which are:
- transmission (connecting rods, front sprocket, rear cassette, chain, speed switches);
- shock absorbers;
- wheel (rim, bushings, axles, spokes);
- brake system.
A bicycle may consist of elements from various manufacturers. It all depends on the purpose of using the transport, the degree of availability of parts, their cost and the requirements of a potential cyclist.
Bicycle frame
When choosing a bicycle frame, we pay attention to its size. This is a very important point, because knowing how to choose its overall dimensions correctly, you know how to choose a bicycle for a man by height, and this is one of the key indicators when choosing a transport.
Also, to determine the functionality of a two-wheeled vehicle, its endurance, the material of which the frame is made is of great importance. It can be made of steel, aluminum, titanium. The most expensive, lightweight, but tough and reliable are carbon fiber frames.
How to choose a mountain bike for men: component groups
The most popular two-wheeled component manufacturers are Shimano and Sram. These companies produce components for collecting bikes from the initial to the racing level of use. If you are a beginner cyclist, you should not spend money in the pursuit of heavy duty equipment for cycling. The initial level of use implies bundling with component groups such as Acera and Altus, when it comes to the manufacturer Shimano and group X3, when it comes to digging Sram.
The basic level of operation is completed with Alivio (Shimano) and X4 (Sram) groups, the minimum configuration for driving on mud is Deore (Shimano) and X5 (Sram), the average level of operation is SLX (Shimano) and X7 (Sram), high-quality amateur level - Deore XT (Shimano) and X9 (Sram), racing level - XTR (Shimano) and X0 / XX (Sram).
Brake system: rim and disc brakes
All bicycles, with the exception of entry-level two-wheeled vehicles, are equipped with disc brakes. The brake pads are located on a special disc that is attached to the wheel.
Disc brakes can be hydraulic type and mechanical. The former guarantee prompt and powerful braking with minimal effort, the latter require manual adjustment by the user depending on the degree of depreciation of the brake pads.
Advantages of a disk brake system:
- confident braking in all weather conditions on any surface;
- minimal effort;
- profitability: in case of failure it is enough to replace the rotor, and not the entire wheel.
Disadvantages of disc brakes:
- a rather high degree of complexity of checking the brake pads for wear;
- the difficulty of replacing the brake pads;
- if hydraulics are used, then be prepared to lay out considerable amounts for the maintenance of such brakes.
Rim brakes: pros and cons
The rim brake system allows you to control the depreciation of the brake pads and replace it. But the use of such brakes entails the rapid wear of the wheel rim, which is quite expensive to replace from a material point of view. In addition, the considered type of brakes is less powerful than disc brakes, less effective on wet surfaces or dirt, and to stop quickly, you should put a lot of effort.
It is up to the consumer to decide which bike to choose for a man - with rim brakes or with disc brakes, but it is absolutely necessary to know their working principle, the pros and cons of both, if you want to make a really rational choice of transport.
Height and weight as one of the fundamental criteria when choosing a two-wheeled horse
Finding the right clothes or shoes is just as difficult as choosing a good bike for a man. This is done exclusively on an individual basis. At the same time, one should focus on physiological characteristics such as height and weight.
As a rule, the same bike model, regardless of its brand, is available in several versions that differ from each other in the size of the frame.
How to choose a mountain bike by height: step by step instructions
1. Measure your height and get accurate indicators.
2. Select the size of the frame according to the size grid of the universal type, which is presented below.
| Estimated frame size |
| Height, cm |
For mountain bikes | For city / tourist bikes |
| inches | cm | inches | cm |
| 140-155 | 13 | 33.0 | fourteen | 35.5 |
| 150-165 | fifteen | 38.1 | 16 | 40.6 |
| 160-175 | 17 | 43.2 | eighteen | 45.7 |
| 170-185 | 19 | 48,2 | twenty | 50.8 |
| 180-195 | 21 | 53.3 | 22 | 55.8 |
| 190 and more | 23 | 58.4 | 24 | 60.8 |
3. Before choosing a bicycle for a man by height, take into account the following factors:
a) If your height corresponds to the boundary indicators, then for everyday skiing it is recommended to give preference to a frame with a smaller size, for sports trips - to a bicycle whose frame is larger.
b) Two-wheeled vehicles, the dimensions of which are smaller, are distinguished by increased maneuverability from a larger neighbor in the dimensional grid and weighs 200 grams less.
c) Frames, the size of which L-2XL are usually made of pipes with thicker walls, since these models are designed for large weight loads.
d) The large size of the frame does not compensate for the strength of the bicycle under heavy load on it. Therefore, if you belong to heavyweights, this does not mean at all that the question “how to choose a bicycle for a man with 110 kg body weight” will be answered correctly - “the more, the better” (or something like that).
e) Riding a large bicycle is dangerous due to a lack of control and an increased risk of injury in the perineum.
How to choose a bike for men by weight
For a person whose body weight is in the range of 70–90 kg, an entry-level bicycle is suitable. These are the cheapest bike models.
A little more will have to lay out to people whose weight varies from 100 to 120 kg. Here, special attention should be paid to the fork and its endurance, carriages, bushings, wheels.
Incorrectly selected bicycles by weight - instant death of transport!
Which brand to give preference: manufacturers rating and reviews
Which company to choose a bike for men? When choosing manufacturers, the advantage should be given to trusted brands and trademarks. To help potential customers present a rating list of the top five of the best. Compiled TOP-5 based on customer reviews.
The leader is Specialized. It is the best bicycle manufacturer worldwide. The company produces products for bicycles that are suitable for one or another type of two-wheeled horse. Customer reviews confirm the high quality of TM Specialized goods and note that consumables are available both from a material point of view and sales - you can find any part in any official bike store.
Silver went to TM TrekBicycle. There is a company in the market for 39 long years and specializes in the production of bicycles and parts for them. The assortment range is wide and multifaceted. The average user can easily find the most suitable city bike for himself, and the stunt one is extreme.
Third in our ranking is Scott. Its useful to note. that the company began to produce two-wheeled transport recently, but the quality of its products put this brand into the top five. According to users, the Gambler models and the Voltage series are especially popular.
Fourth place belongs to the American manufacturer of bicycle products Giant. The assortment range of manufactured bicycle models of this brand is systematically replenished, and if earlier it was possible to meet models intended for amateur use, now professional models of extreme bikes are already in the catalog of the company. Customers appreciated the Glory and Reign models. The company's products are available and have the appropriate quality characteristics.
Closes the top five German company Cube. In terms of quality, the bicycles of this brand could show off in the first three leaders, but the manufacturer unreasonably overestimates the cost of its two-wheeled mechanisms. But if you have a lot of money and you crave individuality, this is what you need!
Familiar with the top 5 bike brands? Now you know exactly which company to choose a mountain bike for men. Good luck to you!