Children grow up very fast. Therefore, parents need to understand that their active kids will soon grow out of their old bicycles. Then it’s worth considering the purchase of a more serious transport - a teenage one. Since the child is already big, he needs a stronger and more reliable unit. This article will talk about the Stels Navigator 470 bike. What is this model and what are its characteristics?
Short description
"Stealth" is the Russian brand of Velomotors. She has been manufacturing bicycles, scooters and ATVs for about 15 years. Many components are imported from China, Taiwan and European countries, and then assembled at the company's factories. Therefore, its products are relatively inexpensive.
Stels Navigator 470 is a teenage bike. In general, the entire series, where there is a number 400, belongs to this category. This makes it easy to find the right model. This bike is the middle link. This is no longer a children's bike, but also not an adult bike. He has his own characteristics.
Bicycle Stels Navigator 470
It belongs to the category of mountain. This is what makes it a thick-walled, sturdy frame, suspension and unique construction geometry. Designed Stels Navigator 470 MD 24 for children from 9 to 15 years. But this is a conditional figure. It all depends on individual parameters. The main thing is that you can ride it with an increase of 135 centimeters. Those who have not yet matured must wait, as it will be too large for them.
This is one of the most popular teenage bicycles. It can often be found in sports stores.
Since the bike itself is not too big, it weighs a little: only 13 kilograms in a complete set. Therefore, it will be easy for children to take it down the stairs independently.
It is designed for cross-country style. That is, it is perfect for skiing on city streets and parks, as well as for rough terrain along with its natural barriers in the form of humps, stones and loose surfaces.
Models are released every year with some modifications. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to what year of production the bike. Some components may vary.
Frame Stels Navigator 470
One of the very good points is that it is made of aluminum alloy here. This material lightens the structure and makes it resistant to corrosion. The special geometry of the iron beams is designed to withstand heavy loads during riding.
The frame has a bright design. You can choose it in 3 color categories: white, black, blue. Its size is 13 inches. That is, for adults it will already be small.
Fork
According to the type of suspension, Stels Navigator 470 MD refers to hardtail. This means that he has only the front wheel cushioned. This bike is equipped with a spring-elastomeric fork. She's not too effective. For such cheap models as the Stels Navigator 470, they put the simplest equipment. Most often, it is also made in China. And cheap depreciation, on the contrary, only makes it worse, because it weighs quite a lot (about two kilograms). Then it’s easier to put the rigid - just a rigid plug. But it is much lighter than the props that are on inexpensive bicycles.
The fork travel is only 50 millimeters. But it is specifically designed for teenagers to ride the Stels Navigator 470-24. And they themselves are smaller in weight category than adults. Therefore, they need a smaller plug.
It also has a travel lock. This is a useful thing for those people who like driving on roads and other smooth surfaces most of all. The fact is that part of the energy from pedaling goes into the spring. Therefore, it is better to block the plug on a good road so that efforts are not wasted in vain.
Wheels
Since this is a teenage bike, it should be suitable for them in size. 24-inch wheels are installed on this line. So the design gets a little lower. Therefore, children from 9 years old can ride it.
Tires here are typical for a mountain bike - “toothy”. They provide maximum traction and allow you to move well on dirt and sand.
The rims are made of aluminum alloy. In addition, they are also double. That is, they are made with two metal walls. So the design becomes much stronger, and the rim - less prone to deformation.
The brakes
One model can be produced in various versions. Quite often, these bikes have different brakes. If the name of the bike sounds like Stels Navigator 470 V, then rims are installed on it. If there is a letter "D", then disk.
Of course, they will be mechanical: driven by an iron cable. In this regard, hydraulic would be better. Disc brakes perform their function better. But the rims also have their own advantage: they are easier to install and configure.
Transmission
In terms of configuration, it is no different from depreciation. The simplest speed switches from Shimano are also installed here. This configuration is put on many budget bikes.
At the front, 3 stars are standardly set, and at the back there is a cassette of 7. That is, a total of 21 speeds are obtained. In principle, this will be enough for adolescents. They don't need a 27-speed transmission. In addition, it wears out faster, so its maintenance is more expensive.
The design of the switches themselves is very convenient - manual. In order to change the asterisk, just press the lever, and not turn the handle, as it was on older models.
Additions
The good thing about all Stealth bikes is that they immediately have a bell, bandwagon and wings installed. No need to buy them separately, but at the same time there is an opportunity to remove them yourself.
Reviews for "Stealth Navigator" 470
This is a good teenage bike for a quiet ride. Usually, children from 9 to 15 years old do not try to conquer the mountains on their two-wheeled friend, so they don’t need a super cool bike. In addition to cheap equipment, he also has several of its drawbacks.
One of these are wings. They almost do not fulfill their function. Often serve purely for beauty. The thing is that they are made in a sports style, therefore, shortened. Since they do not completely cover the wheel, dirt still flies on the cyclist. Also, users often complained that they had a bad mount. Mudguards fall away due to it. Therefore, in order to ride in bad weather, you need to replace them with full-fledged (albeit ugly) wings that will completely cover the wheels.
Inconvenient pens are another problem. But it does not apply specifically to this model, but applies to all cheap bikes in general. After a long walk, calluses appear on the hands. This can be avoided by replacing them with softer ones. Or wear special gloves before riding.
For a comfortable ride you need good pedals. On the "Stealth" most often put the simplest, made and plastics. You need to be careful with them, because when they fall or just under heavy loads they can crack. Optionally, you can buy and put iron pedals. They have more pronounced spikes, so they have more traction with the sole.