More and more people are changing daily from their car seats to a bicycle saddle. There are several reasons for this.
Firstly, it is good for health and maintaining muscle tone. Every year the need for this is higher and higher. Secondly, much cheaper. After all, no one has canceled the consumption of gas, but it is now very expensive. With a bicycle you just need to pedal, no fuel. Thirdly, environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, in big cities, the main pollutant is not factories, namely cars. A bicycle is a very environmentally friendly vehicle. But if it is not there, then you should get it as soon as possible. Today we look at the Stels Navigator 550. What kind of bike is it, what are its technical specifications and reviews.
A bit about Stels
Stels Navigator 550 is manufactured by a well-known Russian company. The most significant aspect in the company’s work is that it produces cheap bicycles, affordable for everyone. Because of this, many brand models can be found in supermarkets such as Auchan, Epicenter or Decalton. That is why some people call all Stels products "ashanbikes." Indeed, many parts installed on the Stels Navigator 550 and other similar models are of dubious quality. Therefore, some consider the bike unreliable.
Stels Navigator 550 is not alone in its series, there is a whole line. Navigator 500, 530, 550, 600, 430, 650, 610, 410 and many others belong to it. These are all varieties of the same bike, but they have some differences: they differ in their equipment. For some models, the switches are a little different; for another model, the frame is made of a different material and stuff like that. Therefore, there will definitely not be a problem with the assortment. The main thing is to choose the right one according to technical characteristics, so that it is convenient.
Stels Navigator 550 Bike: Key Features
The first thing you need to pay attention to is a mountain bike. That is, it is specially designed for movement on mountainous and rugged terrain. A strong frame, wide tires with an aggressive tread and other small features help him in this. Such bicycles are divided into 2 classes: double-suspension and hardtail. "Stealth Navigator" 550 belongs to the last group. In dual-suspension, shock absorption is on the front and rear wheels. Hardtails, respectively, only in the front.
"Stealth Navigator" 550: frame, depreciation
The most important element for a mountain bike is, of course, the frame. It must withstand heavy loads and be reliable. In the model under consideration, it consists of special steel. The aluminum frame is much better than steel counterparts, as this material is lighter and resistant to corrosion. This is a very big plus for those who store their two-wheeled vehicles on an unglazed balcony or in a garage. But this material is more expensive. Therefore, in budget models they use steel.
Since this is a hardtail, this bike has only the front fork. This should be enough to restrain small vibrations and soften bumps, asphalt irregularities and the like. But actually, this spring-elastomeric fork works if you just jump from a high curb. All because this is the usual cheap equipment from the "Sun Tour", which almost does not fulfill its duties. This company has good shock absorbers, but they are quite expensive.
Navigator 550: reviews
This is not to say that this is a really bad bike. There is a very good advantage of the Stels Navigator 550 - the price. Due to the fact that it is mainly equipped with cheap attachments, the bike itself is inexpensive. Therefore, for beginners and those who simply can not afford the expensive and high-quality is great - this is a very good option. It corresponds to its price completely. Double rims on it are good (from "Weinman"). Thanks to this, they do not bend as often as the most ordinary ones, which is already a big plus.