I will talk about the fundamental difference between expensive and cheap bikes. So let’s go!
The most important node of the bicycle is its frame. What do you need to look at a bike on a bike first? what is the bike frame made of frames are made of steel, aluminum, carbon.
This is the cheapest steel frame bike. Pay attention to the thin characteristic weld. Steel tends to corrode (rust) and is heavy and has low rigidity. Next, look at the aluminum frame. They are easily distinguished by a thick seam. Various progressive technologies are used in aluminum frames. For example, hydroforming — when the frame is made from pipes with different thickness and different shapes. These technologies are already used on more expensive models. Pipes of various sections are used to improve aerodynamics and increase the rigidity of the frame. Next, let’s talk about a more progressive material — carbon – composite. These frames have no seams — they are a monococcus, such a monolithic construction is used on the most expensive bikes. Then stiffer the frame, the more efficiently it transmits the pedaling effort from the cyclist to the bike. Carbon frames — the lightest and toughest. There are also frames made of titanium, scandium, magnesium and other alloys, but — these are exclusive options and are extremely rare. Such bicycles are practically not found in stores, are used by professionals and are very expensive.
The next very important part of the bike is a fork. Forks come in several types that vary greatly in price. The first — the cheapest option — a classic rigid fork, without a shock absorber. As a rule they are made of steel. More expensive — spring suspension forks. In the spring-elastomeric forks there is a rod that acts as a damper. Such plugs work well, but…. Spring Oil Forks — Higher Level. They have a spring in one leg and an oil cartridge in the other. They usually have a lock out, which allows you to completely block the work of the plug, if necessary, to direct all efforts to overcome obstacles or set speed. The coolest options are air forks. They have an air chamber that contains compressed air. In the second leg there may be an oil damper. There are options with two air chambers, one — works as a damper, the second — as a shock absorber.
The third parameter that significantly affects the cost of the bike is the brakes. They are 3 types. Type 1 is the rim brakes like on this bike. Apply them on the cheapest bikes. The exceptions are the most expensive top sport bikes for competition. They use very high level rim brakes. More expensive and reliable — disc brakes. They are mechanical and hydraulic. Hydraulic brakes have brake fluid instead of control cables. Hydraulic disc brakes are the most progressive and efficient. There are many options for hydraulic brakes, on which their price depends. And be sure to pay attention to brake handles. If they are a single piece with a shifter — then this is a sign of the cheapest bike. Separate brake and shift knobs — much more expensive and easier to be replaced separately. It is extremely rare for the most expensive models to apply monoblocks for brake and shift knobs — these are expensive designs made to reduce the overall weight of the bike.
The next factor that seriously affects the cost of a bicycle is its transmission. Transmission — these are speed switches, stars, cassette, connecting rods, chain. There are several levels of complexity of such equipment. In Shimano, it changes from Tourney to XTR. The cost of such equipment may vary up to 20 times. For example, Deore XT — designed for 30 gears, Tourney — for 21 gears. The weight of the bike and the clarity of the gear shift depend on the transmission.
Well, of course — the wheels! Rims can be: steel and aluminum, single and double-walled, piston and conventional. It is also important to pay attention to the bushes — it depends on them the ease of riding and the speed of the bike. The cheaper the bike, the simpler and worse the bearings are. Now about the tires. From them will depend on what surfaces you will be comfortable to drive and how often you will stick the camera. In expensive tires, there will definitely be a light cord and an anti-puncture layer.
Now we know that the cost of a bicycle is the sum of the cost of all its components. The cost of bikes can vary 10 or even 30 times. The choice of bike depends only on you! Who liked — put likes, subscribe to our channel … and more fun roll through life!
Вопрос, конечно, относительный — для кого-то и 100 долларов — дорого… Но, мы попытались в этом видео рассказать о принципиальных коренных составляющих любого велосипеда (рама, вилка, оборудование — трансмиссия, колеса, покрышки), которые в конечном итоге влияют на общую цену велосипеда и , как следствие, его качество и ездовые характеристики.
Поэтому- то у нас на сайте и появилась такая отдельная категория как Экономкласс — http://velomoda.com.ua/catalog/ekonom-klass.html
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