Rating of the best Russian bicycle manufacturers for 2022

There are more than three hundred Russian brands of bicycles on the market. Only Forward offers customers 100 bike models. From children's bike races, two-wheelers, to road, mountain, stunt bikes. Let's try to rank the best Russian bicycle manufacturers for 2022.

How to choose

The first thing to do is decide where you are actually going to ride.The design features and, of course, the price of the bike will depend on this.

Bicycle types

Models differ from each other by type of design, purpose:

1. City bikes are comfortable, not fast (even if the bike has a multi-speed gear system), with a soft seat, high seating position and a casing that covers the chain. They can be supplemented with removable accessories such as a roomy trunk or basket. Designed for driving on flat surfaces. Frame - solid or folding. If everything is clear with the first option, then it’s better not to save money on buying bikes with a folding frame - cheap models are heavy, and they have serious problems with strength and reliability.
2. Mountain - hardstyle (as well as MTB, ATB) for off-road driving, with a suspension fork that softens the shocks and impacts of the wheels, a massive frame and a "toothy" tire tread for tight grip on the surface with any terrain. Brakes - rim, disc. Prices for such models depend on the configuration, type of shock absorbers, brake design.
3. Double suspensions - the same mountain ones, with a multi-speed transmission system, but already with two shock absorbers (for each wheel). These are easier to manage, the wheels hold the road regardless of the terrain, whether it is gravel, a steep descent or a forest path. And due to the shock absorbers, leveling small shocks and significantly softening strong blows, riding such bikes is more comfortable.
4. Road - for driving on an exceptionally flat surface, designed mainly for cycling. Of the distinctive features - narrow tires, low weight, no trunks and fenders.
5. Children's - from three-wheeled almost 80% plastic for babies under 3 years old, to two-wheeled, equipped with a foot brake, a trunk, additional safety wheels for older children.

There are also tourist ones - heavy, reliable, easy to maintain with a stable ride. Their maneuverability is much inferior to other models, but they don’t really need it. Their main task is to withstand long journeys.

What to look for when buying

Design, color, in general, everything related to appearance is a matter of taste. But the technical side of the issue should be approached thoughtfully - the life, reliability and controllability of the bike depend on the frame material, the quality of components, assembly.

frame size

One of the main selection criteria. It is worth a little miss with the size, and after half an hour of driving all the muscles will hurt. Of course, you can navigate on the manufacturer's recommendation tables (they indicate the size of the frame, which is very approximately suitable for the specific height of the rider). But the best option to check how convenient it will be to drive the bike you like is to try to sit on the bike right in the store.
As for the choice is great for a child, here they usually focus not on the size of the frame, but on the diameter of the wheels. But even here it is better to choose the first bike together with the child - buy too small, and the baby's knees will rest against the steering wheel. Take it for growth - and the child will not be able to reach the pedals with his feet and turn the steering wheel.
The second point is the build quality. No protruding parts, protruding bolts. The chain must be protected by a casing so that shoe laces or the edges of the legs do not get into the moving mechanisms. The brake handle is rounded, without sharp edges and burrs.

frame material

Frames can be steel, aluminum, carbon, titanium, plastic or magnesium alloy. The first ones are reliable, durable, but heavy. These are usually put on children's and city bikes. Aluminum - lightweight, reliable put on bicycles of any design. Carbon is usually found on racing bikes and titanium on trial bikes.
There is no single answer which is better. Firstly, because of the decent difference in price, and secondly, what is the use of a bike with, say, a carbon frame, if it has the cheapest components.

With or without shock absorber

If you take a high-speed road bike, then there will be no problems with the choice. On such put rigid forks without depreciation. But if you need a tourist, mountain bike, then you should pay attention to the type of shock absorbers. There are only three of them:

• a spring-elastomer fork is the most budgetary and, by and large, useless, since it cannot extinguish any tangible vibrations and shocks, it can only cope with small surface irregularities, and most of the shock-absorbing properties will be taken over by rubber tires;
• air-oil - weighs a little, easily adjusts to the weight of the cyclist, effectively levels out shocks when driving on any type of surface, but costs decently;
• spring-oil - by weight a little heavier than the previous version, but cheaper, plus not so demanding on maintenance.

If there is a choice between a full-suspension and a standard hardtail, then you need to take into account that the former cost thirty percent more, it is more difficult to accelerate on them, and a decent weight makes it difficult to lift the bike up the stairs to the apartment.

On the other hand, riding full-suspension off-road is definitely more comfortable than hardtails.In general, if you need a bike for giving - take the first one, if you like extreme sports, do not mind driving through the forest, then the second one.

Pros and cons of domestic bikes

Let's start with the positives. The most important, probably, is compliance with Russian standards, low price, good design and availability. Bicycles of Russian brands can be freely bought at any sporting goods store or marketplace.

The second plus is a wide range of models. In total, there are about 300 different options for children, teens and adults on the market. There are mountain, urban with a solid or folding frame made of steel, aluminum.

Third - no problems with warranty service and spare parts. By the way, the warranty periods for most manufacturers are decent - up to 3 years for the frame, and up to six months for attachments.

Of the minuses - a very average quality of components, assembly. And this is the need for regular maintenance, and if you are very unlucky, then an independent (literally) finalization of the design. Some users note that they have to replace small parts either immediately after purchase, or after a couple of months, not to say that active driving. Another issue is the mounting screws. When assembling budget models, they simply crumble, it is worth tightening a little harder.

In addition, most models are designed for amateurs, professional bikes, if any, are indecently expensive, and inferior in quality to imported counterparts.

Rating of the best Russian manufacturers and models of bicycles for 2022

Top Brands

 

FORWARD

Plant with twenty years of history. The company itself develops design and construction, uses modern equipment and the latest technology. All bikes are produced in Russia, in the city of Perm.There are more than 100 models for children and adults in the line. From city bikes to mountain and extreme riders.

Products are represented on the market by brands:

• APACHE, BIZON, DAKOTA, EVEREST, FLASH - hardtails;
• FLARE, RAPTOR - two-suspension for 9 or 6 speeds, respectively;
• BARCELONA, DORTMUND, GRACE - urban, with a steel frame, foot, rim brake;
• ARSENAL - folding, compact, with twenty-inch wheels;
• IMPULSE and this year's novelty ZIGZAG are travel;
• FUNKY, NITRO, UNIT, RISE - for children.

The quality is not bad, at least there are no serious complaints from users. The prices are democratic, with the exception of children's models - the same Nitro will cost 8000 - 9000 rubles.

The site is https://forwardvelo.ru/, there is no IM, but there are contacts of official offline stores.

• three-year warranty on the frame, six-month warranty on attachments for all models;
• more than 450 service centers;
• good assembly;
• acceptable prices.

• no.

VELOBALT

Now the Baltic Star is the largest production facility in Russia, based in Kaliningrad. Produces bicycles under the brands Stinger, Novatrack. More than 200 models for children and adults, budget prices are the main advantages of the brand.

The downside is that the quality, even for one model, walks a lot. Accessories, screws, bushings - very average quality. True, most of the negative reviews are from users who ordered bikes in online stores. Therefore, it is not a fact that the broken frame geometry (one of the most frequent claims) is a manufacturing defect, and not the fault of the delivery service.

The company has its own website, but it is a one-page one - no useful information can be found there. Detailed descriptions of the models can be viewed by clicking on the Novatrak button at the top of the page.

• prices - the cost of children's models is especially pleasing;
• acceptable quality;
• You can buy these bikes on any marketplace, and with good discounts.

• quality is highly dependent on the batch;
• well, the site should be finalized - it would be much more convenient for potential buyers.

VELOMOTORS

A production association that produces bicycles under the STELS and DESNA brands (a legendary brand known since 1961). The range includes mountain bikes, road bikes, cargo bikes, and touring bikes. With frames made of steel, aluminum, chrome-molybdenum alloys.
Depending on the price, bikes are equipped with disc mechanical, hydraulic brakes, planetary hub. There are models with a fork lock function - they are almost universal.

Website: https://stelsbicycle.ru/

• a wide range - you can choose models for every taste and budget;
• ISO certificate;
• three-stage quality control;
• a good site with an overview of models, catalogs.

• again quality that varies from party to party.

TRITON

Here, in the literal sense, they build bicycles for the client. Titanium frames, high-quality components and incredible design - a kind of cycling luxury. The price in the basic configuration is from 250,000 rubles. Decently, but after viewing the gallery of finished works, such a cost seems quite justified. Of the features:

• design development - for each client, taking into account height, weight;
• paint warranty - 20 years (the manufacturer promises that even after this time there will be no scratches or chips on the frame);
• branded components made in the USA - by the way, you can buy them on the website.

There is no online store, all requests must be sent by mail.You can not look at the prices of components on the site - they have not been updated since 2019.

Website: http://tritonbikes.com/en/

• quality is not mass stamping;
• reliability;
• design;
• convenience.

• they are not, although not everyone can afford such a bike.

The best models of adult bikes

STELS Pilot-710

Single speed folding model with 24" wheels, 16" steel frame and foot brake. Comfortable seat, plus a trunk and a full set of reflectors.
The model is universal, suitable for almost any height, so you can safely take it for teenagers. Height adjustment - no wrench needed. Withstands weight up to 100 kg (more is possible, but this will affect the speed). Supplied disassembled - assembly, even without tools, will take a couple of hours.

Price - 16,000 rubles.

• ease of assembly;
• 6 months warranty;
• reliability and good quality.

• no – user rating is a solid 5 stars.

STELS Navigator 325 Lady

Everything is great here - retro design and aluminum frame, and large, 28-inch wheels and long stainless steel fenders, complemented by mudguards. Basket and trunk included. Made soundly, assembled quickly - there are no complaints about this.

Price - 22,000 rubles.

• light weight;
• capacious basket;
• trunk with two clips, calmly withstands the installed child seat;
• design and of course color.

• no.

Desna 2910 V 29 F010

Mountain, with a steel frame, 29-inch wheels and wide, two-inch tires, rim brake system and suspension fork (spring-elastomer).It is unlikely to be suitable for extreme off-road trips, but it will cope with small obstacles.

Price - 22000 rubles

• wide wheels;
• frame made of Hi-Ten steel, due to which the total weight of the bike turned out to be slightly less than analogues;
• versatility.

• there are no special ones.

Forward Apache

Budget mountain bike with 21 speeds, aluminum alloy frame, wear resistant tires. Hardtail shock absorber (on the front wheel). The model is assembled on a cassette, which increases reliability, the brakes are rim.

Price - 32,000 rubles.

• build quality;
• light weight;
• simple assembly.

• no.

Baby

Forward Cosmo

Single speed, for children 5-9 years old, with inflatable wheels, durable magnesium alloy frame. Reliable, bright, with a protective casing to protect against falling into the moving mechanisms of clothes or laces from the child's shoes. Plus smooth ride and excellent handling.

Price - 8000 rubles.

• removable safety wheels included;
• design;
• price-quality ratio.

• no.

ROCKET

Budget option for children under 5 years old. Lightweight, weighing only 6kg, with a strong frame and protective mudguards, height-adjustable handlebar with anti-slip pads. Lightweight plastic basket and removable bell included.

Price - with discounts you can buy for 6000 rubles.

• bright color;
• steel frame;
• inflatable wheels with deep tread;
• front and rear brakes - controlled by pressing the handle on the steering wheel.

• strong chemical odor.

Forward Nitro

The material of the frame and fork is Hi-Ten steel, the tires are branded Wanda P102, plus a protective cover, plastic mudguards and a basket for your favorite toys.There are 3 sizes in the line for children 3-5, 4-6 and 5-7 years old.

Price - 10400 rubles.

• strong frame;
• attachments warranty;
• reliability.

• no.

The rating is based on feedback from real users, assessing the ratio of functionality - price - quality of components, assembly.