Rating of the best bikes in 2024 at a price of up to 30,000 rubles

Recently, active recreation has become popular. Many people choose cycling because it allows physical activity to be combined with aesthetic pleasure.

The best manufacturers offer a wide variety of bike models. Every year there are improved new items, and sellers vying with each other tout the goods at a higher price. Even an experienced athlete can get confused, let alone a novice amateur who buys his first bike in his life. We present a rating of quality bicycles in the category up to 30 thousand rubles, based on customer reviews, which will help you figure out what to look for when buying a bike and which model is better to buy.

How to choose a bike

Cycling can be different: walks in the park or outings on weekends, trips to work or extreme off-road riding. Someone is fond of performing tricks on special sites or long journeys along the highway.

It is important to buy the right bike by following the basic selection criteria:

• age and gender;
• purpose of use;
• design features;
• frame size;
• bike weight.

Age and gender

In terms of age, manufacturers distinguish three types of bicycles:

1. children;
2. teenage;
3. adults;

Baby - small in size, designed for preschoolers and younger students. Models for boys and girls are no different except for color and design.

From what age to teach a child to ride a bike, parents decide, but the sooner this happens, the more confident he will be in the saddle of the bike. Models from one to three years old - three-wheeled, with pedals on the front wheel. They are designed for height 75-95 cm. Models with stroller function are presented. It has an awning, a handle for an adult, and a special footrest under the pedals.

Two-wheeled models with removable side wheels for children 3-4 years old allow you to teach a child to ride an adult. There are rubber tabs on the handlebars against impacts, protecting the chain from getting the child's trousers into it. Lowered frame, soft saddle, single speed, rear brake - everything is designed taking into account the age of a baby with a height of 95-100 cm.

Bicycles for 4-6 year olds are copies of the previous ones, but in an enlarged form. The estimated height of the child is 101-115 cm.

For children 6-9 years old, models are produced without additional wheels, with a hand brake and a shock-absorbing fork. The child's height is 115-128 cm.

Teenage bikes are designed for 9-13-year-old schoolchildren up to 155 cm tall. These are reduced copies of adult bikes with basic functions (shock absorption, brakes, speed). For added safety, they are fitted with rubber pads and a brake carriage in the rear fork.

Adults are staffed depending on the required parameters. They are designed for people taller than 155 cm.

It is customary to consider bicycles as unisex models, not dividing them into men and women, since there are no fundamental differences. However, bikes with a low frame are traditionally bought by women, seeing the convenience of riding it in a skirt. Manufacturers also take into account the anatomical features of the female body. Therefore, in addition to delicate shades and decor elements, ladies' models have a narrower handlebar, wider saddle, and a high seating position. They have a shortened wheelbase and a brake lever that fits a woman's palm.

Purpose of use

When choosing a bike and deciding which one is better to buy, it is appropriate to clearly understand the purpose of use. Depending on this, the following types are distinguished:

• urban;
• highway;
• mountain;
• touring;
• tandem;
• for BMX;
• hybrid.

Urban (road) is designed for movement on flat asphalt streets, equipped with a soft saddle, rigid frame, fenders, a simple braking system. Often has a trunk or basket.

Urban cannot be called high-speed: heavy weight and lack of gear shifting prevent this. The improved walking model with a cassette gear shift has 7 to 12 speeds. Suitable for leisurely riding on asphalt. In this line, there are folding models that are convenient for carrying and storage, since they are characterized by low weight, compact folded size.

The road is designed for high speed driving on a perfectly flat road surface. To do this, it is equipped with large in diameter, thin wheels, a light strong frame, a specially curved handlebar and a narrow rigid saddle.

The average weight is only 7 kg. There are no shock absorbers for greater weight lightening and stability. To reduce air resistance when driving fast, the design features a more elongated fit.

The road bike is a track bike, which lacks traditional brakes and has only one gear, and cyclocross, which allows you to combine racing on asphalt and country roads.

If you can't ride a road bike off-road, then a mountain bike is created for rough terrain. To this end, it is equipped with a reinforced steering wheel and frame, a wide range of speeds, wide tires with thick tires and high tread.

Mountain bikes are ideal for cycling enthusiasts. Their varieties:

1. for beginners;
2. for cross-country (standard);
3. for freeride and trial;
4. for downhill.

Models of the first category outwardly resemble a true mountain bike, differing only in the quality of attachments and a high seating position, like a walking bike.

According to buyers, the most popular is the second category of bikes. It is equipped with a hard seat, lightweight solid frame, disc brakes. These models have a low stance for more comfortable off-road travel. A type of mountain bike is a fat bike equipped with very wide tires for riding on loose surfaces (snow, sand).

Between the second and third categories, you can put such a model as an all-mountain, adapted for driving on easy mountainous terrain.

Models of the third category are recommended for those who have already mastered riding techniques in different styles, developed good strength of the leg muscles. Freeride and trial exercises involve freedom of action when performing complex tricks on descents, ascents, inclined flights, so there are no wings and a saddle. The characteristic features of such models are a small frame, powerful rim brakes.

In the fourth category, models are presented for passing sharp descents from the mountains at high speed. Downhill is a very traumatic sport, accompanied by bruises and abrasions, but an adrenaline rush is always provided. Downhill bikes are built with sophisticated damping systems, disc brakes, shifted weight to the rear wheel and aggressive steering angle for dangerous trails.

Touring bikes are perfect for long cycling trips with a bulky backpack that can be securely fastened to the trunk. Outwardly they are similar to road racing, but they have wide wheels with thick tires, do not develop high speed.

The tandem is an interesting model for leisurely cycling trips for two (sometimes three). In addition, each cyclist has the ability to pedal thanks to a separate drive system. There are two (three) seats, long frame, no shock absorbers. Tandems can be walking, mountain or road.

The BMX bike is designed to perform virtuoso stunts on specially equipped grounds. These include ski jumping - dirt, as well as the conquest of the city landscape (stairs, railings, parapets and even walls) - street. These models are equipped with a reinforced frame and fork, small wheels, a gyro-rotor mechanism for turning and twisting the steering wheel in one direction without harming the brake cable. The saddle is optional.

The hybrid bike combines the characteristics of a touring bike (high frame), mountain (shock absorption system) and road (large wheels), which makes it versatile. It is equipped with a solid frame, reliable braking system, speed switches. Many models have a trunk, protection of the chain from dirt, ensuring safety and comfort on all roads. A new trend in the hybrid bike family is the Gravel Cyclocross for gravel roads. Such a bike is suitable for those who like to drive on asphalt, but do not mind riding on country and forest roads.

Design features

The bicycle is a single mechanism, consisting of many parts, the most important of which are:

• frame;
• wheels;
• brakes;
• shock absorbers;
• asterisks.

The popularity of models is ensured by design features in the manufacture of each component.

Frame. The base of the bike is the frame. All other parts are attached to it. Therefore, its main characteristic is strength. Steel, aluminum, magnesium, carbon are used for manufacturing, titanium is used in professional cycling.

Steel frames are used in the manufacture of inexpensive, budget models of bicycles manufactured in China. For their manufacture, a chromium-molybdenum alloy is used. The advantage of such frames is their durability, strength and the ability to weld a problem area if damaged. However, they are very heavy and rust over time.

Aluminum for making frames for inexpensive bicycles is used in the form of alloys (with magnesium, silicon, zinc). They are lightweight, durable, and allow you to quickly pick up speed. However, when used for more than ten years, the aluminum frame may suddenly break. If damaged, it is practically impossible to repair.

Magnesium alloy frames, which are used in the manufacture of expensive bikes, have good strength, are considered the lightest, but require careful maintenance.

In the manufacture of bicycle frames for expensive models, carbon is used - carbon fiber, which is not inferior in strength and durability to metals. It has very light weight, excellent rigidity, but it is afraid of pinpoint strong impacts. From this, the entire structure can crumble. It is not possible to repair the carbon frame.

Professional racing bike frames are made from titanium. This material combines all the best qualities of the others: along with durability and strength, it does not rust, has a light weight, is not afraid of impacts and dampness.

It is advisable for beginners when choosing to give priority to a bicycle model with a cheaper steel or aluminum frame.

Wheels. Wheels are an important part of any bicycle. Usually it is a steering front and a leading rear, of the same diameter. An exception is bicycles for children, in which the wheel diameter may vary. Children's bicycles can be equipped with smaller diameter auxiliary side wheels for training in cycling.

The material of the wheel rim is usually the same as on the frame: steel, aluminum alloys, carbon.In addition to the spokes, some models are equipped with alloy wheels. This does not make a fundamental difference, but at a price much more expensive.

The most important characteristics are wheel diameter and tire width. The size is indicated in inches around the outer edge of the tire, usually 20 to 29 inches. Large, wide single-rim wheels are essential for comfortable city driving. For high-speed travel on highways - very narrow, large diameter and with dense tires without tread. Mountain bikes are manufactured with double rims to avoid damage and pronounced tread for better traction.

Brakes. The brakes provide safe handling. Their types:

• drum;
• rim;
• disk.

Drum brakes, also called foot brakes, are no longer popular; they are installed on children's bicycles and inexpensive city models. The braking process is provided by rotating the pedal against the movement. The brake pads open and press against the drum in the rear hub. Friction occurs, the bike slows down.

• durable;
• the wheel rim does not wear out;
• effective;
• inexpensive.

• heavy weight;
• the need for great physical effort;
• dead zone with the vertical position of the connecting rods;
• some time is lost from movement to braking.

Among the rim brakes, V-brakes are common, when braking occurs as a result of the transfer of force through a cable to the cartridge brake pads, which press the wheel rim. The pads are easy to replace if they fail. V-brake rim brakes are available for all models.

• simple construction;
• a little physical effort is enough;
• light weight;
• inexpensive.

• poor braking in wet weather;
• brake pads wear out when sand, dirt gets in;
• you cannot put wide wheels.

Disc brakes are considered the most reliable today. There are mechanical and hydraulic, depending on the type of drive. They are installed on expensive mountain bikes.

• instant braking in any weather;
• do not wear out the wheel rim;
• the ability to mount a disc brake on wide wheels.

• expensive;
• heavy weight;
• it is difficult to find spare parts;
• it may be difficult to attach the trunk.

For beginner cyclists, it is advisable to opt for V-brakes that are affordable in terms of price and quality. Fans of extreme off-road driving definitely need disc brakes.

Shock absorbers. Shock absorbers are used on mountain and stunt bikes for comfort and control over rough terrain. Mountain bikes in terms of shock absorption are divided into hard tail (hardtails), with front wheel shock absorption (soft fork), and two-suspension, with shock absorption on both wheels. Models of the first type are suitable for beginners, since double suspensions are not capable of developing high speed, and they are very expensive for the price.

There is another type of mountain bikes - rigid (rigid), with a rigid fork and no shock absorbers. These models are good for traveling over rough terrain at low speeds.

To choose a good bike, you should pay attention to the type of suspension system installed:

• spring;
• spring-loaded with damper;
• air;
• oil.

The simplest and cheapest are spring dampers, but they are extremely short-lived, since the spring embedded in the fork legs loses its elasticity over time. However, for inexpensive urban models, this damping system is quite acceptable.

The damper installed in the center of the fork tube solves this problem, but during the cold season it ceases to function normally.

Air shock absorbers are considered more efficient, in which air acts as a damper, damping vibrations. Cushioning properties are impaired when air escapes from the fork cavity.

The most durable and effective are oil shock absorbers, which can be air-oil and spring-oil. They can withstand temperature changes, huge loads, but their cost is quite high.

Downhill and jumping bikes are equipped with a double-crown fork, all other models are equipped with a single-crown fork.

The soft fork level is manually adjustable. This allows the damping system to effectively damp vibrations when driving over rough terrain and maintain firmness on level road surfaces. The upper and lower pressure points are adjustable by changing the travel of the fork. Fork spring travel adjustment is a mechanical fork travel lock available even on budget models.

Asterisks. When manufacturers began to produce bikes with multiple speeds, there was a misconception that the more speeds a bike has, the better it is.

In fact, it all depends on the purpose of the bike. City or touring for a comfortable ride, just one speed is enough. And models for extreme riding simply must have a large number of them, so that the cyclist can evenly distribute his own energy spent on pedaling when traveling on uneven terrain, on descents and ascents.

Most modern bike models have 10-30 speeds with two or three gears (front sprockets). The number of speeds is proportional to the number of stars on the rear wheel, and they also provide smooth gear shifting while pedaling.

Frame size

Manufacturers know that even people of the same height may need bicycles of different sizes. Therefore, there are special tables for matching the height of the cyclist and the size of the frame (in inches and centimeters). The conventionally designated size from XS to XL allows you to choose a suitable bike.

A few tips on how to choose your frame size:

• it is advisable for a thin person to choose one size larger, for a full one - one size smaller;
• for quiet walks, it is better to take the size end-to-end, for extreme driving - one size larger;
• if necessary, adjust the position, you can separately purchase the takeaway;
• when trying on, the frame should be 10 cm below the crotch.

Bike weight

The weight of a bicycle can be from 5 to 85 kg, depending on the purpose of the model and the features of the frame.
The following groups can be conditionally distinguished:

• ultralight;
• lungs;
• medium;
• heavyweight.

Ultralight - road racing, the average weight of which is 5-7 kg, which contributes to fast acceleration and driving at maximum speed.

Lightweight (8-12 kg) bicycles are for BMX, which are important for maneuverability in the air.

Among medium-sized models, weighing 10-17 kg, we can note urban hybrids. Not as fast, but very durable.

Heavy-duty - touring and mountain, have a weight of 17 kg, which depends on additional attachments.

Rating of the best bicycles up to 30,000 rubles

We offer an overview of the best bicycles with a description of the design features for buyers who have 30,000 rubles at their disposal.

City bike Merida Crossway 20-V (2019)

Average cost: 29570 rubles.

The model is one of the most popular with this brand. It is equipped with a lightweight frame, reliable fork, V-brake rim brakes. A quality transmission with 24 speeds allows you to move freely on asphalt, dirt, country roads. The rear derailleur is installed. Cassette level 11-32 teeth.

• durability;
• comfort;
• high-quality attachments;
• handlebar and saddle adjustment;
• chain protection;
• a light weight.

• no wings;
• no step.

Mountain bike Ghost SE 2000 (2013)

Average cost: 29,000 rubles.

A model with an attractive design, ergonomic design and high-quality components will last a long time. The bike is equipped with a comfortable anatomical saddle, an aluminum alloy frame, hydraulic disc brakes, wear-resistant tires. Braking is instant on any type of ground in any weather. Precise load on the bottom bracket is ensured by reducing the connecting rods.

• Beautiful design;
• maneuverability;
• structural strength;
• high-quality equipment;
• a light weight;
• double rims;
• effective braking system.

• spring fork;
• unpleasant sound when braking.

City bike Author Meteor (2018)

Average cost: 27,500 rubles.

A model with good equipment and quality parts: aluminum frame, hydraulic disc brakes, soft fork with 100 mm travel for travel on uneven terrain. In addition to the rear derailleur, there is a front derailleur. Provides comfort even on long journeys.

• double rims;
• protection of mechanisms from dirt;
• comfort;
• good cross-country ability;
• a light weight.

• not.

Mountain bike Stark Hunter 29.2 HD (2019)

Average cost: 29,100 rubles.

A great XC option for those who value quality and reliability, with 21 speeds. Equipped with an aluminum frame, disc hydraulic brakes. Provides good driving characteristics when driving off-road. Designed for overweight people weighing up to 110 kg.

• transmission protection;
• decent design;
• lightweight design;
• durability and reliability;
• ease of maintenance;
• excellent driving performance on any surface.

• no wings;
• attachments of the entry level.

 

Cube Acid 200 Allroad Junior Mountain Bike (2019)

Average cost: 28,900 rubles.

The sporty, dynamic model is designed for teenagers 6-9 years old, up to 135 cm tall. The bike is equipped with an aluminum alloy frame, comfortable 20-inch wheels, V-brakes, non-integrated square bottom bracket design. It has a rigid fork, entry level cassette, one sprocket, 32 teeth. This model has 7 speeds and a rotary knob derailleur.

• double rims;
• structural strength;
• reliability of materials;
• short wings;
• the presence of a footboard;
• reflectors;
• a light weight;
• smooth pedal travel;
• the package includes fenders and electrical equipment.

• not.

When choosing a bike, you should pay special attention to its design features, clearly understand the purpose of the purchase and the purpose of the bike, and choose a suitable size.

There are a lot of good models on the bike market. The main thing is to choose the best bike for yourself, which will give a lot of positive emotions and pleasant impressions.