Model year
The year to which the manufacturer classifies the bicycle (more precisely, the model range that includes this model).
The significance of this parameter is that the model range is updated every year, and two bicycles with the same name, but from different years, can differ significantly in characteristics and equipment. At the same time, new models (
2024,
2023) usually cost more, and older ones (
2022,
2021, etc.) are sold at reduced prices.
It is worth considering that a later year of manufacture in itself does not necessarily mean more advanced characteristics - manufacturers can change them in the direction of simplification. So
the model of previous years may be in no way inferior to the new bike.
Fork travel
Front fork travel on bicycles with damped suspension (see "Suspension"). Roughly speaking, the travel of a fork is the maximum distance that its size can be reduced by compression during shock absorption. The longer the fork travel, the better the shock absorption and “soft” ride it provides, but not all bikes require a lot of travel. Even within the same type (see “Purpose”), depending on the specific application and riding style, the optimal fork travel will be different — for example,
freeride mountain bikes need good shock absorption, and for cross-country, on the contrary, a long fork travel will be redundant.
In general, if you do not plan on extreme cross-country riding or doing cycling tricks, this parameter is not critical. However, when choosing a bike for serious cycling, it is worth checking the recommended fork travel values (according to specialized literature or from professionals) and making sure that the desired model corresponds to them.
Front hub model
The model of the hub used in the front wheel of a bicycle.
The hub is the central part in the wheel through which the axis of rotation passes. Features of the behavior of a bicycle depend on its characteristics, in particular, “rolling” (the ability to move by inertia, without pedaling). Knowing the model of the front hub, you can clarify its characteristics according to the manufacturer's documentation, find reviews from other users, etc., in order to determine how this model suits you.
Speeds
The number of speeds (gears) provided for in the design of the bicycle. Each transfer has its own so-called gear ratio — in this case it can be described as the number of revolutions that the driven gear (rear, on the wheel) makes in one revolution of the leading gear (associated with the pedals).
Different gear ratios will be optimal for different conditions: for example, high gears provide good speed, but are poorly suited for overcoming obstacles, because. the effort on the pedals increases significantly and the frequency of their rotation decreases. It has been scientifically proven that a cyclist develops maximum power at a cadence of about 80-100 rpm. Thus, the presence in the bike of several speeds allows you to optimally adjust it to different driving modes and features of the tracks in order to provide optimal pedaling force and frequency of their rotation. For example, on smooth asphalt it is best to drive in a high gear, and when overcoming a rise or entering a dirt road, you can lower it in order to effectively overcome resistance.
The number of gears in classic systems is directly related to the number of stars of the system (on the bottom bracket with pedals) and the cassette (on the rear wheel); it can be obtained by multiplying two numbers — for example, 3 stars of the system and 6 on the cassette give 18 gears. However, there is also the so-called planetary hubs — there are stars one at a time, and gear shifting is carried out by a mec...hanism built into the rear hub.
Note that the optimal number of gears depends on the purpose of the bike (see above), and it is not always necessary to have several of them. So, in mountain models, depending on specialization, there can be from 8 to 30 gears, in road ones — within 20-30, and some inexpensive city bikes and most BMXs do not have a gear shift system at all.
Freewheel/cassette model
Model of a cassette — a system of rear wheel gears — mounted on a bicycle. Cassettes of different models differ in characteristics and can belong to different classes — from entry-level to professional. Knowing the cassette model, you can get acquainted with its features in more detail (according to official documentation, reviews, user reviews, etc.). This is especially important when choosing a bike for professional cycling.
Handlebar type
— Straight. This category includes all handlebars that do not have bends in the vertical plane — in other words, they look straight when viewed from the front. Some of these models may have a curve visible from above. These handlebars are convenient for placing additional equipment, and in general, they are well-suited for various types of bicycles. Due to this, this variety is very common.
— Curved. A variety of handlebars in which the pipe between the grips has bends in the vertical plane — in other words, the grips are located above the point where the handlebar is attached to the stem (see "Adjusting the handlebar stem"). Such steering wheels are designed for a high seating position and are poorly compatible with an additional body kit. Therefore, they are found predominantly in city bikes (see "Specialization (type refinement)"), where you do not need to bend your back and use special equipment, as well as in children's and teenage models (see "Age group").
— Drop bar. This handlebar is designed primarily for road bikes (see "Specialization (type refinement)"), where speed is of the essence. This handlebar allows you to change the grip and fit while riding. So, if good visibility is important, and speed is not critical, you can ride with a high seating position, holding on to the transverse horizontal part of the steering wheel; and at high speed, you can lean forward by holding the "horns" — this improves aerodynamics, that is, reduces air re...sistance, and makes the ride easier. There are other varieties of drop bars. They have a pair of tubes placed forward, and special stands on the steering wheel itself — you can put your elbows on these stands, and put your hands forward. In addition, they are usually not compatible with standard handlebar equipment (shifters, brake levers, etc.) and require specialized components.
— Butterfly. The name of this type is due to the characteristic shape resembling the wings of a butterfly; also such handlebars are known as "tracking". They are considered the most versatile, because without additional adjustments provide about 3 – 4 options for the position of the hands, with varying degrees of inclination of the body of the rider. However the "butterflies" are expensive.
Saddle model
The model of the saddle supplied as standard with the bike. For more information on why you need to know the model of a particular bicycle component, see p. "Cassette Model".
Pedal model
Model of the pedals supplied with the bicycle. See Cassette Model for details on why you might need the model name of a particular part.
