Best Bicycles in India - Reviews and Comparison 2021

Once in a while, we do wonder and ponder over purchasing a new vehicle. Thought given to buying a used or second hand one is tempting enough. Buying a used bicycle is a great way to maintain a budget when you are seeking some adventure!

If you are planning on selecting a second-hand bike, there are a lot of obvious questions. Like for how long has the bike been used by the previous owner? How many times there have been repairs? Does it need regular servicing?

Understanding the bike’s condition is essential. You should be aware of the drivetrain made up of cranks, chain, front and rear cogs, derailleurs and shifters. Even if the bike is old or new, the drivetrain should be capable of shifting gears without any resistance!

Minimum wear and tear is not an issue here. If parts of drivetrains are damaged and need replacement, you will have to follow suit for other parts sooner or later. Thus, keep a close eye on the conditions of this drivetrain. If the cost of replacing these parts is equal to that of purchasing a new bike, you should opt for a new one!

Post looking at the drivetrain, you should also keep an eye on the brake system, suspension and wheels. If your bike is producing noise or a squeak, you will have to check the front brake’s bearings. Likewise, different noises indicate different issues, thus be informed entirely and do not ignore any of them.

If your brakes don’t act fast, you fall! The brakes have to be efficient all the times! There is numerous type of braking systems that are popular amongst professional cyclist and amateurs! Let’s understand these in a detailed manner.

Disc brakes: These are all-weather brakes! There are variants in it too like cable disc brake and hydraulic disc brakes.

Cable disc brakes are the more comfortable to maintain, and many bikes have these as they offer a powerful punch! The hydraulic, on the other hand, is more precise and accurate to control. But they do need some high maintenance. The best feature of a disc braking system is its string stopping power! Thus, it is ideal for any terrain!

Rim brakes: Next to disc brakes are the rim brakes! They require the lowest maintenance. Even though they are not as good as disc brakes for all-weather conditions, these are attached to the brake directly with hand levers and a cable. When you pull on the lever, the cable moves to apply pressure near your cycle’s rims and get the tyre to a stop.

Keep in mind that rim brakes are not ideal for mountain bikes!

If you are a new biker, you should pick cable disc brakes for better control. A specific brake system is an essential factor to consider, and depends on what riding you select!

There are a wide variety of gear systems that are available in road and hybrid bikes. Some bikes have single-gear performance while some have upto 30 gears! The gearing system is judged by the chain rings, cogs, cranks and number of teeth on the cogs.

While you are choosing the perfect system for you, there are 2 essential factors you need to look at i.e. terrain and cycling skills.

Terrain

A bike that has more gears can maintain a comfortable riding speed without much struggle. If you ride on bumpy terrains, you need many gears for better control over the cycle’s motion. On flat surfaces, choosing low geared bikes is the way to go. Low gears make your bike light and easy to handle.

If you are searching for fitness, then choosing a single gear bike is a great start. Since you cannot adjust the cycle to your comfort on challenging terrain, you adapt your strength. This makes you put in more efforts and thus increasing your muscle build.

Cycling skills

If riding is new for you, opt for a cycle with more gear options and combinations. If you are a pro and know how much and in what way you want to push yourself, go for a cycle that is designed for your specific use.

Here is the gear system that comes in different types of bikes.

Mountain bikes: These are the best pick for climbs and slopes. Mountain bikes have 9-11 back cogs and 3 front chain rings. These front rings are your clutch. You need to cycle the exact ratio of back and front gears.

Road bikes: These come with at least 18 gears. You can also find bikes with 30 or more, based on the number of chain rings and cogs. If you are a novice, then pick a road bike with low gears!

Hybrid bikes: These have a similar gear system to road bikes. You can get lower or higher gears. But research has shown that these bikes opt for lower gears to avoid extra drag. These bikes give the best performance with 3 front chain-rings and a 7 to 10 back gear with 34 teeth cassette! These are ideal for touring as well as off-roading.

Determining the comfortable wheel size that suits your needs plays a significant role in selecting the ideal cycle for yourself. Any good purchase of the bike involves this type of information, and it is needless to say that bikes offer various options for wheel types for every kind of riding style.

With that being said, read ahead to find out what type of wheel sizes you can get while hunting down your ideal ride. 

650C and lower: This wheel size is perfect for children and bikers with small stature. Plenty of hybrid and road bikes can comfortably adjust this wheel size and can be the best deal for those who can’t easily find the right fit. Pick this wheel size if your height is less than 5’4”.

700C: Road or hybrid bike with 700C wheels is standard size. The letter ‘C’ in this is short of clinchers and used to calculate the parameter. With perfect dynamics for flat surfaces, 700C wheels are the best fit for most bikes in the market.

26 inches: This size is standard for most mountain bikes. With excellent resistance and comfort, 26-inches wheels are ideal for adult mountain bikes. Unfortunately, the current market does not offer even the slightest chance to find the 26-inches wheels for your bike.

27.5 inches: If you are searching for something more than 26 inches and less than 29 inches, this is your perfect pick. This creatively designed wheel size is undoubtedly the best combo of 26 inches and 29 inches wheels. It never compromises the balance and offers constant speed with persisting acceleration. With more durability than 26 inches and better handling than 29 inches, 27.5 inches wheels are something you must not ignore.

29 inches: You might experience a bit of slowness with these wheels. However, they are made to catch up with the speed gradually. These wheels offer a smooth and consistent ride and never compromise balance even on challenging terrains. Professional bikers prefer this size for a reason – they are highly durable. Plus, they go very well with rugged-tail rigs.

Be it back or front sided suspensions, they are made to provide you with a smooth experience while riding — especially on harsh terrains. Suspension systems come in many types, and each one of them has its pros and cons. All such factors depend on what kind of bike you are looking for.

Here are the tips for choosing the right suspension system for your bike:

Front suspension: Most of the hybrid and mountain bikes are equipped with only front suspension as it delivers smooth rides no matter what terrain you are riding on. They contribute a lot to maintaining the right speed and cadence while riding. The best part about front suspensions is they are relatively affordable than full-suspension systems and require low maintenance. Therefore, choosing your bike’s front suspensions can be the best deal for you to prepare your bike to bear the bumps and potholes, without going heavy on your pocket.

Full suspension: The combo of back and front suspension is called a full brake. This increases the bike’s capacity to absorb shocks no matter what kind of terrain it is on. Be it pavement or a dirt trail, with full suspensions, your bike efficiency bears surprises with the help of front and rear shock absorbers. It may add more weight to the bike. However, it is highly beneficial on uneven roads. 

Bikes with full suspension do not vibrate much while travelling on rugged terrains. This results in improved balance and stability. With low pedalling force requirement, your leg muscles experience less pressure with a full suspension bike.

No suspension: People prefer no suspension bikes only when they want to avoid excessive gear weight. The chances of stagnant or less efficient accelerated paddling increase with full suspension systems. This can be a bit problematic if you mostly use your bike for general commuting. 

For this reason, we suggest going with a tractable and lightweight bike. The primary reason for the gaining popularity of such cycles is their affordable price and outstanding balance. With no suspension, they are less in weight, low in cost, and well-balanced. 

Bikers who prefer a full suspension system are more concentrated on the vehicle’s strength than complacent steering.

To check and understand the cycle’s durability, you need to know the frame’s material's strength. Each frame materials come with pros and cons, you must choose as per your needs.

Aluminium: A durable frame and an inexpensive price tag often suggest that the bike is aluminium. This is why it is popular with a cyclist.

Carbon Fiber: The combination of more than 2 materials can make the final frame heavy but also unbreakable! This is precisely what carbon fibre does. It is designed for mountain bikes. Inflexibility and being expensive are some of its USPs.

Steel: High-tensile steel is robust, heavy and stiff. Cross-country bikes offer these rigid features. While on the other hand, Chromoly steel is more light and responsive. It is used on bicycles that have minimal suspension and gear.

Selecting a correct handlebar is supercritical for effortless cycling. An incorrectly shaped handlebar can result in various injuries and pain in the back, wrist and spine in the longer run. Here are different types of handlebars to choose from:

Drop bar: These are great for road bikes. They are light and have aerodynamics capabilities. They have a sleeker design and are more simplified than other types. These offer better manoeuvrability and do add some pressure on your back!

Flat bar: Hybrid bike use flat bars. These are robust, heavy-duty and structured handlebars. They are more responsive and take the pressure off your shoulders and arms!

Riser bar: Mountain bikes have riser bars. They are higher and closer to the seat which makes them more comfortable. This makes it easier for the bike to steer and control.

If a bike lacks a comfortable seat, it can never be enjoyed no matter how luxurious it is. When choosing a bike, be sure to check its seat’s size and shape to ensure adequate comfort. The following are some types of saddles you can choose from:

Flat saddle: These are entirely flat seats without any raised or lowered areas. If you prefer an upright riding position, such saddles are perfect for you. Also, it provides ample comfort if you prefer leaned riding posture.

Waved saddles: With a bit of slope in the middle, waved saddles come with a raised rear end. The front part of the saddle is flat. Flexible riders who prefer leaned position do not select this type of saddle. If you do not like frequently changing your sitting position while riding, this type of harness is perfect for you. With its unique design, this saddle helps you hold in one place with comfort. 

Moderately waved saddles: With relatively fewer curvatures than waved saddles, this type is neither completely flat nor waved too much. You can consider them the combo of flat and waved saddles. Therefore, such saddles are moderately suitable for rides who love maintaining lean positions and prefer a semi-upright riding position. You can also get a variety in this depending on the shape of sit bones in males and females. In women, the sit bone shape is a bit wider than men and has less raised pubic arch.

If you view it from the top, the saddle’s shape can look pear-shaped (that has a wider rear area and narrower front room), or it may look T-shaped (with sharp narrowing towards the front end of the saddle).

While cutouts in the saddle’s mid-section offer relief to the pubic area and cause proper ventilation, this can be the best thing during summers but not useful in winter. Some riders may experience a bit of discomfort depending on the sharpness of the curve around the cutout. 

Check out the following tip to understand whether you need a cutout saddle or a full saddle:

Firstly, sit on a hard surface like wood or concrete. Make sure your knees are bent 90 degrees and your back is straight. Then, lean forward, keeping the back straight until your elbows reach your knees. Be in the same position for at least 5 minutes. If you do not feel any pressure or discomfort in the pubic area, you are good to go with a flat saddle. If you feel any pain, choose the cutout saddle without thinking twice. 

There are several bike types available in the market. From mountain to cruiser, you can choose from any kind of bike as per your preferences. Cruiser bikes are ideal for casual riding and general commuting. On the other hand, mountain bikes are perfect for dirt roads and different rugged terrains. You can also select an electric bike if you are looking for that extra boost. If you are new to buying bikes, set your goals to narrow down your search.

You have to understand that all bikes have unique features, and each type of terrains requires specific bike types to ensure a comfortable journey. Cruiser bikes cannot be suitable for dirt roads just like mountain bikes are not so comfortable for casual riding. Therefore, you have to choose your bike accordingly. It helps you make the most of it.

Let's now discuss various types of bikes and their features:

Road bikes: It is perfect for speed riding and longer rides. Road bikes are lightweight and have better navigation and balance. If you are more into touring and fitness, road bikes are great for you. They are designed with unique aerodynamic gestures that provide an excellent push to the cycle while riding without affecting the speed.

Mountain bikes: They are made for everything from freeride riding, to cross country riding, hardtail riding. They are relatively more rugged and more robust than road bikes as they are primarily designed for off-road. With ergonomic control and other unique features, this bike is also perfect for pavement riding. Such bikes are armed with stronger brakes, shifting systems, saddles, wheels, and offers required resistance and balance during off-road riding.

Hybrid bikes: Hybrid bikes are placed in the middle of road bikes and mountain bikes. They are ideal for commuting and come with partial features of both mountain and road bikes. They are vital as mountain bikes while offering comfort like road bikes during casual riding. The taller gearing and frame is their plus point. With various gears and stable pedals, most riders prefer them for an easy commute to places like schools, markets, work, and more.

The design of the cycle will also promote you to check for other adjustments. That means you will have to check where you can fit a bottle holder, a bell or a buzzer and the head and tail lights. 

Usually, these accessories accompany their mounting hardware with the help of which you can fix them on the cycle.

You also need to finalize a budget for your purchase. You will find varied cycles in varied price ranges. Get a bicycle that suits both your needs and pocket.

You can surely try hybrid bikes. These are great for fitness since you can take them either on-road or off-road. They offer the firmness of a mountain bike and the speed of a road bike making them the best pick for muscular resistance.

It depends on where you are riding. If it is rough terrain, you need a heavy frame cycle that is very sturdy. If you are out on the open roads, you need a bicycle that will give you speed.

Yes, you are allowed to take your bicycles in the metro. The Government permitted this recently to ensure end-to-end connectivity without having to use private taxis or autos to get to the final destination.

A cycle is a great option to lose weight. However, about reducing just the belly fat, you will be better off with the crunches!

No, riding a cycle will not help you in increasing height. However, it can make you thinner for sure!

Legally, two and three-wheelers are not permitted on the highways. Yet many choose to ride on the highways.

Usually, a bike is considered a vehicle. But the set of rules applicable is different. For example, you do not need a license to ride a bicycle in India.

A hybrid bike is the best choice for long rides. Also, find one that has a front suspension and can also support some travel load.

We have chosen the top 7 bikes in India. Take a look and select the better from the best.

Karl Von Drais gets the credit for inventing the 1st bicycle in 1817.

It is essential to check and ensure the bike and the gear before setting off for a ride. It is effortless to develop a habit of getting up on your bike and just riding off, thinking that there have been no changes in the condition of your bike from the last time you rode it. An instant safety check should be a second nature ritual if you care about the bike life. It is not frequent but also unavoidable that even the most seasoned rider would sometimes leave a quick-release loose at a random instance. On long rides, small check-up of your ride every 100 to 150 km is recommended.

Check the bike tyres to wear outs, cuts or pinch ins.

1. Grab the front brake and move the handlebars of your bike back and forth to inspect the bike's headset. Any movement and knocking in the headset is an indication of tightening the headset. To ensure, place your fingers on the frame and the headset's junction while you move the handlebar or the bike back and forth. 

2. Inspect the wheels by tapping lightly on the front and back of the wheel's quick releases to make sure they are tight enough. It is always a better choice to unscrew the quick releases and tighten again for confirmation.

3. Check up on the wheel brakes. Press the front and back brakes while simultaneously moving the bike forward and backwards. Brakes in good condition would restrict any movement of the cycle in either direction.

4. Pick the front wheel of your bike in the air, and spin the wheel lightly with your hands. Make sure the wheel doesn't brush up and create friction with the brake pads. Do this for both your wheels. 

Every 2 weeks:

• Periodic check and lubing the chain. If the terrain is extremely dry or wet, the bike chain will require more lubrication, as a dry chain is prone to squeak and squeal very quickly. 

• Check both front and back brake pads thoroughly. A majority of cushions come with grooves in them. You can see daylight through these grooves in the pads from a top view. Lesser the grove means the more worn out the tyre is. Consider replacement.  

• Ensure the shoe cleats are good enough to keep going.

• After removing the wheels, the frame should be cleaned and wiped off from the top to the bottom while searching for paint or frame defects.

• Treat yourself to being a great bike owner.

1. Position your bike in a place where you can clean it and lean it against a wall to get access to the chain.

2. Be very gentle when you grab the chain for cleaning it. Use a cloth rag to lightly clean the chain by getting a hold of the bottom section and backpedal slowly—doing this once a month at least is recommended. You can also get a chain cleaning kit in the market to ease up this process.

3. Once the chain's cleaning is completed, apply a suitable lube to the chain while ensuring the chain gets full 3-4 rotations to ensure the lube is used everywhere.

4. Once the applied lube is adequately soaked, wipe the lube's access with a cloth in a similar fashion-you cleaned the chain with. 
   

• To ensure that all the parts are well lubricated, turn the fork upside down, so the oil successfully lubricates the upper bushes and the seals in the fork leg.

• Place your bike upside down for around 20 minutes so the oil can lubricate the seals' insides properly. 

• Use water to clean up your forks; a hose works the best. 

• It is necessary to make sure that the fork stanchions and the area around the seals are cleaned perfectly with no dirt left.

• The lubricant contained within the fork is all a fork needs to work well. Extra stanchion lubricating products are not necessary for fork maintenance.

• A fork just needs the lubricant stored inside it. Extra lubrication is not always necessary for maintaining the fork.

• Why?

  • A solid steel frame, this roadeo is one sturdy companion.

  • The bike is a 21-speed bike. The gears are in the ratio of 7: 3. This makes it a lot easier to take it off for on-roading and on various terrains.

  • The rim brakes are a great pick, but be aware that they are less in performance than the disc brakes.

  • You get the dual suspension system which is a blessing for a bumpy ride! The front and mid-suspension systems make the bike a study one and easy on the body.

  • Although the bike is a mountain bike, you can change the tyres and convert it into a hybrid bike.

  • You will need to assemble a few things on delivery as the bike is 90% made.

• Why?

  • MTB specifics steel frame makes this ride a comfy one.

  • A spur front suspension makes it a comfortable ride for your shoulders to hold on to.

  • Dual disc brakes make braking easy as well as safe.

  • The walls are double rimmed making the cycle more sturdy.

  • Although the bike is a mountain bike, you can change the tyres and convert it into a hybrid bike.

  • The cycle is delivered in a semi-assembled condition.

• Why?

  • MTB styled steel frame can vouch for a safe and sturdy ride.

  • Dual disc brakes are great friends to have on rough terrain, and also a smooth one.

  • The bike comes fully assembled, so no work needed there!

  • Although the cycle is a mountain bike, you can change the tyres and convert it into a hybrid bike.

• Why?

  • The Hashtag take up the 4th and 5th bikes and are shaped in the MTB steel frames that make your ride extremely stable.

  • The wheels have double alloy rims making them very durable.

  • The design is aerodynamic and thus makes the ride smooth by reducing air friction.

  • The dual disc brakes are great to have.

  • The saddle has a quick-release lever, making it hassle-free to adjust the seat!

• Why?

  • This universal cycle sports a 26-inch steel frame making it a reliable ride.

  • The dual brakes will make your journey safe.

  • The front suspension holds a shock absorber. This makes it a lot easier to take the bike on rugged terrains.

  • The wheel rims are triple enforced for strengthening the cycle more! Yet keep it lightweight.

• Why?

  • This trendy looking cycle is the most lightweight amongst our choices.

  • The steel frame ensures excellent durability.

  • The seat is adjustable, which makes it comfortable for you to adjust the seat to a comfortable riding height.

  • The bike can carry upto 95 kg load.

  • There is a 2-year warranty on the frame.

  • There are free accessories included! Checkout reviews and comparison of best cycle locks, best bike pumps, best cycle for women in India.