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Junior Road Bike: A Review of the Best Road Bikes for Children in 2017
Bike riding is something that kids love to do and it has many benefits to it as well, such as helping to keep them physically fit and healthy and assisting in the development of their coordination. And, with great sporting events like the Tour de France, the USA cycling team and those exciting time trials, more and more children are taking up road cycling. Also, it can keep them occupied for those long summer days when you shudder to hear that little voice telling you for the one-hundredth time that they are bored. However, a quick trip to the bike shop and you will most likely be lost in a myriad of different bikes all boasting different features that would confuse even some of the more experienced cyclists out there. Aluminium road bikes, alloy frames, mountain bikes, carbon forks, disc brakes, Shimano brake levers… the list is endless. Therefore, to help you select the most suitable road bike for your budding cyclist, here is a list of some of the top road bikes for the next generation of junior riders in 2017:
4. Razor 62042 High Roller BMX/Freestyle Bike
The Razor 62042 High Roller BMX/Freestyle bike has to come with mixed reviews. While many people genuinely liked the bike and found it easy to assemble and stated that it made for a pleasant ride, there were others who disliked nearly everything about the bike. One customer was very disappointed by the bike's quality, stating that the brakes were bad and of poor quality and that the bike was simply too heavy. Also, it's been said that if you want to replace the brakes, you will have difficulty doing so because the rims are oddly made and installed. This means that most likely you will be unable to find brake pads that will fit.
3. GMC Denali Road Boy's Bike, 24-Inch
The GMC Denali 24-inch Road Bike is best used by riders who are of a smaller size. The age range would be from about 8-11. Most people who have purchased this bicycle have found that they really loved it. When it arrives at your home the setup is simple, taking only about 20 minutes to half an hour. When you are done, you have a lightweight, sporty-looking bicycle that your child will be thrilled with. At $218.94 on Amazon, this bike gives amazing value for its reasonable cost. It has a record of great endurance, going as far as 15 or more miles at a stretch repeatedly, even being used in bike races, giving an excellent performance every time. With its smaller frame, it is ideal for 8 – 12-year-olds and even for smaller sized adults. A couple of the GMC Denali Road Bike's best features are:
- The shifters on the handlebars are simple to use.
- It requires very little assembly, only the front wheel, seat and handlebars and with its aluminum frame is incredibly light and easy to handle. You can also purchase upgrades such as longer pedals too.
There are, however, some negatives associated with this bike and they are as follows:
- One customer complaint is that since it is not a steel bike it was built to lower standards and had some low-quality parts. There is threaded steering and the bolted seat is cheaply made.
Also, at least one unfortunate purchaser assembled the entire bike, only to find that the fork, which came attached by the company, was put on backward. There have also been warnings that because the bike is relatively inexpensive it will fall apart easily.
2. Mongoose Boy's Banish Hybrid Bike, 24-Inch/Small
The Mongoose Banish 24" Hybrid bike is the ideal bicycle for your child's local recreational usage or a more challenging ride on a bike path. The front and rear disc brakes give smooth and easy braking and allow for no wear and tear on the rim walls. The bike comes assembled for the most part and is lightweight with an aluminium frame. Good for a child of 8-12. The price is reasonable and you get your money's worth. Some of the positive features of this bike are:
- Hybrid sized tires, which means that at 24" they are not mountain bike tires, nor are they road bike tires, but in between for both uses.
- Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Leaves room for the child to grow into it.
Some of the negatives about this bike are as follows:
- A lot of assembly work. Both wheels must go on, the seat and the pedals.
- Poor components. One customer had both gear shifters on the handlebars break and required replacement. Then, several weeks later the bicycle chain broke and the brakes were left with a prominent squeaking sound.
1. Giordano Libero 1.6 Girls Road Bike (24-Inch Wheels)
This elegantly created, hand-crafted bicycle boasts Shimano Claris 16-Speed STI shifters, 24-inch wheels, and 1 3/8-inch tires to all come together in an amazing piece of machinery that will exceed your expectations. The one thing you can be certain about is that this bike is made to last. Weighing a total of 26 lb, it is designed for riders who are anywhere from 4 feet 7 inches – 5 feet tall. Decorated in white and pink colors, it is ideal for a young girl to start out on and then grow into a little bit and enjoy cruising about the neighborhood while she does it. Some of the other positive features of the Giordano Libero 1.6 Girls Road Bike are:
- The reasonable price is a draw for many parents, who know that the bike will only last around 2 years or so before their child outgrows it.
- Some customers have remarked that they are pleased with a bike of top quality, which features smaller components and the fact that you can upgrade it.
On the other hand, there do seem to be a few negatives pertaining to this bike:
- One parent complained that their daughter who is 8 years old was the right size for the height of the bike, but the reach to the handlebars was way too far for her.
- Also, it was stated that the brakes aren't really a good quality and are slow when it comes to stopping.
- Another customer voiced the complaint that the bike was actually heavier than it looked and wasn't really all that lightweight.
In general, when it comes to these bikes, they are generally a great buy with good value and long-lasting endurance. The children they are intended for usually enjoy them and have many happy times riding. However, there are some pretty serious negatives to consider in a few cases and you should give serious thought to the matter before you commit to buying a bike.
In the long run, though, it's really up to you and your child to determine which bike is right for them. Once you've done that, hurry up and go buy one today so that your child can begin the summer with a brand new awesome bike!
Endurance Road Bikes: 2017 Buyer’s Guide & Top 5 Reviews
With the arrival of the New Year came an influx of new and better road bikes, also known as race bikes. From adventure bikes made for charging out there into the unknown to aerodynamic race bikes designed for speed, right now there seems to be so many options out there that there is literally something for everyone. With an array of features to look for, such as carbon frames and carbon forks, drivetrains, and stronger wheels, as well as added stiffness and improved road vibration for the perfect endurance race even on a rough road. Here's a list of the top 5 road bike reviews for this year:
5. Canyon Endurace CF SLX
Canyon makes some of the fastest road bikes available and sells them at amazingly low prices. A German brand, their bikes have come to the U.S. at long last. The 2017 Endurance CF SLX is the first disc brake road bike that Canyon has built. It features a carbon fiber frame and has been created for utmost control, ease, and effectiveness. Here you have a bike that climbs, gears up for sprints, and acts like a racing bike in every way, but still provides the ease and tire clearance you'd expect from an endurance bike.
Some of the positive points of the Canyon Endurance CF SLX are as follows:
- The seatpost is a leaf spring design which provides lots more flexibility than other seatposts giving the bike a remarkably smooth ride.
- With a frame weighing 820g the rider is guaranteed a responsive ride.
It's really difficult to find any flaws with this bike, but here a couple anyhow:
- It's definitely not meant to be an aero machine like the Aeroad, which might disappoint some, but it does what it needs too quite well.
- It might further disappoint some people that the Endurance isn't meant to be as sharp as Canyon's Ultimate bike either.
4. Cervelo S3 Disc
With the affixing of disc brakes on the Cervelo S3 Disc, the engineers at Cervelo's were able to redesign the old fork, lifting the crotch area up and widening the legs in order to lessen drag by 19 grams. Improved cable routing and adding an internal battery mount for Shimano Di2 battery serves to make it less difficult to reach the cables when the battery needs to be recharged. Also redesigned were the seatstays and chainstays in order to achieve ultimate handling and control. But what's truly amazing is that Cervelo managed to accomplish all of this and still eliminate 40 grams covering the S3's frame and fork.
Some of the finer qualities of the Cervelo S3 Disc are:
- Shimano's Ultegra Di2 is practically without a flaw and the flat-mount hydraulic discs just serve to improve it.
- Geometry that gives the bike its racy feeling.
Two of the only negatives of the Cervelo S3 Disc are:
- At $7,400 it is rather expensive, but the excellent quality makes up for it.
- The aero handlebars aren't all they're cracked up to be. The flat tops are difficult to hold onto and at least one rider complained they were too wide at the hoods.
3. Eddy Merckx Strasbourg 71
In case you don't know who Eddy Merckx is, he might very well be the greatest racer that has ever graced the sport. The Strasbourg 71 is the company's first venture into the endurance/gravel bike arena. The frame set of this bike comes in both aluminium and carbon fiber and is designed specifically for long lasting rides off the beaten path with comfortable endurance geometry, disc brakes, and room for wider tires.
Two of the pluses in favor of the Eddy Merckx Strasbourg 71 are:
- Lots of clearance in both the front and rear, this despite the rack and fender mounts.
- The crown of the fork provides you with two options for mounting for fenders and racks.
One big negative about this bike:
- While the quality is superb, it is a little pricey at $4,999. But if you don't mind putting in the cash, the bike doesn't disappoint.
2. Focus Paralane
Designed for ease, adaptability, and great performance, the Focus Paralane fits neatly into the endurance/gravel road bike category. With a carbon fiber frame set that is also compatible with disk brakes and which has been built using endurance geometry, resulting in a longer head tube and lower bottom bracket. Made for exploring on gravel and other rugged roads it provides clearance for 35 mm tires and even has a set of fenders that are simple to install and work well on muddy, wet roads. And yet, Focus has kept the bike incredibly light weighing in at 907 grams with a 54 cm frame set.
Some of the great aspects of the Focus Para lane:
- The tapered head tube makes the headset stiffer and lowers the steering weight.
- All of the cables and hydraulic lines are routed inside the frame which serves to give them protection, plus giving the bike a clean look and giving the lines a longer service life.
About the only negative that was given for this bike is that it is not entirely a racing bike, but made more for riding.
1. Specialized Roubaix
The Specialized Roubaix issued a new type of road bike back in 2003, created specifically for riders who want comfort that lasts all day, but does not want to give up anything pertaining to performance. This led to the emergence of the "endurance bike" category, and now practically every brand out there is at least remotely connected to the Roubaix. Now the speed of the Roubaix has been increased, but the all day comfort that made it so amazing remains intact. This updated model sports an integrated front suspension system called Future Shock which provides three adjustable spring rates. Furthermore, there's the new CG-R seatpost and a "Drop Clamp" that supplies 20 mm of rear end compliance resulting in better traction and ease.
One of the best things about the Specialized Roubaix is:
- It possesses comfort that provides both control and handling ease equally.
One of the complaints about the Specialized Roubaix is:
- The saddle was too soft and the tires weren't as sharp as they should be.
Essentially these are all good bikes that provide speed, comfort, and performance. Also, there are many good endurance road bikes out there—it really comes down to your personal likes and dislikes.
Best Carbon Fiber Road Bike: Top 5 Reviews in 2017
Above and beyond titanium frames or aluminum frames, carbon fiber frames (or carbon frames) with carbon fiber forks have become a very popular material for most road bicycles these days–even entry-level road bikes It is lighter in weight than most other materials and is stronger with the right stiffness than many thanks to its strength-to-weight ratio being high. In fact, carbon fiber offers some of the lightest road bikes around. Even your local bike shop will now stock these amazing frames and at a decent price point.
Carbon fiber is designed with several composite material fibers connected together through an epoxy adhesive. It uses polyacrylonitrile and rayon compounds that have been connected by carbon atoms. These bike frames are lighter in weight and yet will not buckle under pressure while in use.
Considering how carbon fiber is strong and yet light in weight, it only makes sense that more companies that make road bikes are using this material. But what makes a good road bike and which bikes on the 2017 market are the best?
Here’s a look at five of the best bikes that you can check out for the 2017 season. These come with some intense and beautiful designs and functions that are intriguing and add quite a bit of support.
Colnago CLX Ultegra
In terms of how it looks the CLX Ultegra is somewhat similar to the V1r, a Colnago bike that was co-designed by Ferrari. But the Ultegra is still easier for all to handle without wearing out quickly. The Ultegra uses an 82.5 bottom bracket, thus establishing a better ride with more control. It can also work with mechanical and electronic shift options alike.
This is only around 18 pounds in weight as well. The slim design pairs well with 25-inch tires to create a smooth ride all around. The rims are also wide enough to give you a good support for keeping your balance without struggling or feeling too hard in its use.
Look 765 Disc
Look made this bike with a disc-brake system. This creates a stronger grip on the rear wheel as you stop. The disc-brake setup can also be adjusted with added lubrication to help keep it strong and functional. You’ll have to keep it maintained well enough over time to see that it won’t be too hard to use, though.
While the carbon fiber body itself is great, an added layer of flax linen is included in the fork and chain stays. This keeps the vibrations within the bike from being too intense. While this works best on flat surfaces, this could also be brought onto some rougher roads depending on your plans for biking. It’s a nice function that adds a better sense of support for your ride.
A 410 mm chain stay provides you with a better handling system. It manages more controls carefully and doesn’t add too much pressure as you use it.
Basso Diamante SV
Basso is unique in the carbon fiber world for making components for not only bikes but also for Formula 1 and World Rally Championship vehicles. This is fewer than 20 pounds in weight before paint is added onto it. Even after adding a nice paint job of your choice onto the frame, it still creates a beautiful look that isn’t too heavy or hard to use.
The Comfort Kit can be used on the SV to add two centimeters length onto the head tube. This makes the bars move up a bit higher. It does not require any spacers underneath the stem either. Of course, you can also remove the Comfort Kit if needed if you prefer a lower series of bars.
The bar height can also be adjusted with a series of small spaces that are 5 mm apart from each other. This creates a more precise fit for you. The direct-mounted brakes and support for mechanical and electronic drivetrains also make this a popular choice. Don’t forget to check out the elastomer that takes in vibrations and keeps shaking from occurring far too much.
Masi Evoluzione
Masi made this bike with a rather intriguing finish that includes several colors all over its vibrant body. But there’s a whole lot more to this attractive bike than just an intriguing look to its body. It also uses a nice carbon fiber design with a single piece and a fork that is perfectly sized without being rough or otherwise challenging to use in some way.
The tapered fork is extremely responsive and works quickly without too much effort. The bottom bracket shell offers a wide space for allowing the chain to move effortlessly. The wider range on the chain also makes it easier for you to lubricate its gears as needed. This keeps the bike moving on the road.
The direct mount brakes are easy to support as well. The internal routing also lets you use a mechanical or electronic drivetrain depending on what you might prefer using. This adds an extra bit of control that isn’t too tough and gives you a better sense of control so you will have a more appealing experience with it.
Basso Astra Disc
This last option is another choice from Basso. This is made with absolutely no metal reinforcements. It uses a full carbon fiber body while using a standard shape design. The spacers are slim while a tapered steerer fork keeps the bike easy to control.
The BB86 bottom bracket shell is a key part of what makes this useful. It offers an added amount of control that simplifies how well the bike works without adding too much drag. It also uses mid-size rims that support tube-base tires but aren’t too thick to where they add lots of drag. The pedals for the brakes are also carefully organized around the main handles to give you added control. Like the other Basso model you read about earlier, this also works with mechanical or electronic drivetrains depending on what you prefer to operate with.
Check around when looking for a carbon fiber road bike. The five options you just read about here are good choices to have in 2017, thanks to how they are well-designed and capable of giving you the best rides possible. These offer many great features and can be adjusted in a variety of ways based on the models you want to use.
Giant Road Bikes Reviews and Buying Advice
Giant Bicycles is one of the top names in the world of road bicycles. The company offers many good choices but you should compare each one carefully so you’ll have a clear idea of whether a road bike or a mountain bike might be more suitable and attractive for your needs.
Giant makes its bikes with aluminum frames or carbon frames in a number of different series. These are made for different riding needs. One line works for all kinds of roads while another focuses on larger rims. Another mountain bike series is made with women in mind. Each line has its own great features that add a unique look that makes your bike more attractive and useful.
TCR Advanced Bikes
Giant makes a number of lightweight road bikes in its TCR Advanced line. These are designed with lower handlebars and tall seats to create a better racing position. The models are stiff and capable of handling loads of shocks. These bikes focus on racing use.
The SLR 0 wheels in this line are designed with lighter weights. This creates a more comfortable body and adds a bit of extra support for riding.
The fork bodies are also slim enough to handle plenty of steering functions without being too tight or otherwise hard to use. This adds to the quality of the bike without making it too hard to use.
Propel Bikes
You can also find many bikes in the Propel line. These use thicker wheels with bigger rims that support more aerodynamic functions. This means that the bikes can keep you moving at a consistent rate and don’t require too much pressure, what with the wind on the bikes not being as much of a hindrance as you might think.
The rims are large enough to cut down on the drag you experience. The spokes are also flat in their organization. Carbon fiber is especially featured among Propel bikes. This material is popular for being lighter in weight than aluminum and steel and still capable of handling weights.
It will not break apart easily. It is true that the Propel series costs a little more—what with carbon fiber being relatively expensive—but the benefits are certainly worthwhile.
Defy Bikes
The Giant Defy series is made for endurance biking needs. These road bikes use disc brakes to create an added amount of control. The head tubes are taller in height and give you a more comfortable ride all the way through. This adds a comfortable feeling that is easy to enjoy and doesn’t add much of an issue to its design.
Speaking of disc brakes, the Giant Defy series uses a hydraulic system for them. This creates a better total setup and adds a sense of comfort all the way around.
Contend Bikes
The aluminum-built Contend bike series uses short chainstays. The head tubes are also tapered to make steering a little easier to handle. Rim brakes are included on most Contend bikes although the Contend SL Disc uses disc brakes as the name suggests.
Contend bikes are made for endurance riders. The key difference between the Contend and Defy series is that the Contend bikes use aluminum bodies and are less expensive than the Defy bikes made with carbon fiber compounds.
AnyRoad
Those who are going to head out on a variety of roads will benefit from bikes in the appropriately named AnyRoad series. These bikes are made for use on rough off-road spaces and asphalt alike. This does especially well with an upright seating position. Cables are also used on some AnyRoad bikes for braking.
These work with added levers to add a bit of extra braking control. This is a feature unique to the AnyRoad series that is not too hard to apply.
Liv Envie and Avail Series
The Liv Envie and Avail series of bikes are designed with women in mind. These are designed with aluminum bodies for the most part and offer comfortable contoured seats designed to fit in with a woman’s body shape.
These bikes are made with carbon fiber bodies to keep them light in weight so it won’t be tough for women to use them and move forward on them.
Buying Advice
With so many types of Giant road bikes to choose from, you might have a tough time figuring out which is right for you. There are a few pointers to follow when choosing a great bike option that you know works well enough for your riding demands:
- Think about how long you will be on your bicycle for during a typical riding session. The Defy series is better if you have a much longer route to go on.
- Take a look at how many hills or valleys you will go through versus the flat surfaces you might be around. Check and see that whatever you are using is comfortable and not too hard to handle.
- Consider how smooth the ride will be if you’re going to be on a rough surface. A lighter body that can handle more pressure like on the TCR Advanced series might be best for your needs if you want something that doesn’t create loads of shocks are you are riding.
- Look for the Propel series if you want something that offers less drag. The carbon fiber design keeps the weight down so the drag will not be significant.
- Regardless of the series you are interested in, make sure your bike of desire isn’t too bulky or heavy. You need something that you know is safe and simple for you to handle without being too rough or hard to propel.
- Don’t be too concerned about the variations in the prices of these bikes. The bikes are typically found in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. Therefore, you are not necessarily going to find any significant outliers on either side of the pricing spectrum.
Good luck in your search for a great Giant road bike. With so many options, you are certainly bound to find one that fits your riding style and your comfort requirements.