TOP 5 BIKE SPECS FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS

If you have been wanting to buy a e-bike, but find yourself struggling to understand the "bicycle language" used by experts, don't worry...you are not alone. A lot of people have a hard time dealing with technical specifications for bikes. However, reading and understanding the specifications is crucial for making an informed decision and ensuring the product meets your needs and preferences. Bicycle specs provide insights into the bike’s performance, durability, and suitability to different riding styles. This guide will discuss the top 5 bike specs you must check off before making your final decision on what bike to invest in. Whether you're a novice rider or an experienced cyclist, this guide will help you decode bicycle specifications and make sense of the details.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN BICYCLE SPECIFICATIONS?

Bicycle specifications are often listed in product descriptions, detailing the components and features of a bike. When it comes to bicycles, the main specs reveal insights on the frame material, geometry, groupset, wheels, tires, and brakes, among others. All these components are measured in different units, have different meanings, and impact your ride in different ways.

1. Frame Material

The frame is the skeleton or the backbone of the bicycle. The material the frame is made of is important because it significantly affects the bike’s weight, strength, and ride quality. The bike frame must support your weight and serve the purpose for which you intend to put the bike. Bikes are commonly made of the following frames:

• Aluminum: Aluminum frames offer a good balance of performance and cost because they are lightweight and affordable. Also, aluminum frames are stiff and robust, providing efficient power transfer, but can be less comfortable on rough surfaces.
• Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber frames are also known for being lightweight and robust, providing a smooth and responsive ride. However, they are more expensive and often found on high-end bikes, especially those used for competitive riding and serious cyclists.
• Steel: Steel frames are durable and offer smooth rides. They are also known for their flexibility and comfort, making them popular for touring and commuting bikes .

2. FRAME GEOMETRY

Frame geometry refers to the measurements of the different angles and lengths of various parts of the frame. Frame geometry affects the bike’s handling, stability, and comfort. Key distinctions between men's bikes and women's bikes are also based on geometry. When deciding on frame geometry, check out the following features:

Top Tube Length: The top tube length refers to a measurement of the horizontal distance from the head tube to the seat tube. The length of the top tube mainly dictates riding position and speed, as a longer top tube generally means a more stretched-out riding position, ideal for speed and efficiency. A shorter top tube provides a more upright and comfortable position.

Head Tube Angle: The head tube angle can be steep or slack, and it influences steering responsiveness. A steeper angle results in quicker steering, suitable for road bikes, whereas a slacker angle offers more stability, suitable for mountain bikes.

Seat Tube Angle: The angle of the seat tube affects pedaling efficiency and comfort. A steeper angle places the rider over the pedals, improving power transfer, while a slacker angle provides a more relaxed position.

3. GROUPSET

The groupset is the group name for all the parts involved in braking, changing gears or running the drivetrain of a bicycle. These parts generally include the crankset, derailleurs, shifters, cassette, chain, and brakes. Consider the following components;

• Number of Gears: The more gears, the better the bicycle. More gears provide a wider range, which is ideal for tackling varied terrains. Bikes come with various gear configurations, typically ranging from 1x (single chainring) to 3x (triple chainring) setups, and rear cassettes with 7 to 12 sprockets.
• Shifters: Look for smooth and reliable shifting performance. Shifters refer to the mechanism used to change gears, and they can be integrated with brake levers (common in road bikes) or separate (common in mountain bikes).
• Derailleurs: A "derailleur" refers to the gearing system on your bicycle  that consists of the chain, multiple sprockets of different sizes, and a mechanism to move the chain from one sprocket to another. Good quality derailleurs ensure precise and efficient gear changes, crucial for a smooth ride.
• Brakes: The braking system includes rim brakes and disc brakes. Disc brakes offer superior stopping power and performance in all weather conditions.

4. WHEELS AND TIRES

The wheel sizes and quality of the tires significantly impact the speed of the bike, as well as traction and overall handling. Key aspects to consider include:

• Wheel Size: Common wheel sizes include 26-inch, 27.5-inch, and 29-inch for mountain bikes and 700c for road bikes. Larger wheels generally offer better roll-over ability and speed, while smaller wheels provide quicker acceleration and agility
• Rim Material: Rims are typically made of aluminum or carbon fiber. Aluminum rims are durable and cost-effective, while carbon fiber rims are lighter and offer better performance, particularly in racing.
• Tire Width: Tire width affects traction, comfort, and rolling resistance. Narrow tires (23-28mm) are common on road bikes, providing low rolling resistance and higher speed. Wider tires (30-50mm) are found on gravel and cyclocross bikes, offering better traction and comfort.
• Tire Tread: The tread pattern affects grip and rolling efficiency. Slick tires are suitable for road riding, while knobby tires provide better traction on off-road and loose surfaces.

OTHER COMPONENTS

Other components that influence the bike’s performance and comfort include:

• Handlebars: The type of handlebar the bike has affects the rider’s sitting position and their ability to control the bike. Drop bars are common on road bikes, providing multiple hand positions and an aerodynamic stance. Flat bars are often found on mountain and hybrid bikes, offering a more upright and stable position.
• Saddle: The saddle should provide comfort for your intended riding style. Performance-oriented saddles are narrower and lighter, while comfort saddles are wider and more padded.
• Pedals: Bikes may come with flat pedals or clipless pedals, which require specific cycling shoes. Choose based on your preference for ease of use, control, and power transfer.

The biggest and most successful brands in the bike industry are those that consistently deliver bike models with outstanding specs. One of those brands is Viribus. With high-quality but affordable products, Viribus has established itself as a major worldwide supplier of electric bikes. The models keep getting better, and the specs only go higher and higher. Recently, Viribus released the Viribus Panther Electric Bike to its bicycle collection. Here is a review of the Viribus Panther and its amazing specs:

THE VIRIBUS PANTHER ELECTRIC BYCICLE.

The Viribus Panther Electric Mountain Bike is built for the ultimate exhilaration and freedom. With its powerful 350W brushless gear motor and smooth 21-speed Shimano transmission, riders can conquer challenging terrains effortlessly, feeling the rush of adrenaline as you soar through breathtaking landscapes. Check out the following specs:

Understanding these major bike specs will provide you with sufficient baseline knowledge to make the right decision on which bike best suits your riding needs. Ranging from mountain bikes to road bike, Viribus offers a wide range of bicycle models for you to choose from.