Whether you want to replace your car with one as a form of transportation or need one for exploring the outdoors, you are going to want the best bicycle you can find.
Obviously, not all bicycles are the same; they have different speeds and different bicycles are designed for different terrains.
Fortunately, there exist bicycles that are perfect for any given situation or terrain. It’s all a matter of what you prefer and what you need the bicycle for.
Our Favorite Bikes Made in the USA
Five Featured American Made Bicycles
1. “Hardtail” 21 speed mountain bike by Huffy
One of the most frustrating things about riding a bicycle on a mountain path is the inability to change speeds on the fly. This is usually done haphazardly if done automatically, if at all. It is really difficult to expect smooth speed transitions on any 21 speed bicycle and that is a shame. It is even dangerous when riding up and down really steep slopes.
You will not need to worry about this at all with the Hardtail, by Huffy. Its rear derailleur combines with a micro-shift twist shifter to allow each of its 21 speeds to be achieved on demand. This makes uphill and downhill riding with it much easier than with other mountain bicycles that contain 21 speeds.
Another nice thing about the Hardtail is that it is very generous with its age and height requirements. People as young as 13 can ride it, as long as they are at least 5 feet tall. No longer will anybody feel left out when embarking on outdoor adventures if you have the Hardtail ready for them.
The one thing that you’ll need to watch for with the Hardtail is that adjusting the height of the seat can take some getting used to. It isn’t difficult to adjust the seat, but the way it adjusts is a little different than others. The stitching on the seat can also take some getting used to.
2. “Around the Block” women’s 21 speed beach cruiser bicycle by Sixthreezero
Most modern bicycles tend to only fit individuals who are at a “perfect” height. This is especially true for girls and women, who tend to struggle with seat adjustments on bicycles that are designed for them. Even if a bicycle can accommodate different heights, they can still be very uncomfortable to ride and this is very frustrating to deal with.
Women of practically any height will get a lot out of the Around the Block, by Sixthreezero. It is ergonomically fitted for women as short as 5 feet or as tall as 6 feet with very little adjustments needed for the seat. The upright riding style is also a really good supplement to this, and it ensures maximum comfort.
Most bicycles that are designed for casual riding typically do not contain a diverse range of speeds. In fact, most of them contain 8 speeds at best. This can make climbing steep areas tiring and it can make riding down steep areas dangerous. Something that makes the Around the Block better than other casual bicycles is that it has 21 speeds, just like most mountain bikes do.
However, just because the Around the Block contains 21 speeds doesn’t mean you can take it out on a mountainous trail. The speeds take a lot longer to transition than most mountain bikes, and you will want a de facto mountain bike if you do want to take on mountainous trails and other terrains like them.
3. “High Timber” youth and adult mountain bike by Schwinn
No products found.One of the biggest issues that bicycles that are designed for mountain trails face is that very few of them are designed for children and adolescents. Youths who are younger than 13 or 15 are often left out when it comes to mountain biking and this is unfortunate.
Very young people can benefit from the High Timber, by Schwinn, in a number of ways. First, it is designed for young people, with its wheels being shaped for children and adolescents who are often not as tall as their older counterparts. However, very short adults can also make some use out of the High Timber if that is possible.
Changing gears is also very easy to do with the High Timber. Featuring a 7-speed Shimano twist as well as a Shimana derailleur, you will be able to change gears smoothly, which really helps on mountain trails. It is also designed for those who aren’t experienced with changing gears on a mountain bike, which also helps the younger crowd.
The steel frame of the High Timber doesn’t really lend towards the most comfortable riding experience, however. The seat of the high timber is not nearly as comfortable as the seats of other mountain bikes because of this.
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4. “Discover” hybrid bicycle by Schwinn
Most bicycles that are designed for mountain trails tend to be designed for mountain trails only. It isn’t often that they can also be used for commuting. This often leads you to own two different bicycles; one for commuting and one for mountain trails. This is very frustrating to deal with and it is more common than you might think.
All of this changes with the Discover, by Schwinn. You’ll be able to ride it with confidence when commuting as well as when you are on mountain trails. Its suspension fork, alloy crank, and adjustable stem all allow you to do this. The 21-speed SRAM grip shifter will also allow you to pedal uphill much easier.
You will also be able to ride the Discover for very long periods of time. It follows an upright riding position which reduces a lot of pressure that is normally put on your back and lumbar when riding any given bicycle. The seat is also padded for your comfort.
The only thing you’ll need to watch for with the Discover is that it has a somewhat crowded appearance. The fenders are a nice touch, but they can get in the way. The rear carrying rack can also get in your way and it cannot be removed.
5. “Legion Freestyle” BMX bike for youth by Mongoose
Freestyle biking is one of the most difficult sports to master and it is one of the most dangerous sports to compete in if you do not have the right kind of equipment. This is especially true for the younger crowd, who often rush into BMX competitions only to suffer major injuries because they do not have the right kinds of equipment that forgives the mistakes they make.
Children who are interested in BMX competition but are still looking to enter their first competition will get a lot out of the Legion Freestyle, by Mongoose. The steel frame makes it a lot more forgiving than other BMX bikes. The 48 millimeter stem also allows for very forgiving steering, which is very important for anybody who is just starting out in BMX competition.
Although the Legion Freestyle is designed for beginners to BMX competition, it is still possible to perform tricks with it that are usually only reserved for BMX bikes that are for experienced competitors. You’ll be able to perform 360 degree bar spins as it contains a brake cable detangler.
Something you will need to watch out for with the Legion Freestyle is the breakline. You can put it together yourself, but it is a much better idea to seek professional assistance instead. Make a mistake when putting it together and you will put the breakline at risk.
American Made Bicycles – A Buying Guide
Not all bicycles are the same, and you will want to consider a number of things before making the decision to own one.
These considerations all build on one another and they are designed for you to possess one bicycle instead of more than one.
Will you be using your bicycle for commuting?
One of the most popular things that people do nowadays is swap their car for a bicycle as a mode of commuting other than a car.
This is especially true for people who live in the core of their city by themselves.
Other considerations will revolve around this one, and even if you just need a bicycle for commuting, you should still see if your bicycle can go up or down hills.
Will you be riding your bicycle on mountain trails?
Bicycles that are designed for mountain trails can usually also be used for commuting, but the ones that are used for commuting are usually a little easier to ride.
However, this does not mean that you need to possess two separate bicycles.
If you can take the time to familiarize yourself with the technology of mountain bikes, you can use one for commuting as well as for mountain trails.
Will you be using your bicycle for racing competitions?
Bicycles that are designed for racing are a different animal than ones designed for hills or for city commuting.
This is probably one instance where you will need to own two separate bicycles because the bicycle you use for racing will not be suitable for commuting.
Will you be using your bicycle for BMX competitions?
Like with bicycles that are designed for racing, bicycles that are designed for BMX competitions are completely different from the ones you use for commuting or for climbing or descending hills.
Bicycles that are designed for BMX competitions are usually designed for BMX competitions and nothing else, so you will need to possess two different bicycles if you want one for BMX competitions and commuting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do bicycle disc brakes work?
A: The disc brakes of a bicycle work by utilizing pressure. Being utilized by hand brakes or by pedaling backwards, the disc gets activated and the bicycle will stop. There are some other components to the disc brake in a bicycle that also make them operate properly, such as breakline mechanics and other devices.
Q: Can bicycle handlebars be raised?
A: Some handlebars of a bicycle can be raised, but this not only differs from bicycle to bicycle, but it also requires you to make some other adjustments to the parts of the bicycle around the handlebars. If you make a mistake in raising the handlebars on your bicycle, you will risk the overall’s performance as well as its other components.
Q: What bicycle size do I need?
A: Determining the size of your bicycle relies completely on your height. Most bicycles have sizing charts that compare your height to the size of the tires on the bicycle. Some bicycles are highly adjustable and allow for multiple heights, but the best thing you should do is match up your height to the diameters of the tires. This will ensure comfort and you’ll get the most out of your bicycle this way.
Q: Why do bicycle tires lose air?
A: The tires on your bicycle are just like the tires on your car. The more wear and tear they encounter, the more likely that they will lose air. This is especially true if you are riding your bicycle on mountains and terrains other than pavement. Tiny rocks, pebbles, dirt, and other hazards on dirt roads can cut your tires up and cause them to lose air.
Q: When should I replace my bike chain?
A: The chain of your bicycle is the one thing that holds everything together. You need to know when it needs to be replaced. One of the biggest indicators of a bike chain that needs to be replaced is if it comes loose after riding. This is caused by wear and tear and it is usually ignored because there is no real way to feel the chain being loose.
Conclusion
Whether you want one for commuting or for riding in the mountains and other nature trails, a bicycle is a very good investment.
Something that you should do when selecting a bicycle is to look for ones that you can use for commuting as well as in nature, if such a thing is necessary.
When it comes to owning a bicycle for competitions, you need to understand that bicycles for competitions are usually designed for competitions only.
Knowing the difference between which bicycle is suited for which situation will lead you towards settling on the right one for you.