Comparison Leon TN 90 DD 2018 vs Leon HD 80 2017

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.

Nowadays, there are many types of bicycles. So, city bikes are provided for asphalt (including fixed-gear bikes and cruisers, touring and commuter bikes models can also be included here (universal version combining urban comfort and mountain passability)). Road bikes are also suitable for hard surfaces (with separate subspecies cyclocross, gravel and triathlon bikes). For rough terrain, it is better to pay attention to mountain MTB bikes (there are different types: cross-country, downhill / freeride / enduro, trail, street / dirt). A separate niche is occupied by electric bicycles, BMX and fat bikes.

— Electric bicycles. Bicycles equipped with electric motors and batteries. The method of using such equipment can be different: in some models it only helps the cyclist, reducing the effort on the pedals, in others it allows you to ride without pedalling at all, like on an electric moped (for more details, see "Operating modes"). In terms...of purpose, most of these machines are closest to city bikes, but there are exceptions - in particular, some models combine the capabilities of an electric bike and a fat bike. Electric drive provides additional convenience and reduces the cost of effort when driving; moreover, even a dead battery is not terrible for such a bike - you can continue to move in the usual way, on the pedals. On the other hand, electric bikes are much heavier than classic ones, and they are noticeably more expensive.

- Mountain (MTB). Abbreviation for MountTain Bike. In this case, two types of bicycles are included. The first is the classic “miners”, designed mainly for driving over rough terrain without specific loads typical for specialized varieties (see below). Such bicycles are built on a thick, durable frame, equipped with wide wheels, and tyres with deep treads. Many mountain models are quite suitable for driving on a flat road; of course, here they lose to road models (see below), but if you often have to drive both on the highway and off the asphalt, it is better to choose the MTB. The second variety is models that are close in characteristics to specialized ones (see below), but for one reason or another do not fit into a certain class - for example, due to heavy weight (cross-country), poor adaptability to high jumps (dirt ) and so on.

- Cross country. A type of mountain bike designed for cross-country racing. Some sections of cross-country trails are somewhat simpler than similar elements in competitions such as downhill or trials (see below), but the trails themselves are very diverse. Therefore, a bicycle of this type must combine speed, manoeuvrability, “tenacity” to the ground, and convenience on ups and downs. In practice, this is achieved by using lightweight materials for frames (aluminium, titanium, carbon, see "Frame material"), tyres with deep tread, hardtail or full suspension suspension with lockout functions (see "Suspension", "Rear suspension lockout"). ") and so on.

Downhill/freeride/enduro. A specialized type of mountain bike designed for downhill skiing. Types of such descents differ in the type of surface: downhill uses pre-prepared tracks, while more extreme freeride is carried out on complete off-road, and enduro - on the most difficult sections. However, for all varieties of bicycles, the characteristic features are common: these are wide wheels and heavyweight. The latter is due to the reinforced design: during descents, the weight does not play a decisive role, but the loads on the machine are very high, which requires increased strength and maximum reliability of all components. There is usually only one gear selector - only on the cassette (rear), respectively, there are few speeds. But the suspension on both wheels (see "Amortization") is almost mandatory.

- Trail. The trail is a specific way of riding that combines overcoming obstacles over rough terrain, conquering and descending medium peaks, road over stones and free riding on a flat road. Trail bikes have strong and heavy frames, reinforced wheels and tyres. Most of them are full-suspension with a large range of shock absorber travel (about 130 - 150 mm).

- Street / Dirt. A type of mountain bike designed for stunt riding and in some places approaching BMX. They can be designed for different styles: street acrobatics using urban elements like curbs and stairs; dirt - jumping from earthen springboards with performing tricks in the air. However, all such bicycles are characterized by common features: a small frame, one speed, as well as a minimum of depreciation or its complete absence.

- City. This class of bicycles is designed for city driving. This implies the usual movement on roads with a smooth surface, without any "extreme". City bikes are often equipped with accessories designed to increase ride comfort and enhance the bike's capabilities, such as spring saddles, racks/panniers, full-size fenders, chain guards, and so on. (see "Complete set"). For long trips and difficult conditions, city bikes are poorly suited, and therefore they can be recommended to adherents of a calm style of riding along city arteries and for pleasure riding along park paths.

— Fix. Single-speed fixed bikes were originally created as sports equipment for riding on cycle tracks. But in some subcultures of riders, they are used for the urban rhythm of travel. A distinctive feature of the nature of fixes is that the pedals of the bicycle always spin as long as the rear wheel rotates.

— Cruiser. Models with a characteristic elongated frame geometry, vertical seating, a soft comfortable saddle and a wide handlebar moved forward. When designing cruisers, they were inspired by the design of retro motorcycles. They are positioned as successful walking solutions.

— Commuter. Bicycles of this type are a cross between mountain bikes (MTB) and city bikes. On the one hand, fitness bikes provide a “sporty”, inclined landing and a large number of gears, on the other hand, there is no depreciation in the design, and additional “chips” can be provided, such as a trunk or baskets on the steering wheel, and the wheels are large (usually 28 "). This allows you to accelerate to fairly high speeds, while the bikes perfectly adapt to uneven roads and increased loads."Road" can be used to move around the city, if speed is important in such trips and the classic city bike is too slow for this, to recover and keep fit, etc.

- Touring. Bicycles designed for long-distance travel on different types of roads - both on a hard surface and on primers or rough terrain. Outwardly, they are most similar to road, gravel and cyclocross bikes, but in fact they combine the properties of mountain, road and city models. So, most tourist bikes have a more massive and durable frame than "road bikes", which allows you to more or less successfully move off paved roads. The steering wheel can be either straight or road (see "Steering wheel shape"). In addition, many models are equipped with front racks (see "Complete set") or at least mounts for them; also, the design often provides wings, a footboard and other additional equipment that provides additional comfort on long-distance bike trips.

- Road. A specialized class of bicycles designed to move on smooth roads over long distances. Road models feature a “recumbent” rider position (more forward lean) for better aerodynamics, are equipped with narrow wheels and handlebars with a characteristic curved design (see "Steering wheel model"), and do not have any shock absorbers (see "Suspension"). Thanks to all this, high speed of movement with minimal resistance is ensured - on good road surfaces, road bikes are better than any other models for long trips (suffice it to say that this type of bicycle is used in large-scale cycling races like the Tour de France). At the same time, all the advantages appear only on smooth, dry roads.

— Gravel. Bicycles that combine the features of road and mountain machines; in fact - devices designed to comfortably ride both on and off-road. The key point in this case is comfort: the “gravel road” loses to the “road” in speed, and the MTB in cross-country ability, but it is more versatile and comfortable on different types of surfaces. Note that specific criteria for gravel bikes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, common features can be identified in all such models: this is a combination of a “road” steering wheel with a relatively high landing, rather thick soft tyres and disc brakes. We also note that at first glance, the “gravel roads” are similar to the cyclocross described below, but this impression is deceptive: the cyclocross is primarily a sports apparatus.

— Cyclocross. In the most general terms, this variety can be described as a modified version of road bikes (see above) with increased cross-country ability, suitable for off-road travel - grass, sand, gravel, etc. Being outwardly very similar to traditional "road bikes", cyclocrosses in at the same time, they differ from them in wider and thicker wheels and a smaller inclination of the rider when landing. In addition, cyclocross as a sport discipline provides that riders have to overcome part of the distance on foot, with a bicycle on their shoulder. In light of this, specialized bicycles for such races are also made based on the convenience of carrying on the shoulder (wide frame, traction cables hidden inside the frame). And from gravel models (see above), cyclocrosses differ primarily in that they are designed not so much for comfort as for speed and maneuverability.

For triathlon. A specialized type of road bike with a less “recumbent” rider posture and a more pronounced aerodynamic fit that allows you to maintain high speed with minimal effort. A huge bonus to aerodynamics is also given by high profile wheel rims. The weight of such bicycles is small (about 8-10 kg), they are also equipped with hydrators so that the rider can drink without changing the seat. A triathlon bike is an effective weapon to achieve your sporting goals. For everyday trips, such bikes are not customary to use at all.

— BMX. Bicycles designed to ride in the style of BMX (Bicycle Moto Cross - bicycle motocross). There are several varieties of BMX, but all of them are characterized by high loads on the structure and the performance of acrobatic stunts, which are practically inaccessible to other types of bicycles. Accordingly, BMX models have a low and very strong frame, wide wheels of small diameter (for good grip and powerful torque) and, most often, one gear (for ease of control and reliability). They can also be equipped with additional devices - for example, an axle of the front wheel extended in both directions, which the athlete uses as a step when performing tricks. Note that for normal driving on roads, BMXs are poorly suited, their purpose is acrobatics.

- Fatbike. Powerful mountain bikes designed specifically to overcome difficult obstacles such as loose snow, sand or impassable mud. First of all, they are distinguished by extremely wide tyres (see "Tyre width") and low tyre pressure, which improves grip. When riding on loose surfaces, the wheels of the bike do not fall through, and the lower pressure allows you not to get stuck in the ground.

The maximum load allowed for a bicycle is, in other words, the maximum weight that it can normally carry in normal use. Of course, when calculating the load, the weight of both the cyclist himself and the additional load that he carries with him is taken into account.

The permissible load must definitely not be exceeded: even if the bike does not break down immediately, off-design loads can weaken the structure, and an accident can occur at any time. Also note that it is desirable to have a certain weight margin — at least 15 – 20 kg: this can be useful in case of transporting heavy loads and will give an additional guarantee in emergency situations (for example, when a wheel gets into a pit). Considering that the average weight of an adult is about 70 – 80 kg, bicycles with a permissible load of up to 100 kg can be classified as "lightweights", from 100 to 120 kg — to the middle category, more than 120 kg — to "heavy trucks".

Front fork suspension type (if available, see "Suspension"). All shock absorption systems in bicycles work in two directions: vibration damping (damping) and impact energy absorption (cushioning). Accordingly, they have two main components: a damper and a shock absorber. Depending on the design features of these elements, the following types of depreciation are distinguished:

— Spring-elastomer. In this case, the role of a shock absorber is played by an elastic spring, and the role of a damper is played by a rod made of an elastic, well-compressible material, the so-called elastomer. This type appeared as a development of conventional spring damping systems, it is more durable, but poorly suited for low temperatures — the elasticity of the elastomer in such conditions decreases, which negatively affects the characteristics of the system.

— Spring-oil. Systems using a spring as a shock absorber and an oil cartridge as a damper. This design is somewhat more resistant to low temperatures than spring-elastomer, and in general has quite good characteristics, due to which it is quite widely used in various types of bicycles. The main disadvantage is the higher (on average) cost.

— Air-oil. Combined systems consisting of an air cylinder that acts as a shock absorber and an oil cartridge that acts as a damper. They appeared as a development of “pur...e” air systems, which had a serious drawback: even with high-quality maintenance, the seals wore out rather quickly, which could disable the shock absorber. Air-oil systems are more durable and easier to maintain, while being quite efficient and weighing little. The latter is especially valuable for cross-country (see "Purpose"), where it is required to combine depreciation with a low weight of the machine.

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.

Possibility to disable the shock-absorbing system of the front fork (if available, see "Suspension"). Although shock absorption dampens shock, providing ride comfort, it also has a rather serious drawback — it reduces the efficiency of transferring energy from the pedals to the wheel. By disabling damping, you can significantly increase efficiency in conditions where vibration dampening is less important than good pedaling efficiency — for example, when driving on a flat road, or when driving uphill.

The nominal diameter of the bicycle wheels. Usually, this paragraph actually indicates the size of the bicycle tyres supplied in the kit, more precisely, the outer diameter of the tyres.

Wheel diameter is traditionally indicated in inches. For bicycles of different purposes and age groups (see paragraphs above), there are certain size standards. So, adult mountain models are equipped mainly with 26 " wheels, "road" and urban ones — with a slightly larger diameter (mostly 28 "), and BMX for the most part — much smaller; children's and teens' bikes have smaller wheels than similar adults' bikes.

Other things being equal, larger tyres hold speed better and work out small bumps on the road; and relatively small wheels are more “sticky”, they provide more torque and better traction. This is the reason for the above-described difference in wheel sizes between bicycles for different purposes. Such nuances will be useful if you choose a car from several models with similar characteristics, but different wheel diameters. Here it is worth considering the features of the planned application. For example, for urban and "road" driving — on a hard surface without any special irregularities and elevation changes — it is better to choose larger wheels, and for dirt roads with ups and downs — smaller ones.

Also note that tyres are replaceable, and many bikes allow the installation of tyres of...a “non-native” size — for example, 29 "on a model with 28-inch wheels. It is also worth considering that wheels (tyres) of the same size may differ in inner (landing) diameter These nuances are described in detail in special sources.

Tyre model supplied with the bike as standard. Different tyres have different purposes and characteristics; knowing the tyre model, you can clarify these points and check how they correspond to your wishes. This is especially important when choosing a machine for serious cycling.

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.