Introduced in Europe in the 19th century, bicycles are still the primary means of transportation in many regions around the world and are widely used as a form of recreation, commuting, and even utility. Cycling is a fun and relaxing sport that is gaining more and more followers every year. In addition, cycling is simple, healthy and uses no resources other than your own strength.
For those of you who praise cars and airplanes, consider the fact that many parts that later played a key role in the development of automobiles and airplanes were first made for bicycles. So yes, the invention of the bicycle had a major impact on the development of society and technology. In addition, by 2003, the number of bicycles worldwide exceeded 1 billion, which means that there are twice the number of cars.
From the sea to the summit, bikes come in many models depending on their intended use. Whatever your cycling dream is, there are plenty of options.
These are the top 10 bike brands in the world right now:
10. Merida
Taiwanese bicycle company Merida is one of the global players in the industry with a long history of producing beautiful and high quality bicycles. Founded in 1972 by Ike Tseng, Merida established itself as an independent bicycle brand in 1988.
The name comes from a rough translation of the three syllables "Me-Ri-Da", representing the company's intention to produce only good-looking, high-quality bikes that can get anyone to their destination as comfortably as possible.
9. Trek
Another big name in the industry is Trek, a cycling company with a rich heritage based in Waterloo, Wisconsin. We're sure you've seen their bikes everywhere.
Trek Bicycle was born from a dream to make great bikes in the United States in the 70's. The name was chosen after a deep debate over a few beers that brought to mind images of freedom and adventure. The company was born in a barn in 1976 and has been making high-performance bikes that contribute to a better world ever since. A better world on two wheels.
Today, Trek Bicycle Corporation consists of several brands such as Electra Bicycle Company, LeMond Racing Cycles, Diamant Bikes and several others, and by 2013 had sales of $900 million.
8. Specialized
With a passion fueled by the love of bikes, Specialized has established itself as a company driven by performance and innovation, focusing on the rider and their needs. Their mission is to be the brand of choice for demanding riders.
Even the use of the term rider in their mission statement – if you ride, we're for you – tells a story of high performance, quality and technical skill.
It was they who in 1981 introduced the world's first mass-produced mountain bike, the Stumpjumper. It's still in production today, but has evolved significantly in terms of technology and aesthetics, and you can now find it in both full-suspension and hardtail models.
No need to worry, unless you're the MTB rider who spends more nights on the bike than with your girlfriend or boyfriend. They make bikes for a wide range of people.
7. Cannondale
Cannondale is a US-based bicycle brand that was founded in 1970 as an outdoor equipment company and takes its name from the train station across the road. Even though it's not related to motorcycles, we have to admit that their chosen name is just cool.
The company first came into the limelight when it designed its flagship bicycle product, the legendary Bugger, which was the world's first towed bicycle trailer.
Since then, Cannondale has focused on innovations that have revolutionized the entire industry. Add to that the passion and care they put into the products and their clients and the result is one big successful cycling company. And one of the most innovative in history.
6. Kona
Another legendary name in the cycling industry is Kona. The company was founded in 1988 in Vancouver BC and still has the same founding owners. Kona bikes are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide and are made from materials including carbon fiber, titanium, aluminum and steel.
Vancouver's mountains led the company to create a line of freeride mountain bikes that became known for their durability and ability to handle very technical terrain. But they offer much more than that. They offer bikes for everyone with a wide selection of road, commuter, cyclocross and mountain bikes.
5. Scott
Scott was born in 1958 in Sun Valley, Idaho with the invention of aluminum ski poles that revolutionized the sport of skiing. The inventor and man behind the company is Ed Scott, a talented engineer and ski racer from Sun Valley.
In 1970 the company expanded into the motocross market and 8 years later they settled in Fribourg, Switzerland, expanded their operations into Europe and changed their name from Scott USA to Scott Sports. They are known for some of the most significant innovations in cycling history, such as aerodynamic handlebars.
After introducing their first full suspension mountain bike in 1992, in 1998 they created the G-Zero, the world's lightest full suspension mountain bike, which became a milestone in the industry.
Today they have a wide range of bicycles for a wide range of customers.
4. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a bicycle company based in Santa Cruz, California, founded in 1993 in the place where all good ideas come from, a car garage. It makes bikes for families, children and the elderly.
No. No, they do not have.
The guys at Santa Cruz focus on the wild side of downhill mountain biking. They make high-end mountain bikes that sometimes cost more than a car. But if you're willing to pay that much for a bike, then you sure are one hell of a rider.
Santa Cruz isn't for everyone, and they intend to keep it that way. They sell themselves on pursuing a vision of passion and determination harder, smarter and sometimes weirder than everyone else in the industry.
They don't just make bikes, they make almost perfect high performance downhill machines. And their bikes are available for a select wallet with prices ranging from $1,500 to $10,000.
3. Marine
Far from the hustle and bustle of city life, from the dream of riding the most amazing trails and bike courses Marin County has to offer, Marin Bikes California was born in 1986 and founded on a bike culture and innovation like no other.
The company, number 3 on our list, is an American bicycle manufacturer that specializes in mountain bikes, but also appeals to all other types of cyclists with various categories of bicycles located in the mid-to-high end of the market.
The company's culture and motto is that they live what they preach and ride what they build, striving to provide a unique experience with every bike they make. Their experience and knowledge is born outdoors, on the trails and roads, ensuring that they learn, improve and evolve in a constant effort to build the perfect bikes.
2. GT
Founded in 1979 in Santa Ana, California, GT Bicycles has made a name for itself from the very beginning by developing BMX bikes and their "Triple Triangle" hardtail frame. They retain this design to this day.
The company's vision is to push the boundaries of what's possible on two wheels, with a focus on creating reliable, durable and innovative frames. After huge success with their BMX models, GT started creating their own mountain bikes and soon expanded to other types of bikes.
Today, they continue to innovate and embrace new technologies and are among the first to introduce 29 to the industry.
1. Giant
The name says it all. Based in Taiwan, Giant is considered the world's largest bicycle manufacturer, with more than 6.6 million bicycles produced and more than $1.8 billion in sales in 2014.
Founded in 1972, the company has one simple global goal: to make cycling a better and more accessible experience for people around the world. To achieve this, they focus on craftsmanship, innovation and inspiration.
Over the past decades, Giant has grown...well...giant, thanks to its ability to produce high-quality bikes at an affordable price. They have bikes for all kinds of people, from your casual cyclist on a sunny Sunday to racing downhill riders or road champions.
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