Looking for a new bike? Check out our list of the twelve best bicycle brands featuring top-rated companies like Trek, Giant, Specialized, and more. Learn about each brand's history and unique features. We’ll also tell you why they stand out in the cycling world.
Cycling is one of the greatest ways to explore the outdoors while also staying active and healthy. And when it comes to buying a bicycle, the brand you choose can make all the difference in terms of quality and performance.
However, with so many different brands available, you may find yourself wondering which bicycle brand is the best. But don't worry. We are here to help you out. In this article, we will discuss the 12 best bicycle brands available in the market today.
Table Of Contents
1. Trek Bikes
Trek Bikes is a leading American bicycle brand. Founded in 1975, Trek has become a household name among cyclists offering a variety of bikes, including:
- Road bikes
- Mountain bikes
- Electric bikes
- City bikes
- Kids Bikes
Trek is known for its use of carbon fiber in its frames. In 1989, Trek released its first-ever carbon fiber frame bike, the Trek 5000. Even though the 5000 was discontinued after one year of production, Trek continued to push the boundaries of carbon fiber technology. Today, many of Trek's high-end road and mountain bikes feature carbon fiber frames.
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2. Giant Bikes
Giant Bikes is a Taiwanese bicycle brand founded in 1972. Over the years, Giant has established itself as one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world. The company offers a wide range of bikes, including:
- Electric bikes
- Kids bikes
- Road bikes
- Mountain bikes
- Fitness bikes
Giant is known for its innovative technology, with a focus on creating lightweight and durable frames using materials such as:
- Carbon fiber
- Aluminum
As of 2014, Giant had sold at least 6.6 million bikes in over 50 counties.
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3. Cannondale Bikes
Founded in 1971, Cannondale has developed a reputation for producing high-performance bikes that are designed to meet the needs of riders at every level. Cannondale offers a variety of bikes, including:
- Kids bikes
- Gravel bikes
- Mountain bikes
- Active bikes
Cannondale mountain bikes are designed to handle rough terrains and technical trails, with sturdy frames and high-performance suspension systems. The company released its first mountain bike, SM-500, in 1984. Since then, Cannondale has continued to produce high-quality mountain bikes trusted by riders worldwide.
Cannondale was among the first brands to incorporate aluminum and carbon fiber frames into their bikes.
4. Specialized Bikes
Specialized Bikes has been revolutionizing the cycling industry for nearly 50 years. The company started out as a small importer of Italian bike parts in 1974. In 1976, Specialized started to produce their own bike parts, and in 1981, they released their first two bikes, the Sequoia and the Alez. Currently, Specialized offers a wide range of bikes, such as:
- Mountain bikes
- Road Bikes
- Gravel bikes
- Tourist bikes
- City bikes
Specialized bikes are designed with cutting-edge technology and premium materials. These bikes are some of the most sought-after bikes today. In fact, the London Ambulance Service has even partnered with Specialized to provide their Cycle Response Unit with custom-built bikes which operate in crowded areas of the city.
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5. Marin Bikes
Marin Bikes is a California-based company that was founded in 1986. The company offers a wide range of bikes that caters to different riding styles and skill levels. Marine Bikes has 68 different bike models, which are named after some locations in Marin County.
Marine Bikes is known for its popular mountain bikes. These bikes are built to handle challenging terrain and offer cyclers the ability to conquer even the most technical trails.
Apart from the mountain bikes, other bikes produced by Marin Bikes include:
- Hybrid bikes
- Kid bikes
- Fitness bikes
- City bikes
6. Santa Cruz Bikes
Santa Cruz Bikes was founded in 1993 by a professional skateboarder, Rob Roskopp. The company's focus on creating high-end mountain bikes has earned it a distinction as one of the most innovative and respected brands in the industry. Santa Cruz Bikes offers various mountain bikes, including:
- Nomad
- V10
- Bronson
- Highball
Santa Cruz mountain bikes use high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to create frames that are both lightweight and strong.
7. Raleigh Bikes
Raleigh is a UK-based bicycle brand that has been around since 1885. By 1913, Raleigh was the largest bicycle manufacturing company worldwide. One of its most iconic bikes is the Raleigh Chopper. The Raleigh Chopper was introduced in the late 1960s. It was an instant hit with kids and teenagers.
The Raleigh Chopper featured a three-speed Sturmey Archer hub, which made shifting gears easy and smooth. Raleigh stopped producing the Chopper in 1982 as the market for the bike began to decline.
Of course, Raleigh offers more than just the Chopper. The company produces a wide range of bikes for both children and adults, including:
- Play bikes
- Race bikes
- Mountain bikes
- Hybrid bikes
8. GT Bikes
GT Bikes has been around for over four decades. The company was founded in 1972 in Santa Ana, California. Since its inception, GT Bikes has established itself as a leading manufacturer of high-performance bicycles. The company produces:
- BMX
- Mountain bikes
- Road bikes
GT bikes are known for their durability and versatility, making them a popular choice for casual and professional riders. In addition to its line of traditional bikes, GT Bikes produces a range of electric bikes, including Mountain Full Suspension and Gravel.
9. Canyon Bikes
Founded in 2002, Canyon is known for producing high-quality and innovative bikes. The German-based company offers a wide range of bikes, including:
- Road bikes
- Mountain bikes
- Urban bikes
- Electric bikes
Canyon has also made a name for itself in the professional cycling world, sponsoring top-level teams and riders in both road and mountain biking.
Canyon delivers its bikes directly to their customers, cutting out middlemen and thus offering the bikes at a more affordable price. When you purchase a bike from Canyon, you also get a 30-day home trial.
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10. Orbea Bikes
Orbea Bikes is Spain's largest bicycle manufacturer. The company was founded by three brothers, Juan Manuel, Mateo, and Casimiro Orbea, in 1840. Before Orbea started manufacturing bicycles, it was producing guns and rifles. Today, Orbea offers numerous bikes, including:
- Road bikes
- Mountain bikes
- Urban bikes
- Triathlon bikes
Orbea also offers customization options. This allows customers to build their own personalized bikes by choosing their preferred colors and accessories.
11. Schwinn Bikes
Schwinn Bikes has been around since 1895. It was founded by a German immigrant, Ignaz Schwinn, in Chicago. Schwinn is known for its innovative designs and quality craftsmanship and has produced many iconic bikes over the years.
One of Schwinns most famous models is the Sting-Ray. The bike, which was released in 1963, was designed for kids and teenagers. It featured a banana seat, high-rise handlebars, and a sleek, low-slung frame.
Today, Schwinn continues to produce a wide range of bikes, including:
- Mountain bikes
- Road bikes
- Cruisers
- Hybrids
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12. Diamondback Bikes
Diamondback Bikes is a popular American bicycle brand that was founded in 1977. The company initially started with BMX bikes but later expanded its product line to include road, mountain, and hybrid bikes.
One of the notable features of Diamondback Bikes is its use of high-quality materials such as aluminum alloy and carbon fiber. This not only ensures its longevity but also makes the bikes lightweight and easy to handle.
Summing Up
The above list contains top bicycle brands that have dominated the cycling industry for decades. These bicycle brands have earned their place in the spotlight through their innovative designs, high-quality materials, and dedication to producing bikes that offer smooth, comfortable rides. No matter the type of cycling you enjoy, one of these brands will surely meet your needs and exceeds your expectations.