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These are the six bikes from the test
Everyday mobility
Mobility is essential and unfortunately not free. And the cost of tickets, petrol and inner-city parking spaces continues to rise. However, our increasingly urbanised everyday lives are no longer conceivable without constant mobility: Due to rising rents and purchase prices, our homes are increasingly located on the outskirts of cities. The workplace - even if it is no longer travelled to every day of the week - is usually in the middle of the city or even on the other side of it. Children with their daycare centres and schools, guitar lessons, football training and riding lessons are also almost exclusively on the move. Shopping often no longer takes place in the neighbourhood within walking distance, but in huge supermarkets and shopping centres, often quickly on the way home.
The bicycle as a cheap means of transport?
Driving a car, which was once so pleasant and practical, is increasingly being thwarted by traffic jams and no-driving zones; on top of this comes the guilty conscience of being an ecological ignoramus. But with inflation rates of up to ten per cent, more and more people can no longer afford to waste money. A resource-conserving, thrifty lifestyle is currently very popular both practically and ethically. And this brings us logically to the bicycle: what could be better for the environment and your wallet than travelling by muscle-powered two-wheeler instead of using energy-guzzling transport vehicles such as cars, trains or buses that weigh several tonnes? Cycling whenever possible may currently be one of the most sustainable options. We have tested six affordable bikes.
Cycling saves money
When many people have less and less money at their disposal because prices are constantly rising, this has far-reaching consequences. Entire sectors of the economy are currently suffering from customers' reluctance to spend, and the business pages of the daily newspapers are whispering about the decline of individual industries. The bicycle industry, on the other hand, seems comparatively stable: the great wave of demand may have ebbed, but the supply situation has improved again after the confusion of the pandemic years. New 2023 models are rolling into the shops these weeks. Anyone thinking about buying a new bike should start looking around now.
For everyday journeys, i.e. short and medium distances on predominantly asphalted roads and paved paths with low to medium intensity of use, the requirements are straightforward: a reasonably robust, stable frame with a relaxed riding position, gears with an appropriate gear ratio and range, functional brakes, reliable lighting, robust, versatile tyres, pannier rack, parking support, plus a pair of mudguards - and you have an everyday bike in the three-digit price range. If it wears out after a few years or is stolen, not much money is lost.
The amortisation of a 1000-euro bike over five years (with intensive use) amounts to 200 euros a year, i.e. 55 cents a day. There would also be repair and maintenance costs. However, these can be kept well in check through dedicated personal involvement in repairs, care and maintenance. Speaking of maintenance: in our experience, inexpensive bikes are not as different from high-quality bikes in terms of their function when new as they are in terms of their durability. Surfaces are more susceptible to corrosion, bearings are less well sealed, cables are less smooth-running ... Even cheap bikes have their price, and this is paid less in euros and more in terms of function and durability.
How low can the price be?
During our research, we noticed that many of the renowned bicycle manufacturers no longer offer affordable bikes under 1000 to 1500 euros. The trend towards far more expensive e-bikes has established new, higher price dimensions in the bicycle industry and among consumers. This provides manufacturers and bike shops with more generous income from individual sales. At lower prices, significantly more bikes would have to be sold. However, every consultation costs time, which is reflected in personnel costs, and even inexpensive bikes occupy expensive sales and storage space. Nevertheless, the market for affordable and entry-level bikes will continue to be served - only the suppliers and sales channels will change.
Where can I find cheap bikes?
The bicycle trade is undergoing a process of concentration towards larger units: Greenfield hypermarkets, which are setting up where space is at a premium, but increasingly also online retail and direct sales, which save on margins for wholesalers and retailers - these are the platforms on which cheap bikes are currently being sold. In most cases, the providers are full-range suppliers who offer all types of bikes in the widest possible variety and range, including accessories, spare parts and clothing. Online channels often don't offer personalised advice at all, or if they do, then in a stripped-down, digital form via online chat or FAQ pages. This reduces the amount of time and labour required and makes the sale of affordable bikes in large quantities interesting again.
Suppliers who can then access their own brands increase their profits. The optimum situation for manufacturers would be complete control over all stages, from product development to production and sales. Because then, in addition to the retail margin, the manufacturer's margin also falls into their own pot. The selection of our test candidates was not entirely trouble-free: relevant players such as FahrradXXL or Fahrrad.de were unable or unwilling to supply test bikes, while other brands were simply sold out.
Six affordable bikes in the test
In the end, three models from the direct suppliers Decathlon, Zweirad Stadler and Radon and from the three specialist brands Cube, Excelsior and Tern, which are sold via traditional, stationary bike retailers, ended up in the test cellar. The concepts are correspondingly different.
Sporting goods giant Decathlon relies on in-house development and production, mostly in Asia, for bicycles and all other products in its huge range. This results in extremely low prices, which are the key argument in the Decathlon concept. At only around 450 euros, the Elops LD500 is the entry-level model in the city bike series with a simple, compact aluminium frame and steel fork. Equipped with inexpensive, mostly unbranded components, the result is a usable bike for not overly intensive use at an exceptionally low price.
Zweirad Stadler, on the other hand, specialises in bicycles, accessories and clothing. The family-run chain store from Regensburg relies mainly on its network of specialist stores, mostly in metropolitan areas with a correspondingly large catchment area. The entire range is also available online. Stadler also designs the models in-house and realises them with renowned partners in the bicycle industry. The Dynamics Magic Eight was created in collaboration with ZEG in Cologne, whose suppliers build the frame. The Magic Eight costs less than 800 euros and combines exceptionally sophisticated quality components to create a solid, versatile and low-maintenance city and touring bike.
The six wheels in detail
Favourable wheels in specialist shops, wholesale stores or online
The Radon brand is the house brand of H&S Bike Discount in Bonn. MTBs, racing and trekking bikes are available there in the shop, but mainly online with direct home delivery. The bikes are always priced to suit. Radon has been focussing on reliable quality, high-quality frames and components at the best price for years.
The Radon Solution 7.0 doesn't look like an 800-euro bike at all: the frame, fork and equipment are more likely to compete with the next price category up. It is remarkable that all direct marketers have developed methods to ensure that their customers are not left out in the cold after the purchase: All three offer Workshop service in their branches or at associated specialist dealerswho assist the online shopper. However, when compared with the test candidates that sell exclusively via the established network of specialist retailers, it becomes clear that the traditional sales concept does not necessarily result in more expensive products.
The Cube Touring One at just under 750 euros, is the most affordable model in a series with a versatile concept, high-quality frame and somewhat slimmed-down but thoroughly usable components. Excelsior, the budget brand of bicycle wholesaler Hermann Hartje KG, deliberately works with inexpensive bicycles and e-bikes that appeal primarily to leisure and occasional cyclists with their retro look. For around 670 euros, the Excelsior Trekking exactly this.
The Tern Link B7 is a folding bike. With its tried-and-tested frame and simple features, it makes it easy to switch between different modes of transport. The 850-euro folder is the brand's most affordable model. It stands for a type of price-conscious transport that puts other means of transport on an equal footing with the bicycle: Travelling the last mile by folding bike is in many cases the less stressful and overall smartest way to get around in congested areas in an efficient and climate-friendly way. Yes, inexpensive bikes are an effective way of combating inflation in your wallet - of course only if you use your bike consistently.
Favourable wheels in the note overview
The sub-scores reflect the potential of a test wheel within the specific area. The overall score is the weighted sum of the sub-scores in absolute terms. It is therefore plausible that inexpensive bikes at a lower technical level cannot achieve top marks. However, the bikes in this test field are roughly on a par with a mid-range test field. This is a surprisingly good result considering the considerable price and technical differences. Differences in riding safety are mainly due to moderately functioning rim brakes, and in the drive system to very cheap components and their operating quality. Practical marks relate to weights, wheel removal, parking supports, pannier rack - and in terms of service, the conspicuously short warranty periods in this price segment have a negative impact.
Jochen Donner, test editor: "Even for those on a tight budget, the market offers an amazingly wide range of bikes with their own character and different specialisms. Finding the right one is an art."
Buy now
- Cube Touring One
- Dynamics Magic Eight SL
- Elops LD500 HF
- Excelsior Trekking
- Radon Solution 7.0
- Tern Link B7
Interview with Tom Linthaler from Zweirad Stadler
Has customer buying behaviour changed during the recent crisis?
Yes, since last autumn and over the winter, we have felt a reluctance to buy bikes. Especially in the affordable and mid-range price categories. The uncertainty surrounding energy costs and inflation, together with the proverbial gloomy winter mood, was certainly one of the main reasons for this. However, we also have the feeling that the basic mood of our customers is now becoming somewhat more confident again.
How does Stadler, as a direct marketer, go about designing a bicycle at a particularly favourable price?
As a major partner with long-standing relationships with many suppliers and producers, we already have a number of tools and levers at our disposal to keep prices at an acceptable level. Even if some cost factors in the supply chain cannot be ignored. Of course, this is only possible by working together. However, our credo is still to offer bikes with a very good price-performance ratio - even more than ever!
Where are the conflict points in the design if the manufacturer wants to keep costs and price low?
You definitely need to have several good suppliers for equivalent components in your portfolio. And then be fast and flexible. However, it is important that the technology works together perfectly and that no compromises are necessary in terms of durability and spare parts supply. If in doubt, one or two grams may fall victim to the red pencil, but the functionality and basic concept of a model must be retained.
What advice do you have for buyers who only have a little money to spend on a new bike?
Buy branded goods from a specialist dealer! Issues such as service, spare parts supply, durability and therefore sustainability are also important. That's why it's better to spend a few euros more, but opt for puncture-proof tyres, low-maintenance hub gears and perhaps hydraulic disc brakes. Particularly important: Be proactive by regularly and closely maintaining your bike - especially in the "dirty" winter. This really saves a lot of money and nerves.
