Cycling is not just good for the health – it can save thousands for anyone who takes up cycling as a mode of transport. It is a misconception that India doesn’t have a cycling community. Indians all over the country are slowly but surely considering cycling, resulting in a surge for cycles for adults.
Earlier, cycling was restricted to the rural areas or the ultra-urban areas with cycling tracks in place. But now, with the changing mindset, the rising prices of diesel and petrol, and an overall shift in lifestyle has people looking out for cycles that they can use for commute, whether it’s work or just for some simple chores.
Broadly, there are two kinds of cycles available. One is the traditional, gearless ones that have been available in India for more than half a century. Then, there’s the geared cycle – which allows for automation and higher speed for the cyclist.
While these are the two broad types of cycles, there are some subcategories you should know about before deciding which one you should buy. For example, you have the city cycle, which, as the name suggests, is perfect for city travel. The tyres aren’t that broad, and they are better for the concrete roads. The other type of cycle is the mountain terrain bike, MTB for short. These cycles are perfect for harsh terrain. They have broader tyres and bodies that make them more resilient to the difficult conditions that these cycles will possibly experience.
Here’s a list of the top cycles for adults in India
Hero Octane Parkour
The Hero brand is one of the oldest cycle brands in India. The brand had stood the test of time and has evolved its inventory to match the customer’s requirements from time to time. Back in the seventies, Hero cycles were the typical bicycles that we saw on the streets. In the nineties, ATB and MTB bicycles became popular among users. Hero cycles launched sporty finish, straight handlebar bicycles. Today, Hero has gearless bicycles, and one of the offerings is the Hero Octane Parkour.
The price of the Hero Parkour is slightly higher than our budget, but you might get it at lesser prices during sales and at specific dealers. The design is minimal, and the colours are bold. The steel body and aluminium handlebar promise a great experience.
Hero Sprint City
The Hero Sprint City is another model from the House of Hero that provides excellent quality to its fans. This cycle is gearless and has a steel body and handle.
Another aspect to note about the cycle for adults is the vibrant colours that give them a distinctive look. You might need to check the different colours that the brands offer their products. Some cycle models offer neon colours, which come in handy if someone plans to cycle during the night.
Hercules Ace
Hercules is as old as the Hero brand in India, and the users like the quality and ease of use it offers. The Hercules Ace is now available for under 5000 and does a great job of driving through any terrain, whether it is the city street or mountainous terrain. It has a sporty look, especially a high hanging back mudguard that adds to the look.
Hero Spunky
If you are looking for something sporty and quicker, have a look at the Hero Spunky. The Spunky has a different look than the other products available in the market.
Atlas Ultimate
Along with Hero, Atlas has been in the market for a long time. Atlas had limited products in the 90s. It made a comeback in the market in the 2000s. You can now buy the Atlas Ultimate, a single-speed cycle and a steel frame.
Hero Black Pearl
If you are ready to fork out a little more for the looks, take a look at the Hero Black Pearl. Black Pearl has a distinct look and stands out among all the other cycles that have made their way to this list.
Hero Kyoto
Hero Kyoto is another excellent option when it comes to cycles for adults. The body and the handle are of steel. While looking for cycles, keep an eye on the handlebar material. While some are of steel, others are of aluminium. You will find the steel handlebars to be a bit on the heavier side. When it comes to aluminium, the handle will be a bit lighter.
These are the cycles under 5000 available in India, which are without gears. You will find several other brands at different prices, depending on which place you are buying from and whether you are buying them online or offline. But there are very few geared bikes under 5000 available at the time of writing this article. Here’s that shortlist:
Hero Flake 20T
Hero Flake is the only bike that’s geared and available under 5000. It has a different design and looks very different from all the others on this list. While the design is unique, it might not be the one that several have in mind for cycles for adults. The Hero Flake has six speeds and of steel.
Hero Ranger 6 Speed
The other cycle for adults that’s available under 5000. The Hero Ranger 6 speed cycle is unique, and the best value for money under the 5000 range. For some reason, the company offers this model only the black and green model.
Hercules Brut
Remember the iconic Ladybird? Well, there’s a cycle for adults that is geared more towards women – the Hercules Brut. The lower suspension makes it easier for women to ride this single gear cycle. Also, the weight is just about 11 kgs, making it easier for women to handle it.
These are all the cycles for adults that are available under 5000 in India. Cycling is creating a buzz. Many people are now taking it up not just as a hobby but as exercise. Of course, cycling is one of the few activities that give you complete exercise even if you do it for an hour or so in the day.
Most of the cycles in this list are about 25 kilograms, and using them might take some doing in the initial stages. The best aspect of cycling is that it is not a lonely hobby. All around your city and anywhere in the country, several cycling clubs are active all through the week. In fact, during the weekends, they also hold special programs that introduce enthusiastic cyclists to each other.
In these cities, you will see cyclists cycle on the streets at all times of the day and night. If you want to try out using a cycle, several businesses offer cycles on rent daily or even every week. You can always sign up with them. Also, cycling clubs are active in several national parks. You will find some representatives at these parks who will guide you on how to join them.
Cycle Accessories
If you are planning to buy a cycle for adults, you will need to buy accessories as well. Make sure that you invest in a good quality cycle helmet. You might also need to invest in an air pump, as going to the pump every time you have less tire pressure might become tiresome. Almost every cycle in this list is delivered in an 85 per cent assembled state. So, you will need to either assemble it at home – for which the tools are available – or you might need to go ta a local cycle shop and pay a nominal amount to assemble the cycle., You will get a lock, reflectors and mudguards in the packing, so you are all set to begin your cycling journey from day one.
To Sum Up
These cycles are mountain and all terrain bikes, so you can cycle in the city as well as take them for forest trails. As previously said, several national parks and reserves that are the perfect spots for cycling as a hobby and as an exercise.
Also, this is just a beginner’s list of cycles. Once you have perfected the art of cycling, you can always look at buying the more expensive ones, like the ones that are available for more than 10000 rupees. If you ever plan to sell the cycle and upgrade, you will always find someone or the other who’s looking for a cheaper starter cycles for adults – just like you were.
We hope you liked this article. If you’d like to know about more lifestyle products, we also have articles that give you information about the best mixer grinders in India.
