The brand continues to be a determining factor for many cyclists when buying a bicycle. Brands such as Specialized, Trek, Giant, Orbea and Scott dominate the global market, setting trends and ensuring user trust. However, there are other brands you may know, but are often underrated, that offer bicycles with excellent value for money and advanced technology. In this article, we explore eight brands that deserve more recognition.
The importance of the brand when choosing a bicycle
When a cyclist is looking for a new bicycle, the brand is one of the key factors influencing their purchasing decision. Nevertheless, focusing solely on the big brands can make other high-quality options go unnoticed. Brands such as Berria, BH, Cube, Guerciotti, Drag, Ghost, Focus and Merida offer a unique combination of performance, technology and affordability that make them an excellent alternative for cyclists of all levels.
Underrated brands with great value for money
Berria: customization and performance in every pedal stroke
Berria, founded in 2012 by the brothers Vitoria in Spain, has gained notoriety in recent years thanks to its focus on customization of road bikes, gravel and mountain. The Berria Bravo (hardtail) and the Berria Mako (full suspension) are benchmarks in cross country , while the Berria Belador stands out in the world of road cycling with a proprietary carbon frame design. In addition, the Berria Factory Team is living proof of the performance of these bikes in high-level competitions.
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BH: innovation and a century-long history
With more than a century of history, BH is one of the longest-standing brands in the cycling industry. Although it is well known in Spain, its global presence is more modest compared to giants of the sector. Its road bikes, such as the BH G7 Disc and the Ultralight, offer high-end performance, while its mountain bike line, led by the BH Lynx Race, has been very successful both in the conventional bike market and in the electric bike market.
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Cube: German versatility for all cyclists
Cube is a German brand that has established itself by offering quality bikes at competitive prices. Its catalog ranges from road bikes to mountain bikes and electric bikes. Models such as the Cube Reaction and the Cube Stereo are popular among mountain cyclists seeking reliable performance on any terrain. Cube has also gained ground in the world of electric bikes, with options like the Cube Hybrid.
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Guerciotti: Italian tradition in road and cyclocross bikes
Guerciotti, founded in 1964 in Italy, is a brand that has maintained its focus on road and gravel high performance. Models like the Guerciotti Cartesio and the Crux are an excellent choice for cyclists looking for a lightweight bike, with a distinctive Italian design and superior performance both on road routes and in cyclocross competitions.
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Drag: affordable bikes with a rugged design
Drag, a Bulgarian brand that has been gaining relevance, stands out for its focus on strength and durability. With a wide range of road, mountain, and gravel bikes, Drag offers affordable products without compromising quality. Models like the Drag Sterrato or the Drag Corsa CX for gravel are perfect for cyclists looking for performance off the tarmac, without breaking the bank.
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Ghost: technology and quality from Germany
Founded in the 1990s, Ghost has established itself as a solid brand in the European mountain bike market. Its flagship model, the Ghost Lector, is a highly competitive cross country hardtail. In addition, Ghost has strongly committed to electric bikes, with models such as the Ghost Hybride SL AMR for cyclists who want to explore mountain routes with assistance.
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Focus: high-tech bikes for road and mountain
Focus, another German brand, combines advanced technology and a robust design in all its bikes. Models such as the Focus Izalco Max for road and the Focus Jam or Focus Raven for mountain are highly valued by demanding cyclists who seek lightweight, efficient, and highly durable bikes. The brand has also ventured into the electric bicycle market, where its Focus Paralane² has been a success.
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Merida: Taiwanese excellence with a global focus
Merida is one of the most recognized Taiwanese brands in the cycling industry. Although it is mainly known for its relationship with the competition team Team Bahrain Victorious, the brand has maintained its focus on offering high-quality bikes at affordable prices. Models like the Merida Scultura for road and the Merida Big Nine for mountain have gained recognition for their lightness and strength.
Opportunities beyond conventional brands
All these brands offer bikes with outstanding performance, competitive in quality and technology, but without the massive marketing that characterizes the big brands. If you are looking to upgrade your bike, whether with a new bike or a refurbished second-hand bike, exploring these alternatives can provide you with excellent value for money and top-level performance.