A downhill rider on a trek bicycle.
Today, those in the market for bicycles are bombarded by a variety of brands and styles from which to choose. Many bicycle manufacturers have not gained market shares internationally; some bicycle manufacturers prefer to create top-quality bicycles on a smaller, more local scale. Three of the top bicycle manufacturers of today, both in sales volume and quality, are Schwinn, Trek and Bianchi.
Schwinn
Schwinn is the classic American bicycle company. Schwinn does not produce a wide range of products, but the bikes that they do produce are well suited for their intended use. They produce a mountain bike, a road bike, an urban bike and even a bike that is a hybrid of all three. What they are best known for, however, is their cruiser model. The cruiser has a soft seat with springs to make the ride gentler. The bike's fat tires allow it to be ridden nearly anywhere, from smooth bike trails to soft sandy beaches.
Schwinn was founded in 1895 as Arnold, Schwinn & Company. Since then, the company has expanded not only its line of bikes, but also stationary bicycle fitness products.
Trek
Trek is one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world, although it was started relatively recently, in 1976. Since its founding, Trek Bicycles has operated under the mission statement: build the best bikes in the world.
The product lines include road bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes and cruisers. Trek's road bikes are of such high quality that top riders such as Lance Armstrong use them. The mountain bikes continue to set the standard in the industry. The Gary Fisher collection is designed to incorporate the top technology and materials into a bicycle. Electric bicycles work to help ease the strain of uphill travel and make urban transportation easier.
Bianchi
Bianchi is the oldest continually operated bike manufacturer in the world. The company has been in business for over 125 years, and, at some point in time, famous riders have won nearly every major race there is to be won in the saddle of a Bianchi.
Bianchi focuses on road bikes. Sales are driven through technological innovation, top-quality designs based on the classic Italian styling, quality and durability. Typical to the Italian culture, the bike is not only a tool for transportation, but its price and appearances make it a statement of social standing and style. Bianchi is part of the Cycleurope A.B. group, arguably the most significant cycling industry conglomerate in the world.
Tags: bicycle manufacturers, road bikes, Bianchi Bianchi, mountain bikes