How to Choose Folding Bike | Buyers Guide – 2022
Folding Bike is one of the most versatile bikes that you will find in the market. Even though this bike looks somewhat like a regular bicycle, its folding feature sets it apart from other bicycles. If you want to enjoy the benefits of this bike but don’t have a minimum idea of this amazing bicycle, this guide how to choose folding bike for you.
In this piece of writing, we have discussed every little detail you should know about this incredible bicycle so that you understand it better and make a buying decision accordingly.
So, without any further ado, let’s dive in.
How to Choose Folding Bike: Everything You Should Know
Why Buy a Folding Bicycle? How Practical Is a Folding Bicycle?
Everyone doesn’t have the luxury of space. And because of limited storage space, many riders can’t buy an excellent bicycle to ride on for regular cruising and commuting.
However, with a folding bike, you won’t have to face these issues. As this bicycle folds into a super compact size, you can store it anywhere you want, even under your bed, and enjoy daily riding sessions without sacrificing space.
Moreover, as this bicycle folds into a smaller size, you can also carry it inside your car or truck and travel with it without any difficulty.
Even though these bicycle is not your regular bicycle, it is very practical. This amazing bicycle provides you with all the benefits of a regular bicycle plus a folding feature.
Benefits of Folding Bicycle
There are numerous benefits offers to its users. Some of the most prominent advantages of this amazing bicycle are as follows:
Portability
The main reason riders prefer is because of its portability. As it can be folded into a super small size, you don’t need to affix it to the roof of your car or place it in a pickup truck while you travel.
Unlike the regular cycles, you can easily fit this incredible bicycle inside the trunk of your car or place it under the seat and carry it anywhere and everywhere you want.
Some high-end folding bicycles can be folded into such a small size that they can also be carried inside a bag or briefcase for additional convenience.
Compact/Saves Space
One of the most incredible benefits is its compact size. Even when it is not folded, this bike is much smaller than any regular bike and takes very little space in your garage or home.
And when it is folded, it gets even smaller and barely takes up any space- because of such a tiny size, you can even keep it under you’re your bed or sofa to save space effortlessly.
Practical/Theft Prevention
Bike theft is a common incident nowadays. It’s even more common when you live in an urban area. If you keep the bike parked in front of the store or in a parking lot, you have to go a great length to keep it safe and secure.
However, when you have a folding bike, you can fold it into a compact size and carry it with you when you go shopping or go to work. And as you can carry it in your hand, there are zero chances of any theft and stealing.
Durability
Even though it turns into a compact size, there is no scope for thinking that this bike is not durable. In fact, it is as durable and long-lasting as any other regular bike out there.
These types are made from the same frame material and use the same components for the operation purpose, so there is a minimal chance that one will offer more durability than the other.
Low Maintenance
The sound of a folding bike echoes “high maintenance”. But you must know that this type of bicycle is very low maintenance and requires minimal care. You just need to take good care of the chain, tires, and lights to keep the bike moving and feel super smooth when you ride on it.
Easy to Use
Another advantage that would blow your mind is that it is super easy to use and ride on. Even though it has a different stature than a regular cycle, it rides like any other traditional bicycle and provides an effective and enjoyable ride.
And as for the folding mechanism, over time, you will get used to it. So managing this mechanism is not a big deal.
Low Depreciation
One of the amazing aspects of this bike is that it provides the best value for the money. If the bike doesn’t meet any accidents or faces any adverse situations, it will still worth much of its original value even after years of usage.
The low depreciation plays a crucial role during the resale of this cycle.
Efficient Performance
Even though it is smaller in size and has a different stature than a traditional road bike, a folding bike is unmatchable when it comes to performance.
From providing excellent gearing options for phenomenal speed to ensuring effective braking, this type bicycle is committed to making your riding experience even more delightful.
Folding Bicycle Sizes
The fact that foldable bikes are compact doesn’t mean that they don’t have different sizes. In fact, like any other regular bicycle, this type also comes in more than a few different sizes to choose from according to your convenience.
Below, we have listed and talked about the sizes for your better understanding.
Compact
Compact is the most standard-sized folding cycle in the market. Even though it is comparatively smaller than any traditional road or mountain bicycle, it still provides a very similar rider’s positioning.
The height of the handlebars, the saddle, and the distance from the pedals are very similar among these bicycles and therefore, there are very few differences in the riding.
Generally, the compact bicycle comes with a one-size-fits-all frame and 20-inch wheels to make it a comfortable ride and make sure that it super small and compact when folded.
Full Size
In modern times, full-size folding bikes are gaining incredible popularity because of the convenience they provide. Riders have wanted to enjoy the full-size bike functionalities in a compatible form and that’s how a full-sized folding bike has come to the scene.
Unlike the compact cycles, these bicycles come with the same wheel and frame sizes as the regular bikes and provide a similar riding experience.
However, even though these are of full size, they still fold into smaller sizes so that it’s easy to carry and store.
Portable Size
If you want to save as much space as possible even when you have to sacrifice the riding quality, then these bicycles are for you. As the name suggests, this bike is super small and comes with just 16 inches of wheels.
Because of their super compact size, a portable folding bike is most suitable for commuters who want to keep the bike in their briefcase or backpack.
Which Methods of Folding Are Common?
As the name suggests, this bicycle can be folded into a super compact size for its users ease and convenience. But do you know that there are more than a few ways and methods to fold your bicycle depending on the model and the manufacturer?
Well, in this section, we will discuss some of the most popular folding methods so that it is easier for you to choose one according to your requirement.
Half/Mid-Folding
Half/Mid-Folding is the most common and widely used fold mechanism of a folding bike. As the name suggests, the bike frame is made so that it breaks in the middle to fold effortlessly using a solid hinge.
This solid hinge has a reinforced quick-release clamp that enables the user to fold or unfold the bike quickly and without any hurdles.
In this amazing folding method, when you release the clamp, the bike lines up the tires together and assembles itself so that you can ride it immediately.
Other than the middle, some models also have this solid hinge on the steering column.
Vertical Folding
The vertical mechanism works similarly to the mid-folding ones. However, instead of fold it horizontally as the half folding one, it will fold up vertically.
And how it does this?
Well, the vertically folded bikes come with one or two hinges on the main tube (sometimes on the chain) that helps to collapse the bike vertically to save space. So in comparison to the mid-folding bikes, these are a little more compact and save more space.
Triangle Hinge
Compared to the vertically and horizontally folded bicycles, a tringle hinge mechanism is a bit more complicated. A triangle hinge frame folds the rear triangle and the wheel and then flips it forward under the main frame tube to quickly turn into a smaller size.
Even though this folding mechanism is quite complicated, it was introduced to make the frame break down and set up a lot faster than the others.
Magnet Folding
As the name suggests, this folding method uses a powerful magnet combined with a rear shock absorber to break down the bike into a smaller size. However, as triangle mechanism, this method is also complicated.
At first, the magnet connects and locks the rear wheel section to the bike frame and then brings them back wheel at the front to fold the cycle vertically.
This amazing breakdown mechanism enables the rider to roll the folded bike effortlessly like a travel suitcase rather than carry it in hand.
Breakaway
Unlike many folding bikes, a few bikes feature a diamond frame, which requires a breakaway folding mechanism. In this special kind of mechanism, the seat post is the pivot point that hinges and separates the frame. After that, it folds the frame piece into each other to turn it into a super compact size.
Other Folding Types
Even though the above-mentioned folding mechanisms are the most prominent and discussed methods to fold your bicycle, many other types of fold mechanisms are used by many manufacturers.
Remember that there is no right or wrong way of folding. What matters is that your bicycle folds into a smaller size and helps you to save space.
What to Look for When Buying a Folding Bicycle?
In addition to the folding mechanism and the size, there are some other features and factors that you must keep in mind when buying. Let’s discuss these features in detail so that it’s easier for you to understand.
Frame Material
The frame construction material is the most important aspect to keep an eye on because the frame holds the bike together. If the frame is not good, the bike will not last.
The frame material plays a crucial role in making the bike comfortable, durable and affects its maneuverability. Some of the most common frame materials used in bike frame are:
- Steel: The most inexpensive material. It is one of the most common frame materials used in this bikes and provides stability and durability.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is super lightweight and hence, it is the most sought-after frame material. Because of its weight, aluminum bikes are easy to control and maneuver. This material is also inexpensive.
- Titanium: Titanium is the most expensive frame construction material. It is lightweight, strong, and provides outstanding shock absorption for a super comfortable ride.
- Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber is the lightest of all the frame construction material used in folding bikes. It ensures excellent maneuverability and provides incredible shock absorption.
Gears
Folding bike more often than not, comes with only one gear to keep the bike's overall weight limited and make the operation easy. Furthermore, as you are not going for racing or competition, a bunch of gear seems unnecessary.
However, there are a few models that offer multi-gear options. In addition, some of the high-end bikes offer as many as 18 gears to provide an excellent speed range to its riders.
Brakes
Like road and mtbs, foldable cycles also come with a different braking mechanism to provide maximum safety to its riders.
Generally, unlike many other regular bicycles, this also come with front and back brakes to ensure the users utmost stopping power.
While the affordable and budget-friendly models often come with U-brake or linear caliper brakes that are mounted above the wheels, the more expensive, high-end folding cycles have disc brakes to provide “on the spot” stopping power to the riders and avoid any type of unfortunate events.
Saddle
Another important aspect to consider before making your ultimate choice is the bicycle seat. Aside from the frame, the seat saddle also determines how well you can ride and how comfortable it is.
Because the manufacturers give enough priority to comfort, the seat of this type of bicycle is adequately padded and has more coverage than any traditional one.
Wheels
There is not much to talk about the wheels. This is because there are no size options to choose from; as mentioned earlier, foldable bicycles come with only 20 inches wheels to fit almost all riders' sizes.
So when it comes to wheels, you can be more relaxed.
Tires
Even though the wheel size is the same for all the folding bicycles, the tires vary depending on the model and type of bike. Most of the folded cycles come with tires similar to the ones used in non-dirt BMX bikes. These tires are thick and have a smooth tread for comfortable rides on the pavements.
On the other hand, these bikes meant for road riding incorporate skinnier tires for somewhat speedier rides.
Mounting Options
If you use your folding bicycle regularly, then having a basket in the rear will prove to be super beneficial for you. This will help you to carry your essential pieces of stuff or groceries or even your pets in times of need. That’s why before buying, look for baskets on the bicycle for more convenience.
Assembly
Another aspect you should keep in mind when buying is its assembly process. Even though the assembly process doesn’t need to be easy, it still adds value.
An easy to assemble bicycle won’t need any professional help and save your money for putting it together for the riding.
Adjustability
Even though you don’t have the opportunity to choose a suitable frame size (folding bikes come with one size fits all frame), one of the best things about this bike is that it is highly adjustable. To make sure that you have the opportunity to find a proper fit according to your body and ride comfortably.
From the seat post to the handlebar stem to the actual handlebars, all these components are extremely adjustable so that you find your custom fit and ride more enjoyably.
Popular Folding Bicycle Brands
Some of the most reputed bicycle companies produce folding bicycles in addition to manufacturing other regular bicycles. Some of the most popular brands are:
Montague
Established in 1987 in Cambridge, MA, by David Montague and his father, the Montague bicycle's sole purpose was to produce a folding bike that would cater to David’s 6’2” height.
In its initial years, this brand solely focused on manufacturing folding bikes so that their customer can enjoy the phenomenal benefits of this type of cycle.
However, over the years, Montague has expanded its business and now offers other types of bicycles to its users, including road, mtbs, BMX bikes, etc.
Dahon
Founded in 1982 by David Hon, Dahon is the world’s largest folding bike manufacturer today. It started when David used to building folding bikes in his garage and fast forward 40 years. It now has factories all over the world with a head office in California.
Aside from making amazing these bicycles, Dahon also holds hundreds of patents regarding folding bikes to establish itself as the biggest bike brand.
Schwinn
Even though Schwinn is the most popular manufacturer in the US with a variety of bikes in its catalog, it was a bit late to enter the folding bike game than many of its competitors.
However, it quickly began developing and took no time to be a front-runner in this industry.
With its technologies and cutting-edge design, Schwinn now makes extremely affordable folding bikes of all types. Its main goal is to provide the highest quality bikes to the most budget-friendly riders.
Cyrusher
Even though Cyrusher is a China-based bike manufacturing company, it doesn’t mean that it lacks in quality. It has a huge variety of folding bikes and accessories options so that you don’t have to search in other places if you need any components for your cycle.
In addition to producing folding bicycles, Cyrusher also manufactures electric bikes to offer variety to its customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Folding Bicycles Any Good?
Why do you think that these are not as good as regular bikes?
The fact that these bicycles are foldable doesn’t mean that they are not good. In fact, with their amazing features and strong body, this type of cycle provides you with all the benefits you look for in an excellent bike for your ridings.
One extra benefit this bike provides is the folding feature. So you can store it conveniently or carry it easily wherever you want.
Can Folding Bicycles Go Uphill?
As these bikes have a reduced size and come with smaller wheels, many think it is not as effective and would produce a slower ride. However, this is a complete misconception.
Whether a bike can go uphill or not entirely depends on the number of gear inches and your hard pedaling willingness.
As folding bikes incorporate a range of gear inches that are as wide as those of a standard bicycle, they can climb uphill. As a result, you might need to pedal harder and more frequently than usual.
How Far Can You Ride a Folding Bicycle?
Even though these bicycles were meant for short-distance rides, they can be great for long rides as well. If you are not so heavy, you can easily ride up to 80-90km. On a good day, you can also increase the distance limit to a maximum of 100 km.
Are Folding Bicycles Slower?
We have stated earlier that folding bicycle are similar to regular bicycles, which means that they are not slower than others. However, as folded bicycle smaller wheels, limited gears, and slightly different riding positions, it might often feel slower and less effective.
But rest assured. This bicycle will provide you an as speedy and comfortable ride as any other traditional cycle.
Can You Take Folding Bicycles on Buses?
Because of its compact size and easy portability options, a folding bike can be carried inside a bus effortlessly. However, to do that, you must check the public transportation rules first.
If transportation allows you to take your foldable bike with you, you can carry it without any difficulty. But before boarding the bus, make sure that your cycle is folded correctly so that it doesn’t inconvenience the other passengers.
Besides the bus, you can also take your bike on trains, metros, subways, etc.
Are Folding Bicycles Good for Long Rides?
As we have mentioned before, this bicycles can go a longer distance; it is also capable of longer rides. As it can go up to a maximum of 100 km on a good day, you can use it for long rides without any hesitation.
How Much Is a Foldable Bicycle?
Manufacturers offer folding bikes at every price point. From $200 to above $1500, you will always find a foldable bike according to your budget.
If you have a flexible budget, it’s natural that you will get the best features and factors in your bike. However, when you have a tighter budget, be prepared to receive “not so phenomenal” aspects.
Then again, the cost doesn’t always determine the workability of a bike. So you have to be careful while choosing the features to score the best in the market.
What Is a Folding Bicycle Used for?
Even though a folding bike's main purpose is to save space and carry easily, it doesn’t mean that this amazing type of bike is not useful- if you have this mindset, then you are wrong. With its amazing features and comfortable riding position, a foldable bicycle can be used for several purposes.
First, you can use this bike as a commuter for daily commuting through the city roads and your neighborhood.
However, it can also be used as a leisure bike to provide you a more enjoyable riding session.
Aside from slow passed riding, you can also use a folding bicycle as a road or mtb in an extreme case of need.
How Much Does an Average Folding Bicycle Weigh?
The folding bike's weight is a crucial aspect to consider as it determines the bike’s stability and performance. Unfortunately, its weight largely depends on its construction material.
While an aluminum-constructed cycle is exceptionally lightweight and can be maneuverable easily, a steel frame is somewhat heavyweight and hard to control.
Even though a folding bike might weigh up to 30 lbs. it is always suggested to keep the weight under this weight range for effortless riding sessions.
However, as inexpensive bikes are usually made from steel and have other “not so high end” components, they weigh more and make it harder to control.
Wrapping Up
After going through this article how to choose folding bike, we are sure that you have a better idea about this bicycles than when you have started reading this.
As now you have enough knowledge about this bike type, we assume that you will use it to buy the best one in the market according to your budget and needs.
