If you’re getting your very first folding bike, keep it simple. Are you planning to escape traffic on your way to the workplace? Are you a corporate traveler who wants to bring your folding bike along to have some exercise and avoid those less-than-glamorous trips? Or perhaps you’re an adventure tourist who enjoys a great weekend getaway every now and then.
Whatever your needs, you’ll get the perfect bike if you know what factors to consider before your purchase e.g. ease of carrying, ease and speed of folding, storage capacity with regard to not just the size but also the shape of the bike when folded, and many more. We reviewed today’s best budget folding bikes and shared our riding experience with you.
See which folding bike suits you best!
Table of Contents
Top Budget Folding Bikes: Comparison Chart
| Pick Name | Thumbnail | Product Name | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editor’s Choice |  |
Schwinn Loop 20″Folding Bicycle | Check Price |
| Lightest Choice |  |
EuroMini ZiZZO Via 27lb Folding Bike | Check Price |
| Great For Commuting |  |
Schwinn Hinge Folding Bike | Check Price |
| Choice For MTB Riders |  |
Stowabike V2 Dual Suspension | Check Price |
| 5th |  |
Retrospec Judd Single-Speed Folding Bike | Check Price |
| 6th |  |
IDS unYOUsual Folding Bike | Check Price |
| 7th |  |
IDS Home unYOUsual U Transformer Folding City Bike | Check Price |
| 8th |  |
Columba 26” Folding Bike (SP26S_BLK) | Check Price |
| 9th |  |
EuroMini ZiZZO Urbano Folding Bike | Check Price |
| 10th |  |
SwagCycle EB-5 Pro Folding EBike | Check Price |
Our Top 10 Best Budget Folding Bike – Reviews
01 Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike (Best for Adults)
Why it Stands Out to Us
Schwinn has been in the bike manufacturing industry since 1898 and they can be considered one of the pioneers of modern biking. Their products are always reliable and the Loop does live up to that expectation. This is a solid commuter bike though you can use it for any purpose like to buy your groceries regularly or to cruise around the town occasionally and we can guarantee that this will serve you well.
Our Experience with the Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike
Build quality
The best part is that such quality build can only be seen in foldable bikes on the higher price range. It looks like an electric bike that people around you will wonder about. Some might say the look is kind of girly but it’s simply wonderful and not gender specific.
Assembly
The package is up to par; i.e., there is flexible padding in between the sensitive components and you’ve to lift it out of the box and unfold for use. You just need a wrench (not included in the package) to screw on and tighten the pedals – and that’s it! You’re good to go!
Adjustments
It takes only a few minutes to make your adjustments. The handlebars can’t be moved and the foldable right pedal facilitates easy storage since it doesn’t stick out. Here’s an important thing to remember – a spring houses the hinge that’s used to fold the bike and you need to push the spring up so the bike can be properly bolted in. it won’t fully assemble without the spring.
Foldability
The folding process is a breeze. Just fold the bike’s handlebar down, fold its frame together, and put the seat down. It never rolls when folded and you can easily put it in your car’s trunk or back seat for transportation.
Riding
Robust and easy to maintain, you can abuse this bike any way you want, starting from stuffing it with crazy loads to taking it to places that it was not designed for. No matter what, you’ll always feel safe and comfortable. We rarely had the feeling that we were riding a folding bike.
Shifting gear is always great and smooth. Some complained that the highest gear didn’t work but we didn’t face that issue ourselves. It handles flat terrain, pavements, gravels and hard dirt really well.
Others
- A bit heavy for a foldable bike but let’s don’t forget it’s easy affordability
- The seat is uncomfortable but we’ve seen worse
- The maximum weight limit is 230 lbs, including the rider and their loads
- If you need to roll the folded bicycle, unfold and lock only the handlebar so you can use them to push it from behind
What We Didn’t Like
Nothing is provided by Schwinn to keep it locked when folded and you can use a bungee cord.
What Could Be Improved and Why
Schwinn should really add something to keep it locked when folded
Our Recommendations
Many riders added front or rear baskets and LED lights to make it more user friendly for everyday living. Don’t forget to add your necessary accessories as soon as you purchase your bike.
Pros
- Beautiful look
- Robust
- Smooth riding
- Easy to fold
- Minor adjustments required
- Great value for money
Cons
- Uncomfy seat
- No mechanism to keep the folded bike locked
- A bit heavy
02 Dahon Vybe D7 Folding Bike (Best for the Youth)
Why it Stands Out To Us
Yeah we admit that Dahon bikes are expensive. But if you can spend $400 to $500 on a budget folder, we recommend that you try to add a few more bucks to your budget for the sake of the Vybe D7. The retro look may not be every teen’s cup of tea, but then again this unique look is the very reason you’re bound to feel different when taking this to your school or cruising around the neighborhood.
Our Experience with the Vybe D7
Design
This is one of the coolest bikes from Dahon in terms of look and versatility. Folding bikes are already versatile and the Vybe D7 takes stands true to that with features you’re bound to love. We won’t get down to the features and specs since you can get that info from different online sources. Just be ready to get the center of attention among your peers and be a proud owner.
Assembly
The Vybe D7 comes assembly-ready. You just need to attach one of the pedals just like the Schwinn Loop and pump up the tires. Unlike the Schwinn Loop, you’ll get an adjustable handlebar here.
Riding Experience
The lightweight aluminum makes it lightweight but it’s a heavyweight champ when talking about performance and strength. The gear shifting is precise and quick with no lag. Not the quickest to accelerate but picks up speed gradually. We used it for daily commute in heavy traffic for months and it was so fun to pass by every car stuck in traffic with the small space it requires to maneuver.
Others
- The preferred rider’s height is 4’7” to 6’2”
- The maximum weight limit is 230 lbs
- According to Dahon, the bike weighs around 26 lbs but it seemed a it more to us – perhaps around 30 lbs
- Folding is easy that takes less than a minute once you get used to the process.
What We Didn’t Like
The saddle wasn’t really comfortable – could’ve been a little wider
What Could Be Improved and Why
The brake lever could’ve been a bit longer and chunkier to avoid slipping, especially since you’ll be doing quick maneuvering in heavy traffic areas.
Pros
- Cool retro design
- Easy assembly
- Rides smooth
- Quality build
- Folds in a minute
Cons
- A little pricey for the budget-conscious buyer
- A wider saddle could be more comfortable
03 VIVI 26″ Folding Electric Bike (Best Electric Bike)
Why it Stands Out To Us
Finally, here comes a folder that’s actually a mountain bike. An added bonus – it’s electric, which means less strain on your legs especially when riding uphill. The 26” wheel size is bigger than our previous choices but you can still take it anywhere and everywhere.
Our Experience with the VIVI 26″ Folding Electric Bike
Assembly
As you can guess, the bike is quite easy to assemble since 90% of it already comes pre-assembled. It took us less than 10 minutes to get it ready to hit the road and it came with all the necessary tools with an easy-to-follow assembly guide. Remember to have the handlebar and the seat in the exact position that you want them to before you bolt them down tightly.
Foldability
The VIVI 26″ folds really well. Make sure the left pedal is forward when folding so the front tire doesn’t fold into the left pedal. Also, when you store the bike folded, put it on the left side so the right pedal’s up. Some complained that they couldn’t keep their bikes folded. If that happens to you, get a strap or a bungee rope to hold it closed.
Battery life
This is a matter of concern for many ebike owners. The removable battery is placed near the handlebar, which is weird but it lasts long. Once we rode it in an urban area and 50% of the charge was still left after covering 20 miles. This is quite impressive considering the low price range. It does a little over 30mph on a full motor without any pedal assistance.
Comfort
You get to enjoy both convenience and comfort with this budget bike. Only the seat felt uncomfortable and we replaced it with a more comfortable one that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Every ride is smooth and so many people pick this model for commuting purposes although this is a mountain bike.
Riding Experience
Riding is smooth and fun. The strong brakes and shift mechanism work perfectly. But the real fun begins when you kick in its battery power. In the Power Assist mode, the motor gives an incredible boost as you pedal. The boost is significant even on the lowest power setting. The Power Only mode allows the battery to power the bike and you don’t have to pedal. There’s enough power to reach 30 mph on flat terrain.
Others
- Weighing about 60 lbs, it’s on the heavy side. But other similar types of bikes also weigh the same and if you’re an MTBer, you must be fit enough to carry that weight. Some hardcore fan of this bike even said that – don’t worry about the weight buddy cause it’s worth its weight in gold!
- No need to get a bicycle carrier for your car or RV when heading towards mountain trails
- The acceleration seemed a bit tricky
- The left paddle has a thread that turns counter clockwise and you need to turn it to the opposite direction for attaching it
- Quickly press the + button twice to turn on the headlight
- Great price and great value for money
What We Didn’t Like
- Uncomfortable seat that we had to replace
- The water bottle holder doesn’t hold a water bottle!
Our Recommendations
This is an electric foldable bike and if you take your MTB trail riding endeavor seriously, you’ve to look for a dedicated MTB for tours, trails, bikepark, and enduro.
Pros
- Solid bike
- Smooth & comfortable to ride
- Long-lasting battery
- Powerful motor
- Great pricing
Cons
- Uncomfortable seat that needs replacement
- Useless water bottle holder
04 EuroMini ZiZZO Campo 2019 Folding-Bicycles (Beginners Choice)
The Via is designed for the rider who wants the best of both the worlds: affordable price for a premium bike.
More than effective, it’s cool for any terrain you choose.
With 7 speeds to get you zipping, V style high-performance brakes and Kenda all-terrain tires, your confidence will hit the roof.
For effortless transport and a top ride, the Via is a light 6061 aluminum frame weighing a mere 27 pounds.
It sports front and back fenders, making it the perfect all-round bike.
The quick-release seat post and stem make it easily adjustable for a wide range of rider heights.
The frame and stem locks were fabricated with safety and toughness in mind. The design employs a “vice-grip” locking mechanism. This translates as the more the locking force on the folding hinge, the tighter it gets fastened with a secondary safety lock that snaps into place. This obviates any accidental unlocking when riding.
It sports 110mm V style front and rear brakes and measures H-27” x L-31” x W-12.5”.
The rear derailleur is a 7-speed Shimano RD-TY300 7 Speed direct mount.
Consider the pricing. At around $300 (but under £300), this full-size model is pricey but offers superb options.
Our Take
- It has an excellent 7-speed shifter. It is matchless for flat surfaces but has the grit and gear range to climb hills.
- EuroMini is a full length ahead in the choice of tires. The incredible Kenda Khan 20” x 1.95” tires offer great traction, making riding in rough terrain and adverse conditions simple.
- The Via is one up with its magnet catcher. It’s a simple enough process, the magnet immensely speeding up the folding process. The magnet pulls the bike in without you worrying if the bike is fully locked.
- Double-wall rims bestow additional protection. The user gets an additional sense of security and it is remarkable how far this company will go in offering quality.
Pros
- Easy to fold and store
- Excellent qualities
- Magnet catcher
- Double-wall rims
- Lightweight
Cons
- No high gears
- Pedals get frozen
Our Verdict
Busy lifestyles are upping the favor of folding bikes. The EuroMini Via is quite the package. The addition of stainless steel parts is a deft touch that imparts class. This bike stands tall with the range of awesome features and the surprising add-ons that normally feature in top-end brands. The Via is a conqueror in harsh conditions. The Via is an extraordinary bike, certainly, the most feature-filled light fold up bicycles of 2020.
05 Retrospec Judd Single-Speed Folding Bike
Judds hand-built aluminum frame is 30% lighter than the leading folding bike. That’s saying something. It weighs 23.5 pounds.
The Kwenda Kwest commuter tires grip well with rounded treads. The substantial scattering grooves make riding in any weather a small job. The tires are 20” x 2.12”, once folded it can perfectly fit a small room in an NYC apartment.
The built-in 16T coaster brakes are a treat. No wires or cables, so it is that much easier to fold.
Whether it is a short run across campus, heading to the workplace or a weekend getaway, Judd’s convenience is unmatched.
It is a low maintenance city companion that is also easy to store.
High impact resin pedals, Kraton rubber ergonomic grips and UrbanComfort saddle by Retrospec are some of the choice features of the Retrospec Judd.
It compares with our Lightest Choice the EuroMini Via, the price differential not being much.
Our Take
- The first thing that grabs one is the unbelievable ease of folding and unfolding this bike.
- The 20” wheels make it easy to accelerate and require less pedaling effort
- It’s a unisex bike
- One reviewer complained that the bike came out of the box pretty mangled; bent frame, broken spokes. Is it transit damage or poor workmanship?
Pros
- Many color options
- Minimal design with rear coaster brake
- Lower price
- Easy to fold and unfoldable
- Good for short rides
Cons
- Single-speed is not good for hills
- Smaller wheels make you lower on the ground
Our Verdict
The bike has a lot of promise. It’s elegant looking with a good build, easy to fold up, and other enticing features. But the weakest/ cheapest parts of the bike occur at critical parts of the frame. Many of our reviewers were not too gung-ho about this bike and voiced apprehension that it could fail under vigorous conditions. We have our reservations about this bike.
06 IDS unYOUsual Folding Bike
The IDS unYOUsual is an amazing lightweight choice for your commuting trips and there are good many reasons why enjoys being one of our top 5 choices. Spotlighting 20” wheels and Shimano 6-speed shifter and derailleur, this bike ensures umpteen options for a comfortable and relaxed experience. To get you there, a comfortable MTB saddle with a vinyl cover is provided. The bike folds and unfolds in a few elementary steps.
The tires are Wanda 20” x 1.75” with the adjustable handlebar height.
The weight is on the heavier side at about 40 pounds. The price quoted, a shade above $150, is a good buy.
Our Take
- Quick adjusting handlebars and seat
- Easy to ride, very stable and flawless gear shifting.
- Easy to assemble. All we had to do was remove the safety ties holding the bike together, close the latches and put air in the tires.
- Very user-friendly folding mechanism.
- Minor damage due to bending as it has some ductile iron.
- Pedal got damaged too but was not replaced.
- Quality of tires poor. Too many flats.
Pros
- Comfortable seat
- Stylish looks
- Excellent customer service
- Great bike for the price
Cons
- Heavy
- Lots of plastics, gears slipping
Our Verdict
There is overwhelming testimony of most users is positive. The few hiccups that have been mentioned can be taken as a one-off. This bike with its many features indeed shows great promise. Throw in the price and its practically a steal. We prefer to pitch for the manufacturers.
07 IDS Home unYOUsual U Transformer Folding City Bike
lDS Home has come up with another convenience for their loyal customers with their latest unYOUsua transformer 20-inch bicycle edition. This one packs all the standard features that a folding bike should sport, plus it houses some extra goodies that we’ll be discussing here.
The overall build quality is sturdy enough to withstand long rides. It feels solid when handling on rough surfaces. Weighing about 32 pounds, this super-portable bike is amazingly compact. Accordingly, this one is ideal for carrying in boats and RV’s and snugly fits in small spaces. It folds from the middle and it takes only a few steps to fold it completely.
Despite being one of the best budget folding bikes out there, it packs 6-Speed Shimano twist grip gear shifters. It speeds up smoothly, thanks to the WANDA tires. The adjustable handlebars and the seat make the folding easy The product offers a hassle-free assembling which can be done within a short period.
Pros
- Fast assembly and folding options
- Sturdy build quality
- Quality gear shifters
- Ideal for exercising and commuting
Cons
- Weight is on the higher side
Our Verdict
We liked the overall build quality of the bike and its fast-folding features. You can fold it within a couple of minutes. We liked the level of comfort the bike offered when riding. It can save a lot of space in your flat, RV or boat. We highly recommend this one if you have the budget. Follow the bike safety rules with it and it’ll be a great companion to you for years.
08 Columba 26” Folding Bike (SP26S_BLK)
The Columba 26” is a steel-framed bike non-traditional folding bike but as close as it can get for the tag.
It can go everywhere; uphill, slopes, city roads, rough terrain. The durability of the wheels, owing to the Kenda 26” x 1.5” tires and alloy rim, permits riders to make short work of challenging terrain.
It comes armed with the Shimano 18 speed shifter and derailleur.
The bike weighs 35 pounds.
The folding mechanism is located halfway down the frame and employs a single latch design that is simple and quick to use.
The handle stem is removable and adjustable as you deem fit.
Front and rear V brakes are included so you can come to a dead stop when in a hurry.
It features a metal kickstand.
The maximum rider capacity is 200 pounds and it is suitable for persons whose height is 5.3 to 6 feet.
Alloy V-brakes are employed.
Our Take
- 26” wheels are a much better deal where you can negotiate potholes with ease.
- It has no shock absorbers so you’ve got to stick to paved roads.
- It is heavy and bulky.
- The Columba uses cheaper components and is not that swift to fold and unfold.
- It fits conveniently in the boot though.
- The bike arrives almost fully assembled requiring just the fitting of the front tire.
- Our reviewers have tested the bike for over a month. No adverse reports have come in.
- With a sturdy frame, shifting gears is effortless.
- A derailleur protector, mount holes for a water bottle, and a PVC black bell are the accessories thrown in.
Pros
- Low price
- Comfortable ride
- Sturdy steel frame
- Acceptable weight
- Comes in 4 colors
- A good city bike
Cons
- Outdated folding mechanism
- Brake handles made of plastic
Our Verdict
The Columba SP26S is a good take-off point for beginners switching from a regular bike to a folding bike. As an entry-level bike, it is quite like our Editor’s choice, the Schwinn Loop. Decent riding experience is delivered. Overall it is a good buy when you’re confused between a regular bike and folding bike and having a tough time balancing what you get and what you pay.
09 EuroMini ZiZZO Urbano Folding Bike
The EuroMini Urbano, a premium pick, catapults your riding experience to the next level.
This 24 pounds lightweight 6160 Aluminum alloy frame is a smooth ride.
The 20” double-walled rims bestow strength. With Kenda Kommuter 20×2.5” take smooth riding to greater heights.
The 110mm V-Style brakes mean business.
The genuine Shimano 8-speed derailleur and grip shifter make uphill, hill riding a smooth experience.
The adjustable stem is adaptable for all riders from under 5 feet to 6.4 feet.
The maximum weight capacity is 240 pounds. So, heavy riders within this weight range wouldn’t face any problem.
Dissimilar to other folding frame bikes, this one has a magnet catcher, so once folded, it stays in place. It costs $350 to $380.
Our Take
- Designed for smaller riders but can accommodate tall riders also
- It does not have quick-release wheels. If you wish to take off one of the wheels you will need a wrench.
- A complaint is that the magnet catcher fails after some use.
- Comes with water holder brackets and reflectors
- The seat can be changed
- Another thing that leaves to be desired it has only one front chainring.
Pros
- Easy to fold-up and carry
- Ergonomic saddle
- Highly adjustable stem, comfortable seat with Vinyl cover.
- Magnet catcher
- High price
Cons
- Only one front chainring
- Pedals appear a little flimsy
- There are no fenders, no racks.
Our Verdict
This is a foregone conclusion judging by the sheer high ratings it has achieved. But our unbiased opinion is on the same lines. These durable features do make the Urbano long-lasting and sturdy. The Urbano has garnered rave reviews on many sites outranking others in the same price range. In short, it’s overall a good bike for sale and all our experts gave a positive nod on it.
For those who seek something extra or special, this folding bike is the answer to your prayers.
10 SwagCycle EB-5 Pro Folding EBike
This folding electric bike is a godsend to ride on. Surprisingly comfortable and the seat is adjustable from way down to regular and higher.
This bike is meant to be a campus commuter for which it is more than adequate. Don’t let its size fool you, it’s pretty powerful.
It uses a 250 Watt motor with a speed of 15.5 mph. The brakes, both front and back, work like a dream regardless of speeds going downhill.
The handlebar controls include a power push-button. There are two ways to engage the motor; using the throttle on the right bar and the other way is to just pedal. This method switches the bike to the ‘pedal-to-go mode’. If you stop pedaling, the motor stops a second later.
The bike is foldable of course but not so much. Enough to be transported over short distances.
The bike comes with a US-based wall charger/ power converter.
The 36V Lithium-ion battery takes a full charge in about 5 hours and can travel 15.5 miles or more if also assisted by pedaling.
The bike can handle riders up to 260 pounds.
This bike is strictly not for kids, fancy jumps or tricks. There are other high-quality kids bikes that you can get if you really need one for your children.
It measures 49.2” x 21.7” x 34.9”.
The frame is aluminum alloy and weighs 37 pounds.
The Swagcycle EB-5 comes for around $420 to $440.
Our Take
- It is the most compact E-folding bikes out there. It’s pretty small after folding.
- The folding and unfolding are routine but it can’t be rolled in the folded condition.
- The EB5 has one gear only so going uphill does not present a problem.
- If the battery runs out, just relying on pedal power is strenuous. So check your battery before an anticipated long run.
- The battery life is impressive. Actually, our reviewers put it at a higher endurance.
- The Swagtron EB5 comes with one serious limitation; it has one level of assistance or in other words, the motor kicks in when you pedal slowly. Other bikes have more levels of assist also automatic, but the EB5, in order to slash down pricing has stuck to just one level.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Impressive battery mileage
- Comfortable
- Good quality components
Cons
- Only on level of power assistance
- Difficult to ride without motor
Our Verdict
Initially, our concern was how to override the green concern. But this electric bike did readjust our mindset somewhat. The Swagtron EB5 is well balanced for short runs. The EB5 Pro is a new entrant in the E-bike segment but compares well.
For the price, it delivers a lot. After carefully researching, our green concerns have been laid out to rest. The EB5 is the perfect start and it won’t break the bank.
Why Buy Folding Bikes
Unless you are aiming to participate in the Tour De France, rigid bicycles are on the wane. They are just too cumbersome. And if you think folding bikes lag in performance, you have another think coming. Although having a low weight limit, they are good for a neighborhood spin, a day out in the countryside and especially for commuting to work. If you are hard-pressed for time, hop on a bus or the tube, get off, and unfold your bike. Next stop, your office desk.
Like every other thing in this world cycling has both benefits and disadvantages, but the pros are so high in number that they surpass the cons on a large scale. Going in for the best budget folding bike is highly recommended because of the following reasons –
- High fuel prices
- Cost of motoring (tax, maintenance, parking)
- Reduces your carbon footprint.
- Portability – The one single consideration. Can be lugged around in a bag, the easiest way to carry around.
- Saves on space – normal bikes take up an awful amount of space
- Safe from being stolen – no need for chains and locks. Carry it into your office or home.
- Durability – They are made of the same materials as standard bikes.
- Efficient performance – They are made to travel fast. The combination of gears is such.
- Versatility, good for touring as well.
- Low depreciation – They maintain their value. Keep them well maintained and you don’t lose.
- Predictable commuting time
- When you are on a bike, you are not checking your phone
- Physical fitness is promoted without trying.
- Everyone gets around faster if more people take to cycling.
- Your bike doesn’t ‘put tools down.’
- Low maintenance – Just oil the chain, keep tires inflated and batteries charged.
Best Budget Folding Bikes – A Comprehensive Buying Guide
Whether your collapsible bike is intended for leisure rides, urban commuting or some other reason, identifying the right pick can be tough. There are several factors you need to toss around before narrowing in on your precise requirements.
1. Folding Mechanism
a) Half / Mid Folding
This is the most common folding method you will see.
b) Breakaway
Breakaways come in different variations. This mechanism takes a little time to fold and unfold so it is recommended not to unfold it regularly.
c) Vertical Folding
The mechanism here is similar to that of the folding type with the difference that the aspect is vertical instead of horizontal after folding.
d) Triangle Hinge
The rear wheel and triangle can be twisted forward of the frame and tucked down. Some models feature, a folding front fork with flip and swing hinges fitted on the frame.
e) Magnet Folding
The magnet disconnects when folding allowing the unit to be bent halfway and vertically with the back wheel rotating forward.
2. Wheel Size
The folding cycles have wheel diameters ranging from 14 to 26 inches. Small wheels light and compact are prone to bumps and difficult to maneuver especially in rough terrain.
Larger wheels offer greater speeds but are bulky and heavy. They handle off the road better but portability is constrained.
3. Weight
The weight of a folding cycle is a crucial factor in the overall quality and its price. Typically the weight should be under 30 pounds as can be found with cheaper variants that use heavier metal. The more expensive bikes can be as low as 20 pounds.
4. Adjustability
That frame size plays a vital role. Folding bikes, unfortunately, do not have this option even if you’ve the budget folding bike in your arsenal. To make up, most other aspects are adjustable so that you can pedal and steer comfortably. The seat height is adjustable to give legroom to pedal easily. The handlebars too can be adjusted, unlike rigid bikes.
5. Intended Use
It makes scarce sense to invest in a folder with top features if it does not cater to your needs. How you plan to put your bike to use should be the only guide and every component and decision point should be in tandem with this. Folding bikes require even greater consideration as to what you are getting one for; urban leisure rides, countryside languid rides or for commuting. Going and getting a mountain bike for commuting is being a chump. Choose prudently.
6. Frame Material
What the skeleton is to the human body, the frame is to a bike. It holds the bike together and every component in some way or other is attached to it.
Steel– Inexpensive, weighs more hence better stability and shock absorption.
Aluminum– inexpensive, low weight, good maneuverability, and control.
Carbon Fiber– Expensive, light, highly shock absorbent.
Titanium– Very expensive, lightweight, strong, relatively good shock absorption. Bike frames made from this materail can easily withstand 300 pounds (lbs.) and above.
7. Gears
For the sake of weight savings and simplicity, the majority offer one gear. Multi-gear models abound however and can go up to 18 gears now.
A rule-of-thumb is to go with single gear for flat roads and multi gears for hilly terrain.
8. Components
Favor additional features and components which provide hassle-free use, sturdiness, and convenience. Tires should allow a firm grip and be puncture-resistant Cargo basket, chain guards, fenders, etc. are attachables for convenience and safety.
9. Warranty
When it comes to Warranty, most manufacturers are dodgy. It can be up to 1-5 years but limited to only the frame. However, you might not get warranty coverage when buying a model during the period of sale. Used or discounted products don’t get covered by warranty.
Folding Bike Maintenance Tips
Your folding bike’s Users Manual will normally contain a full detailed Maintenance section. We will guide you here more generally with effective maintenance tips for folding bikes.
Bike Care Tips
- Store your bike indoors. Rain, moisture and dirt increase wear and subsequent breakdown.
- DO NOT use WD40 on your chain. It will strip it completely of lubrication causing metal on metal grinding. Use chain lube to clean the chain.
- Riding frequently in the rain takes its toll. Service your bike more regularly.
- If not mentioned in the manual, this link leads to maintenance frequency schedules.
Items You Will Need
- A sponge or a cleaning brush.
- Clean rags. These can be old clothes or sheets that you’re happy to get filthy.
- A drying cloth.
- A degreaser or oil.
- Bike polish
- A bucket full of warm water mixed with liquid soap or bike wash fluid.
- A hosepipe.
It’s time to clean your bike. Follow these steps in order and your bike will be shimmering in no time at all:
- If you don’t have a stand, prop the bike up so that it is stable.
- Apply the degreaser to the chain, chainrings, cogs, gear cassette, and also to the jockey wheels. You might need to use your brush to get into all the crevices if you’re using a liquid degreaser. Also, if your bike has gears, change them while you are applying the degreaser, as this will allow you access to different elements of the cogs, so you can clean them too.
- Once the degreaser has been applied, wait until the recommended time has passed.
- Hose off the degreaser. The dirtiest parts of the bicycle are much cleaner.
- Take the sponge, dunk it into the soapy water, and start going at the frame of your bike till there is no trace of dirt left.
- If you’re satisfied you’ve got rid of all the muck on the frame, rinse off all the soapy water.
- A warning: When you’re rinsing your bike, ensure that the water doesn’t get into the brakes or gears too much, as this may damage their functionality.
- Bounce the bike a bit to remove some of the water that has lodged itself in crevices.
- Get the rags and wipe the cycle.
- When you’re drying off your bike, check that everything is in order. Do your brake pads need changing? Are your tires looking worn?
- Apply some bike polish. Your bicycle will be gleaming.
What to Do Once You’ve Cleaned Your Bike?
Your bike is clean. Well done! The final bit is yet to be done.
- Carefully apply the lubricant or bike oil to the bike chain turning it as you go. making sure that the oil doesn’t get onto your brake pads or the rims of your wheels. Wipe clean.
- The chainrings, cogs, gear cassette, and jockey wheels should also be carefully lubricated. Once again, make sure that you don’t get the oil on the brake pads, as it could ruin them.
A Word From GearbikesReview
Our team of test editors has vetted and minutely evaluated every product here. The gamut of features explored are folding, unfolding, carrying, stowing and riding these bikes. Those untested were chosen carefully based on value, quality of parts, our riding experience on similar models and the suitability of the overall package to the needs of the intended buyer.
The Schwinn Loop is a good entry-level folder and the best budget folding bike as per our findings. So accordingly our focus is more acute to determine folding/closing arrangements, a smooth riding experience and to keep it simple for the user.
It is specifically for commuting and a foldable mountain bike. It calls for extreme sturdiness considering the rigors of off road cycling. Our testing is equally that much more stringent to make sure it can withstand the needs.
Folding bikes match different lifestyles and fetch varying benefits, the most glaring being portability. This is one aspect, you as a buyer must be dead sure of as far as your requirements go.
It has been pointed out a number of times that you are the judge and all reviews, writeups, and recommendations do definitely keep you well informed, but your preferences and needs take center stage.
