What You Will Get Here
- Why Buy Folding Bikes
- What to Consider When Buying Folding Bikes
- Our Top 10 Product List
- Editor’s Choice: Schwinn Loop Folding Bicycle
- Lightest Choice: EuroMini ZiZZO Via 27lb Folding Bike
- Great For Commuting: Schwinn Hinge Folding Bike
- Choice For MTB Riders: Stowabike V2 Dual Suspension
- A List of 6 Other Products We Reviewed
- Other Tested Products
- Folding Bike Maintenance Tips
- What to Do Once You’ve Cleaned Your Bike
- Final Words
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. 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 folding bicycles is highly recommended because
- 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
- Saves on space - normal bikes take up an awful amount of space
- Safe fro 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
- 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.
What to Consider When Buying Folding Bikes
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.
Folding Mechanism
Half / Mid Folding
This is the most common folding method you will see.
Breakaway
Breakaways come in different variations. This mechanism takes a little time to fold and unfold so it is best if you don’t have to unfold it regularly.
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.
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.
Magnet Folding
The magnet disconnects when folding allowing the unit to be bent halfway and vertically with the back wheel rotating.forward.
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.
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.
Adjustability
That frame size plays a vital role. Folding bikes, unfortunately, do not have this option. 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Warranty
When it comes to Warranty, most manufacturers are dodgy. It can be up to 1-5 years but limited to only the frame.
