Folding Bicycle Review

Ryn Gargulinski

What To Look For

Look for a large number of gear options, high gears and a size and tire style that fits your needs with foldable bicycles. Urban commuters might want smaller models with tires as compact as 20 inches so the bicycle can fit in a duffel bag. Mountain bikers might opt for larger, more durable tires that can be as large as 25 inches. Some models might offer different size frames to best suit your stature. The weight of the bicycle and folding time are other key features. The lightest folding bikes hover around 20 lbs., while heftier models can weigh 30 lbs. or more. Folding time is crucial for the urban rider who needs to jut in and out of buildings. Some bikes promise to fold up in as few as 15 seconds while others can take 15 minutes. Also check out the handlebar styles. Some are available with three types of handlebars: M-types, S-types and P-types, each with a different shape for a slightly different riding experience, depending on how upright you want to ride.

Common Pitfalls

Foldable bicycles are generally more sensitive than full-size bicycles when it comes to braking, shifting gears and general riding. They take a bit of practice to master. Gears are also usually higher to make up for the small wheel size. Even if you are used to only using the low gears, you want to make sure your foldable bicycle has high gear options that you might need to keep your regular pace. Size is another pitfall--your size. Cyclists who are very tall or otherwise need a larger bicycle will want to thoroughly test different models to insure they can be adjusted to fit your stature.

Where To Buy

Local bicycle shops are more often offering a selection of folding bicycles. You can go to the manufacturer's website to find local locations where their bicycles are sold or order from the maker. Some popular folding bicycle manufacturers include Dahon, Brompton and Birdy.

Cost

The least expensive folding bikes start around $200 as of September 2009, while higher-end bikes start at $600 and can soar to well more than $3,000. You will be getting what you pay for and should expect a sizable investment if you will be using the bicycle a great deal. Those who want the bicycle more for the occasional ride can get away with a less expensive model that might be quality enough to suit their needs.