Folding Bikes
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING A FOLDING BIKE
When the inventor of the bicycle created it, he probably never imagined there would ever be one that could fold into a portable form. But here we are centuries later, with folding cycles on our hands (or legs). They are very versatile simply because they are so portable that you can take them everywhere. All you need to do is to fold it into the space you have, and you can be sure of having a wonderful ride when you reach your destination.
Searching for folding bikes for sale is not the same as searching for other types. When you are on the lookout for a road or mountain bicycle, the things you focus on include the frame, wheel size, and so on. This doesn’t necessarily apply to a in this case. With these ones, the essential feature you should be on the lookout for is how easily they can be folded.
As with other types, the material used to make the collapsible bike has an impact on its price. You can get a simple bicycle for less than $200. On the other hand, the use of high-quality alloys in its construction can easily make the cost go up somewhere in the range of a few thousand dollars.
A lot of top brands are into making folding cycles. Examples include Brompton, Dahon, Shimano, and Columba. Aside from the ease of folding, there are still quite a number of other things you should take note of.
How do you want to use the Folding Bike?
There are a lot of features that you would need to trade-off when you decide what you need it for. If you intend to put it to use domestically most of the time, then you need to store it in your apartment. Apartments are not places with a lot of space so in this case, what is most important is its size when folded. Keep your eyes peeled for one that can be as compact as possible when you’re done folding it.
If you need to use the bicycle for commuting, say in combination with the bus or light rail, you’ll need one that folds quickly and has a sturdy lock.
How easily does it fold?
A lot of these bicycles have a single hinge and a small frame. One thing that determines the ease of folding is the latching and hinge mechanism. Some have a closed latch, which makes them easier to carry around. Others have a case for carrying them when you close them.
A lot of manufacturers advertise the folding time for their offerings. You shouldn’t take this as gospel because the folding times they present are done by experts under ideal conditions.
How easily can you carry it?
The ease of carrying depends on a lot of things. First, how small is it when you fold it? You should thoroughly consider the overall thickness, height and width as you make your decision. Different bikes have different end sizes, and you need to be sure that the bicycle folds small enough for you to carry on a commuter or the rail.
Another thing that can make you should keep an eye out for is the position of the chain when folded. If the chain is exposed, it could stain you. Whenever possible, you should go for a cycle with the chain folded inside.
You’ll find some that come with carry bags. These bags would neutralize the threat from chain oil but would add a step to the whole process of folding and unfolding.
Does it weigh much?
The weight of the bike depends largely on the material used to make it. Those made from steel are the heaviest. On the other end of the spectrum, the use of materials like aluminium would result in a lightweight bicycle. Also, if there are a lot of accessories attached, it is certainly going to be significantly heavier.
Check the Tyres
The type of tyres you will need is going to be dependent on the terrain where you’ll be doing most of your riding. Knobbly tires are very good for unpaved trails but they tend to lose their comfort when you try to ride on pavement.
A tyre with a smooth tread is usually ideal for pavements but would be very unsuitable for riding in sand, mud or rough terrain. If you get a cycle with tyres that do not fit your terrain, make sure to change them at the first opportunity.
The Gears
The gearing system is quite important. A lot of modern mountain bikes have front and rear derailleurs that give up to 27 speeds. However, this doesn’t really apply to foldable ones. They usually have a maximum of six to seven speeds. This is not much of an issue as the different gears help to make sure it can be used in a variety of terrains.
The Loading
Regardless of what you’ll be using it for, a lot of people want to have a bike that would effectively carry their loads. Some have folding carriers, while others do not. What you really need to watch out for is to make sure that the carriers do not affect the foldability.
How Sweet is the Ride?
Compared to standard bikes, foldable bikes are not exceptional in terms of ride quality. This is because of some trade-offs that have to be made in the design to make them foldable.They usually have 20-inch wheels, as opposed to the standard 26 to 28 inch wheels found in other types. The wheels are smaller because larger wheels would make folding harder. Also, the small wheels mean they can’t easily cross over bumps and portholes, when placed side by side to their larger contemporaries.
In selecting a folding bicycle from the wide array of options available to you on Bike Chaser, you’ll have to set out your priorities clearly and see which one provides the best balance of all the features you have in mind.