Review of the best folding bikes

Folding bikes are good because they are easy to store. Transportation (by car, by boat, even by train or by plane) is also greatly simplified. However, it is necessary to take into account some nuances in order to choose the folding bike correctly, paying attention to the most attractive models.

It is appropriate to start the review with folding mountain and sports bikes. They are intended, as it is easy to understand by name, for freeriders, cross-country lovers and lovers of other varieties of mountain sports. The choice of such devices to Russian consumers has become available relatively recently. But the assortment is constantly increasing. These are light and very durable products, characterized by increased cross-country ability even in unprepared terrain.

Soldier 2.5 - high-quality and completely reliable device. A feature of this bike is that even pedals can fold. At the same time, although the bike becomes very compact after folding, it is guaranteed to be useful for people up to 120 kg in weight. If necessary, you can easily put this bike in the trunk of a car.

The transmission is tuned to 27 speeds. To switch using the Shimano Deore system. The peculiarity of this part is that it is ideally designed for cross-country with a small jump. The shock absorbing fork can have 2 different positions, not counting the lock. Disc-type brakes are activated thanks to the hydraulic “stuffing” relatively softly, but with high efficiency. Large (26 inches) wheels provide excellent cross-country ability.

The Stark Cobra HD 2016 is an initially compact folding bike designed for cross-country. During its development, the designers deliberately abandoned the rear shock absorber. Driving along a difficult road is not too comfortable. But even the best riders on advanced double-gimbal will find it difficult to overtake this car at the very beginning and at the turns. Thanks to a frame made of proven aluminum alloy, the bike mass was reduced to 15.2 kg.

Small dimensions facilitate the transportation of "Cobra" on public transport. Carefully designed disc brakes can handle any extreme situation. The steering wheel is quite comfortable, and your hands do not get tired even after a long trip or intense competition.

.

If you need to choose a regular city bike with a small weight, then you should pay attention to Strida SX. The high cost of this model is justified by its atypical appearance that stands out in the stream

Product specifications are also quite large. The designers took care of folding not only the frame, but also the steering wheel. In a transformed form, the bike looks more like a narrow cart that is easy to carry. Cables and control cables are hidden inside the frame, which provides additional protection. The presence of disc brakes, a luggage compartment and increased maneuverability can also be considered positive properties.

But it is important to note that:

• wheels with a diameter of 18 inches are only suitable for a great road;
• the trunk holds a maximum of 10 kg of cargo;
• depreciation is insufficient to ignore curbs and potholes.

And here it is necessary to interrupt for a short time in order to analyze an important topic - by what criteria to evaluate folding bikes. To choose the right folding bike for use in a city or other locality, you need to pay attention primarily to its size and weight. The smaller the one and the other, the more practical is the two-wheeled transport. If there is any doubt, then you can arrange an elementary check: try to raise and rearrange the bike in the store.

An additional check is to see if the bike is rolling partially folded. If there are no more quality issues in this regard, you need to clearly determine where exactly you have to travel. There are 3 main areas for folding bikes:

• the streets of the town;
• parks and stadiums;
• holiday villages and suburban areas (as well as forests, long-distance routes).

Not all owners of folding bikes limit themselves to movement on good asphalt. Moreover, even in big cities it is not everywhere. Planning to systematically drive on dirt roads, especially in bad weather, wheels of 20 inches and more should definitely be preferred over 16. However, cross-country ability depends not only on movers. With a design designed for urban conditions, no wheels will not help on serious off-road.

Therefore, when long-distance tourist expeditions are planned, 20 inches is the minimum, and preferably 24 or even 26. Having decided on the size of the wheels, you need to pick up the bike already and according to your own height. For women, as well as for short men, it is advisable to purchase models with an understated frame. The more active the rider’s driving style, the tougher this frame should be.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the versions with a planetary hub. They differ:

• straight chain;
• reduced star wear;
• increased durability of the gear shift mechanism;
• less likely to damage this mechanism by negligence;
• excessively high friction, which does not allow racing;
• increased severity;
• high cost;
• the possibility of repair only with the help of specialists.

As in many other industries, German folding bikes are considered one of the most reliable devices. He deservedly enjoys popularity. Silverback soto. This bike is designed for people from 1.6 to 1.75 m tall. The rim brakes work very reliably and guarantee a quick stop on wheels with a diameter of 20 inches. The steering wheel reaches a length of 0.56 m, has a slight bend back.

This model is positioned by German designers as suitable for amateur riding at one speed. The aluminum frame is not subject to corrosion. The shock-absorbing fork is quite stiff. If necessary, the shock absorber is blocked. Shifters and cassette made by the famous company Shimano.

As an alternative, you can consider a bike designed for the same growth group. Pegasus P8. Its rim brake is also capable of stopping the rotation of 20-inch wheels. The rear shock absorber is not provided. The aluminum frame complies with the hardtail standard. A shock absorber lock is not provided.

In the review you can not ignore the Japanese brand of folding bikes. It is, for example, about Doppelganger x-round. It has a reliable aluminum frame, and the total length of the bike reaches 1.78 m.

After folding, the dimensions are 0.96x0.85x0.375 m. The seat height can be adjusted in the range from 0.825 to 0.91 m. The steering wheel height adjustment is much narrower, only from 0.97 to 0.99 m. Other parameters are as follows:

• steering wheel width 0.56 m;
• weight 17.6 kg;
• wheels with a section of 26 and a width of 1.95 inches;
• front fork made of steel;
• combination of disc front and V-shaped rear brakes;
• 2-suspension depreciation.

A good alternative can be considered Kumamon FDB-KID'S15. True, as the name implies, this folding bike is designed exclusively for children. The total length of the bike is 1.2 m with a width of 0.5 and a height of 0.79 m, with 16-inch wheels.

The mass of the vehicle is 12.5 kg. The main parts of the structure are made of steel. The seat height varies from 0.42 to 0.52 m. An airbag and chain protection are provided. The brakes work very softly.

But despite the popularity of individual models, many people are trying primarily to buy inexpensive bikes. An attractive choice in this case could be Forward Tracer 2.0 Disc. It is appreciated for optimum mobility and a good set of speeds for any walk. Although the ascent to the mountain is not too fast, the load on the legs is not so great.

Structurally, the bicycle belongs to the group of urban hardtail. Aluminum alloy 6061 provides lightness and at the same time the strength of the frame. Wheel rims are also made of aluminum, and special double walls prevent their destruction from impacts. The safest disc mechanical brakes are provided. It is comfortable to operate the brakes thanks to the handles located on the steering wheel.

Teens will be satisfied with a folding bike Stels Pilot 310 20 Z011. The wheels only seem small - in fact, they show a good roll. The seat is very comfortable. Stainless steel wings reliably protect riders from clogging with water or liquid mud. For maximum reliability, a 1-speed chain drive and foot brake are used.

For the reliability of the brakes and the relatively moderate price praise bikes Forward Arsenal 2.0. A 14-inch steel frame allows you to mount entry-level attachments. Thanks to the rim brake, stopping is extremely fast. The saddle is equipped with shock absorbing springs, which makes the ride even long distances very comfortable. The cassette with asterisks and a Japanese switch is designed for 6 speeds.

See the video below for an overview of the 5 available folding bikes.