Folding bikes: views, manufacturers overview and selection tips

Nowadays, the range of bicycles allows consumers to choose the perfect model for every taste and budget. Recently, modern folding specimens are gaining more and more popularity. Choose these options for bicycles should be considered, taking into account all their features. In this article we will get to know these models more closely and find out which varieties they are divided into.

People who live in a private house do not have problems with placing a bicycle on their premises. The same cannot be said for users living in city apartments. In such conditions, it is extremely rare that there is enough space for the maintenance of such an “iron horse”. A rare person will agree to throw a vehicle on the street, so the problem of storing a bicycle in a high-rise building can be especially acute. Its modern folding model will solve, the place for which it is much easier to allocate.

Folding bikes are distinguished by their compact dimensions. When folded, they become miniature and for them you can easily find a place to store. Often, such designs are placed in an ordinary closet or placed behind a door in an apartment. If a person is used to going to work on such a transport, then it will turn out to be compactly placed near the workplace.

The frame for such models of bicycles is folding. Due to this structure, the bike can be quickly and easily folded and unfolded when necessary. In this case, in the unfolded state, the frame should in no case create backlashes, make rattling or creaking sounds - high-quality models do not “suffer” from such problems. If the design is not highly reliable, it risks "folding" right in the direction of travel, which can lead to very sad consequences for the user.

Modern folding bikes in most cases have a single size. These products are adjusted for a person due to the height of the steering wheel and saddle. For long and serious distances, of course, this is not the most successful option, and the vertical position during driving can create certain difficulties for a person. According to experts, On this type of transport, you can safely drive from 8 to 10 kilometers without feeling fatigue and discomfort. In urban conditions, these are good indicators.

Folding bicycles usually have small wheels. Due to this component in the movement of the model are comfortable. Wheel diameters can range from 16 to 20 inches. Thanks to this choice, a suitable design can be selected for users with different heights and weights.

Folding bikes are also distinguished by the fact that they have a folding saddle and steering wheel. Thanks to this, the design can be even more compact and undemanding in free space for storage at home. All transformations are carried out thanks to special eccentrics - keys are not needed here. If the steering wheel and the seat still do not add up, moving with such a product can be quite inconvenient.

As for the transmission, there may be a place or belt or planetary bush. A multispeed bike of this type is not very necessary, since small diameter wheels will not allow you to move at speeds above 60 km / h. Here the optimal range is from 20 to 30 square meters. m. For these speeds, a single speed or planetary hub with 3 gears is perfect. At the same time, there are a minimum of moving components that can be very dirty behind the “side” of the structure, and frequent service is not required here.

As you can see, the features of folding bikes are massive. It is important to consider all of them, choosing the optimal model for yourself. You should not rush into a purchase. First you need to get acquainted with all the advantages and disadvantages of such a technique.

Folding bicycle models have a lot of advantages compared to classic non-folding models. Let's get acquainted with them in more detail.

• Folding bikes have a short base, which makes it possible to be maneuverable in small areas, on short stretches with a modest turning radius, on the city streets.
• In most cases, they do not have a large number of different attachments. When traveling on these structures, the back is usually kept straight, the load on the hands is minimal.
• One of the most important advantages of folding bikes is their compactness. This is a relevant parameter when it comes to storing and moving the structure.
• In conditions of long walks, business trips, such options can provide users with sufficient comfort.
• The bike in question can be transported without unnecessary problems in the subway, bus, train, car trunk and other types of transport.
• Foldable bike - a win-win solution for trips to school and work. Modern manufacturers also produce options that, when folded, have dimensions similar to a conventional backpack.
• A similar bike can become a "best friend" for a novice user.
• High-quality folding bikes are characterized by lightness, so there are no serious problems in transporting them.
• A folding bike is an excellent solution for a person of small stature, because the wheels for these devices are available with a small radius.
• For certain models, special bags are made where you can pack the bike itself when folded.
• On sale you can find varieties of folding bicycles, the design of which provides folding steering wheel horns and pedals.

But you need to consider not only the pros, but also the disadvantages of such models.

• The strength characteristics of the frame of such devices can be inferior to the classic non-separable specimens. This is because there is no unity and sufficient rigidity of the structure as a whole.
• Folding bikes are generally not equipped with disc brakes. Other modern "mounted" equipment is also missing here. When selling such products, the focus is primarily on the possibility of folding and unfolding them, and the owner will be able to install all the additional elements on his own if he wishes.
• The driving characteristics of folding bikes are poor. The braking distance here is longer, obstacles are overcome with great difficulty (this has to be done very slowly, gradually). Otherwise, the structure of the lock on the frame part may be seriously damaged.
• Usually, cheap models have one common drawback - the impressive mass of the frame and attachments.

Folding bikes are different. On sale there are designs with both small and large wheels, different transmission and brakes. On sale you can find interesting options on alloy wheels. Let us consider in more detail how different models of such a transport can differ.

Unusual models with a non-standard appearance. Such designs can easily be made very small. Such bicycles add up absolutely all the details: pedals, steering wheel, saddle, and frame. Often, super-folding bikes are a kind of scooter with pedals.

Such devices cannot develop high speed, and landing here does not differ in tangible comfort. However, a bicycle of this type fits perfectly into the infrastructure of urban public transport. With such a compact design, you can easily take the subway, and then transfer to the bus.

Mountain bikes can also be folding. By themselves, such varieties of technology are characterized by a wide profile of application. The provided folding mechanism in the design can turn the device into a real "workhorse", which can easily perform a variety of tasks.

A prime example of classic folding bikes is Soviet "Stork". It provides a folding mechanism necessary to place the device in a small apartment, where every centimeter is worth its weight in gold. In the Soviet "Khrushchevs" there was always a place for such equipment.

Folding bicycles also differ in the material of which the frame is made. It is important to pay attention to this parameter when choosing the best model.

Bicycles boast excellent strength characteristics with steel frame. But such designs have an impressive weight, are prone to the formation of destructive corrosion.

Bicycles are popular with aluminum frame. Such products have a more modest mass. But the devices in which carbon frame. True, the latest designs can not boast the same strength as their steel "brothers".

Another option by which folding bikes can vary is brakes. Most products have standard hand rim brakes with levers on the steering wheel. When the pads are pressed, pressure is applied to the rim, which makes the movement stop. On sale there are also bikes with disc brakes.

There are also such varieties of folding bikes in which hand brakes are not provided at all. To stop such a device, you must use the pedals - they will need to be twisted back. Against the background of the varieties described above, such models may seem slightly outdated, but they continue to be in enviable demand among users who do not plan to travel too long distances on them.

To fold bikes to ride more gently, they are released with shock absorbers (shock absorbing forks). In different designs, these elements can be located in different places, for example:

• under the steering part;
• from 2 sides (under the seat and steering wheel);
• may be absent altogether.

More comfortable are models in which seatpost springs are provided.

When choosing a folding bike, you should pay attention to what transmission is present in it. If you plan to drive the device exclusively on city roads, without sharp descents and ascents, then one speed will be more than enough.

The modern market provides the opportunity to choose the perfect folding bike model for every consumer. There are many well-known brands that produce high-quality and reliable bikes that meet all the necessary standards.

Consider the list of the most popular manufacturers offering a choice of good folding bikes.

• B'Twin. The famous brand produces folding bikes of the highest quality. Designs are characterized by ease of transformation (fold and unfold in about 15 seconds). The manufacturer gives a lifetime warranty on the frame, steering wheel, rigid fork and steering of certain models. Consumers appreciate B'Twin's signature bicycles. Many people did not find a single drawback for themselves in such devices.

• Langtu. Lightweight, versatile folding bikes offer this popular brand. In the assortment there are options with aluminum, steel, chromium-molybdenum frame. You can choose a mini option for the child. The manufacturer separately produces models for men and women, girls and boys. The cost of most folding bikes is affordable for most consumers, which is why Langtu devices are in enviable demand today.

• Land Rover. Impeccable quality distinguishes English bicycles from this world famous manufacturer. One of the most popular is the folding model G-4, designed for up to 160 kg. This is a reliable and durable design that can be used by people with a height of 150 to 195 cm. The brand has a variety of bikes in its assortment - for women, men and children. The frame is often made of ultra-light carbon fiber.

• Strida. This brand produces expensive, but reliable and high-quality bikes, the hallmark of which is a triangular frame. One of the most popular models recognized Strida SX, which has a very non-trivial appearance. This expensive model can easily take on dimensions similar to a small and narrow trolley that can be led without too much effort.

• Smart A well-known and fast-growing company that produces reliable and trouble-free bikes in a huge assortment. One of the best models of the company - Smart Truck 300, designed for sports riding. On this folding bike you can safely ride on country roads, tracks and moderate impassability. There is a 24-speed switch. The model has an attractive design, easy travel, the ability to develop good speed, as well as a comfortable saddle.

• Forward A well-known Russian manufacturer that produces not only bicycles, but also accessories for them. It offers folding city bikes in a rich assortment and at various prices. Particularly popular and demanding is the Forward Timba model, which is designed specifically for children from 6 to 9 years old. Only one speed is provided here, there are no wide possibilities, but for the first experience it is an ideal solution.

The range of new folding bikes is so large that you can “get lost” in it. It is often difficult for a consumer to dwell on one specific option that would meet all his requirements and wishes. To facilitate your task in search of the perfect bike, you need to decide in advance what you are buying it for. Choosing the appropriate option, it is worth starting from a number of basic criteria.

• Places of operation. If you plan to ride a bicycle only in a city environment, travel modest distances, then the model of small mass is quite suitable. The design may have small wheels. If the bike is bought for trips to the country, where there is an uneven dirt road, then it is better to look for options with a larger wheel diameter.
• The condition of the folding mechanism. The health of the folding mechanism is strongly recommended to check before buying the device. You should make sure that the model folds and unfolds quickly, without extra pauses. During the verification of the health of the structure, there should be no creaky and other annoying sounds. The mechanism should be as convenient as possible, absolutely serviceable. It is advisable to give preference to such models that, when folded, can be rolled behind you rather than carried on your hands - they are more convenient.
• Dimensions according to the selected storage location. Despite the fact that folding bikes are compact in size and easily fit into most apartments, they will still take up a certain area, which will be especially noticeable if the square of the living space is very small. It is necessary in the store to evaluate the dimensions of the device when folded and to understand whether the bicycle will fit in the place allocated for it.
• Compliance with weight and height. These are very important criteria that should not be forgotten. It should be assessed whether the selected bike model matches the height and weight of the person who will use it. So, for a tall person, you need to buy a model with a longer frame.
• Evaluation of comfort while riding. Before buying a bike, it is better to ride a little under the supervision of a consultant. This way you can figure out exactly whether the device is right for you. It is important to make sure that the seat for the user is comfortable and comfortable. Make sure that the shape of the frame is suitable. For the fair sex, it is recommended to buy folding bikes, in which there is an understated frame part, and for men - rigid and straight.
• Manufacturer. This is one of the most important criteria. It is recommended to buy only high-quality branded bikes with folding mechanisms. Products of well-known brands will be more reliable and you don’t have to worry about the fact that the design can suddenly “form” right during the ride.Of course, a strong bike from a famous brand can be expensive, but it will last longer, will not cause problems in operation and it will be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
• A store. If you want to buy a durable and strong folding bike, it is recommended to go for it to a specialized store (you can go to a branded outlet, if there is one in the city).

When choosing a folding bike model, you should contact a sales assistant for help, which will help to choose the best option. It is advisable to ask all questions of interest before making a purchase, so that later on when using the bicycle there are no unnecessary problems.

Owners of modern bicycles equipped with a folding mechanism leave different reviews about their vehicles. They notice both positive and negative sides.

Consumers highlight the following advantages for themselves in folding bikes:

• Attractive design of most branded models
• quick and easy folding and unfolding process;
• compact dimensions (especially owners of small-sized apartments and studios appreciate this quality);
• comfortable fit;
• pleases consumers with the presence of hand brakes in many folding models;
• the ability to adjust growth in many copies;
• light weight;
• ease of management;
• the ability to adjust the steering wheel.

Of course, not everyone thinks a comfortable seat. It all depends on the feelings of a particular person. To some, landing, on the contrary, seemed not the most comfortable. That is why, before buying, experts recommend a ride on the selected model in order to understand whether it suits you.

Let's consider what disadvantages were noticed in folding bicycles by their owners:

• with many models there is no instruction for folding and unfolding in the kit (this procedure is not complicated, but some buyers would like to first familiarize themselves with the manual);
• models with a steel frame seem too heavy for owners;
• some folded models still did not seem to be the most compact to users (this review was accompanied by the Xiaomi QiCycle bike);
• not always the folding bike frame inspires confidence in their owners;
• the poor equipment of most folding bikes upsets consumers (there is practically nothing in the kit, owners usually buy all the add-ons themselves)
• some bike models (Stels Pilot) are not locked when folded, which may lead to not very good consequences.

See how to choose a folding bike in the next video.