A folding bike is a compact that is easy to carry anywhere you go. Thanks to the bike’s bendable and adjustable frame, which makes it easier to store or take away on public transportation.
Tips to Examine While Buying a Folding Bike
Size:
Most of the manufacturers of foldable bikes offer only one frame size for all. So if you are smaller than average and taller than average, you might find riding a bit difficult. However, you can adjust the bar ends or prefer using a different seat for a good riding position.
Wheel size is a crucial thing to consider while buying a foldable bike. The wheel size will determine the foldable size of your bicycle so Choose it accordingly.
Folding bikes are available with 27.5″, 26″, 24″, 20″ and 16″.
Knowing the purpose of utilizing the foldable bikes determines the size you should consider. For example, if you are looking to take it along with you in public transportation, it is better to go for a smaller wheel size, and if you are planning for a long-distance performance, you might want to buy a larger wheel size.
Foldability
Two main components to consider about folding bikes are their size after folding and the folding speed.
You don’t want to waste considerable time guessing how to fold your complicated or confusing bike, given constraints on your timing.
If you are a commuter traveling via car, your bike can do the same work. However, if you are using the metro bus to your appointment, you’ll be wanting a bike that folds and unfolds quickly. For this, you need to buy a compact and lightweight bike.
Determining whether your foldable bike will fit in space, consider checking the information about the area given by public transportation.
To avoid getting scratches on your bike on public transport, you may want to use accessories like a cover and rubber stopper.
Performance
Suppose you want to use the foldable bike for longer, touring rides than more. Gears and large wheels will provide you with excellent performance.
If you want to ride in urban areas, where you might start and stop frequently, you can prefer buying smaller wheels with fewer gears.
If you plan to ride in hilly and mountainous terrain, you might need a more rigid frame for adequate control. But if you are carrying around your foldable bike a lot, it’s better to use the lightest frame for your bike.
There is no way better than test riding the bike yourself and evaluating its performance based on the need of usage.
Gear
Folding bikes usually have less gear than regular bikes. You can quickly determine the gear ratio by using gear inches of the foldable bikes.
If you want a foldable bike for commuting in-country trails or streets, 25-inch gear will be best suited for you.
If you are looking to ride in a city, then you prefer using 70-inch gear.
If you want the highest performing foldable bike, you may want to get greater than 100-inch gear.
Tires
The type of terrain or place you prefer to ride on determines the best tires suited for your bike. For example, if you are primarily looking to ride on a paved road, sleek tires will provide excellent speed and maneuverability.
With limited types of tires available for foldable bikes, you might like to consider this factor essential to get the best foldable bike for you.
Top 10 Best Folding Bikes
Tern Link C8
Price: $849
Gear: 1×8
Weight: 12.8 kg
Size after folding: 39.5 x 80 x 73cmTern link C8 is an entry-level folding bike with unique folding techniques, comfortable tires, and versatile gearing. It folds small and fast within 10 seconds to easily tuck away anywhere. With a 20″ wheel size, you can easily use it on busy streets.
Pros- Has magnetic dropout clips.
- Eight-speed drivetrain.
Cons:- Not much compact compared to other counterparts.
Brompton B75
Price: $1,095
Gear: 1×3
Weight: 11.76 kg
Size after folding: 58.5 x 56.5 x 27.0 cmTo experience a city ride, the Brompton B75 is indeed a good choice. It is considered the gold standard for its reliability, foldability, and comfort. Moreover, it has a robust steel frame and simple spec features for a great city ride.
Pros- Super compact
Cons:- Expensive
B’Twin Tilt 500
Price: $399
Gear: 1×7
Weight: 12.9 kg
Size after folding: 78 x 66 x 44 cmIf you are looking for a highly affordable bike, B’Twin tilt 500 is a great choice to consider. It comes with a Shimano 1×7 drivetrain, 20″ wheels, and anti-puncture reinforcement. In addition, it comes with a valuable lifetime warranty from decathlon.
Pros- Lifetime warranty
- Inexpensive
- Includes lights and mudguards
- Good ride quality
Cons:- Not compact
- Pedals and saddles are poor in quality
Tern BYB S11
Price: $2,499
Gear: 1×11
Weight: 12.7 kg
Size after folding: 33 x 78.7 x 51cmBYB S11 is approximately 30% smaller than 20″ foldable bikes. So it can easily fit into narrow spaces. For easier trolling, built-in spinner wheels allow you to roll in without having to lift. In addition, it comes with a 1×11 Shimon ultra-drivetrain.
Pros- 1×11 drivetrain
- Good handling power
Cons:- Expensive
Tern Node D8
Price: $1,099
Gear: 1×8
Weight: 13.3 kg
Size after folding: 39 x 86 x 84 cmIf you want a foldable bike for a longer commute, Tern Node D8 is an ideal bike for you. With a more extended wheel size and eight-speed drivetrain, you can use it for fun and adventure into the woods. Additionally, mechanical disc brakes will help you avoid collisions in traffic.
Pros- The folding procedure is simple
- Mudguards and rack available
Cons:- Not compact
Raleigh Stowaway 7
Price:
Gear: 1×7
Weight: 13kg
Size after folding: 41 x 80 x 75cmRaleigh Stowaway 7 is a compact and light foldable bike with powerful brakes and seven-speed Shimano gears. A lightweight aluminum hinged frame helps in folding bikes easily. To hold the wheels together in storage, it comes with magnets.
Pros- Easy foldable
- 7 drivetrain
Cons:- Heavyweight
Brompton Electric
Price: $1,590
Gear: 1×6
Weight: 18.31 kg
Size after folding: 64.5 x 58.5 x 27.0cmElectric bikes are becoming popular with advances in technology and research. Brompton Electric foldable bike is a compact size bike with a 300WH battery providing energy to maintain 15MPH with a range of 25 to 50 miles. The charge time of the Brompton electric foldable bike is four hours with the given battery; however, you may prefer a fast charger to reduce the changing hours.
Pros- Lightweight in e-bike foldable category
- Compact
- Removable battery
Cons:- Not luggage rack
Oyama – CX8
Price: $400
Gear: 1×8
Weight: 13.2 kgOyama- CX8 is an inexpensive affordable compact bike to purchase. It has an eight-speed cassette, V-brakes, rear racks, and fenders. It is a great all-rounder to consider.
Pros- Aluminum frame
- Eight-speed
- Rear rack
- kickstand
Cons:- None
Dahon Mariner
Price: $869
Gear: 1×8
Weight: 17.23 kgDahon bikes are aluminum framed, featuring 20″ wheels. It is most suitable for city and rural riders. The compact size and versatility make the cycle satisfying to use in cities.
Pros- Rust-resistant frame
- Comfortable saddler
Cons:- V brakes
- Entry-level components are dissatisfaction
Schwinn – Loop
Price: $593.27
Gear: 1×7
Weight: 14.96 kgSchwinn- the loop is a budget-friendly bike offering a consistent and pleasant riding experience with a smooth 20″ wheelbase.
Pros- Seven-speed Shimano
- Rear cargo rack
- Perfect for travel
Cons:- More weight
Conclusion
Knowing the tips of selecting the best foldable car is an essential thing to spend money wisely. The points mentioned earlier will help you choose an affordable and comfortable bike according to your requirements.
