Footer | Folding Bikes
Folding bikes are excellent solution to the some of the problems that cyclists can face in an urban environment. Although they are not suited to longer journeys, they're very well-suited for short hops. Folding bikes do not have the storage problems that non-folding bikes do – by folding up, they take up much less space, requiring only small areas for storage. Most folding bikes are designed to fit under your desk at work. For this reason, they are also ideal for carrying on public transport.
Folding bikes look kinda weird until you get used to them – although they use smaller wheels than normal bikes (often 20 inch diameter wheels, as opposed to the 26 or more inches that most non-folding bikes use), the wheels are placed in such a way that the bike is the same distance end to end as a non-folding bike. However, the frame is generally much lower to the ground, and some parts of the bike, such as seat poles and handlebar stem, are greatly elongated to compensate for this – up to four times the normal length of such parts, and designed to telescope in and out.
The odd appearance of the folding bike is for a very good reason, though. They are designed in such a way that the position of the rider is the same as it would be on a normal bike. Likewise, the gearing is designed to compensate for the folding bike's different positioning, so that it will feel the same as a normal bike.
There are several different kinds of folding bike, with the major distinction between them being the manner in which a given bike folds. There are two major types of hinge – swing hinges and flip hinges – and different combinations and numbers of these hinge types are responsible for most of this variety. Folding mechanisms generally involve quick releases and latches, although some manufacturers use cable-activated systems.
Mid-Fold bikes are a type of folding bike that is designed with either a single or double hinge, which allow the bicycle to fold in half. For this reason, they are sometimes referred to as Half-Fold bikes. Some mid-fold bikes use standard size wheels, which allow for a more standard riding experience at the cost of some of the size saving features of folding bikes.
Triangle hinged folding bikes usually allow the rear triangle of the bike's frame to be folded down. Many triangle folding bikes also feature other parts that fold, typically either the steering column, the front forks, or both.
There are also folding bikes that combine folding with partial disassembly. These folding bikes are designed to fit into a suit case, allowing them to be easily transported by air.
Whichever type of folding bike you decide upon should be based on your needs. You may wish to prioritise the speed of the bike's ride, its size when folded, the comfort of the ride or the speed with which the bike can be folded and unfolded. Before making your final decision, it's worth checking to see what the limitations of folding bikes are. Your local public transport providers will have guidelines for carrying folding bikes, and the storage space (or spaces) that you have available to put it in.
