Reasons To Choose a Folding Bike

The folding bike is a versatile transportation option that can be used in a variety of situations, making it perfect for urban travel. Whether you need to run errands, go to the beach, or commute to work, a folding bike can provide a convenient and practical solution that promotes intermodality.

How to find the perfect folding bike?

Which folding bike to choose?

The folding bike has gained popularity in recent years, becoming a common sight in cities and on public transportation. Its ease of transport adds to the sense of freedom that comes with biking – you can take it anywhere!

When selecting a folding bike, several factors must be considered. Firstly, determine whether you plan on making short or longer trips. This will help you decide whether a compact or larger bike is best suited for your needs. There are also folding trekking bikes available if you plan on traveling or using different types of roads.

Another option to consider is an electric folding bike, which is increasingly preferred by those who travel long distances. With the added electric assist, you can cover more ground without worrying about getting too tired.

How to properly fold your folding bike?

If you’re in the market for a folding bike, one of your main concerns may be whether or not you can fold it up. However, contrary to popular belief, folding a bike is quite simple. Most bikes can be folded up in under 20 seconds.

Let’s take the Brompton bike as an example. Its folding system is relatively similar to many other classic folding bikes. To fold it up, start by positioning the left pedal close to the ground. Then, fold the rear wheel under the bike. After that, unscrew the lever on the frame and fold it up. Next, unscrew the lever on the stem and fold it as well. Finally, lower the saddle and fold up the left pedal.

It’s that easy! In just a few simple steps, you can have your folding bike compact and ready to go. And if you’re not sure how to fold up your specific bike model, don’t worry. Many bike manufacturers include instructions or even tutorial videos to help you get started.

The advantages of a folding bike

Transporting the folding bike made easy

The folding bike is characterized by its compact size and articulated structure, making it a remarkable sight. Numerous ingenious systems have been developed to enable it to fold onto itself, making it as compact as possible. This feature enables it to transform into simple hand luggage in a matter of seconds. Its portability makes it easy to carry, either in hand like a suitcase, or in the trunk of a car, airplane hold, or boat. Additionally, it fits comfortably in elevators and on stairs.

In general, the Brompton remains the standard reference for folding bikes. With its size of 565mm x 545mm x 250mm (equivalent to 0.077m3), it is often unbeatable in terms of size.

As we can observe, the folding bike carries the cyclist on the road, and reciprocally, the cyclist carries the bike once they arrive at their destination. It’s a symbiotic relationship between man and machine.

The folding bike: a bike for everyone

The folding bike has a unique feature – it doesn’t come in a specific model for men or women. Its frame is designed to suit all sizes and body types. This adaptation is achieved by adjusting the saddle and handlebar positions, which can be customized to fit individual preferences.

Once the bike is unfolded, it’s effortless to adjust the saddle and stem height to match your body size and make your ride comfortable. This versatility means the entire family can use it and feel just as comfortable as on their own bike. Indeed, a folding bike encourages sharing and promotes an inclusive cycling experience.

No more parking hassles

The folding bike is a great solution for those with limited space. It eliminates the need to search for an available spot in a crowded bike park or to secure it to street furniture. You no longer have to worry about leaving your bike unattended for hours in an unsafe area, risking its safety.

At home or work, you can easily carry it with you wherever you go and discreetly store it in a small corner. Whether in a closet, storage room, or on the balcony, finding a place to store it won’t be a problem. You’ll never have to give up cycling, even in small apartments, thanks to the convenience of the folding bike.

During the day, you can keep it in your office, and at night, in your small apartment or house. The folding bike’s compact design and portability make it an excellent choice for those who want to keep cycling without sacrificing valuable living space. With a folding bike, you’ll always have a reliable means of transportation at your fingertips.

Intermodality opens its doors to you

The folding bike opens up a world of new possibilities and combinations. The concept of intermodality, using several modes of transportation for a single journey, is now readily available. It seamlessly fits into public transport systems such as buses, trams, and trains, at no additional cost. In fact, it’s the only type of bike allowed on most public transportation.

Do you want to go on a mountain or a cycle path ride? Put your folding bike in the trunk and drive there. After riding for a while, take the train back to your starting point. Caught in a sudden rush hour or a severe storm while commuting from work? Take the bus or subway ride back home! With a folding bike, you can find a solution to almost all of your transportation problems.

What equipment should you choose for your bike?

Folding bikes are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and practicality. These bikes typically feature aluminum frames and forks, which are known for their lightweight properties. As a result, they are much lighter than conventional city bikes.

In addition to being lightweight, folding bikes often come equipped with 6 to 7 gears, enabling riders to climb small hills with ease. Some models also feature a transmission integrated into the hub, which requires less maintenance. For example, the Brompton 3-speed Sturmey Archer or the Nexus transmission wheel.

The different accessories of the folding bike

Just like any other bike, folding bikes have numerous accessories dedicated to them. However, these accessories must be adapted to ensure they don’t hinder the bike’s folding mechanism. There are several options for saddles, mudguards (on Amazon), and luggage racks (on Amazon) designed specifically for folding bikes. Additionally, there’s an extensive range of tires available for folding bikes. Most folding bikes use 20-inch wheels, as previously mentioned.

Apart from the traditional accessories, there are also parts dedicated to transporting the bike once it’s been folded. For instance, Off Yer Bike has created a carrying handle, making it easier to move the bike on the subway or train. Carrying cases that cover the entire bike are also available. For long trips, there are even cases that are stronger than covers and come equipped with wheels to protect your bike.

Which trailers to choose for your bike?

Are you wondering if you can transport your children or equipment with your folding bike? Good news, it’s definitely possible! Brands have developed several systems that enable you to attach a transport trailer to the back of your folding bike. Moreover, most of these trailers can also be folded themselves, making storage easier. For instance, you may want to check out the Polisport folding trailer, which even comes with a suspension system. It can be folded in a jiffy and takes up even less space than your folding bike!

However, keep in mind that a folding bike has its limitations, especially due to its 20-inch wheels. The smaller size of the bike does not allow for optimal transport, and pulling a trailer can be more strenuous compared to a regular bike. Therefore, it’s recommended to use a folding bike trailer for short trips or light loads. The trailer quickly becomes impractical if you need to transport two children or heavy equipment over a distance of 20 kilometers or more.

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