Folding bikes have become increasingly popular in cities over the past number of years. They offer you the flexibility of combining modes of transport while also taking away the fear of getting your bike stolen as you leave it outside your office day after day as it can be stored underneath your desk.
Suitable for:- Short distances
- Those who travel by bus or train and want to speed up the walk from the station to the office/ home.
- Those who are tight for storage space at home
- Weight – remember you not only have to ride this bike, you have to carry it too, often up and down the stairs at the train station.
- Folding mechanism – there is no point in buying a bike that is tricky to fold. Try before you buy! Luckily most folding bikes are super simple to use but you don’t want to get caught out with the one that isn’t! It is also worth looking at how efficiently the bike folds and how easy it is to carry/transport when folded.
- Wheels – some folding bikes have very small wheels, if you are planning to do a slightly longer commute on your folding bike it is worth opting for a slightly bigger/ slimmer wheel to make you more efficient.
- Gears – if you are buying from the lower price bracket, it is best to get a single speed bike if your commute is pretty flat. Cheaper bikes mean cheaper components so it is best to limit possible problems further down the line where you can.
- Fit – all folding bikes are generally the same size with adjustable seat posts and handlebars which can be adjusted to fit almost anybody.
Folding bikes range in price from £150, right up to the £1,500 mark. And although the bikes at both ends of the spectrum may look the same, the differences are huge.
