Bikes come in all shapes and sizes. Arguably one of the most interesting bikes you will come across in cycling is a folding bike.
Not only is it a marvel as far as engineering goes, but they have a unique look and offer a level of convenience few other types of bikes can match.
Folding bikes have a big following, and brands such as Brompton are well sought after. We often get asked, “Are folding bikes really that good?”.
In this article, we will be telling you everything you need to know when it comes to folding bikes and if they are worth it. We will be discussing:
- What Is A Folding Bike?
- Folding Bike Pros And Cons
- An Example Of A Folding Bike
- Are Folding Bikes Worth It?
What Is A Folding Bike?
A folding bike is a small commuting bike designed to fold into itself.
They typically fold in multiple places, such as the center of the frame, handlebars, pedals, and even the seat post. They are fantastic for people who may be short on storage space or want to travel on public transport with their bikes.
What Unique Features Does A Folding Bike Have?
Folding bikes have some excellent features, making them incredibly useful and fun to ride. Here’s what you need to know:
Foldability
The most unique characteristic of a folding bike is that it can fold into a much smaller size. This is perfect for commuting and if you’re short on space.
Small Wheels
Folding bikes generally come with much smaller wheels compared to your normal typical bikes. They can be as small as 20”, making the bikes easy to control, agile, and quickly accelerate.
Lightweight
Folding bikes are very small in size and, because of this, can often come very lightweight. It makes them easy to carry around if you live in an apartment on the second or third floor.
Great Adjustability
Another great feature of a folding bike is the amount of adjustability you get. Most folding bikes typically come in one single size and, because of this, have a big range of adjustability, meaning an ideal fit can be easy to find.
Convenience
Folding bikes are incredibly convenient. In many countries, you can take them on buses and trains. In workplaces, you generally don’t need to lock them up outside but take them inside instead.
Pricing
Folding bikes come in a wide range of prices, meaning you can get one as cheap as $200 or one as expensive as $4000. They also have excellent resale value and tend to be built to a high standard that lasts.
Folding Bike Pros And Cons
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a folding bike? Here’s what you need to know:
Pros
- Can fold up to a small size
- Typically quite light and easy to carry
- Small wheels make it fun to ride
- Very adjustable to suit a wide range of users
- They come in all different prices
- Electric options are readily available
- Easy to setup and ride
- It can be used on many forms of public transport
- The upright riding position gives a lot of comfort
Cons
- The smaller wheelbase and small wheels feel make for snappy handling
- Very limited performance
- Tough to use as a recreational bike
- Electronic versions can be very heavy
- They are limited when it comes to gearing, generally
- Folding them can take time
- Typically they need adjusting to fit you each time they are unfolded
An Example Of A Folding Bike
When we speak about folding bikes, there’s one name that comes to mind, that’s Brompton.
Brompton are some of the most iconic folding bikes ever made and have a huge following currently. They are a brand from London, but these bikes have clubs worldwide.
The 2022 A Line is a great example of a folding bike that is perfect for commuting, trips to the shops, and seeing friends. It ticks all the boxes that make a folding bike great.
It comes in at 11.5kg and is folding up to near as small as a carry-on bag. With its small wheels and three-speed gearing, it’s exactly what a folding town bike should be. Coming in at just over $1000, it’s not cheap, but it’s built to last, and the quality is incredible.
Are Folding Bikes Worth It?
Folding bikes are a fantastic type of bike, and they definitely have a place in cycling. We do believe they have a place and are ideal for certain cyclists and for others not.
If you are looking for a bike for short rides in a city or using it for commuting to work on multiple forms of transport, a folding bike is ideal for you. They are so convenient and are perfect for storage in small city apartments and wheezing through small city streets.
If you are looking for a bike for long rides out with a club on a Sunday or hitting the odd trail, a folding bike will be pretty useless. They are not geared well enough, and the small wheels don’t do you any favors at high speeds or off-road.
A Final Note
Folding bikes are fantastic, but they are only suited to certain situations. If you are interested in a folding bike, we recommend doing your research and investing a decent amount into a bike that will last for a long time.
Robbie Ferri has spent years working in a bike shop, has worked with industry leading brands on product creation, has been a semi pro athlete, and is a fully qualified strength and conditioning coach. He has broken World Records, bikepacked all over the World and raced ultra distance at a top-level.
