Visit folding bike is a very practical type of urban bicycle, characterized by its ability to fold to a compact size, which quickly reveals its advantages for use in the city!
The folding bike is easy to transport, in the trunk of a car, on a bus, train or metro, just like a piece of luggage. The risk of theft is eliminated, as it is not parked outside. Inside, it can be easily stored in a corner of your apartment or office.
WHAT'S A FOLDING BIKE FOR?
The folding bike is the bicycle of choice for city-dwellers who need to get around town, to the office or elsewhere. This type of urban travel, which combines cycling and public transport (train, bus, streetcar, metro), is for cyclists living on the outskirts of cities, a little way from the transport networks. It enables them to optimize their travel time, thanks to the bike.
The folding bike is best suited to this type of urban mobility: simply fold it up for the duration of the public transport journey, keep it close to you like luggage, then unfold it and cycle the remaining distance to your destination.
However, the practicality of the folding bike is not limited to the urban environment. Some models are designed to be used in leisure mode, on hiking trails. Whether on a trip or a weekend getaway, a bike ride can quickly be improvised to suit your itinerary: simply take the bike out of the boot of your car or camper van, unfold it and set off on your adventure, a little further along the trail!
Special features of folding bikes
Folding frame
The frame of a folding bike has a distinctive design, owing to the hinged folding system it incorporates and the compact format it aims to achieve. As a general rule, this frame features a low, oversized main horizontal bar. The front triangle is set back behind the hinge, while the rear triangle is elongated and reduced in height. The frame is usually made of aluminum, to keep its weight down as much as possible. It is combined with a rigid fork, which may be aluminum or steel.
As for the folding system, there are as many technologies as there are manufacturers, but the general principle remains comparable: a hinge is located in the middle of the frame structure, accompanied by a locking/unlocking lever.
One-size-fits-all, adjustable bikes
Most folding bike frames are unisex and come in one size. They are suitable for everyone, although there may be minimum and maximum size limits, always indicated by the manufacturer.
Folding bikes are easily adaptable from one size to another, since in addition to an adjustable seatpost, they generally feature height-adjustable handlebars, and sometimes an adjustable stem.
Wheel size
The size of the wheels on a folding bike plays a decisive role in its handling, comfort on the road and compactness when folded. There's a wide range of folding bikes available, with 16-, 20-, 24- or 26-inch wheels, although the most widespread standard is the 20-inch.
WHICH CRITERIA TO CHOOSE?
Weight
Weight is a fundamental consideration when choosing your folding bike. If you plan to use it very frequently, with repeated carrying, your bike mustn't be too heavy, or it will be difficult to keep track of on a daily basis.
The reference weight of a folding bike without accessories (mudguards, luggage rack) is around 12 kilos, below which a model can be considered rather light. It's worth noting that some models manage to break the symbolic 10-kilo barrier: they use top-quality components, notably carbon, which reduce their weight but increase their price!
The folding system
The folding system also helps to facilitate carrying and maneuvering when the bike is folded. Some systems use fasteners, real clips or magnetic systems to hold the various components in the folded position. You can also check whether the bike can still be ridden when folded, which will make life a lot easier!
Dimensions
The size of a folded bike is judged when it's in its folded position, and depends in particular on the size of its wheels and the ergonomics of its folding system.
If you plan to transport your folding bike in the trunk of a car or in other small spaces, make sure it fits! At Probikeshop, the dimensions of the bike in the folded position are detailed on all the model sheets we offer. This is important information to bear in mind!
Wheel size
The smaller the wheels, the more compact the folding bike is likely to be, and the easier it is to maneuver in the folded position. Small wheels, however, are less pleasant to ride, more uncomfortable and less maneuverable, than large wheels, which offer greater comfort and efficiency.
The folding bike is still designed for trips of reasonable length. But if its wheels are 24 or 26 inches, it will be better suited to longer distances. In town, folding bikes with 20-inch wheels are still the norm.
Components (transmission and braking)
The transmission system is an important component of your folding bike, and should be chosen according to the profile of the terrain you plan to ride. Like all urban bikes, folding bikes come in different configurations, with conventional derailleur gears offering a wide range of gear ratios to get you over the smallest of hills, or with a hub with integrated gears for flatter routes.
The same applies to braking systems, which can be pad, V-brake or disc.
