Folding Bikes

Folding bikes are basically just like standard bicycles except that they can be folded up for easy storage or transport when they aren’t being used. In recent years this kind of bike has increased in popularity quite a lot and is a common purchase for people who want to use a bike but who may find that a regular bike doesn’t suit them.

So, for example, a lot of commuters will use folding bikes to help them get to and from work. One of the big advantages to using this kind of bike here comes if there is also a train or bus journey involved in a commute. Many train companies, for example, won’t allow standard bikes on peak time services whilst a folding bike can simply be folded up and stowed away easily.

This is also a good option for those who don’t have a lot of space at home to store a bike -- folding bikes take up hardly any room in comparison and can be easily stored in a cupboard or small alcove. Plus using this kind of bike can do away with the need for car bike racks. With a folding bike you can simply stow the bike away in the boot of the car for use when you get where you’re going.

Folding bikes work in various ways. Some, for example, will simply fold in half. Others will fold along the seat post or base spine of the bike. Once you get used to folding down a bike like this you can work it in just seconds -- this isn’t a complex operation by any means.

Unlike regular bikes most folding bikes don’t need to be precisely sized or measured to suit your height/leg length. Most bikes on offer here are adjustable and designs are usually based on the same frame size with a variety of adjustments that you can make to ensure that cycling is comfortable for you.

Because of their size and the need to be relatively lightweight a lot of folding bikes come with smaller wheels and a smaller frame than standard models. This may mean that it will take you a while to get used to riding a folding bike if you are used to using a fixed model.

You may, for example, find that folding bikes are not the best option on really rough terrain. They won’t have the natural shock absorption built in that comes with a regular model as they really are primarily designed for use on urban roads. In most cases, if you are simply using the bike for getting around and about and for general leisure purposes then this won’t be an issue.