Overview 7 kinds of the best folding bicycles: how to choose which one to buy, the pros and cons, features, rating

Folding bike - a good analogue of the urban bike which through modern design quickly transforms into a portable small-sized device weighing up to 18 kg. Rover has a standard design, but with some differences: the frame, seat, steering wheel, pedals and wheel fixed flexible components, which are able to bend or dismantled. Bike folds to a compact size, allowing you to carry it in public transport. It takes up little space in the house, placed in the trunk of a car.

Content:

  • How to choose a folding bike
  • Best adult folding bike
  • Best tricycle folding bike
  • Best Mountain Folding Bike
  • Best Children's folding bike
  • Best Women's folding bike
  • Best lightest folding bike
  • Best urban folding bike

How to choose a folding bike

Before you give preference to interest you bikeShould get to know the technical characteristics and the purpose for which purchased vehicles. Manufacturers produce ultra compact for the city, mountain, speed, singlspid models and children's bikes. The models differ on a number of parameters.

types of folding

Some models fold in half diagonally, twisted and bent by 3-4 times. Most types of bicycles are transformed steering wheel, pedals and seat, and the frame is released in the middle.

  • With joints - it takes minimum time to fold and fit in a travel bag or camping backpack.
  • Collapsible frame - transformation takes longer. Eroded portion folded compactly by separating pipe. For the transformation of applied additional tools.
  • Vertical folding EEZZ - puts the rover at the touch of a finger.
  • Nolift - bicycle is not lifted for transformation. The weight is distributed evenly. Disassembled does not need the support and stands on its own.

The weight

Some examples of different folding lightweight. Before choosing should not rely on personal physical ability to pick a comfortable option. Each model personal performance with the maximum permissible load and constraint on growth.

folding speed

The main idea of ​​the rover - quick and easy folding. The average time for transformation - 15 seconds.

The diameter of the wheels

From the diameter of the wheel depends on the compactness bike and speed that can be developed. Prototypes Wheel diameter from 14 to 28 inches. The larger the diameter, the quicker and smoother running, better bike overcomes bumps in the road, but difficult to manage when cornering.

  • 14 inches - the smallest wheel. The folding samples are rarely used.
  • 14-18 inches - set for compactness and ease of transport.
  • 20 inches - the standard size, combining driving performance, compactness, comfort.
  • 24-28 inches - a full-size diameter, to approximate awkward prototypes. When folded, it is not considered compact.

frame design

Rama portable rover - chine type, bent under the heat of the tubes diameter of 40 millimeters and a wall thickness of 2.5 millimeters.

Fork

Responsible for the quality of turns, cushioning. Make soft, tough and versatile.

Brake

  • Foot - the rover stops by turning the pedals. Can be found on inexpensive or older samples. Now is the last in the rating for the slow braking efficiency of 40%.
  • Rim - they fitted 80% of folding models. mounted on bicycles with minimum and average speed.
  • Disk - the most reliable form of brakes is set to speed rovers and is effective for 90%.
  • Roller - braking is gentle, but for emergencies - slowly.

metal frame

  • Steel - is heavy but low metal. It affects the overall weight of the vehicle, but it is reliable. Corrosion damage can be formed by the paint material.
  • High-carbon steel - strength higher than that of conventional steel. Smoothes rough road vibration.
  • CrMo steel - aluminum weighs less well springs.
  • Aluminum - 70% of bicycle frames are made of aluminum. Metal is characterized by how easy, inexpensive in price and reliable. Of the drawbacks - no springs.
  • Carbon - the frame Bicycle high price range are made from carbon fiber. Metal is light resistance.
  • Titan - because of the low demand is rarely used, but wins at high loads.

Depreciation

  • Front shock absorber - used on high-speed rovers. Rare to medium-prototypes. It allows you to move through any localities to overcome obstacles.
  • Rear shock absorber - on portable models are rare.

Number of speeds

There are settings from 1 to 24 velocities. The smaller of the transport, the slower the speed. Planetary hub - the speed selector is located inside the sleeve. Ergonomic bicycle looks and has high reliability.

steering wheel

Not all samples allow folding handlebars and saddle. Availability of features makes bicycle Folded more compact. The mechanism can fold inwardly or wheel on the outer side. In the second case there is a small obstacle during transport. Adjustable height and tilt steering wheel allows you to travel on transport for people of different heights.

Saddle

Portable model equipped with the standard seat but it is possible to change it to a wider or amortization. Almost all of the prototypes of transport allow you to adjust the seat height, the slope of the range vehicles and tilt.

folding locks

The presence of the fuses from the spontaneous folding bicycle. Metal fuses practical and durable plastic.

accessories

For convenience, some models are equipped with footrests. For accessories include fenders, trunk call, bottle of water, pump. Usually, fake quality bicycles are much cheaper and are found on sale in markets. However, the high price does not always guarantee the reliability: if the attachments to be replaced, then the defective frame will not change.

Best adult folding bike

Bicycle Stark Cobra HD It belongs hardtail category and has its design front shock absorber. Reliable portable design worked well as challenging trails, and urban roads. The lightweight aluminum frame can withstand heavy loads. Easy folding mechanism and compact size allow you to store a bicycle in a small space.

Characteristics

  • Model 2018.
  • Frame - aluminum.
  • Plug - elastomer, spring.
  • Wheel diameter - 27.5 g.
  • Weight - 16 kg.
  • Number of speeds - 24.
  • Front, rear brakes - disc hydraulics.
  • Rear-wheel drive - there.
  • Depreciation - front fork spring-elastomeric.
  • Form wheel - a straight line.
  • The maximum load weight - 115 kg.
  • Accessories - footrest, guard on the chain.

pros

  • Disc brake system.
  • Stepless speed change.
  • opportunity to establish Baby chair.
  • Designed for long trips.

Minuses

  • High, but justified price.
  • No second suspension.
  • Impractical pedal assembly.

Best tricycle folding bike

One of the best tricycles is an Turbo Trike M 3452. Tubeless wheels made of rubber. Their technical characteristics are similar to an inflatable rubber chamber, but they can not break through. The new prototype can be folded in half and shipped in any convenient way.

Characteristics

  • For ages 1 to 4 years.
  • Tubeless wheels - 8-10 inches.
  • Folding hood with a window.
  • Strap - 3-point.
  • Bumper for fall protection.
  • Footboard for baby legs.
  • The seat is rotated through 360˚.
  • Adjusting the height of the parent handle.
  • Basket for things.
  • Bag on the handle.

pros

  • Foldable frame.
  • removal of the rear wheel button.

Minuses

  • A lot of weight.
  • Difficulty in renting covers.

Best Mountain Folding Bike

All the advantages of mountain bike models include Soldier 2.5. It is characterized by light weight, strong frame, a good cross on difficult roads. Quickly transformed into a compact volume in the frame and the pedals. Withstand to 120 kg. Good quality / price ratio.

Characteristics

  • Ram 2016 with a new view of the castle.
  • Flexible pedal.
  • Transmission - 27 speeds.
  • Brakes - disc hydraulic.
  • Fork - oil-spring, with lock.
  • Weight - 15.3 kg.
  • Wheels - 26 inches.
  • Rim - double.

pros

  • Compact when folded.
  • Curved handlebars.
  • Improved system assembly and disassembly bike.
  • Good shock absorption.

Minuses

  • High, but justified the cost.
  • Difficult parts for repairs.
  • A lot of weight.
  • It is often necessary to tighten the saddle.
  • Periodically circuit decreases.

Best Children's folding bike

Bicycle Shulz Max (2016) has an average price category, it is designed for urban roads. Adjusting the height of the steering wheel and seat allows you to ride it to teenagers under 16 years old. Carrying capacity is designed to transport 110 kg, which makes it possible to look at it and adults with short stature.

Characteristics

  • Folding frame of steel.
  • Wheel diameter - 20 inches.
  • Hard course.
  • Transmission speed - 1.
  • Weight - 14.3 kg.
  • Calculated on the weight - up to 110 kg.
  • Front, rear brake - mechanical rim.
  • Accessories - bell boot, footrest, wings.

pros

  • Fast assembly - disassembly.
  • Easy reel.
  • steel frame.
  • In the folded position remains stable.
  • Wheels develop a good speed.
  • In the trunk of cars fit 2 bicycle in the folded state.
  • High-quality accessories.

Minuses

  • Quality brake pads - the average.
  • Quality adjustment from the manufacturer - the average.
  • For a child a lot of weight.
  • No amortization.

Best Women's folding bike

folding bicycle Stels Pilot 350 It does not have a broad line of design, but has a great selection of bright colors. The housing and components are made of hard steel, which prevents breakage through impact or fall. 6 INSTALLATIONS velocity profiles in which the rear wheel sprocket engaged, one leading star is mounted on the front. Durable chain is a long time without defects. Designed for measured ride. Compact when folded, easy to transport.

Characteristics

  • Issue 2016.
  • Weight - 15.3 kg.
  • The frame is made of steel.
  • Wheels - 20 inches.
  • Speed ​​- 6.
  • Form steering - curved.
  • circuit protection.
  • The front and rear brake - a pleasure.
  • Type front and rear brakes - V-Brake.
  • Accessories - call, fenders, roof rack, rear view mirror.

pros

  • The original design.
  • Compact.

Minuses

  • No amortization.
  • It is not designed to give high.
  • Heavy weight.
  • Average speed.

Best lightest folding bike

Dahon Speed ​​Uno - the market leader. Easy folded rover with a weight of 10.9 kg. It has a single-speed transmission. There is a trunk and fenders to protect against dirt. The model is presented in different designs, suitable for people with an increase from 140 to 190 cm.

Characteristics

  • Transport for men.
  • Brake - foot, rear.
  • Wheel diameter of 20 inches.
  • Frame - Hardtail made of steel.
  • tough - fork amortization.

pros

  • Smooth braking.
  • A light weight.
  • Gear ratio - good.

Minuses

  • Circuit periodically weakens.
  • Unjustified price.
  • There is no possibility to buy original parts.

Best urban folding bike

Bike Strida SX - the current model, which has an easy high speed, increased endurance, and allows you to travel long distances. special belt is installed instead of a chain. When folded, fits easily into a car trunk, it can be transported on public transport. The main distinguishing feature of portable urban samples - a custom look. The quality of materials used and the exclusive design justify its high cost. Model truck transformed into a narrow, resembling the diamond in which the rib is located on one seat, the second - the folded wheel - the third chain and pedals, and the bottom edge - of the wheel.

Characteristics

  • Weight - 11.6 kg.
  • Speed ​​- 1.
  • Folded - 116 × 51 × 23.
  • Designed to increase - from 153 to 193 cm.
  • Maximum load - up to 100 kg.
  • Average speed - 22 km / h.
  • Drive - belt.
  • Wheel diameter - 18 inches.
  • Frame - reinforced aluminum.
  • Brakes - disc.
  • Accessories - trunk, fenders, running boards.

pros

  • Cables hidden in the cavity of the frame.
  • Instead of a chain strap of Kevlar.
  • Disc brakes.
  • Rapid transformation.
  • Maneuverable.
  • A light weight.
  • Transforming the steering wheel.

Minuses

  • Roof not withstand claimed in weight to 10 kg.
  • Narrow wheels are not suitable for all types of roads.
  • Low depreciation.
  • High price.

The market offers a large variety of portable BicycleIncluding exclusive, on wheels with a diameter of 27 inches. After carefully considering the pros and cons, you can make a good purchase.