Folding bike assembly looks like an ordinary two-wheeled car, except for some features of the frame. The main difference is that it can be made more compact - sometimes reducing to the size of a hiking backpack. This device is perfect for transportation in the trunk of a car, and if necessary, it is easy to take with you to the subway or bus. Despite the simplicity of the design, bicycles of these types can serve for a variety of purposes, so you do not need to take the first model you got. To make it easier for you to decide the choice, let's consider the best representatives of folding bikes of the main classes, where you need to navigate.
- Folding bike of which firm to choose
- Best folding mountain / sports bicycles
- Best urban bikes
- Best folding bicycles for children and teenagers
- Best folding bicycles of budget category
- What folding bike to buy
Folding bike of which company to choose
Among the manufacturers of bicycles,as in the automotive world, there are firms specializing in the production of elite models, popular brands that occupy several price segments at onceand so-called national brands.
Since the choice of bike often dictates the budget, we have compiled a list of brands offering folding models in descending order of their goods:
1. Сronus
2. Strida
3. Stark
4. Smart Bikes
5. Shulz
6. Stels
7. Forward
These companies produce the best bicycles-transformers. The top lines of the rating are traditionally occupied by European brands. But domestic manufacturers are not lagging behind - due to their high quality and adequate price, they too were widely represented in our TOP.
The best folding mountain / sports bicycles
This section includes MTV for cross country, freeride and other mountain sports. In the Russian market, they appeared only a couple of years ago, but at the moment their choice has increased significantly. They have all the advantages of mountain bikes - lightness, strength, high cross-country ability on unprepared routes - but can be folded up to compact dimensions if necessary.
Soldier 2.5
The pride of the French company Сronus is distinguished by reliability, quality and convenience. Here there is not only a frame, but also pedals, which makes the "transformer" even smaller. The technique is designed for the weight of the rider up to 120 kg.
Pros:
- 27-speed transmission with Shimano Deore switching - suitable for cross country with minimal jumps;
- Shock-absorbing fork with on / off control and locking;
- Hydraulic disc brakes work confidently and gently;
- Large and tenacious wheels, 26 inches in size;
- Easily fits in the trunk;
- Convenient, slightly curved shape of the steering wheel;
- Improved assembly / disassembly system - the manufacturer quickly reacted to complaints of buyers of "Soldiers" in 2015.
Cons:
- Cost;
- Hydraulics can not be repaired in the field.
Despite all the advantages of Soldier 2.5, it is not recommended to use it in professional races - all the same folding bicycles are designed more for convenience in transportation.
Stark Cobra HD 2016
An excellent option for cross-country refers to hardtails - that is, without a rear shock absorber. On difficult routes it is not so comfortable to ride, but it wins precious seconds for two-pendants at the start and during the passage of turns.
Pros:
- Frame made of aluminum alloy, so the weight of the device is 15.2 kg;
- The compactness in the assembly allows you to transport it even in buses and metro;
- Tektro HD-M290 disc brakes on hydraulics will cope with any emergency situation;
- Convenient form of the steering wheel will not allow you to get tired during long runs;
- Simple assembly system;
- Provides a place to install a child seat.
Cons:
- Still a high price;
- The absence of a second suspension reduces the comfort of riding on rough terrain, but this is simply a feature of the design.
In general, we can say that the "Cobra" is a very good and reliable device. And although it costs a lot of money, the characteristics of the bicycle and excellent quality compensate for this disadvantage.
Best city bikes
You do not need to think that this is just a walking model, designed for a leisurely ride through the parks. Modern urban bicycles are very bright, hardy and quite suitable for overcoming long distances. And when folded, they can easily enter public transport( although you will be asked to put a cover on the technique), in a cafe or shop.
Strida SX
The most expensive folding bike in our ranking for the city is characterized by a very unusual appearance. However, its quality and design features fully justify the high cost. The stryda is folded up to the size of a small narrow cart that you can carry with you - here even the steering wheel is transformed!
Pros:
- Wires and cables hidden in the cavity of the frame;
- Belt transfer from Kevlar instead of the traditional chain in the solidol;
- Disc brakes, like a serious bike;
- Easy to assemble even for the child;
- Luggage compartment;
- Very maneuverable, although it can not boast of good speed;
- Very light weight 11.6 kg.
Cons:
- Narrow 18-inch wheels are not suitable for all types of roads;
- The luggage compartment is purely symbolic and is not designed for a weight exceeding 10 kg;
- Weak damping - on the curbs it is better to brake or stand on the pedals.
Strida SX is one of the best representatives of city folding bicycles. A small weight, compactness, stylish design and many other positive qualities make this device ideal for residents of megacities.
Smart Truck 300
A Dutch semi-professional bike for sport skiing that can easily cope with country roads and trails on a relatively flat terrain. It has a 24-speed switch from the family of Shimano Acera.
Pros:
- Convenience and ease of transformation;
- Stylish design;
- Develops decent speed on relatively flat areas;
- In brakes - traditional for MTB discs and obedient hydraulics;
- Comfortable saddle and comfortable handle design are great for long trips;
- 26-inch wheels;
- Light stroke;
- Manufacturer's warranty on the frame for 5 years.
Cons:
- Do not always have a free sale;
- Relatively high price, although the bike is in some way status, so this defect is forgivable.
In general, Smart Truck is not very different from professional MTV, but it is not designed for mountain routes. His element - riding around the city and relatively even impassability.
Best folding bicycles for children and teenagers
Folding bicycles initially provide a good stock of growth adjustments, which is already a significant plus - because children grow and buy them a new projectile every year parents are not ready. Nevertheless, when choosing models, it is necessary to be guided by the growth plan, trying to "get" to the lower limit specified in the characteristics.
Forward Timba
One of the best collapsible bicycles of urban type for children 6-9 years. One-speed model does not have wide possibilities, but as the first two-wheeled friend for the kid it is very good.
Pros:
- Cute bright design;
- Affordable price;
- The diameter of the wheels is 20 ", which will allow the experienced child to gain a good speed;
- Complete with protection for the chain and a pair of removable side wheels;
- Russian production - there will be no problems with repair or replacement of parts.
Cons:
- For the child is heavy( 13.8 kg), so that the parents will have to carry the bike;
- Some mobile units require manual adjustment, since they are either overtaken or loose from the factory.
In general, Timba is perfect for a child who is just learning to ride. Externally it looks like an ordinary bicycle without pretensions and extra "bloat."Remotely resembles the Soviet "Storks" and "Salutes", except that a little modernized. There are similar models for Girls Forward Timba Girl, differing only in color.
Shulz Max( 2016)
Children's city bicycle of an average price category. Slightly heavy( 14.3 kg), however, it is intended for teenagers under 16 years old - they will cope. The reserve of carrying capacity of this kid - up to 110 kg is interesting, so that grown-ups of low growth should also take a closer look at this model.
Pros:
- Nakatisty, well "takes" the ups;
- Convenient and fast assembly / disassembly;
- Robust steel frame;
- Folded bike keeps stability in an upright position;
- 20-inch wheels develop a good speed;
- Occupies a minimum of free space - in the trunk of the car you can put 2 of these bikes;
- All details are well-executed - no backlash, no squeak.
Cons:
- Brake shoes are not made of the best material;
- There are a few complaints about the quality of factory settings.
In general, Shulz Max will suit both a teenager and an adult for driving around the city. This is a very attractive, fast and almost non-destructible model.
Best folding bicycles budget category
Of course, choose an inexpensive folding bike, which does not disappoint with its quality, it is difficult. But probably. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money to buy a good model that does not cause any trouble.
Forward Sevilla 1.0
A bicycle weighing 17.2 kg is designed primarily for city highways, but due to its large 26-inch wheels it can even cope with country dirt roads.
Pros:
- Exterior of the car boot;
- Sturdy steel frame, which holds a blow well( you never know what);
- Takes a little space when folded;
- There are practically no plastic parts in the design;
- Circuit board and pump included.
Cons:
- No manual brakes( although this is more a matter of habit than minus);
- Front fork stiff - vibration on uneven road is felt.
Sevilla 1.0 is a wonderful folding bike that develops quite good speed in urban conditions, and maneuvers perfectly. It is one of the best in its price category. I especially like women.
Smart 20( 2016)
The bike looks cool and stylish, and 20-inch wheels allow for perfect maneuvering in an urban setting. The model is designed for children, but the price for it is so low that Smart moved freely to this section of our rating.
Pros:
- Elementary folding mechanism;
- Robust steel frame;
- Complete with chain protection, step, bell and electrical equipment;
- There are cataphores and a front light;
- When folding, you can remove the front wheel.
Cons:
- Quality of the centering of the wings from the plant can "limp";
- No manual brakes, but the pedals do this well - without a single scrolling.
The Smart 20 bike captivates with its reliability and even some goodness, despite the very low price. Suitable for children and adults.
Stels Pilot 710 24
Excellent and light model designed for trips in the city. In reviews, this bicycle is called simple and reliable, with a good soft running.
Pros:
- The average diameter of the wheels allows for perfect maneuvering in urban conditions;
- It goes well;
- Low-key design;
- When folded, it fits even in the rear seat of the car;
- In the basic configuration, there is already a trunk and chain protection.
Cons:
- Wide steering wheel and direct landing not all seem comfortable;
- Rostovka is not designed for people above 170 cm;
- Low gear ratio - loss in speed, but lifts take on "hurray."
In general, the bike is excellent for city runs up to 10 km. Its only serious drawback can be called unless the complexity of the service - it is difficult to reach some of the nodes without a special tool.
Which folding bike to buy
1. The adult amateur extreme is more suitable for folding MTV Cronus Soldier 2.5.By the way, it is recognized as the best mountain bike in 2017.
2. For those who like fast and reliable hardtail for cross-country, you should choose Stark Cobra HD.This model will withstand even a large rider weighing up to 120 kg.
3. For residents of megacities specifically created a unique city bike Strida SX - insanely expensive, but very stylish, maneuverable and convenient.
4. If you need a more functional and fast sports model that can drive even off-road, choose the 24-speed Smart Truck 300.
5. Available options for every day for children and adults - Forward Sevilla 1.0 or Smart 20. These are sturdyWorkhorses for any roads.
6. If you only need to travel a few kilometers a day in the city, you can stop on an inexpensive bike Stels Pilot 710 24. But only if the rider's height does not exceed 170 cm.
7. As the first bicycle, a child of 6-9 years old canbuy Forward Timba - there are models for boys and girls.
8. Teenagers already need a bicycle more solid and steeper - they will like the stylish city bike Shulz Max.
