What To Look For
As with most other bicycle styles, folding bicycles offer several levels of performance, quality and price. Folding bicycles allow for easy transport and storage. The nicest folding bicycles often collapse the fastest and smallest. Many folding bicycles easily stow in small specially designed bags for public transit use and work storage ease, states online transportation resource website Transportation Alternatives. Many folding bicycles utilize uncommon gearing to propel small wheels and tires, though several manufacturers use full-size wheels and tires with folding bicycles. Most folding specialty frame manufacturers utilize special connections, allowing for bicycle frame folding.
Common Pitfalls
Many people believe small-wheeled folding bicycles are slow and awkward. However, many folding bicycle manufacturers offer machines as fast and graceful, though typically odd looking, as other bicycles. Online folding bike resource The Folding Cyclist reports some cyclists even race folding bicycles in official sanctioned events. Many people believe folding bicycles are heavier than comparable traditional cycles, but new alloys and materials keep folding bicycle weights comparable to other bicycles. Cyclists desiring lightweight folding cycles must prepare for expenses often exceeding, though not by much, traditional lightweight cycles. Some folding bicycles look similar to traditional cycles yet collapse using high-tech tube joints.
Where To Buy
Most any store selling bicycles offers some form of collapsible folding-style bicycles. Many local bicycle shops, department stores and online folding cycle retailers sell folding bicycles. Most department stores sell inexpensive bicycles and folding bicycles generally unable to withstand heavy use. Many local bicycle shops stock only a single model of folding bicycle but may have access to many others. Specialty folding bicycle stores occasionally exist in heavily populated urban areas, often retaining higher demands for such machines. Many folding bicycles offer few if any sizes but adjust to fit a variety of cyclists.
Cost
Folding bicycle prices run nearly the full span of traditional bicycles. Bargain entry-level folders often sell under $200. Quality folding bicycles featuring a few speeds and accessories typically sell from $350 to $550. Folding bicycles designed for lighter weight and greater speed often sell from $650 to $1,250. Lightweight high quality machines may run more than $2,000. Many specialty frame retailers sell custom frames designed to fit the exact measurements and needs of a particular rider. These frame builders often offer collapsible frame options for cyclists planning frequent travel. Such frames may exceed $4,000 for the folding bicycle frame alone.
Member Comments