You've decided to buy a bike to get some exercise and save on commuting costs, but with that bike comes some issues. Not everyone has the luxury of large rooms, spacious garages and an understanding city full of bike racks. A folding bike is a convenient option, and you have a wealth of models to compare in order to find the best bike for you.
Definition
Folding bikes are those that collapse into a relatively compact bundle of parts that usually remain connected. While a few models require removing a pedal or wheel, most enable everything to fold while staying on the bike, making unfolding and reconstructing the full bike a rather quick endeavor. Folding bikes can stay in a closet or car trunk when not in use.
Types
Folding bikes come with several different wheel sizes and frame configurations. Some are full-size bikes with 26-inch wheels, while others have small 16-inch wheels. Folding bikes have electric counterparts, too. The sitting position can vary, so whether you like to sit upright or lean forward, you'll be able to find a bike you like to ride. Manufacturers might also offer modifications, such as a seat post that doubles as a tire pump. As of 2010, folding bikes range from under $200 to top-of-the-line models costing into four digits.
Points to Look For
When you start comparing the different makes and models keep in mind why you want a folding bike to begin with. Going in with only a vague idea of what you want will get you a bike that doesn't quite suit you. Consider how fast you need to be able to go, how much the bike should weigh, what sort of trips you'll be making, what sort of storage you have for the bike and if you need to take it on public transportation. Check out the weight and sturdiness of each model, and how well the folding connections re-lock and stay locked. If you have the opportunity to test the bike first, ride it around and practice folding and unfolding it. Ride it again after unfolding it a few times to see if the seat and handlebars slip, which would indicate the latches need adjustment.
Considerations
Find out the return policy, especially if you buy your bike online and don't have a chance to test it out first. The bike could look fine when you take it out of the box only to tangle up in a maze of badly placed brake cables and sinking seat posts once you ride it. Also look at features that benefit specific circumstances, such as water resistance if you are a boat dweller, folding times if you will be making fast transitions onto public transit or pedal-powered lights if you know you'll be out after dark a lot.
Cautions
The true level of portability will be determined mostly by your strength. While some folding bikes are configured so that you can roll them along even when folded, many are not. Sometimes you'll also have to walk up flights of stairs with your bike, making rolling ability a moot point. If you can't carry the bike without excessively straining or feeling like you're about to pass out, don't buy it. That may seem obvious, but it is convenient to ignore the obvious when you become determined to buy something. Also, when folding and unfolding the bike, watch the brake cables. See if they become caught in the brake levers or any other part of the bike; if they do, that can pull your brakes out of whack. See how well the bike stays folded, so you don't have parts unfolding and banging into your legs as you try to carry the bike.
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