Folding bikes are a light, compact and smart way to travel. Depending on the bike, you can fold it down within a few seconds and a few simple steps, making for a small suitcase size bicycle that you can easily take anywhere.
A folding bicycle is a great convenience for bicycle commuters. As with most bicycles, the price can range greatly. Decide your budget first and then what features are important to you. Take into consideration if you need multiple gears or if the weight of the bike important. Also, take some time trying the folding mechanisms on different bikes to make sure it works for you. And most important, don't forget to try the ride.
Economy
If you're on a budget, you can get a folding bike for as little as a few hundred dollars but you will get a heavier bike with a rougher ride. However, according to Consumer Search, the Downtube 9FS, is a great folding bike for the price. It weighs 27 lbs. and has a stable ride. It also folds down easily and has solid components. It is more bulky than more expensive folding bikes and has wider handle bars.
Middle of Road
For a few hundred more dollars, you can get a lighter folding bicycle with higher quality components. The ride won't be as stable as a more expensive brand, but you'll have a more dependable bike than a budget brand. And according to a review of Strida brand bicycle by Lloyd Alter, you will have a bike that folds in five seconds.
Top of Line
If you're comfortable spending a few thousand dollars, the Chameleon Performance Sport gets good reviews, according to "Bicycling" magazine. This bicycle folds three ways, making it easy to travel with. It has 24-inch wheels whereas most folding bikes have 20-inch wheels, but the slightly bigger wheels make it have a smoother ride. The bicycle weighs about 20 lbs. and also has 20-speed Shimano shifters, high quality for a folding bike.
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