Those on a quest for the best folding bike often have different priorities. For people traveling extensively with their bicycles, they want a lightweight, versatile model. People who ride for recreational purposes often seek a quick-folding bicycle. Urban dwellers typically need the most portable folding bicycle, while others may want the cheapest one. Analyze your priorities so that you wind up with the best folding bicycle for your lifestyle.
Popular Folding Bicycles
Chances are, city-dwellers on a folding bicycle are riding a Dahon. This bicycle manufacturer serves the majority of the market with its aluminum-framed Presto model. While not the cheapest, this model weighs only 20 pounds, making it ideal for carrying on public transportation or for packing while traveling. Another Dahon model, the Piccolo, is a favorite but has a steel frame that increases its weight to 26 pounds. British-made Brompton folding bicycles fold up quickly and easily, making them another top-rate choice for urbanites and commuters. Depending on the model, Brompton folding bikes weigh 19 to 26 pounds.
Lightest Folding Bicycles
Lightweight folding bicycles, typically constructed with titanium or other light metals, offer you more flexibility but also have creative frame designs that make riding and handling the bicycle feel different than riding a heavier bicycle. The titanium frames on Brompton's bicycles make them a winning choice. The German-engineered Birdy folding bicycle offers good riding performance, front and rear suspension and an aluminum frame, but it weighs only 22 pounds in its lightest model.
High-Performance Folding Bicycles
Swapping out lightness for performance works for people who want to cover more varied terrain or longer distances but who still need portability. Bike Friday folding bicycles offer an improved riding experience on 20-inch wheels but can fold down to fit into a suitcase. Also with full suspension and full-sized wheels, the Moulton has small but high-pressure tires that result in improved performance. Some new Moulton models have adjustable handlebars you can arrange for racing, touring or urban riding.
Cheapest Folding Bicycles
Cheap folding bicycles often have only a single gear or do not feature the lightest materials. While luxury folding bikes can cost you more than a grand, more affordable folding bicycles cost between $200 and $400. In addition, some models go on sale and dip under $200. These numbers reflect prices in February 2011. For your cheapest folding bicycles, consider the basic Caribike, the utilitarian and popular Citizen or the Apollo.
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