Bikes that fold into a more compact shape are popular because they can be ridden, then stored easily in an apartment, shop or office. They make it simple for anyone to use healthy human-powered transportation every day. Travelers buy folding bikes to pack in a standard piece of luggage for trips by plane, instead of paying a surcharge for a bicycle as baggage or for shipping one separately. Folding bikes are made by many manufacturers and can be found online or at specialty bicycle retailers. There is no standard for folding bikes. Some come with 16-inch wheels, others with wheel diameters of 20 or even 24 inches. The best folding bikes handle well. Experienced full-size bike riders say they feel almost like pedaling a "normal" bicycle. Prices range from $200 to more than $2,000. Top-of-the-line models can weigh less than 20 pounds.
What to Look for
The more expensive the folding bike, usually the more lightweight it is. Test-ride several bikes to get a sense of what they feel like. Among the leading manufacturers are Dahon (the largest), Brompton, Citizen, Montague, Moulton and Bike Friday. The latter is among the companies that custom-build a bike to fit the buyer's individual height and reach. Look for a folding bike that suits your needs. Decide if you want drop (down-turned) handlebars or upright handlebars like those on mountain bikes. Ask for a demonstration of how to fold the bike and try the maneuver before buying. If you plan to carry a briefcase or groceries on your bike, buy one that has a rack behind the seat so you can strap on items using bungee cords.
Common Pitfalls
Some fitness riders don't like folding bikes because they cannot pedal them at the same speeds as their full-size racing bike. Think twice if you find the bike difficult to fold without help. Be careful of the cheapest folding bikes, since they tend to be heavy and you might feel as though you are pedaling a load of bricks. Many companies make suitcases to match their bikes. If you are planning to travel with the bike, buy its travel bag or suitcase at the same time so you know how to pack it.
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