When riding a bike for ten miles, what are the subtle differences between a regular bike and a folding bike?

Question

When riding a bike for ten miles, what are the subtle differences between a regular bike and a folding bike?

Answer 1

Folding bikes tend to be noisier because they sqeak more.

Answer 2

Sorry to say that the answer is wholly dependent upon the issue of which folding bike.  I've owned a Bike Friday Pocket Rocket and the difference noted on a short ride would be the slightly harsher ride from the smaller diameter wheels -- and that would be very small.  I now own a "cut" frame with S&S couplers as my travel bike and there is zero difference between that bike and my other standard road bike.

Ben

Answer 3

I own both a full size road bike (Ti- Custom Frame builder) and a folding bike, Bike Friday. The folding bike frame is plenty stiff and there are no squeaks. I don't notice any power transfer loss differences between the bikes.

I would say the biggest handling difference is that the handling is very quick due to the small 20" BMX wheels that the folder has, even though the wheel base is long. Other then than the regular bike and the folder have very similar rides. Like any bike, and folders are no different, geometry and gearing determine the ride.

Answer 4

There are going to be a lot of not so subtle differences.

I seriously doubt I could get a folding bike adjusted to my most efficient riding position in a reasonable amount of time, if at all.

A folding bike cannot be as stiff as a normal frame, so there will be significant power loss.  

As noted, there will be annoying squeeks and groans at frame joints.   Noises may be subtle to you, but they drive me crazy.