Would you recommend Folding Bikes?

Question

I've heard they are quite slow, sort of heavy despite the aluminum frame, and with bad stability... but some reviews on the contrary say that folding bikes have solved these problems and now offer a competitive option for riding short distances in the city streets... Who's right?

Answer 1

Personally, I wou;dn't touch a folding bike for anything, sure they don't squeeck like they used to, they are stiffer then the old and are more stabil.... after the first hundred miles(not a lot) the bushing start to wear they start to squeek every pedal, they start getting wobbly then they clatter... get a hardtail mtb and have easy to remove wheels (same size as a folding bike)

Answer 2

Like all bikes there are some really good ones and the really terrible. Cheap usually equals terrible.

The better bikes do perform quite well. Probably not quite as quick as a standard road bike, but not a real lot slower. There are quite a few people that have ridden good folders across the country loaded with panniers etc. So not just for around town.

The ones I have had the most contact with and would be happy to own myself are these.

http://www.bikefriday.com/

http://www.alexmoulton.co.uk/

http://www.birdy.com.au/

There are other brands that are probably as good but I haven't had any contact with them so I can't recommend.

Here is a list of "some body's best". Like I said I can't comment on all of them, The three that I know are there.

http://www.optimalride.com/folding-bicyc...

Shop around and steer clear of the el cheepo's. I think you will be pleasantly surprised just how good a folder can be.

Answer 3

I had one and I hated it. It was heavier than it should be. It took forever to get up hills. If you dont have alot of hills its okay. Mine was a 5 speed so if you get one make sure to get alot of gears. Mine was from Dahon and they are supposed to be a quality company but mine kept losing parts and breaking. The gears would often quit working.