How to Choose a Folding Bike

Especially if you're planning a trip touring another country or rural area, a folding bike may be a benefit to you. Although these small bikes may not be suitable for long-distance cycling, they make it easier for amateur cyclists to travel from place to place and explore. To choose a folding bike, compare models to find one that's the right size for you and will meet your needs in terms of performance and foldability.^{[1]XResearch source}

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Assessing Foldability

1
Determine how often the bike will be folded and unfolded. If you'll have to fold and unfold your bike frequently, you want the process to have as few steps as possible so you can complete the task with little delay.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Generally, the more compact a bike folds up, the more complicated the folding process will be.
- Look for a bike that balances ease of folding with the size of the completely folded bike in a way that best suits your own needs. For example, if you are an urban commuter who uses public transportation often and bikes to and from work, you need a bike that can be folded and unfolded simply.
2
Measure the space you'll have to store your bike. While you may not know every place you might take your bike in the future, check the storage available for folding bikes with air carriers and public transportation.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Most airlines and other forms of transport have this information available on their websites. Check with carriers you plan to frequent, as well as those at any destinations you plan to visit.
- When determining whether a given bike will fit in the space you have available, don't forget to take the thickness of any cover you'll use into account.
3
Practice folding and unfolding bikes. You don't want to choose a folding bike with a folding mechanism that takes too long, or is too complicated for you to fold the bike smoothly after a couple of tries.
- How you're going to use the bike comes into play here. If you're an urban commuter who will be carrying your bike on public transportation a lot, you need a bike that can be folded and unfolded as quickly as possible.
- If the steps of the folding process are complicated or confusing, you may want to try a similar bike in a different brand. Ask a knowledgeable associate at a bike shop about brands that specialize in ease of foldability.
4
Compare transport accessories. Different brands and bike models may have accessories designed to protect the bike during transport. Some accessories include tripods that allow the bike to stand upright, or protectors to prevent scratches.^{[4]XResearch source}
- If you're going to be carrying your bike on public transportation frequently, you'll appreciate a cover as well as rubber stoppers to prevent your bike from getting scratched – either while in transit or through repeated foldings and unfolding.
- Keep in mind that certain types of protective accessories or mechanisms may be required if you are traveling in some countries. Look for information on the website of that country's transportation authority.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Getting the Right Size

Unfortunately, most manufacturers of folding bikes only offer frames in one size. If you are taller than average or shorter than average, you may have trouble finding a folding bike in the best size for you.^{[5]XResearch source}
2
Choose the wheel size that matches your intended use. There are generally five different sizes of folding bike wheels. The size that will work best for you depends mainly on when and where you plan to ride your bike.
- The larger the wheel size, the larger your bike will be when it's folded, since the bike cannot fold up any smaller than the wheels. If you plan to use public transportation frequently, you probably want a smaller wheel.
- Smaller wheels are more difficult to maneuver on uneven surfaces and trails. If you plan on going through longer bike rides through the countryside, you may want to go with larger wheels.
3
Adapt your bike for a comfortable riding position. If you have difficulty finding a bike of the right frame size, you may be able to adjust the bar ends or use a different seat. This can help you find a good riding position, especially on longer rides.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Speak to someone in a bicycle repair or specialty shop to assess your options. You may have to experiment with adaptations to find the best fit.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Evaluating Performance

1
Set up test rides. There's no way to properly evaluate the performance of a particular folding bike unless you have the opportunity to go ride it yourself. Try to test ride several different folding bikes so you can compare.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Most bike specialty shops and some larger sporting goods stores will arrange test rides for you, but you may have to ask.
- Take your test ride on terrain that best matches the terrain where you plan to use the bike the most. For example, if you want to take the bike on a tour of the Southeast Asian countryside, you want to take your test rides on dirt or gravel roads.
2
Review your intended cycling locations. Where you plan to ride your folding bike makes a big difference in which folding bike will work best for you. Consider the type of terrain as well as the average length of your rides.
- Generally, a bike with larger wheels and more gears will give you better performance on longer, touring rides. However, a bike with smaller wheels and fewer gears is better for urban riding, where you typically will have to stop and start frequently.
- Consider maneuverability as well. If you plan to bike in hilly or mountainous areas, you'll want a bike with a more rigid frame so you have more control over it.
3
Disregard bike weight. The weight of the frame may normally make a difference with a bicycle's performance. However, in the case of folding bikes the weight of the bike doesn't make that big of a difference in terms of touring performance.^{[8]XResearch source}
- If you're going to be carrying your folding bike around a lot, however, you may prefer the lightest frame possible.
4
Measure gear ratios. The gear ratio of folding bikes is measured in a unit called "gear inches." The number of gear inches you need to get the best performance out of your folding bike depends on where you're going to use it.^{[9]XResearch source}
- A low gear of 25 inches is suitable for nearly any type of terrain, whether urban street or country trail.
- If you're an urban commuter who will primarily be using your bike in the city, look for a bike with a top gear of around 70 inches.
- For the highest performance folding bike, look for one with a top gear of over 100 inches.
5
Upgrade your tires. The best tires for your folding bike depend on where you'll typically be riding it. You'll also want to take into consideration other features such as extra puncture protection, regardless of where you'll be riding your bike.
- For example, if you plan on riding your bike primarily on paved roads, and speed is important to you, a slick tire that would enable greater speed and maneuverability would probably be your best choice.
- There are limited types of tires available for most folding bikes. For this reason, the tires available for the bike will become a factor when choosing the bike itself. When you've found a frame you like, make sure you can get the tires you'll need.
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Before you purchase a bike, find out what repair and warranty options are available. Once you've chosen a model you like, you may want to shop around to find the best value that also provides good customer service after your purchase.
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