Most bicycles have a common drawback - a fairly large size. Due to this, it is difficult to transport them in a car and almost impossible to drag into urban transport. It is worth noting that lightweight folding bikes made the problem of large dimensions very easy to solve. It is so great to go on a trip with him, having overcome some part of the way by plane or train! Today, convenient small transformers in Europe are incredibly popular for traveling to a cafe or to work, as well as to a movie theater or restaurant.
Description
Do you remember the good old "Kama"? A simple iron horse, but very easy to repair. That bike was heavy, with a sturdy steel frame. Modern two-wheeled vehicles are much lighter and more compact. There are folding bicycles with adults and children folding with an aluminum frame, with disc brakes, speed switches, and advanced ones with a real gasoline engine or electric drive. There are standard size models, as well as for carrying in an ordinary backpack. They also differ significantly in cost: from simple bikes for 300 euros to ingenious designs that cost from 2500 euros.
The weight and dimensions of the model are most affected by the size of the wheels. So, the more compact they are, the lighter and smaller the transport itself. But without shaking on small wheels you won’t slip through all kinds of cracks in the asphalt, you won’t cross a deep puddle, you won’t jump out onto the curb. Only on large wheels is the bike perfectly controlled, while maintaining stability, which is due to the gyroscopic effect, which increases with increasing speed.
Benefits
Among the advantages of such a frame, the following can be distinguished:
- Durability - an aluminum alloy is not affected by harmful environmental factors and corrosion, therefore, such a bicycle can last you for many years.
- Light weight - such frames are considered one of the lightest.
- The increased rigidity facilitates management.
- Good dynamic and speed characteristics.
- Strength - withstands the cyclist, regardless of its weight.
City compactors
It is worth noting that for walks around the city, bicycles with 20-inch wheels are optimal, as in the same Kama. They create an excellent compromise between ride comfort on packed dirt paths, paved highways and dimensions. Very often, women's folding bicycles with an aluminum frame do this. Small transformers with 16-inch wheels are no longer so comfortable: it is impossible to ride on the cobblestones, it shakes very much, you will not jump over the curb, you need to get to your feet.
A huge selection of urban compacts is produced under the Dahon brand. It is the largest and very first manufacturer of folding models. It has been around for 30 years in the global market. All bikes of this manufacturer have an aluminum classic frame. Such models can be purchased with wheels of different diameters (16-26 inches).
Currently, all Dahon assembly facilities are located in China. Today, many other companies of the giant Dahon overtook usability and quality of finished products.
A few years ago, the Tern company disconnected from the giant Dahon, after which it became a full-fledged participant in the market with production in China and the Czech Republic. Lightweight folding bikes of this company are similar to Dahon. Their frame is made in an arc, the wheels are mainly 20 inches in diameter. Tern compacts are also available in a huge price range - $ 600-4000. So, the lightest bike Tern, with speed switches and weighing only 10 kg, will cost the buyer $ 4000.
In Russia, various lightweight folding bikes are sold. Of these, Author Simplex, which is a licensed copy of Dahon Helios, is most interesting. This is an affordable machine with 20-inch wheels, weighing 13 kg, seven speeds and at the price of 300 dollars.
Available city bikes
To begin with, consider the Stels Pilot 810 24 folding bike. This model has 6 speeds, a special planetary hub needed to shift, in addition, the Shimano transmission. Wheels with a diameter of 24 inches, their rim is made of aluminum. This Stels folding bike weighs 15 kg and costs $ 250.
Giant Expressway 2 model is made in Taiwan, China, the Netherlands. It is interesting in the one-sided arrangement of the feathers of the frame, sleeve and fork, which helps compact assembly. The steering wheel and pedals also fold. 20 inches is the diameter of the wheels; they are equipped with V – Brake. The model weighs 11.6 kg, while it has 7 speeds. In addition to the bike is a cover. It can be bought for $ 330.
Considering light folding bikes, Forward Tracer 1.0 should also be highlighted. This is a bike from the famous Russian brand. This instance is distinguished by large 26-inch wheels, full-sized protected plastic wings. The bike has Shimano switches, 21 speeds, and rim brakes. The weight of the model is 14.4 kg. This unit can be bought for $ 290.
The lightest bike
The A-Bike folding bike with aluminum frame was designed by Clive Sinclair. This is the genius who created the ZX Spectrum computer. This instance got its name because of the frame in the form of "A". The adult bike is equipped with 6 inch small wheels.
According to reviews, you can drive on A-Bike for a maximum of 3 km from a bus stop or metro station to your destination. Of course, you can’t ride a bike trip on it, but it’s better to ride around the city than stomp your feet.
Trolley bike
Those who choose a folding bike with an aluminum frame will soon realize that it is more convenient for those models that have the ability to roll like a trolley when folded, rather than pulling on the shoulder. But most models cannot be folded down to the size of a trolley, although there are several instances with steel frames from Brompton. They can be rolled like a vacuum cleaner on small extra rollers.
Strida folding bike with aluminum frame is a very popular model in Russia. It was designed by Mark Sanders, an English engineer. Initially, Strida concepts were made exclusively in England. Production in 2002 was moved to Taiwan at the plant. The popularity of the bike can be explained by an acceptable price (650-1200 dollars) and progressiveness.
Full Bikes
Today it’s easy enough to find a folding mountain bike with an aluminum frame with large wheels (26, 28 inches). At first glance, you can not distinguish them from simple bikes. They are equipped with several speeds.
The highly popular mountain folding bikes are manufactured by Montague, Cronus, Tern and Dahon. Cronus became famous for its Cronus Soldier model, equipped with 26-inch wheels and a lightweight aluminum frame. This compact mountain bike weighs just 14.5 kg.
Army bike
Montague is located in the USA. The production of various bikes was immediately established, ranging from urban lungs to strong mountain bikes. The most popular specimen is Montague Paratrooper. From the very beginning, it was created for use in the American army. It has a high-quality assembly and strong parts, an aluminum frame, and therefore a small weight - about 13 kg.
This bike folds very quickly, therefore, justifies its purpose. The front wheel is easily removed, the rear wheel is wrapped. He has a solid frame, which does not bend in half, as on the bulk of compacts. It takes a long time to pack a folding bike with a Paratrooper aluminum frame in the case that comes with the kit.
Reviews
Reading reviews of such bikes, you understand that they are very convenient for driving around the city. Of course, they are not suitable for professional athletes. But for ordinary fans, this is the best option, which is the best ratio of quality, price and convenience.