On domestic roads, a folding bike with small wheels is as rare as models with an electric motor. Despite this, consumer interest in such things is gradually returning. This is due to the desire of numerous urban residents to transfer to a compact and inexpensive two-wheeled transport.
Benefits
Folding bicycles for the city have been impressive in the past. In view of the considerable dimensions, it was inconvenient for them to move around. They slowly and uncomfortably folded. Connections of some models quickly deteriorated.
Thanks to the introduction of innovative developments in the production of folding bicycles, modern options are distinguished by the use of more reliable manufacturing materials, a robust construction, minimal weight, and a high-quality transformation system.
What are the benefits of using a folding bike? Let's look at the main points.
- Possibility of transportation in personal and public transport.
- Saving free space during transportation and storage.
- The ability to move on public transport and cycling alternately.
- High price in case of resale.
There are models that are compactly transformed and packaged in a special handmade suitcase. When folded, this design can easily be taken with you to the office. In addition, models of this configuration are easily transported by train, subway car, bus and plane without the need to pay money for the goods.
Compact folding bicycles - this is the presence of "wheels" in any hiking trip. Buying a model with the possibility of compact transformation opens up completely new horizons for inveterate tourists.
disadvantages
The main disadvantage of a folding bike with small wheels is its limitedness. In addition to operating in the city,
standard models are difficult to use elsewhere. If you wish, you can go fishing or ride through the forest on a folding bike. However, the process is unlikely to bring much pleasure. Unfortunately, folding bikes for the city are still inferior to universal mountain models.
Another obvious disadvantage is the relatively low speed of movement. Most models have miniature wheels up to 20 inches in size (a little over 50 centimeters). Such a disadvantage leaves its mark on the possibility of developing the desired speed. Therefore, for people who need effective physical training or want to drive over rough terrain, a folding bike with small wheels is not a very worthy option.
Who needs inexpensive folding bikes?
Despite the positioning of models with the possibility of compact transformation as a universal solution, in view of the design features, the audience of such products is clearly defined. Surely it can be argued that such bikes are not intended for fans of extreme riding.
A folding model is an ideal solution for owners of cramped apartments who do not have the ability to store a full-fledged model of a monolithic structure. If necessary, the product can be hidden in a closet, put into the pantry or placed on the balcony.
A folding bike for men is the best way to get to work, go on business or for shopping, and go back home, reducing travel costs. With the first need, with such a bike you can go to any room.
Features of choice
If, when buying other classes of bicycles, increased attention is paid to the correspondence of body parameters to the size of the frame and wheels, then when choosing a folding option, such characteristics are relegated to the background. Models with the possibility of transformation contain a whole mass of retractable, adjustable elements. Therefore, the ability to customize individual systems to personal needs is more important here.
The determining dimensions when choosing are the dimensions of the structure when folded. This becomes especially important if you need regular transportation of the product in transport. If you need a model with which you can get on the train or put in a car, in this case you can stop on almost any available option. However, if you need frequent flights or daily bike rides in the subway, you need a truly compact design.
To protect a folding two-wheeled vehicle from theft, it is worth remembering: it must be light weight, the ability to quickly transform. Then it can be carried everywhere with you, without leaving unattended on the street. Otherwise, buying a folding bike is completely useless.
Bodybuilder
If the weight of the rider is about 100 kg, and the height reaches 190 cm, a folding bike with small wheels is definitely not for him. Compact models with the possibility of transformation into users of medium height and build are calculated. With an impressive, intense load on the folding structure, the bike can quickly become unusable.
Configuration
The standard folding bike for men has a small frame with a hinge in the central part. However, there is currently a wide variety of models with various types of designs on the market. For example, the folding bike with small Strida wheels, which is in high demand among consumers, has a telescopic mechanism for regulating the position of the saddle and handlebars. The presence of this feature makes the configuration even more compact.
When buying, you should pay attention to the presence of functional latches, which are able to provide reliable fixation of mechanisms. Some bike models make it possible to remove wheels during transformation. However, bicycles in which various parts have to be worn separately during transportation are not very convenient.
Certain models have a configuration that allows you to firmly connect structural elements to each other when folding. Others require a special case, bag or backpack.
The weight
Most folding bikes are made of steel. Aluminum structures are quite rare. As for the lightweight carbon fiber, then in this case we are not talking about it at all. To the weight of the frame you need to add the trunk, pedals, saddle, various accessories, which makes some products not so light.
Chain
When choosing a folding bike, you need to pay attention to the configuration of the chain mechanism. Whether it is closed from damage, whether grease will stain clothes on the way and during transportation. Some manufacturers give importance to this factor, closing the circuit with partial protection in the form of a special casing.
Transmission
The speed parameter is not the greatest strength of folding models. Although there are enough bicycles in this category with a wide range to shift gears. However, the purchase of such products is not always justified due to the high price. Therefore, as a two-wheeled vehicle for traveling in a city at a relatively low speed, it is quite enough to purchase a bicycle with standard three speeds.
Shock absorber
The design of most folding models does not provide mechanisms to repay shock loads. However, there are options with front and rear shock absorbers. However, for this class of bicycles, such a modification looks like a frank luxury and is even meaningless.
Cost
Today, domestic folding bikes, whose price starts at 25,000 rubles, are in special demand among consumers. Similar models have frankly small, 16-inch wheels and do not have a gear shift system. At the same time, the most advanced, high-speed products from reputable manufacturers scare the price tag of 40,000 rubles and higher.
There is an opinion that models with the possibility of transformation are more expensive than standard configuration bicycles. This is due to the need to use additional parts and functional elements during assembly. In reality, if you compare the cost of folding products with popular mountain models, then here you will not see any significant difference in price.