Buying a Folding Bike – 5 Tips Before You Buy
With the rising cost of fuel and the problems of finding convenient (and cheap) parking, many people are thinking of buying a folding bicycle. Folding bikes are easy to use – you don’t need a license or vehicle registration and there’s usually a minimum of regulations (but even if you don’t have to, ALWAYS wear a helmet – most cyclist fatalities are the result head injuries.) Folding bikes are great in traffic and you can store them easily at home or work. You can also take them on public transport.
But not all folding bikes are created equal. Folding bike design is a compromise between strength and lightness and sometimes that can cause problems. Here are five things to look out for when shopping for a folding bike:
1: Is it well engineered?
Folding bikes have to fold so check that hinge mechanisms are sturdy and well made. Bad hinges can make the bike flex, or can even break. Check the steering post, too, for build quality and rigidity.
2: Is it solid?
Expensive bikes use light-weight alloys to keep the weight down but cheaper bikes have steel frames so manufacturers look for ways to keep the bike light. Check that they haven’t cut corners in construction. The frame of a well-built bike should be rigid.
3: Are the fittings good quality?
Manufacturers usually buy-in folding bike parts like gears, brakes and wheels. Check that these parts are well made and, preferably, by a well-known maker.
4: Is the gearing right for you?
Most folding bikes come with a reasonable set of gears but check that the range suits you. There’s nothing worse than trying to ride a bike that’s either too high- or too low-geared.
5: Is it big enough?
Folding bike makers keep weight down by using smaller parts. That’s fine if you have a small build but taller people can be disadvantaged. Check that the seat post can be raised enough so that your leg is almost straight when the pedal is down. Similarly, can the handlebars be raised to the point where you have a comfortable riding position.
So there are five important things to consider when buying your folding bike.
If you’re buying online, spend a little time researching the folding bike you want to buy – the major manufactures all have web sites. Check out a similar model at your local bike store, or visit online bike forums. Be cautious with really cheap bikes – they are often built to a price, not a standard, and are frequently of poorer quality. Don’t buy on impulse and purchase your bike from a seller with a good rep. If you do your homework you’ll have lots of happy cycling to look forward to.
By Peter Strudwick
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