Regular cycling provides many health benefits, however, the substantial build of many means that they lack convenience when it comes to portability.
A foldable bike offers a solution. As expected, bikes of this kind can be easily folded down to a more compact size making them an ideal option for cyclists on the go who depend on public transport and those who like to explore new places with their bikes.
The design of foldable bikes can vary between brands so you shouldn’t expect them all to be the same, although they will of course surround a similar concept.
Though their approaches may differ, overall, most methods are easy to pick up. The majority of folding bikes are designed to fold so that both of the tires sit next to one another.
When you have folded the tires, the handlebars can then be collapsed. Once done, the bike should be much more compact. A great thing about most folding bikes is that they can be folded within seconds. In fact, you will find that the majority take a maximum of 30 seconds.
They also offer unmatched convenience which is going to be appreciated by those who do not have the available space to accommodate a large bike and commuters that need to carry their bikes on and off public transport.
How fast can a foldable bike go?
Although some may argue that foldable bikes lack speed in comparison to standard bikes this is not the case, as you will find many that can master higher speeds with ease.
The bike’s speed will not only depend on how it is built but will also be influenced by the rider’s cycling experience and fitness level. The majority of folding bikes are designed with 16 to 20” tires which are expected to reach a maximum speed of 12 mph when ridden by individuals who are new to cycling and are working to improve their fitness.
Advanced cyclists are likely to exceed these speeds, instead reaching a maximum speed of approximately 16 mph. Those who ride at a higher level may even be able to reach speeds of 20 mph. Those who are new to cycling are likely to begin riding their bike at slower speeds until they become more confident in their ability to maintain faster speeds.
Other individuals who regularly cycle are likely to travel faster. It is worth remembering that foldable bikes are typically sought after by commuters looking for a convenient ride so it isn’t likely that the speed of the bike is going to be as prominent an issue but rather the portability of the design.
How do I choose a folding bike?
If you are new to folding bikes, you may not be unsure as to how you go about choosing the best one for your needs. There are a few features and characteristics of a folding bike that you should pay close attention to.
First, you will need to determine whether a folding bike is going to cater to your cycling needs.
Then you will need to consider the folding method, the time it takes to fold, and how big it will be once it is folded. As mentioned previously, different brands will adopt different folding methods.
It is important to choose one that you find easy to follow otherwise you will find yourself fiddling around with complex mechanisms when you could be enjoying a bike ride.
If you are likely to be regularly folding and unfolding your bike throughout the day, you will want a bike that will allow you to do so quickly.
There are many options available that can be folded and unfolded in as little as 10 seconds. If the bike requires tools to be folded and unfolded you should expect it to consume more time.
Furthermore, you will need to consider its size when folded as some will be bulkier than others.
If you don’t have a lot of room in your living space to house a substantially sized bike, you should opt for a smaller alternative and ensure that you check its measurements when folded before making your purchase.
Also, a smaller and more compact bike is likely to be easier to take onto public transport.The majority of folding bikes are available in a single frame size which may not cater to all individuals.
If you are only going to be using the bike for short commutes you will likely be able to cope with a slightly smaller bike.
However, if you intend to embark on lengthier journeys, you will want one that is sized correctly as this will make the journey much more comfortable and enjoyable.
Check how much leeway you have in regards to adjusting the height of the seat and the handlebars.
Closely linked to this factor is the size of the bicycle’s wheels. Though larger wheels tend to offer a smoother ride, smaller wheels are easier to steer.
The wheel size that you choose is going to be determined by your intended use of the bike.
How can I make my folding bike faster?
For some individuals, their folding bike may not travel quite as fast as they would like. There are a few ways of making your bike faster.
Tires with higher pressure will travel faster than those with low pressure. This is because they will come into less contact with the ground so they will roll faster.
As such, you will need to keep the tire pressure high to maintain faster speeds.You should also make sure that you keep your bike clean and lubricate the chain.
Keeping your bike free of dirt particles and grime will increase its efficiency, whilst lubing the chain will ensure that it is always running smoothly. Another way of making your bike faster is to ensure that the gears are adjusted correctly.
Inefficient gears are going to slow you down, however properly adjusted gears are going to enable you to cycle with a greater amount of power.