Folding Bikes
|
Posted by Helen Smeaton Mar 17, 2009 |
My first "proper" bicycle was a folder. A heavy clunky thing with 3 gears that I used at university to get to and from my off-campus accommodation. It was hard work on steep hills but my dad could fit it in the boot of the car along with all my other stuff at the start of term so it worked.
Folding bike technology has moved on somewhat since then and the best models are super light (as little as 9kg which is around a 3rd less than an average mountain bike) and models like the Brompton have the neatest way of folding imaginable. Just stop, kick the back wheel under, bend and screw lock a few parts and bingo, you have the coolest little transport package you can tuck under your arm and take on the train, boat, car or wherever.
A Brompton will set you back a few pounds/dollars but quality comes at a price. There are many other brands, however, including a huge range from market leader Dahon. Why they produce folding bikes with 26" wheels is debateable but if you have lots of money and can afford to splash out on a bike that you only use for travelling then why not?
Find out why commuters and others love folding bikes and how to choose one with our folding bike articles:
How to Choose a Folding Bike
Why Buy a Brompton Folding Bike