Folding bicycle, when is it recommended?
A folding bike is the great ally of comfort and practicality. A companion wherever you go, it can be stored in a cupboard or in any corner of the house. Why choose it over a conventional one? We reveal it to you below.
Qualities of a folding bicycle
Since the first patent was filed in 1888, folding bicycles have been gaining ground. More and more people are choosing it for its characteristics. What are they?
Straight or double height handlebars
Mostly designed for urban use, they usually have a straight or double-height handlebar.
However, there are some models designed for road use. In this case, you’ll find them with a dropbar handlebar. These are designed to place the hands in different positions thanks to their curvature.
The frame allows for an upright or semi-upright posture
The frame of these models is made of aluminium or steel. However, there are some that use titanium or carbon fibre.
The hallmark of these frames is that they allow you to stand in a straight or semi-straight posture. It is also common for these designs to facilitate frame folding and handlebar collapse.
A smaller volume
Both city and mountain bikes are available on the market. In addition to smaller wheels, they have a single-bar frame. Remember that conventional bikes have two bars.
However, this smaller size does not detract from their quality, so don’t worry about it.
Greater lightness
Your two-wheeled companion enjoys considerable lightness. It is therefore the perfect alternative if you want to get around the city without excessive effort.
The volume and light weight give it good manoeuvrability, which is particularly useful for getting around unexpected events.
Small wheels
The tyre diameter of a folding bike is usually 22 inches. Still, you can find them in 16, 24 and 26 inches.
You may come across models with smaller wheels, but these are impractical in urban environments.
Diversity of speeds
You may think that small wheels are not suitable for very high paces. However, folding bikes are designed with a variety of speeds. These compensate for the dimensions of the wheels.
You can choose from those with a single speed to those with a choice of 27 speeds. However, remember that these bikes are designed for city use. Therefore, they often have 1 to 7 speeds.
Why and when are folding bikes advisable?
If you’re wondering if this design is right for you, the answer lies in its features. They are ideal if you move around the city. They are also perfect if you use public transport frequently or have limited space at home. The benefits of this are described in more detail below.
You can combine it with other means of transport
Do you have to travel long distances to reach your destination? In this case, this folding vehicle is ideal because of its intermodality. In other words, you can combine it with other means of transport.
Imagine you have to get from your home to a public transport station. Once there, you fold your bike and hop on. When you arrive at your destination terminal, you still have some way to go to get to work. That’s when you put it together, get on it and pedal to your office.
Currently, very few cities have adequate infrastructure to transport your bicycle by public transport. As a result, more and more people are opting for a folding bike.
Saves space
Do you live in a flat or a small house? You don’t have a suitable storage space? Get a folding bike. As it is half the size of a conventional one, you can store it in any corner or in a small cupboard.
More difficult to steal
You can take your bike anywhere, so you don’t need to chain it up outside your work or leisure space.
It is true that some are more compact than others. However, they all have the capacity to move with you.
Better management
They are more manoeuvrable than a conventional bicycle. Why? They have smaller wheels, a smaller frame and narrower handlebars.
In this respect, it is important that you adjust the saddle, brakes and gears to your measurements and tastes.
Go on holiday with her
Whether you’re going to the beach or the mountains, north or south, your bike is designed to go with you. You can carry it as part of your luggage whatever means of transport you travel by.
And don’t forget your cycling clothes. The Stone Corsa Prode short sleeve cycling jersey is an excellent choice.
Retains a good resale price
As it does not depreciate as much as a normal bike, it keeps a good price in case you want to resell it. That is, as long as you have provided it with proper use and maintenance.
If, for whatever reason, you decide to sell your folding bike, you can do so for almost the same amount you bought it for. It all depends on their mechanical and aesthetic condition.
The benefits of this two-wheeled means of transport make it a great asset for almost any type of terrain. It will be your companion when you go to work, when you go shopping or when you go on a trip.
They are gaining ground over conventional ones precisely because of their characteristics. The urban landscape is gradually embracing this type of bike. And the trend is upwards. In this sense, it is important that you keep these tips in mind to drive safely through the city until you reach your place of work.
Without a doubt, a folding bike is a plus when you’re on the move. It gives them lightness, pragmatism and comfort. It also fits in with a healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyle. Check our website and get yours. You won’t regret it.