Have you ever wished to pack your bike and carry it on the go? Your wish can come true if you get yourself a folding bike. But like every first-time bike buyer, you have to wonder, are folding bikes worth it?
Folding bikes are worth it because they are easy to transport, durable, and easy to store. Unlike conventional bicycles, folding bikes are less likely to be stolen. They also have a low depreciation rate compared to other bikes.
That, nonetheless, doesn’t mean that they don’t suffer some downsides as they do. So, you are not getting a perfect bike – let’s get that clear. And no bike is perfect.
I’ll review their pros and cons to help you understand if getting a folding bike is the right thing for you. And if yes, I’ll briefly review some top-selling foldable bikes for your consideration.
In a rush? Below are some fantastic foldable bikes to look at:
5 Best Folding Bikes On Sale
- IDS Zizzo CAMPO Folding Bike: Best for Seniors
- Home unYOUsual U Transformer Folding Bike: Best Commuter Folding Bike
- Schwinn Loop Folding Bike: Best for Youths and Adults
- Zizzo Forte Heavy Duty Folding Bike: Best for Heavy Riders
- Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5: Most Portable Folding Bike
Why Are Folding Bikes Worth It? The Pros
Folding bicycles are generally worth it because of these advantages:
1. Folding Bikes Are Easy to Transport
Are you a commuter? Do you need to ride down to the bus or train station?
Since a foldable bike allows you to fold it to take less space, you can easily take it with you on the bus or train or even fit it in a car boot. Not only are these bikes foldable, but they are also lightweight, and that boosts their portability.
2. Foldable Bikes Can Be Durable
Though it doesn’t apply to all foldable bikes, many of them are durable. For example, their hinges interlock when the cycle unfolds to form a strong frame.
Their frames may also be lightweight, but they are stout to take on even the heaviest of weights.
Overall, it’s all about using them correctly. When you use them for their intended purposes, folding bikes can last as long as a traditional bike.
3. Folding Bikes Are Easy to Store
Folding bikes take up very little space, unlike conventional bikes. Whether you live in a studio or a small apartment, bike storage space is one less thing to worry about.
These bicycles can fit in cabinets, under the bed, or in a wardrobe. Folding bikes are also easy to carry up the stairs and in an elevator.
Also, when going to work, being foldable makes them easy to be stored at your workplace. They can easily fit under your desk.
4. Foldable Bikes Are Secure
If you feel like taking a break when cycling, maybe grab a cup of tea or a snack; you need not worry about someone stealing your bike. You can carry your folding bike inside a coffee shop, restaurant, or cinema and store it under the seat.
If you cycle to work, carry it with you instead of chaining your bike outside all day and storing it under the desk. That’s security in my view!
5. Folding Bikes Have Low Depreciation
Folding bikes are easy to fold and maintain. Since you are mainly with the cycle, you get to look after it all the time, lowering its depreciation.
When you use it appropriately, a foldable bike remains in good shape for longer. You can even resell it at a reasonable price.
Also, because they are relatively expensive, the market for second-hand bikes is readily available for people who want a more pocket-friendly folding bike.
Why Folding Bikes May Not Be Worth It – The Cons
Folding bikes, however, do have a flip side. Their disadvantages include:
a) Often Expensive
As a result of the sophistication that goes into their design, folding bikes are more expensive than most conventional bikes.
Much effort is put into ensuring that the bike does not fold itself while riding. The manufacturers also employ lighter frame materials, which are not the cheapest to produce.
So, if you intend to ride a foldable bike, you should be ready to spend a few extra dollars than you would on a conventional bicycle.
b) Unsuitable for Tough Terrains
Folding bikes have small wheels, making them unsuitable for navigating certain terrains. They are also unfitting for uneven roads since their wheels make it hard to roll over bumps and potholes.
c) Not Ideal for Speed
Folding bikes do not have a wide gear ratio, making them slower than traditional bikes. Also, their small wheels would require the rider to pedal much harder and faster to acquire a relatively high speed.
Their 16-20-inch wheel size gives a speed of about 10-16mph, which is pretty slow.
Best Folding Bikes for Someone On a Budget
Here are your options if you want a foldable bike on a budget:
1. IDS Zizzo CAMPO Folding Bike – Best for Seniors
The IDS Zizzo Campo Folding bike is a fantastic foldable bike for seniors, though it generally suits riders from 16 years to about 75.
This 7-speed folding bike has an easily adjustable aluminum alloy stem with a double lock. It has a wider saddle and a solid folding pedal.
This foldable bike has a magnetic catcher that firmly holds the folded bike frame together. With a 20-inch wheel size, this bike can carry a maximum load weight of 240lbs(109kgs).
It has a lightweight aluminum frame, making it easy to carry around, even for older adults.
2. Home unYOUsual U Transformer Folding Bike – Best Commuter Folding Bike
The Home unYOUsual U Transformer is a fantastic foldable bike for commuting and exercising. It’s easy to assemble, fold, and weighs about 32lbs(14.5kg).
This bike has a steel seat post that can bear vast weight and wheel reflectors to improve visibility in the dirk. It also has a rear rack that serves as a carrier and comes with a Mountain Bike(MTB) saddle made from a black vinyl cover.
Moreover, it uses a Shimano 6-speed shifter with a semi-alloy front and rear V-brake.
3. Schwinn Loop Folding Bike – Best for Youths and Adults
The Schwinn Loop Folding Bike is a 20-inch wheel-sized folding bike suitable for youths and adults. It has a rigid suspension, 7-speed, and comes in aluminum and steel frame options.
It also has a solid rear rack for carrying your luggage with a detachable heavy gauge nylon bag for extra storage. Furthermore, its 7-speed twist shifter makes it easy to change the gear.
This foldable bicycle offers you a variety of colors to choose from.
4. Zizzo Forte Heavy Duty Folding Bike – Best for Heavy Riders
As the name suggests, this is a heavy-duty bike for heavy riders and carrying heavy loads.
Need a convenient bike to use for shopping?
This is your go-to bike. It can carry a load of up to 300lbs(136kg). Despite being heavy-duty, it only weighs 29.5lbs (about 13kg). That makes it very convenient to carry around.
Its adjustable stem makes it suitable for tall riders, 5′ to 6’3”. It has a magnetic frame catch, a rear rack for carrying luggage, and a handlebar with an adjustable stem.
Zizzo Forte Heavy Duty has a 20-inch wheel size, multi-terrain tires, and double-wall rims. Though a bit expensive, this bike offers you value for your money.
5. Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5 – Most Portable Folding Bike
The Swagtron EB-5 bike has a triple-fold design that ensures extreme portability. A rider can enjoy up to 15.5 miles on the bike’s power alone, after which one can still enjoy the ride by pedaling.
Both the seat and handlebar are adjustable, ensuring comfort for the rider.
People Also Ask:
1. Are Folding Bikes Any Good?
Folding bikes are good for several reasons. For one, these bikes are portable, require less storage space, and run a low risk of being stolen. Also, there is a wide range of foldable bikes to choose from.
On the downside, they can be costlier than non-foldable options, slower, and unideal for the harshest terrains.
2. Are Folding Bikes Good for Long Rides?
Ideally, folding bikes are casual bikes, meaning they are best for short distances. Get a touring or cyclocross bike if you want to go on a long ride. Few folding bikes can take long stretches, especially those with rougher terrains.
3. Are Folding Bikes Dangerous?
Folding bikes are safe, just like any other type of bike. They suffer the same risks. Their general safety depends on how careful you are on the road and your mastery of the riding. It also takes proper riding gear, such as a helmet, to stay safe while riding a foldable bike.
In Summary – Are Folding Bikes Worth It?
In this article, we’ve seen that folding bikes are portable, easy to store, durable, at lesser risk of being stolen, and not losing value fast. But like other bicycles, they have a few negatives like being expensive, not ideal for rough terrains, and being slow.
The ball is now in your court. Get a folding bike today if you think the good outweighs the bad, as I do! You can start with those on my hotlist as they promise good value for money.
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