Folding bikes

[Nanohedron]

Anyone know anything first-hand about them? Are they the best thing since sliced bread? Are they more thingy and complicated than they're worth? Let's hear it.

TIA.

[Flotineer]

IME it depends on what you’re using them for, and whether you have a genuine space limitation for storage. If you live in a small apartment, roommate situation, etc and need to store them in a small area *and* you’re riding paved sidewalks/streets/paths - they’re fine.

Terns are nice, I’ve never ridden a Brompton. I don’t have experience with E-bikes of any kind, except to have them blow my wheels off while they’re barely pedaling…

One downside that doesn’t get talked about much is that smaller diameter tires make for a rougher ride than 26-29 in tires. Hence the concerns about your riding surface. All things considered, if I have space for storage, I’ll ride a regular bike. (Full disclosure, I presently have storage for four bikes, and another one I’ve been eyeballing…)


The folding mountain bikes I’ve seen (never ridden),I would NOT take mountain biking.

[Moof]

I'd echo the limited-distance, decent surface message. I had a folding bike before I learned to drive, and used it to cycle to my job a couple of miles away. It was absolutely fine.

The only thing was that, because I used it nearly every day, I very rarely folded it. It was great to take on the train, but in reality I didn't do that very often. And as a full size model wouldn't take up very much more space, I eventually decided to sell it and buy a bike I could comfortably ride for 30 miles on a nice weekend. It held its value better than a run of the mill non-folding bike, though, and I'd no regrets about having bought it.

[daveboling]

Agree that unless you need the ability to store in a small footprint, it's not worth the extra expense. On a sailboat, they're great, due to the need to store (in a sealed bag) on deck.

dave boling

[Nanohedron]

Thanks, folks. This is just the sort of info I was looking for.