Practical tips for buying a folding bike
When shopping for a new folding bike, here are a few things you should consider:
- Folded size - Folding bikes come in varied sizes, which is why we included folded dimensions in every Halfords folding bike description.
- Weight - Some folding bikes are heavier than others, so check you can comfortably manage the weight. You will find details of weight in every folding bike description. We always advise checking them out for yourself and trying to get a feel for that folded weight.
- Gears - Ensure you have enough gears. A simple single-speed or 3-speed hub gear may be enough for flat rides on smooth city streets, but you will want more gears if you are tackling even the shortest of climbs, it gives you some range and allows you to use the bike in different cycling scenarios.
- Mudguards and luggage racks - If you want to stay mud and muck-free on your commute, check if your folding bike comes with mudguards. A luggage rack is a nice extra, enabling you to carry more while riding.
Folding bikes have some unique design features that make them different to standard-sized bikes. While each model is slightly different, here are some of the common differences between a folding bike and a standard-sized bike:
Wheels
Folding bikes will have wheels smaller than those on a standard-sized bike. Brompton, for example, has 16" wheels. Most folding bikes will utilize a smaller wheel to support the nature of the fold. It keeps them nice and compact making them simple to store in your home, under your desk or anywhere you might need to. A smaller wheel does not take anything from the ride if anything it makes them more nimble and agile when nipping about town.
Gears
Folding bikes may have fewer gears than most road, hybrid, and mountain bikes. Some folding bikes use hub gears hidden inside the rear wheel these will need to be assessed for your usage as you may need 1 or 3 gears for cities, or you might need 6 or 9 for some hillier riding.
Frame
Most folding bikes come in one size, with an adjustable seat post enabling you to find a comfortable riding height. Frames are typically made from rigid alloy or steel and built for long-term use on city streets.
Handlebars
Folding bike handlebars are narrower, providing speedy handling and enabling you to filter through traffic on your commute.