Folding mountain bikes: varieties and tips for choosing

Folding mountain bikes are becoming more and more popular. Manufacturers are trying to produce more and more technologically advanced models, and the buyer no longer has time to get acquainted with the pros and cons of various options. Therefore, choosing a mountain bike is not an easy task. Let's try to figure it out.

The main difference between a folding bike and a standard one is the folding mechanism, which is convenient both during travel and during storage. This is a bike with a low weight, in addition, it is cheaper than a conventional mountain bike, as it is simpler in design. The folding version is allowed to be transported on a bus, but its main advantage is safety, since it is rather difficult to develop high speed on a folding bike.

The design assumes the presence of a lower frame, which greatly facilitates operation. This is a fairly maneuverable two-wheeled vehicle, which is chosen by lovers of leisurely mountain bike rides. It is easy and quick to fold, and the process itself is within the power of not only men, but also fragile women.

Mostly folding mountain models are classified by wheel size. When choosing a bike with certain parameters, keep in mind that the larger the wheel, the smoother it runs, better overcomes bumps and turns worse. And, accordingly, vice versa.

Consider the most popular options, the manufacturers of which occupy top places in the world ratings.

• With big wheels... These bicycles are mainly represented by the Montague and Dahon brands. Also popular are the Redlof models, which are widely available not only in sports stores in Russia, but also in online stores. They can even be found in the United States under the CariBike brand.The large-wheel version is a model with wheels from 26 inches.

• Wheels 20 and 24 inches. Folding bicycles with 20 and 24 inch rims are the most common options. They are maneuverable, comfortable, but they also have disadvantages. For example, the cyclist will spend more time folding, and even when folded, such models take up a lot of space.
  • The most requested model with 20-inch wheels is Bike Friday from the American company Green Gear, but it's still a rather expensive option. You can pick up a more budgetary analogue, for example, Boardwalk Raleigh. Of course, it is not so convenient in operation, but the inexpensive price compensates for this disadvantage.
  • Another brand - Moulton APB - produces bicycles with 20-inch wheels, but these are more collapsible than folding models. But they are also perfect for road travel and do not take up much space in the trunk. Also, users note the high-quality suspension, which is comfortable for off-road driving.

• Wheels 16 and 18 inches. These are the most compact travel models that can be folded very quickly (in 20 seconds) to the size of a suitcase. True, it is not so easy to find them on sale. Such copies are designed for trips of 80-160 kilometers. Small wheels provide a stiff ride, and therefore all bikes with 16- and 18-inch wheels have suspension.
  • The most famous model with 16-inch wheels is considered Brompton... Connoisseurs of mountain walks note the comfort while driving, which is largely ensured by the rear suspension. The disadvantages include a lot of weight for such a small bike - 11.2 kg.
  • The German-Taiwanese two-suspension folding bike is also popular in the velomir. Birdy with a lightweight aluminum frame. To convert a road model into a mountain model, you need to purchase special tires separately.

• Small wheels. This category includes folding bicycles with wheels less than 16 inches. These are less mobile models, they are infrequently equipped with shock absorbers and are offered with soft tires, which can provoke a decrease in roll. It is also observed that when folded, such bicycles take up more space than many models with 16-inch wheels. These bicycles are manufactured by Dahon and Tern.

Mountain folding bicycles also differ in the type of brakes.

• Foot... Assumes a stop when pedaling backward. Now it is considered the least demanded option, it is found on outdated and budget models.
• Rim... Most of the models have exactly this type of brake. It belongs to the middle price category.
• Disk. The most powerful types that provide more confidence and reliability. However, these are expensive models, and many cyclists do not see the need to buy them, preferring rim brakes.

It is worth mentioning the differences in the materials of manufacture, especially the frame:

• the heaviest and cheapest option has a steel frame;
• lightweight, inexpensive, convenient and reliable copy - a bicycle with an aluminum frame;
• an even lighter sample has a carbon frame, but this is the most expensive version.

When buying a folding mountain bike, follow these guidelines.

• If the two-wheeled vehicle will be operated exclusively in the mountains, then select the maximum wheel size.
• Be sure to make sure the folding mechanism is in good working order at the time of purchase. Check how comfortable and time-consuming the bike is to fold.
• It is more convenient to operate those models that, when folded, can be rolled, and not carried by hand.
• Make sure the model you choose is suitable for the rider's height and weight. The higher the mountain bike enthusiast, the longer the frame length should be.
• For women, it is recommended to choose models with a low frame. The male variants are straight and rigid.

An overview of folding mountain bikes in the next video.