If you're going to tour another country or rural area, a folding bike may be a benefit to you.The small bikes make it easier for amateur cyclists to travel from place to place.To choose a folding bike, compare models to find one that's the right size for you and will meet your needs in terms of performance and foldability.
Step 1: Determine how often the bike will be folded.
If you have to fold and unfold your bike frequently, you want the process to have as few steps as possible so you can complete the task quickly.The more complicated the folding process is, the more compact the bike is.Look for a bike that is easy to fold with the right size for your needs.If you are an urban commuter who uses public transportation often and bikes to and from work, you need a bike that can be folded and unfolded.
Step 2: Take the space you'll need to store your bike into account.
While you don't know where you'll take your bike in the future, check the storage available for folding bikes with air carriers and public transportation.This information can be found on the websites of most airlines and other forms of transport.You should check with the carriers you plan to frequent as well as the destinations you will visit.Don't forget to take the thickness of the cover into account when determining whether a bike will fit in the space you have available.
Step 3: Practice folding bikes.
You don't want a folding bike that takes too long, or that is too complicated to fold after a few tries.The bike's use comes into play here.If you're an urban commuter who will be carrying your bike on public transportation a lot, you need a bike that can be folded and unfolded quickly.If the folding process is hard to understand, you may want to try a different bike.There are brands that specialize in ease of foldability.
Step 4: You can compare transport accessories.
Bike models may have accessories designed to protect them.There are tripods and protectors that allow the bike to stand upright.If you're going to be carrying your bike on public transportation frequently, you need a cover and rubber stoppers to prevent it from getting scratched, either while in transit or through repeated foldings and unfoldings.Some protective accessories or mechanisms may be required if you are traveling in some countries.There is information on the website of that country's transportation authority.
Step 5: Understand what you can't do.
Most folding bikes only have frames in one size.If you are shorter than average, you may not be able to find a folding bike that is the right size for you.
Step 6: The wheel size that matches your intended use is what you choose.
There are different sizes of folding bike wheels.It depends on when and where you plan to ride your bike.The larger the wheel size, the larger your bike will be when it's folded, since the bike cannot fold up any smaller than the wheels.You probably want a smaller wheel if you plan to use public transportation frequently.Smaller wheels are more difficult to maneuver.You may want to go with larger wheels if you plan on riding your bike through the countryside.
Step 7: If you want a comfortable riding position, Adapt your bike.
If you can't find a bike with the right frame size, you may be able to use a different seat or adjust the bar ends.It can help you find a good riding position.Speak to someone in a bicycle repair shop about your options.You may have to adapt to find the best fit.
Step 8: Test rides can be set up.
You can't evaluate the performance of a folding bike unless you ride it yourself.Try to ride several different folding bikes.Most bike specialty shops and some larger sporting goods stores will arrange test rides for you, but you may have to ask.Take a test ride on the terrain you plan to use the most.If you want to take the bike on a tour of the Southeast Asian countryside, you should take your test rides on dirt or gravel roads.
Step 9: Your intended cycling locations should be reviewed.
Where you plan to ride your folding bike makes a big difference in which bike will work best for you.Take into account the type of terrain as well as the average length of your rides.On longer, touring rides, a bike with larger wheels and more gears will give you better performance.If you want to ride in the city, a bike with smaller wheels and fewer gears is better.Consider the ability to maneuver as well.You want a bike with a more rigid frame so you have more control over it, if you plan to bike in hilly or mountainous areas.
Step 10: Ignore bike weight.
The weight of the frame can affect a bicycle's performance.The weight of the bike doesn't make a big difference in terms of touring performance.If you're going to be carrying your folding bike a lot, you may prefer the lightest frame possible.
Step 11: Measure gear ratios.
A unit called "gear inches" is used to measure the gear ratio of folding bikes.The number of gear inches you need to get the best performance out of your folding bike depends on where you're going to use it.A low gear of 25 inches is suitable for almost any type of terrain.If you're an urban commuter who will primarily use your bike in the city, look for a bike with a top gear of around 70 inches.The highest performance folding bike has a top gear of over 100 inches.
Step 12: Do you want to upgrade your tires?
Depending on where you ride your bike, the best tires are for it.Extra puncture protection, as well as other features, should be taken into account, regardless of where you'll be riding your bike.If you plan on riding your bike on paved roads, and speed is important to you, a slick tire that would enable greater speed and maneuverability would be your best choice.Most folding bikes have limited types of tires.When choosing the bike itself, the tires available for it will become a factor.Make sure you have the tires you need when you buy a frame.