Why buy a folding bike?

Why and when should you buy a folding bike?

The advantages of a folding bike:

• You can take a folding bike on the train
• A folding bike fits in any car
• A folding bike takes up little space, ideal if you have limited storage room
• You can easily take a folding bike onto a boat so you can cycle to the bakery from the harbour
• On holiday a folding bike is ideal. Think of the campsite or the nearby village you need to cycle to for your groceries

The folding convenience of a folding bike

The ease of folding is an important factor for many people. Not only does the folding mechanism need to be easy to understand, all the actions should be straightforward and smooth. You don’t want obstructions from loose cables getting in the way while you fold. Experience also shows that it’s important to keep the number of actions to a minimum. Of course, you should bear in mind that a very compact folding bike will naturally need more steps than a bike that stays relatively large.

"I use my folding bike on the train (it’s free when folded) and to cycle to my care horse. I like the system I have: press a button or flip up a little lever and then fold it. Unfolding it is just as easy. It took a bit of puzzling at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s very simple. My folding bike is lightweight, an ideal means of transport and fits easily in both train and car."

Misconceptions about folding bikes

The biggest misconception is that you have to pedal harder on a folding bike to reach the same speed. Folding bikes have an adjusted gear ratio so that with a normal pedalling cadence you can ride at a normal speed, just like you are used to on a regular bike. People also think that cycling on a folding bike requires more energy. That’s wrong as well. After a test ride, many people conclude that a folding bike actually rides more smoothly than their own bike. This is because most modern folding bikes come with low-resistance tyres. On top of that, a folding bike weighs much less, so you accelerate and gain speed more quickly. The type of gearing system you choose also has a big influence on the rolling resistance of a bike.

The weight of a folding bike

The weight of a folding bike is mainly determined by the number of components, such as lights, whether or not it has a rear rack, gears, etc., and the choice of materials for the frame and parts. On average, a folding bike weighs around 13 kg. The lightest (functional) folding bikes weigh about 9 kg, while the heavier models are around 16 kg. It’s important to know that you usually compromise on functionality and durability when the folding bike weighs fewer kilos. The exception is the titanium Brompton, which retains the same level of durability despite its low weight of about 9 kg. Heavier folding bikes usually owe their weight to many luxury components and options such as an adjustable handlebar, lighting, suspension, multiple gears, and so on. In other words, you usually get extra comfort and convenience in return for the higher weight.

Top 5 best folding bikes

1. pyora grass no-nonsense vouwfiets

No-nonsense vouwfiets with belt drive. This is the ‘Rich’ version, which means it comes fully equipped with mudguards and a front brake.

pyora grass no-nonsense vouwfiets

€ 549,00

Buy at bol.com

2. Vouwfiets 20" Freerider 200 Black Edition

Discover a sleek design, low-maintenance components and an easy-riding folding bike. 20 inch, weight 13.2 kg. Single-speed transmission with 165 mm crank, 44-tooth chainring and 16-tooth freewheel. Development: 3.80 m per crank revolution.
Double chainring guard to prevent the chain from slipping off and to protect it from dirt.
Kickstand, balance stand when folded, and front and rear lights. V-brakes for effective braking.

Vouwfiets 20" Freerider 200 Black Edition sing...

€ 258,00

Buy at bol.com

3. Formula Alloy Vouwfiets 6 versnellingen

Very neat vouwfiets in a beautiful and striking matte black colour! Ideal for commuting from the station to work every day, or just for riding around the campsite. Thanks to the 6 Shimano gears, no road is too difficult and no hill too steep! It’s easy to take with you because it folds very quickly and easily. The bike also has working lights so you can ride safely in the evening!

Formula Alloy Vouwfiets 6 versnellingen Shiman...

€ 445,00

Buy at bol.com

4. MBM Easy 6 Vits Shimano - Zwart

Steel frame, 6-speed Shimano gripshift, V-brakes and aluminium brake levers, aluminium rims, folding pedals. The handlebar height can be adjusted, but it does not fold! Weight: 14.9 kg.

MBM Easy 6 Vits Shimano - Zwart

€ 249,00

Buy at bol.com

5. France Dax - Vouwfiets - Unisex - Mat Zwart

- colour: matte black
- steel frame with extra-low step-through
- 3 Shimano Nexus gears
- aluminium V-brakes
- aluminium brake levers
- aluminium rims
- folding pedals
- tyres with reflective sidewalls
- folded dimensions: 80 x 24 x 55 cm (L x W x H)
- step-through height: 28 cm
- weight: 15.2 kg

France Dax - Vouwfiets - Unisex - Mat Zwart - ...

€ 279,00

Buy at bol.com

In conclusion

Finally, there’s the (wrong) assumption that a folding bike isn’t sexy or cool. Do you agree with that, or do you actually think it’s cool not to follow the crowd and not care what others think? Given all the advantages, especially the convenience and the minimal space it takes up, it’s definitely worth considering buying a folding bike. A specialist in folding bikes is Dahon-vouwfietsen.