-
ORDER OUR BOOK TODAY
Now available in paperback.
Folding bikes reviewed by OptimalRide
In 2007, we wrote about the A-Bike, a collapsible bike that folds down to the size of an umbrella. Collapsible bikes such as these are perfect for people with very limited storage space and short-ish commutes.
Since we wrote that article, we’ve thought a lot about how incompatible bicycles can be with small spaces. We’ve written about a handful of storage solutions that use vertical or wall space, instead of floor space. And, we’ve been on the lookout for even more solutions.
A couple weeks ago, I stumbled upon the article “Best Folding Bikes of 2009” on the OptimalRide website:
Folding bikes are useful for anyone interested in taking their bike on a bus, train or ferry. They can also be packed in a car, stowed on a plane, or stored indoors securely. Many owners bring their folding bikes into an apartment or store them under an office desk. Most folding bikes have 16? or 20? wheels, but you can also find 26? wheel bikes that fold (see the Dahon bikes below).
The reviews and descriptions of the folding bikes in OptimalRide’s article are exhaustive, and definitely worth a read. Make sure to check out the whole article, as the ads in the middle of the text can be a little confusing. I hope this can be helpful to those of you in small living spaces.
11 comments posted
Posted by Karyn - 03/21/2009
Ever since I got rid of my car five years ago and moved to a transit and walking friendly area in Minneapolis (instead of the suburbs, where transit service is generally crap, or worse) I’ve been “thinking about” taking up bike riding again, but haven’t lived anywhere where I could store a full-sized bike. I’d heard of folding bikes, but was a bit leery of how durable they really are. Apparently a lot of people use them for transportation, though, so they must be reasonably functional. I’m bookmarking the article for future reference. Thanks!
P.S. – Apropos of nothing (at least related to folding bikes), I saw a picture in RealSimple recently, of a woman with a short, graceful, stylish haircut, and then, reading the byline of the article, I realized it was you. And I laughed remembering the readers who were so concerned that short hair robs a woman of her “femininity,” because the cut you had in the photo struck me as very flattering and feminine, even before I identified it as belonging to you.
Of course, “looking feminine” is around priority number 932 on most of our lists these days, but that’s another discussion for another day.
Posted by tabatha - 03/21/2009
i live in a small apartment and i just recently bought a folding bike. i love my folding bike. i got it from “Ridethisbike.com” its very durable and easy to ride. it only weights 25lbs and take up very little space. i didn’t even buy it for commuting, i bought it for regular bike riding. i got a carry bag with it also which makes storing it a lot easier.
Posted by mstreemn - 03/21/2009
I would like to try one first before I invest in a bike. I am right on the edge of suburban minneapolis public transit. My choices are walk, drive or bike 3 miles to catch a bus. It’s ok except in the winter.
http://www.cannonfallscanoeand.....-sale.html
check this place
Posted by Malcolm - 03/21/2009
The folding bikes I have seen are used by yacht people to travel when they are ashore – around marinas, etc. The good ones are very durable, but they are definitely a compromise as far as comfort and speed are concerned. I did not think they would be much use for regular commuting over a distance of more than about half a mile.
Posted by Malcolm - 03/21/2009
Well, can that previous post! I have just followed the link above to “best folding bikes” and things have certainly moved on somewhat from the last time I saw one! They almost look now as if just folding them and unfolding them would be such fun it would be an end in itself!
Posted by Karyn - 03/21/2009
@mstreemn: Ever been to Uptown in winter?
The real diehards bike year-round! Though I admit I’m not sure I’d fall in that category, myself…
I’d commiserate on the sad state of public transit in the greater metro area, but that would likely lead to a digression that would relate to Uncluttering only in the sense of uncluttering certain political offices of certain politicians who are less than supportive of transit.
Posted by Diane - 03/22/2009
There has been a definite increase in the number of folding bikes on the road here in Toronto. This is no doubt due to the fact that there are more folding bikes for sale around town, ranging from $250 to $2000.
I purchased a full size folding mountain bike (the second bike shown in the ‘best of’ article), and have used it for commuting to work for the past two winters. I bought it so that I could get it into my apartment to hose the salt off it in my bathtub from time to time.
When I was choosing a folding bike, the store salesman said that the 16″ – 20″ wheel sizes would not be very comfortable if you were riding more than 20 minutes at a time. I preferred the sturdier feel of the 26″ (full size) bike, so that’s what I went with.
My folding bike essentially folds right in half. I had ideas that I could get it into the trunk area of my VW Golf, but not so – I have to fold the back seats down to get it in my car. Great bike though!
Posted by gypsy packer - 03/22/2009
An Australian company now produces a folding trike, with in excess of 20 speed gears. These are used for commuter transport and hauling loads. Unfortunately, they’re in excess of $3G. A high quality three-wheeler is superior to a bicycle since you can haul freight. In local factories, single-seaters actually are used for nonpalleted loads.
Sun Trikes makes a 23-speed with a purchase-separately trailer which will tow 500 pounds. We had a cross-country rider a year ago who had one and stopped by ere taking the next mountain on the little jewel! Unfortunately, these don’t fold. I’m hoping they emulate their Down Under competition and produce one soon.
Posted by Tabatha - 03/22/2009
i just bought a folding bike and i love it.
i got it from Ridethisbike.com
i don’t use it for commuting, just regular bike riding, and its comfortable and does great.
Posted by allen - 03/23/2009
I sold folding bikes one year at EAA (Experimental Aircraft Associaction… which also stands for the event they hold every Year in Oshkosh, WI. The town goes from 60,000 to 600,000 for two weeks. Locals stay inside away from the crazies most of the time, if they’re not renting out their house.
), and was really impressed with it. This was unique at the time, for having “fullsize” tires. That is to say, NORMAL size tires, if not small (more like teen-sized tires), but you could buy replacement tire bits at any walmart, &c.
If the proposed high-speed rail gets built that links chicago to milwaukee to madison to Minneapolas (wow, spelling wrong on that one), then this would be perfect for that!
Posted by Dahon Folding Bikes - 03/24/2009
[...] Folding bikes reviewed by OptimalRide [...]
Comments are closed for this entry.