Thursday, January 8, 2009

folding bikes..

A folding bike is a bike that incorporates joints in the frame and handlebar stem that permit it to be broken down into a more compact size. Most of these bikes have wheels of 20 inch (51 cm) diameter or less. Folding bikes can be taken on public transport and into apartment buildings or workplaces where conventional bicycles are not allowed. This facilitates mixed-mode commuting, because a folding bike need not be parked in the street or train station. Folding also makes it easier to transport a bicycle in an automobile.



Folding bicycles often cost more than non-folding bicycles with the same performance-related features, because they have more parts, to allow folding and to lock the frame when unfolded. This results in a more complicated design, which is more complex to manufacture; as well, there is a smaller market for this type of bike. 

Folding bicycles are as safe as standard bikes, possibly safer. Naturally, some bikes are better made than others but this has less to do with the type of bike and more to do with the bike manufacturer.

Based on several folding bikes reviews and websites, Brompton and Dahon models seem to be the best folding bikes. These folding bikes fold quickly and easily. They are not bulky. They are ideal if you are traveling by train or bus and want to bring the bike on-board.

If you are looking for a high-performance road bike check out the Airnimal or the Bike Friday. These bikes are used worldwide for long-distance travel. Many cyclists who have tried these bikes found them to be an ideal mixture of performance and convenience.

Most folding bike manufacturers are producing high-quality products, but the issue of quality is not necessarily the measurement everybody uses when seeking out the best folding bikes.

- MetaEfficient.com

- FoldingBikes.net

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