Tag Archives: Choosing a foldable bike

Yesterday once more – what does one look for when choosing or buying a folding bike? 7 logical steps to take

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With so many folding bike brands and bicycle shops that come and go.  We at My Bike Shop always gets the same comments: wow, so many models, so wide the price ranges … the thing is, we offer you more CHOICES and experienced sales people at our shop!

We have more than 7 brands, going to be EIGHT soon and “8″ being a auspicious number, you are going to get a new folding bike brand(s) that will change the way you look at folding bike mechanisms and design. But you have to wait till after the 18th June to know what we will have in store. If you are thinking of that premium bike at that sub S$2000 and above category, you might just want to put off the purchase until you learn what’s happening with us after the 18th June. It is really worth the wait and its not just about a bike shop opening (or closing LoL), it’s really taking a new turn at looking at folding bikes! 

Still for those who cannot wait, here are 7 steps you want to ask before committing to a folding bike:

STEP 1: DECIDE HOW YOU RIDE

The first step in choosing your folding bicycle is to decide what type of riding you’ll be doing. How often and where you plan to ride.  My Bike Shop has models to support recretaional, commuting, urban riding, trekking, weekend centuries, touring … Is having a good ride more important that having the ability to push your folded bike more important? OR is that suspension worth that extra money if  your ride is just at PCNs and pavements? Money spent on a good saddle  might actually be a better investment.

STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR WHEEL SIZE

My Bike Shop has folding bikes with five different wheel diameters: 14″, 16″, 20″, 24″, 26″, and 700c. Wheel size will affect the ride characteristics and portability of your bike. One very important question you want to ask will be availability of inner tubes and tire replacement. Sure that 17 inch or 18 inch or 24 inch wheel size may look cool BUT if you cannot get hold of spares or replacements, you are going to pay lot more in time and costs to get spares. Also confirm that the rims used have the correct ETRTO numbers that fit available tire. Wrong fittings mean the tire can mean your tire may come off while you are attempting a sharp cornering. Any wheel too small (Smaller than 14 inch) goes against sound bicycle geometry and this can mean the bike is unstable or tends to topple over. You do not want to be carried off on a stretcher after a ride.

STEP 3: CHOOSE YOUR COMPONENTS & FRAME DESIGN

An important factor that affects the price considerably, consider what level of performance you’ll need from your components. The better the components, the better your bike will ride. And better components also mean improved durability and lighter weight but so will the cost!

Do you need suspension? do you need 24 speeds? do you need Shimano Durace or SRAM Force? Remember - focus on NEED not WANT.

Looks is important but do not sacrifice your ease of folding for that complex frame or folding mechanism that makes the whole folding bike idea redundant.

STEP 4: CHECK OUT THE EXPERIENCE AND TRACK RECORD OF YOUR BIKE DEALER

Operating a bicycle needs ongoing maintenance, servicing and support! Derailiers need servicing from time to time, hubs and bottom brackets need greasing and damage components will require experienced mechanics, proper tools and chemicals to ensure that your bicycle is safe and serviceable to ride. Will your bike shop be there for you? Have they been around for more than 3 years? Many bikeshops open and close within 2 years due to unrenewed lease  or being unable to sustain their business. Are they opened on days and have operating hours that allows you to get spares, timely support and also stock good range of accessories OR do you have to make an appointment 24 hours ahead?  You are not just buying a bike, you are buying a service too! So unless you believe you do not need that level of service, buying a bike from  Parallel Importers, the Web or from overseas may be an option but Emptor Caveat – Buyer beware! 

STEP 5: WARRANTY SUPPORT

Recalls can occur with bicycles ( and even cars). Does the  brand have a reputation of being responsible? What is the number of years the brand offers? Is the Distributor going to be around or have they changed many times in the last 2 years? Is the bike shop you are buying the bike from has been around for a long time? What is  the scope of coverage?  Buy with peace of mind

STEP 6: RESEARCH, VISIT SHOPS AND ASK YOUR FRIENDS

Do your homework and check out neutral websites and reviews rather than forums hosted by shops or manufacturers as they will tend to be biased for their own brand. There is no need to hurry, a reputable shop should have a good range of bicycles for you to trial for at least the popular models.   Also be fair to the shops when you visit, ask but do not patronise the staff – afterall they are just earning a living and doing their best!

Is the model you are looking at an international model? Or is it a poor copy? An unheard brand with ridiculously low price and claims?

A BIG Sale and massive 50% discounts ?  it’s the  same with every retailer – they are clearing stock or maybe winding up?  Sure you get a bargain but who is going to support the bike when you need a warranty claim or parts? It’s a hard call but you have to consider all these things before you put your money down.

 

STEP 7: FINAL STEP

Does the bike shop do a set up for you to ensure that you are seated at the right height and your posture is correct?  You need to ensure that you are seated correctly to minimise injuries.  Go to bike shops that offer this so that you avoid perinuem trauma, numb hands and aching necks.

How does one choose a folding bike?

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With such a wide range of folding bikes to choose from, it can be daunting when you walk through our doors. At MBS we stock the leading brands (there is at least 7 of them  and more to be added) and a wide range of wheel sizes, folding mechanisms and folding systems. At our last count, we have >50 models of folding bikes to choose from between 7 brands.

Choosing a folding bike is actually easy, it REALLY starts with you and what you want to do with your bike. Take away all the paid advertorial hype and marketing hearsay. Don’t let that fast-to-fold video or easier-to-push notion distract you. Afterall a bicycle is for riding and using the Pareto 80/20 rule, you put emphasis on the things that matter most and less on features that you do not use alot of or is typically a small requirement at the end of your journey. Ride safety is paramount and make sure that the latches are well designed and have safety in mind. Focus on comfort while you are riding and leave specific goals of completing century rides and to bike models that riders have used before. Here are a few tips:

Try to meet 80% of your needs. Everyone wants a bike that does everything (Commuting, Recreational, Performance, Century rides, Touring, Running errands, Household bike, bike for the maid etc ) but a one size fits all does not exist so it is necessary to narrow down to what is more important. This then allows you to narrow down into various folding systems, rideability, budget and personal preferences which will help you choose your ideal folding bike. As cycling is typically 95% of the time peddling, your saddle choice, ride comfort and sitting posture is important and make sure you get fitted for the bike at the end of the selection (Even for a folding bike). A well fitted bike will cause less stress on your joints, perineum and will ensure a long enjoyable ride. Numbness and discomfort is your body telling you that something is amiss so don’t dismiss it when it happens.

Some bike designs limit ride position adjustments so before you get excited about the brand and which specs, finding a reputable dealer that will give you comprehensive advice and ongoing support will help secure a good foundation of your bike ownership.

STEP 1: FIND A GOOD DEALER

Do they stock a wide range of brands and models in a showroom that allows you to compare models and brands? Or are they just stocking models they import? Dealers have to be knowledgeable about the various brands, have full time trained mechanic(s) as it is very important because bikes typically require tuning and some adjustments throughout the life of the bike. Do they have the necessary tools , lubes and workshop area? A properly maintained bike can be that difference that ensures minimal accidents and mishaps on your rides. Local in-country support and warranty, how does your dealer treat this?   Do they open on days and operating hours that you need them to be around?

Do research on their brands and dealer coverage. Ask all the questions about the bikes and how they perform under different circumstances. Avoid being misled by headline claims and paid advertorials. Get the low down on reviews and make sure that they are truly done by experts and neutral panels of reviewers. Check with friends on how a model or brand has any things to watch out for. 

Make sure you get to try the bikes. This is not a Lexus or Merc showroom but do not buy based on specs (or emotives) and with the exception of the top end premium models that cost >S$2.5k, you should have a decent choice of bikes to try so that you can get a feel of how various bike brands and models perform on the road.  Do not part your hard earned  dollars based on hearsay or salesy talk!

Make sure you can get essential spares like brake components, cables, tires, inner tubes and service like component upgrades, wheel truing and bike servicing.  Are they available at the dealer? Are they correctly priced? how fast is the turnaround?

Once you have found a good dealer, you can now focus on the selection of the folding bike according to your needs, Dahon has a good checklist – simple as 1-2-3!

STEP 2: DECIDE HOW YOU RIDE

The first step in choosing your folding bicycle is to decide what type of riding you’ll be doing. Recreation? Century Rides? Commuting? Neighborhood errands?

STEP 3: CHOOSE YOUR WHEEL SIZE

Dahon makes bikes with five different wheel diameters: 16″, 20″, 24″, 26″, and 700c. Wheel
size will affect the ride characteristics and portability of your bike.
 
 
16″ WHEEL SIZE
16″ wheel folding bikes are designed to be light and ultra compact when folded. That makes them ideal for commuters who use public transport because they need to fold and carry their bikes several times a day. However a trade off is that to achieve a very compact folded size, Dahon’s 16″ bikes won’t be quite as comfortable to ride for longer distances or for taller riders. Choose a 16″ model if compact folded size is your primary concern. 
 
 
20″ WHEEL SIZE
Most of our customers feel that our 20″ models deliver the optimal balance of performance and folding convenience.
20″ wheel folding bikes are slightly larger when folded than the 16″ models but they deliver a more comfortable and efficient ride. With the right components, 20″ wheel bikes are good for distances up to a century. Choose a 20″ model if you want performance and portability. 
 
 
24″ and 26″ and 700C WHEEL SIZE
24″ and 26″ amd 700C wheel folding bikes are essentially “regular” bikes that offer portable convenience and Dahon quality. Our full size bikes feature standard frame geometries for an excellent ride. Virtually all of the components, except for the frame, are off-the-shelf components that can be repaired or replaced in any bike shop. Choose a full size bike if you want the performance and looks of a “regular” bike but still want folding convenience.

STEP 4: CHOOSE YOUR COMPONENTS

To make your final decision, consider what level of performance you’ll need from your components. The better the components, the better your bike will ride. And better components also mean improved durability and lighter weight. This is the part where the budget versus desirable traits start to diverge.

Okay now that you got your folding bike, it is just the beginning. After you get bike setup, we have to decide on helmets, essential accessories like front and rear blinkers, bottle cage, bells, saddle bags, rack,  iPhone bike mount? …OMG this begs for another blog on desirable accessories to go with your folding bike. Not to worry, if we do not post the next blog up, just come to MBS, we would be happy to assist you! and we got the range of accessories too.