Question Foldable bikes, what's the trade off of the smaller body and wheels? (and other questions about foldable bikes)

[A zed]

I'm thinking about getting a foldable bike. So far I've mainly been seeing two different varieties, ones with small bodies and wheels that have seats and handlebars that extend high and what I would call more of a "normal" body (though the ones I've found are almost exclusively mountain bikes) with a hinge built in the middle of the body so it just folds in onto itself.

How does this smaller body and wheels of the first design affect riding?

Is it easier since the bike is lighter or do smaller wheels make it more difficult?

Personally I think I'm more drawn to the second design, since that sort of body of bike, minus the hinge, is what I've been riding whenever I've had a bike in my life. However as I've mentioned I've pretty much only seen these as mountain bikes (with dual suspension). Now again my technical knowledge is extremely limited, but it's my understanding that having dual suspension means I'd be limited to the flimsier rear racks (where it only connects to the seat not also to the wheel) and that the suspension makes the bike heavier. The first problem is the one that 'worries' me the most, and I'm curious if anyone does ride dual suspension and what they think of these problems.

Is the weight limit a hassle?

Does the weight of the suspension actually make a difference?

Any other sort of advice when it comes to anything foldable bikes would be super appreciated. Or even just directions to somewhere I can learn more about these technical parts of bikes and sort of understand for myself all of these pros and cons. Also if anyone is aware of decently priced non-mountain bike foldable bikes of this second design please let me know, as, at least with where my knowledge is right now, that seems to be what I'm looking for.

 

[Matt Derrick]

i've never ridden a folding bike, but i've done a little bit of research on them so take what i say with a grain of salt.

the smaller wheels will mean you'll need to pedal more, but that can be made up for slightly with decent gearing. 'bike friday' seems to be a popular brand.

 

[ali]

I also have never ridden a folding bike, but if you are after a touring (not mountain) model that is regular-sized, those exist too. Some are sold in the west under the brand name Change Bike.

I was looking into one as well as a touring possibility, but for now I am leaning toward trying to make do with my cheap and cheerful hybrid (with front shocks). I figure it's better to dip my toe in the touring water without laying out a huge chunk of cash, then if I find that I enjoy the lifestyle, it might be worth investing more in gear that works better for me.

 

[A zed]

I also have never ridden a folding bike, but if you are after a touring (not mountain) model that is regular-sized, those exist too. Some are sold in the west under the brand name Change Bike.

I was looking into one as well as a touring possibility, but for now I am leaning toward trying to make do with my cheap and cheerful hybrid (with front shocks). I figure it's better to dip my toe in the touring water without laying out a huge chunk of cash, then if I find that I enjoy the lifestyle, it might be worth investing more in gear that works better for me.

Thank you so much! This design is exactly what I was looking for! But hoo boy is that expensive. Still, thank you this at least gives me somewhere to start, maybe trying to find used ones or any sort of "knock offs" with a bit less expensive components.

 

[A zed]

I'll put this here for future reference, and for others who may be interested. Flatbike is the American distributor for Change bikes so if you're interested in getting one they're here. But as mentioned they run on the expensive side (at least in my eyes), cheapest I'm seeing is $1200. However they do sell the frames themselves, with the 700c/road frame currently going for $600 available here. So for anyone that also values having a foldable "standard" frame, building off this frame might be your best bet but still expensive.

 

[The Drifter]

I've got a folding electric bike with 20 inch wheels I bought it 2nd hand for £120 off ebay in 2019. A real bargain, the steering was wonky and the brakes were messed up, eventually got that fixed. It took me a while to get used to it because I prefer full size bikes. 20 inch wheels is a much better option than 16 inch for me, it just makes the bike more solid and stable.

 

[stove]

I've got a folding bike rebranded from Dahon, and there are some significant downsides which I'd like to point out:

Rigidity- the frame is simply not as rigid. Between this and the smaller tires, riding at a moderately high speed can be...exciting, and not in the good way (say, doing 30+ downhill).

Also, the folding mechanism? Somewhat delicate. I loaned the bike to a friend for a few days and ended up having to machine a new latch because he snapped it off by accident.

Also, if you're thinking about touring on something with uncommon sized wheels, make sure you've got a source for tubes- not ever LBS will carry 20" tubes if you get a flat, and this can be a real pain to source in some parts of the world.

As far as 'lighter'- You don't lose a lot when shrinking from 26/29 to 20", but you add the weight of the folding mechanism.

 

[Deleted member 31276]

I've used a folding bike from Tern fitted for touring. I think it was the C8 w/ 20" wheels. I liked it. And if I had the money, I would buy one.

Only 8 speed, but due to the wheel size, you didn't need any extra gears for climbing hills. Which was my biggest apprehension about it. It seemed a bit easier on my knees than a regular touring bike.

Handling does feel a bit weird, especially going down hill. But you get used to it. I wouldn't describe it as unsafe.

The folding mechanism was sturdy and had a few years of use, including overseas shipping.

The biggest drawback is something already mentioned. Parts. It's hard to find 20" tubes depending where you are. The shifter was also made by Tern and integrated into the handlebar. So if you broke it, you'd have to order an entire handlebar replacement. Friction shifters #1.

 

[vajrabond]

I’ve only test ridden one. But have my own sights set on getting a Bike Friday or Brompton. Based on my research I recommend Bike Friday, Brompton, and Tern. Just be sure they are steel touring models. I really want the Diamond Llama from Bike Friday, but they are so new there isn’t a used market and dropping $3k is a lot of savings. But they specifically are making it for wider tires and 330 pound carries. The problem with Dahon and pocket versions are they aren’t made for lugging gear in the long-term. People use them and pack light, but they probably won’t last as long.

Bicycle Touring Pro extensively reviewed the Bike Friday New World Tourist model (you want that one or the Diamond Llama). The New World Tourist seems sturdy as hell, but takes more time to fold. The Diamond Llama is a fast folder and super sturdy. It basically rides like 26 inch wheel bikes. The 32h shorter spokes are even harder to break. You actually don’t have a feeling of “pedaling more” as the shorter tire size actually matches the high cadence you should be using to slowly pedal up hills anyways. Now one downside is smaller wheels wear out quicker, so carrying a spare is sometimes reasonable. Though I’m told 20 inch wheels are actually super common worldwide because it is what comes on BMX bikes, that also make super durable tires. It’s also kind of a top heavy ride, so making sure the fit is right and packing your gear evenly weight-wise is more important. Recently saw someone on Instagram with half their gear voile strapped to the big space in the middle to make it less top heavy with bags.

Folding bikes seem amazing and I’m on the hunt for one to travel internationally with. I recommend looking up Heinz Stucke for some folding bike inspiration.

 

[ali]

Update now i have more to say: 20 inch (BMX-size) wheels are definitely common in Asia and you should have no trouble finding replacements over here.

I think if you compare a folding bike to a high-end or even average road bike or mountain bike, it's gonna feel kinda janky. But if you are comparing it to a utility bike... it is hella lighter and feels quite a bit more maneuverable in tight spaces due to the tiny wheel.

Today on my new foldie i got up to around 25km/h without much trouble, which is not fast compared to a full-size bike, but totally reasonable if you're comparing it to a city/commuter bike or else walking. You do need to keep pedaling a bit more than on a bike with bigger wheels, though, because feels like there is less inertia. Depending on if you're traveling mostly flat or mostly hills you could probably switch up the gear ratio to go faster. After touring on a utility bike, though, i think it's fine to go slow, as long as you plan your route to suit.

With the 20" i was fine riding without my hands on the handlebars on flat sections, long enough to stretch and change my position a bit to avoid cramping, but i wouldn't risk it for too long because you definitely get a twitchier response when you hit bumps. Feels a bit weird for the first 20 minutes or so but you get used to it pretty quick.

Regarding riding position, the folder position seems fine to me. It's probably a bit cramped if you are tall and could have access to a full-size bike in your size, but again if you're comparing it to whatever utility bike, rental or cheapie hybrid you usually end up with if you don't get your ideal pick of gear, doesn't seem that much different to me.

One thing i did notice is that the pedals go lower to the ground, so if you are wearing flip-flops and have big feet then occasionally the backs might drag on the ground, which is a funny sensation but not really a problem if you keep a proper posture, and perhaps would not happen at all with regular shoes.