Many of us need to get around town a little faster than we can walk, but more people than ever are now finding that owning a car can have more downsides than upsides. Considering the cost of car ownership, including the initial purchase price, the tax and insurance costs, the fuel bills, the environmental impact, and so on, a bicycle makes better sense in many situations. However, a full-size bicycle takes up a lot of space and can be rather unwieldy. For this reason, you can now find folding bikes for sale at various places online with varying price ranges. Let’s discuss some of the things you should look for when considering a folding bicycle and review some popular models.

Schwinn Hinge Folding Bike (+/-$150)

This is one of the more popular models available on Amazon.com. It features the ability to fold back on itself, taking up only 30 x 32 x 11 inches when folded. It is worth looking out for this measurement whenever considering a folding bike, as it is one of the main criteria used for judging a particular model’s merits. This model has 20-inch wheels, which are quite large for a folding bike, and as a result, it takes up a little more room than many smaller models. It is a single-speed bike, meaning it does not have gears. This means this model is well suited mainly for those who live in flatter environments.

Kent Compact 16 Aluminium Folding Bike (+/-$150)

Compared to the Schwinn above, this bike has smaller wheels, at 16 inches, which results in it being somewhat smaller when folded. If space is at a premium, this is a better model for that reason. It also differs from the Schwinn in having six gears. This results in a more versatile bike that can be more easily used for climbing hills. A gear set will somewhat increase the weight and complexity of a bicycle, but if you need the extra speed range it is invaluable.

Kent Mini 8 Folding Bike (+/- $120)

This model is a break away from the norm, as its wheels measure only 8 inches in diameter. This size is normally reserved for toy bikes, but this is no toy. It is worth remembering that larger wheels tend to produce a smoother and easier ride. As a result, the 20-inch wheels of the Schwinn will be somewhat better than those of the Kent Compact 16, which will in turn be noticeably superior to those of the Mini 8. However, this can still be a fine bicycle for many purposes. It is very small and light, and measures only 28 x 23 x 16 inches when folded.

The Verdict?

All of these folding bikes for sale have brakes front and rear and can be safely used for short-distance cycling. However, to find the ideal solution for you, you need to take into account the surrounding terrain and your particular needs. For the smallest possible bike, the Mini 8 will be perfect. For something that suits a longer journey, the larger wheels of the Schwinn bike will be ideal. For hilly terrain, gears are essential, and the Compact 16 will be your best bet. There is such a range of models available now that you are sure to find the best folding bike that suits you and your wallet just right.

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!