TOP 10 best folding bikes of 2019

On the streets of modern Russian cities, you can increasingly meet people riding on not quite familiar bicycles - they have small wheels, whose diameter is only about 16-24 inches. The seatposts are very tall. These are original folding bicycles - products that are gaining more and more popularity recently, as they are an almost ideal means of transportation in urban areas. Small diameter wheels provide excellent maneuverability, which is very important on city roads. On a similar bike, you can easily overcome a decent distance, go around any traffic jam.

The design of the device is equipped with an original folding mechanism, thanks to which the bike can be easily transported in any public transport, or put in the trunk of a car. In addition, the product can be stored in the apartment, since it practically does not take up free space. The bike does not need a parking space, as it is easy to carry with you at all times. Almost all models are equipped with wings. But not all people know what to look for when buying such a vehicle. It was for them that we decided to make a rating of the best folding bikes of 2019. Before we begin the analysis of the useful characteristics of specific models, let's look at the issue of competent purchase of such a device.

How to choose a folding bike?

The folding mechanisms of modern models are reliable and simple, so that the product can be folded in a few seconds. In this regard, at the moment, special attention should be paid, especially since the safety of the rider will also depend on it. Folding bikes are now equipped with one of several similar mechanisms.

The most common is a V-shaped clamp. It is characterized by excellent strength, the clamping area is large enough, due to which the bike is held securely in the assembled state. There is also an EEZZ vertical folding system. It provides almost instant folding structure.

Be sure to find out what material the frame is made of. Standard bicycles in most cases are made of steel, but such an element has a significant mass, and the weight for a folding bike is one of the key indicators. You can give preference to an aluminum frame, but the level of its strength leaves much to be desired. The construction of a special aluminum alloy or high-carbon steel will be much more reliable. Such materials have a decent level of strength, wear out slowly and weigh not very much.

The diameter of the wheels also plays an important role in choosing a folding bike. The smaller this indicator, the greater will be the maneuverability and compactness of the design. The bike can be single and multi-speed. On the latter, it will be much easier to overcome the climbs.

When choosing models for inclusion in our review, we mainly relied on the above points, but some other factors were also taken into account: value for money, user reviews.We tried to include in the rating not the most expensive models, so that they would be affordable for our readers.

For urban conditions

6. STELS PILOT 430 20

A very reliable and compact model that will allow you to experience the fullness of positive emotions from driving. It occupies a minimum of free space, is equipped with a three-speed planetary type transmission. The mechanism responsible for shifting gears is located in the rear hub, well hidden in a protective casing, so that dirt will not get into it. It is characterized by stable operation, does not jam during the entire service life, and the speeds can be switched even while standing still. The products are equipped with wide tires and a special reinforced tread that allows you to ride on asphalt, gravel and even on the ground. Installed aluminum rims reinforced with patented technology. The bicycle is made on the basis of a steel frame. The front fork is pretty stiff. The brake system here is also very interesting: the front brake is manual, the system is completely mechanical. The rear foot brake is pedal.

The steering wheel position is adjustable both in height and in angle. The saddle is quite soft, with high orthopedic qualities, which allows you to spend quite a lot of time on a bicycle. It is equipped with several springs, so even quite serious bumps and pits will almost not be felt by the rider. This bike comes with steel wings, a boot, a chain protection system, a bell, a rearview mirror, and a footrest. The diameter of the wheels is 20 inches.

Benefits:

• Everything necessary for a comfortable ride comes complete with a model;
• Quite reasonable cost;
• Three speed transmission
• Fairly simple assembly of the structure;
• It can be used absolutely in any weather and climatic conditions;
• The steering wheel and seat are adjustable in height.

Disadvantages:

• Because of the steel frame, it weighs a lot.

5. FORWARD TRACER 1.0

It has a very convenient folding mechanism to use. In the unfolded state, all the elements are fixed very securely, do not begin to loosen even after several years of active use. According to users, the bike is designed for all occasions. It is ideally suited for moving along urban sports-style asphalt roads. The products have two modifications that differ from each other exclusively in wheel diameter - 17 or 19 inches. The product will be suitable for both men and women. The kit comes with full-sized wings made of lightweight aluminum. They will protect the rider well from dirt or water from under the wheels of the bicycle. The device is also equipped with a footrest. Manufacturers equipped their products with technological holes to install a flask and a pump.

The design has a transmission from the Japanese company Shimano, which has long been known for its reliability. First of all, it works smoothly, the gears shift smoothly, no jerks were found during the testing of the bike. The wheels are equipped with reinforced Weinmann rims. They are double, capable of withstanding a significant load, do not bend under physical influences, including fairly strong shocks. The frame is made of high-quality aluminum alloy 6061. The fork here is rigid, cushioned well, and shaking during riding is not felt.

Benefits:

• Original and quite attractive appearance;
• High-quality manufacturing and assembly of products;
• Reasonable cost;
• For city bike has a good cross;
• You can assemble it yourself.

Disadvantages:

• After a while, the brakes begin to creak - eliminated by their lubrication.

4. STARK JAM 20.1 SV (2017)

The bike is equipped with a frame with carefully thought-out geometry.It is made of reliable aluminum, so this bike should be handled as carefully as possible so as not to damage its main element. The fork is installed rigid, the diameter of the wheels is 20 inches. Rim brakes, they work almost instantly. This product is an excellent walking option, and besides, it is well suited for constant use, say, for trips to work. The folding mechanism is very simple, easy to use, when folded, the bike takes up little space, and you can purchase a special bag for transportation. The transmission is the simplest here - single-speed, so you will have to make a lot of effort to climb the mountain.

According to users, the design is well suited for any coating, has excellent cross-country ability. Included with this device is a large enough trunk, an ergonomic footrest and wide plastic wings. The saddle of the model is spring-loaded, which eliminates the unpleasant sensations from the pits and other roughnesses of the road. The bike developers paid special attention to the removal of the steering wheel, making it as convenient as possible for a person of any height.

Benefits:

• Original design;
• Superior build quality
• Attractive cost;
• The geometry and ergonomics of the frame are carefully thought out;
• A comfortable saddle in which you can comfortably spend more than one hour;
• Good splash protection.

Disadvantages:

• The manufacturer installed only a single-speed transmission;
• The frame is made of aluminum;
• Plastic wings should be handled as carefully as possible.

3. SHULZ KRABI COASTER

When folded, it is a structure that is slightly larger than one wheel of this bike - they have a diameter of 24 inches. The model takes up a minimum of free space with its overall dimensions of 88x41x71 cm. Despite the fact that the product looks a bit bulky, it is quite lightweight - only 14.5 kg. It is equipped with a wide and comfortable saddle. Its manufacturer fitted a high-quality leatherette, which withstands the effects of water, low temperatures, and practically does not wear out during operation. The bike is equipped with a three-speed transmission. The speed is gaining quite quickly, it rises uphill stably and without jerking. Shift gears exclusively while driving, no special effort is required. The pedals are also folding, made of plastic. Their feet do not slide off even in wet weather. The folding mechanism is simple and reliable, does not break during the entire life of the model.

The frame is made of high-quality aluminum alloy, not sensitive to corrosion processes and physical influences. The transmission sleeve is manufactured by the Japanese company Shimano. The bike is well suited even for long walks. He behaves well both in urban conditions and outside the city on the ground. The kit comes with a special cover for easy storage and transportation of the bike. This modification is equipped with a reliable foot brake at the rear wheel, the front one has a hand brake.

Benefits:

• Convenient folding mechanism;
• Double rim wheels
• The kit has everything you need for a comfortable ride;
• Three-position transmission.

Disadvantages:

• Chain guard is weak.

2. STRIDA SX

It is a rather extraordinary design. At first glance, it might seem that the model is a cross between a wheelchair and a large scooter. The product has an original geometry, in particular, a triangular frame is taken as the basis here. There is no chain drive here, a Kevlar belt is used as a drive. The transmission consists of only one speed, but the bike is equipped with disc brakes. Initially, these products were developed for people who have to travel long distances every day in urban environments. The design is simple and quite light, you can transform it into working condition within a few seconds.On this bike you can quickly maneuver between vehicles or pedestrians. The products are equipped with large enough wheels - their diameter is 18 inches.

Largely thanks to this structural element, it was possible to achieve the most comfortable driving conditions. The mass of the unit is 11.6 kg, so it can be carried with you all the time. This unit does not require special maintenance. Despite the fact that it is unlikely that it will be possible to accelerate such a bike to high speeds, people acquire it more and more often, since for the city it is almost an ideal design. The saddle here is small, although very comfortable: you can spend a couple of hours without a break in it.

Benefits:

• Frame made of lightweight materials;
• Kevlar belt instead of the standard metal chain also positively affects the mass of the device;
• Original and attractive appearance;
• It conveniently develops and unfolds;
• Trunk is provided.

Disadvantages:

• Narrow wheels.

1. SHULZ LENTUS

On the first line of this part of our rating today is another model from a German manufacturer. This is the most reliable folding bike on the market, it has a frame made of aluminum alloy. It has wheels with wide treads, which significantly increase the stability of the unit. In addition, thanks to them, such a bike can ride not only on asphalt or other smooth surface, but also on dirt roads. Disc brakes installed, working stably. This bike was originally designed for heavy loads and difficult operating conditions. The frame has properties that are not quite characteristic for it, in particular, due to the original qualities of the alloy, it will additionally dampen vibrations and soften even strong shocks.

The design is equipped with a rigid rigidity fork. It works much more efficiently than depreciation, it is easier to manage. Vertical buildup of the part is not provided, which greatly facilitates the movement uphill. The chain is reliably protected by a special casing, which will not allow clothing to be wound around it, dirt, water, dust and other foreign objects. The saddle is quite wide, has high orthopedic indicators. No discomfort even with prolonged riding does not occur. There are also reflective elements on the bike that make it quite noticeable in the dark.

Benefits:

• Very convenient and reliable design;
• It develops and unfolds quite quickly and simply;
• Planetary gear set;
• Disc brakes apply in fractions of a second;
• The overrun is excellent;
• Everything you need is supplied in the kit - there is no need to buy anything extra.

Disadvantages:

• Not found.

Mountain bikes

4. STELS PILOT 950 MD 26 V010

Here is one of the cheapest full-size folding bicycles developed and produced by the domestic company Stels. It is produced in two versions. There are no fundamental differences between them, the only difference is the size of the frame - 17.5 and 19 inches. The products have perfect maneuverability. The weight is also not too large - the model weighs about 15 kg, but a person can ride on it up to 100 kg. The bike is characterized by a multi-position transmission, which includes 21 speeds. There is a disc mechanical brake system. According to users, the products turned out to be very practical. In particular, it is perfect for driving on any road, from asphalt to dirt roads, including off-road.The bike is designed for people with height from 162 to 190 cm and weighing no more than 120 kg.

The device has a transmission from Microshift. Gears shift smoothly, without jerking. The weight of the bike is 15.5 kg, so it will not be too difficult to carry it constantly with you. The frame is made of high-quality aluminum alloy, resistant to serious physical influences. The suspension fork has a stroke of 60 mm. The wheels have double rims made of aluminum. The brake system uses both wheels, it is mechanical and very reliable - there is no need to fear that at the most important moment the brakes will fail.

Benefits:

• Fairly rich bike equipment;
• Reasonable cost;
• Reliable folding mechanism;
• Low weight and overall dimensions, especially when folded;
• The disc mechanical brake system is ideally reliable.

Disadvantages:

• The seat has long to adjust to the anatomical features of the rider.

3. DAHON JET D9

This bike is manufactured by a well-known Taiwanese company that used only the most advanced technologies in its development. Initially, engineers created this product specifically for mountainous conditions. The transmission here is 9-position, and the design is characterized by users as very maneuverable. Despite the fact that the frame is made of aluminum, it has excellent strength and endurance, due to which it is able to withstand a person's weight up to 105 kg. The unit itself weighs about 12 kg. The folding mechanism is simple, reliable and easy to use. In the assembled condition, the bike is convenient to store, since it practically does not take up free space.

The brake system is manufactured using V-Brake technology, which has not only durability, but also virtually no maintenance. The bike has a double suspension depreciation, thanks to which pits and bumps are almost not felt. The seat of the springs is not provided, however, it does not create excessive load on the back. You can ride such a bike with great comfort.

Benefits:

• Excellent quality production and assembly;
• Convenient and easy to use folding mechanism;
• High level of strength and endurance;
• Attractive appearance;
• Low weight of the bike;
• The presence of a double-suspension depreciation system;
• Ideal maneuverability, which is very useful when driving on rough terrain or on dirt roads.

Disadvantages:

• Fairly expensive products.

2. STARK COBRA 26.3 HD

A sufficiently high-speed bike that allows you to accelerate on a flat road and go very fast, practically does not make noise during the ride, despite the fact that it is equipped with fairly wide reinforced treads. The equipment is relatively poor, all additional elements will have to be purchased separately. There is not too much clearance between the bike stand and the road surface. The capabilities of this unit allow you to ride on various types of terrain. The folding mechanism is convenient and easy to use, so there is no need to install the bike on the roof of the car during transportation. The hinged equipment is amateurish, however its capabilities are quite enough to ensure a comfortable ride.

The transmission includes 24 speeds. Lightweight frame - made of aluminum alloy. The stroke of the Easing ES-451 MLO suspension fork is 100 mm, thanks to it it is possible to ensure easy passage even of serious obstacles. The fork itself is springy, there is no rear shock absorber for the bicycle, however, the spring-loaded seat makes it easy to do without this element. Hydraulic disc brake system.It is assembled reliably, so it does not need special maintenance during operation. The plastic pedals have a special rubberized coating, due to which the legs will not slip off them even in wet weather.

Benefits:

• The optimum ratio of price and quality;
• Manufacturers have chosen the ideal protectors for this design;
• Compact overall dimensions and small weight;
• Good maneuverability of the unit;
• The presence of rubber coating on the pedals;
• Long stroke front suspension fork.

Disadvantages:

• The paint layer is not anodized;
• Minimum equipment - you will have to additionally purchase the necessary elements such as wings, chain protection and so on.

1. STARK Cobra 27.2 D

Not too expensive, but at the same time very attractive model, which is able to maintain its original appearance throughout the entire service life. According to manufacturers, they developed a device for moving exclusively on asphalt roads, however, users say that this is a real mountain model. It is able to withstand steep climbs, off-road, has a high strength tread, which, regardless of weather conditions, reliably adheres to the road surface. The frame here is aluminum AL-6061 folding MTB, in the production only high-tech materials are used that can well resist significant physical influences. In addition, the ergonomic Prowheel MA-AC43 system is involved in this bike.

It is worth saying that this is a fairly large product, which has wheels with a diameter of more than 27 inches, so even when folded, it is a very overall device. The transmission includes 21 speeds, the Shimano Tourney RD TY300D switch is installed here. It smoothly switches positions depending on driving conditions. The wheels are equipped with tires Wanda P1226 27.5 × 2.35, they are characterized by high speed. Bicycle disc brakes of a mechanical type. With their help, you can stop at any time and under any traffic conditions - including on a steep descent, regardless of the road surface.

Benefits:

• A small mass for a mountain bike;
• Excellent cross;
• High reliability of the brake system;
• The presence of a folding mechanism;
• Great roll;
• Rigidly fixed forks;
• Frame made of aluminum alloys.

Disadvantages:

• Sometimes it is problematic to fix in a folded state.

In conclusion, a useful video

Our review of the best folding bikes has come to an end. We tried to paint each model as detailed as possible so that you have an accurate idea of ​​the product, and you can conclude whether you need it or whether it is better to choose something more suitable. If you still have any questions, then you can always ask them to us in the comments to this article. We will promptly respond to each message and provide all the necessary information.

(1 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)

Loading...