| The Best of the Best: Folding Bikes |
| Written by Hank Green | ||
| Saturday, 16 December 2006 | ||
Bicycle commuting rocks. It's healthy, safe, fast, cheap and the only emission is what the biker breathes out. But it does have it's problems. One is that bikes generally have a very awkward shape. If there is no bike rack, or if you want to go somewhere with your bike, you're reduced to lugging a very cumbersome package around with you.
Well what if there was a bike you could fit in your trunk, that was the size of a briefcase, or that you could take on the subway. That sure would be nice.
Thus, the concept of the folding bike. You might be surprised to learn that there are actually quite a lot of these guys out there. They range from the practical to the nonsensical and from frugal to near-car prices. And today, at EcoGeek, we're going to show you the best of the folding bikes.
Let's start out with the cheapest. If your loved one
needs a folding bicycle this season, Citizen is probably the brand for you.
First, because they're widely available in America. Second, because
they're on a super sale right now, at only $170 USD. This gives us a good example of what most folding bikes these days look like, with a low center of gravity and small wheels.
And now, we move immediately into what is honestly
the strangest bike I've ever seen. The A-Bike promises that it is the
world's smallest and lightest folding bike. I wouldn't doubt it. It's
about 6 kilograms and you can get one in england for about 200 pounds.
But, really, is that actually going to work? From what I know about
bicycles, the angular momentum of the tires is what keeps you steady.
I'm not a physicist, but it looks to me like this would be fairly
impossible to ride steadily. But I could be wrong...
A lot of designers seem to think "While I'm trying out one untested technology, I might as well incorporate two." And that's what happened with these next two examples. The Jacknife is a prototype folding bike that simply doubles over on itself. Most bikes can't do this because of the traditional chain/gear system. The Jacknife, instead, uses a hydraulic pedal drive. Or, at least, it says it does, I can't figure out what that means, or how it works. I guess that's why it's still a prototype. 
More encouraging is the eZee Quando, which is both an electric bike and a folding bike. Electric bikes seem like a fine idea to me, even though I don't think I would ever use one. I mean, the speed of travel or excess of exertion is not what keeps me from riding my bike (if you're wondering, it's the snow / slush / and subzero wind chill that's keeping me in the Nissan right now.) But, electric transportation is, generally, a good thing, so I'm behind this electric folding bike. 
The big problem here though, batteries. It's hard to claim that a bike
is 'portable' when it ways sixty pounds. Apparently the bike takes on
hills without batting an eye, and can go 15 mph for 20 miles on one
charge, definitely father than I'd ever need to go.
For someone who is maybe a little bit more hip (and wealthy) than me, there's the GoBike. I can see folks in New York City jaunting around on this thing in their nice pressed suits with passer-bys thinking "damnit, that guy is actually cooler than me." And then, when they see him get off the thing, fold it into a ball, and walk into the subway, that's when they smack their heads and realize that they are officially out of the loop. Available now for $1,500.  The Di Blasi R24 fits into the same category as the GoBike, as it's both functional and folds into a wadded mass of bicycle parts that will have co-workers saying "Oh my GOD, what happened to your BIKE!!" Plus, it's Italian, so there's a hottie in the picture, and they're way cheaper than GoBikes. And also not available in America, sorry. About $600 USD. 
Moving away from the 'balls of parts' folding bikes, we have a less
traditional looking vehicle, the Strida 3. We're getting cheaper now,
at $300 USD and lighter as well. Good luck finding parts for it though.
The bike folds in far simpler fashion than the GoBike or Di Blasi will,
and ends up in a package that will easily fit in a kitchen cabinet. No
word on how ridable these tiny-wheeled bikes are though. But it's got
to be better than the A-Frame.
And coming in last, because it doesn't exist in the real world yet, is Josef Cadek's beautiful Locust folding bike. By turning the frame into a circle, the bike avoids looking like a crumpled up ball of bike parts while still being magnificently compact. Frankly, it looks more likely to be ridden by a south-going sneetch than a NYU undergrad, but, nonetheless, if it's produced, and it's lightweight, and it's inexpensive, I could see these selling like hotcakes. And I do love a good hotcake.
Thanks to TreeHugger for all of the excellent resources. For more info, just go there and search for 'Folding Bike," you'll find around two dozen articles. And for even more in depth reviews of even more folding bikes (how could there be so many) check out RideThisBike.com.
I apologize for the lack of comments, the site can't handle the script during periods of large traffic. We're working on it though. Thanks and enjoy!
Comments
(31)
NIce but..
written by ljkhjkk , December 17, 2006
How about one that doesnt get diry, do you really want to fold up and carry one full of dirty rain in bad weather? Nano coatings?
...
written by rob , December 18, 2006
The A-Bike was tested on the Gadget Show (CH5 UK), but didn't do very well, the small wheels giving a very hard ride and requiring more effort than a normal bike.
You would feel a right twit riding the Locust, it looks like a kids toy, perhaps it comes with a free paper bag, to put over your head while riding.  I have never really been convinced by folding bikes and have never known anyone to use one, more than a couple of times. What is really needed is somewhere safe to store your bike, when you reach your destination. Here in the UK your bike (or parts of it), will vanish in seconds if left unattended.
Folding Bikes Have A Following In The UK
written by Larry Lagarde , December 18, 2006
Rob,
In reply to your comments... I agree that the A-Bike is not one of Sir Clive Sinclair's better inventions; however, there ARE people in the UK that ride folding bikes daily. In fact, Brompton owners in the UK are almost cult like in their devotion to their bikes. Although a bit pricey, Brompton's fold into a very tiny package too (before 9-11, some airlines even allowed passengers to bring their Brompton folding bicycles aboard as a carry ons). Perhaps one day, there will be bike lockers on every urban city block. Until that day comes, I'm sticking with folding bikes. Respectfully, Larry Lagarde RideTHISbike.com Urging bicycling for recreation, commuting, health and a better future.
...
written by rob , December 18, 2006
Hi Larry,
I'm glad to hear folding bikes are used in some parts of the country. Perhaps they are more prevalent in the cities, where the ability to fold a bike is more useful. I live in the countryside and need a bike that can comfortably travel a thirty mile round trip, at a reasonable speed. (I ride a Dawes tourer) Plus, there aren't that many buses to carry your bike onto around here!!! p.s Is your site down? I haven't been able to access it today, or yesterday.
Locust
written by Me , December 19, 2006
I would be damn proud to ride the Locust around. I think the design is right where it should be. how doe I get on the Beta program?
Folders
written by Paul Thurston , December 21, 2006
If you want to see folding bikes in action just have a look round London on any weekday. It's the cheapest, quickest way to get around London.
I ride a Brompton every day. It may not be the flashiest design around but it's completely reliable and folds smaller than any other folder I've seen. Paul 
What about PBW? They make high quality s
written by cYcle , December 22, 2006
...
written by sicapitan , December 22, 2006
to ...
ou obviously have not been to china! folding bikes are popular. I own one, a giant. and no, im not chinese
Err a few mistakes and omissions
written by ZAp , December 22, 2006
You do _NOT_ balance on a bike by angular momentum, it is just controlled falling (look it up on wikipedia)
How about the best of the bunch : the brompton
Dawes tourer
written by Larry Lagarde , December 23, 2006
Rob,
Dawes is well known for the excellent quality of their hand built touring bikes. Since you ride a Dawes, I can appreciate why you wonder about the fuss over folding bikes, particularly if you have ample storage room for your bike when it's not in use and are not carting it about on a carry rack on your car. Personally, I loathe placing my bike on a rack on my motor vehicle. I find roof racks too akward (they also increase fuel consumption). Rear racks have scratched my car and I know of worse experiences with them (like a gal I met in Idaho whose rear rack fell off the car at speed on the interstate highway with a $2000 bike on it). Then of course, there's the issue of the bike being exposed to the elements during transit... I respect you and the decision you made to ride a touring bike; however, as you can see just by looking at bikes made by Dawes alone, there are all sorts of bikes on the market including bikes that fold. The niche filled by folding bikes is convenience; folders are easier to store and transport. As a result, having a folder increases the opportunities for me to ride because I can take my folding bike along in situations that would be difficult or impossible with a standard size bicycle. By the way, my site (RideTHISbike.com)is up but perhaps the combination of high traffic at my site and your location in the UK is causing the timeouts (my server is in the Western USA). Regardless, I'll keep a watch out for problems and hope you visit again.
Strida advantages and missing Dahon
written by mc , December 23, 2006
The strida bike has some substantial advantages, in that it uses a kevlar belt drive that uses no oil or grease (which makes it low maintainance and clean), and the folding mechanism is by far the simplest. It is also designed to be wheeled while folded which is handier than carrying the awkward blob of parts that is most folders.
An odd omission is the Dahon line of folders. They are probably the largest manufacturer of folders and have a huge variety of folding bikes from $200 to well over $1000, with both electric and stainless steel models.
Hydraulic Drive
written by Lucas , January 04, 2007
"The Jacknife...uses a hydraulic pedal drive. Or, at least, it says it does... I guess that's why it's still a prototype."
I doubt the 'hyrdaulic pedal drive' is what's causing the delay. My brother and I were delighted with ourselves when we devised our own hydraulic mechanism (thus rendering a chain-drive redundant).Imagine how deflated I was when, during a trip to Japan, I spotted a chainless bike that utilised a similar mechanism. Anyway, I loved the article and the site in general. Keep up the good work.
Jackknife update!
written by Shay , February 12, 2007
Good article and great site. I would like to see more info on the workings of Jackknife when its available.
Shay visit wwww.bikesthatfold.com - a resource for folding bike devotees.
Slingshot Folding Mountain
written by Scott , March 20, 2007
SLINGSHOT INTRODUCES FOLD-TECH MOUNTAIN FRAME
Grand Rapids, March 20, 2007 Designed for the cycling enthusiast who can’t leave their bike at home – the Slingshot Fold-Tech MTB provides a travel friendly bike that can meet the high-performance needs of its user. “We realized the need for a full-size, high-performance mountain bike back in the 1990’s and our new Fold-Tech MTB provides another level of performance for our customers” said Aaron Joppe, Slingshot’s National Sales Manager. “The main criteria used in the development of the frame, was to design the ultimate off-road riding machine – while still allowing for it to be folded for travel” said Joppe. Please visit http://www.slingshotbikes.com/home/read/60 for the full release and pictures.
Inventor Mark Sanders talks about the St
written by Shay , March 25, 2007
If you are interested in the Strida design process, it is worth checking this video out - http://video.google.co.uk/vide...4407298798
Shay http://www.bikesthatfold.com - All about Folding Bikes
...
written by joe gross , April 24, 2007
Hello to all
i am located in Brooklyn NY looking to buy some quantity of new folding bikes please contact me via email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it god bless you all y. grosman
Timmah
written by Timmah , April 25, 2007
For those of you not man enough (or woman) to handle the sexy looking Locust. You can buy light weight Chromalloy or aluminum bikes with quick release on wheels and seat. Easy to carry and would fit easily in my gas guzzling Camaro...
Omissions
written by Bryan , September 01, 2007
Is there a reason that Dahon was left off this list?
Folding Bikes video
written by Freddy , September 05, 2007
Citizen Bike has a video about how their folding bikes work here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxh-l2dg90E
...
written by Tali , September 19, 2007
Hi there, I'm about to start a new job and will have to commute by train and bike. I will have to change trains as well (the station has an overbridge rather than an underpass to get from one platform to the next). So I am looking for a good, reliable, light and not too pricey folding bike. What would you guys recommend?
Cheers!
Consider Domestic Options
written by rockhoundmtb , September 25, 2007
For those that want a quick folding bike that rides as well as a "traditional" bike try Bike Friday's urban commuter. Called the tikit- this bike allows you to ride the city streets and jump on buses/trains/subways in very short order! See here:http://tinyurl.com/2r6jv9
The best solution for a commuting bike because it not only solves the problem of commuting but is built in the USA, saving all those CO2 emissions from transporting bikes from Asia. Think globally, act locally. The reason I spent a bit more for a Gunnar.
Professionalism!
written by Vincent Guapo , October 10, 2007
In regards to the eZee Quando review, the bike does not "way" sixty pounds, it weighs sixty pounds. Not a big deal, of course, but professionalism adds a lot to online articles. Thanks for the good reviews, anyhow.
Yet another big one left off the list
written by Jeff Younker , October 13, 2007
A company called Montague makes folding mountain bikes. The pivot point doesn't break the main structural members, so the frame should be strong. They're comparable in price to standard mountain bikes too.
New folding bike
written by Arnaud , October 26, 2007
A new folding system was born 2 years ago. The new Mobiky 12' bikes are the perfect solution for commuters using train or underground.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptfBtjGE7jA
Hydraulic Bicycle
written by MOHAMMED , November 19, 2007
Hello guys
Has anyone got an idea about any website that sell Hydraulic Bicycle? Thanks
22 lb $169 Superlite 1 Speed
written by Superlite Folding Bike , December 27, 2007
Resembling the Dahon Curve, the Superlite's die cast, magnesium aluminum alloy frame is light, strong and absorbs road shock. Outfitted with a rear carry rack, fenders, kickstand and folding pedals, the Superlite costs less than even the most basic Dahon (the Boardwalk).
22 lb, 1 spd Superlite folding bike... http://ridethisbike.com/products/Kent/folding-bike-Superlite-1.htm By the way, the Superlite folding bike is also available with the Shimano Nexus 3 speed internal hub. 24 lb, 3 spd Superlite Nexus folding bike... http://ridethisbike.com/products/Kent/folding-bike-Superlite-Nexus.htm
...
written by Audi Exhaust , January 01, 2008
Though the V6 is still a little short on low-end torque, it pulls with authority through the midrange. We timed a 3.2 Quattro sedan at 7.9 seconds from zero to 60 mph. As expected, the V8 is as smooth and potent as any eight-cylinder in the class and posts a 0-60-mph time of 7.1 seconds.
knowlege
written by ranjan , January 21, 2008
hiiiiii, welll company
Mananger
written by Atle Skjeerlie , January 27, 2008
Hello,i wonder who seld thes bikes in Norway?Can I do it? Regards Atle, Atro Sykkel.
...
written by ceren , March 11, 2008
çok güzel ama biraz kullanışsız gibi görünüyor
xcbxbf
written by sdfasf , June 14, 2008
vaallahaa manyak bişey
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