Folding Bikes

A folding bicycle or folder is a type of bicycle that incorporates a number of hinges or joints, which may be lockable, that permit it to be folded into a more compact size. Typically this works by folding one or more of the bicycle's components, most often the frame. more...

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Folding bicycles are popular in East Asia and the United Kingdom, but are less common in the United States. Their major advantage is that they can be folded up and taken on public transport and into buildings where conventional bicycles cannot. This has advantages to commuters, as the bicyclist does not have to chain the bicycle in the street. It also allows journeys using public transport to be completed in part by bicycle. Folding also makes transporting a bicycle in an automobile easier. Folding bicycles oftentimes cost more than non-folding bicycles with the same performance-related features due to increased manufacturing complexity.

As an alternative to folding, some bicycle models achieve similar results by separating into two or more parts for more compact storage or ease in transporting. This type of bicycle is sometimes grouped in the same category as folding bicycles but are also referred to as break-away, disassembleable, or separable bicycles.

Bicycle infantry in the late 19th to early 20th century, and paratroopers in mid-century, were often issued folding bicycles.

Performance

Most folding bicycles are intended for commuter and utility purposes, hence emphasize ruggedness, comfort and convenience over speed. A few folders are made for speed, and have been ridden to victory over non folding bikes in competition. In the interest of compact folding, certain trade-offs are common:

Most folding bicycles use small (20\" or less) diameter wheels. All else being equal, smaller diameter wheels give a rougher ride than larger wheels. Folding bicycles often have a shorter wheelbase, which also contributes to a rougher ride. To avoid losing any more comfort, narrow tires are rarer than for non folders. Suspension systems can be incorporated into the design of a bicycle to give a smoother ride. The suspension, however, will also absorb some of the pedaling energy that would otherwise be used to move the bicycle forward in a more rigid bicycle.

Folding bicycles often separate or fold in the middle of the frame, which, depending on the design, can weaken the frame and cause more energy-absorbing flexing.

Folding bicycles often have elongated seatposts and stems. These longer components, which project above the frame like masts, experience greater bending stresses where they meet the frame, compared to the shorter components of regular bikes. There have been sporadic reports of failure in these components in online message forums, and at least one recall due the failure of the steering mechanism.

Folding bicycles necessarily have more parts, to allow folding and to lock the frame when unfolded. This results in a more complicated design, with more parts that can potentially fail.

Read more at Wikipedia.org