Cycling is an activity enjoyed by many no matter their age, gender or status in life. This is an activity that is not only fun but also provides lots of benefits. Among the many types of bicycles that can be used, the folding bike is one of the most favorite among cyclist as it is light, compact, as well as easy to transport and store. Various companies offer this type of bicycle that choosing one can be very difficult.
A folding bike is a bicycle type designed to fold into a compact form for easier transportation and storage. The history of this bicycle is quite difficult to determine as there a number of claims on who actually invented it. However, the first patented version of this was documented and issued to Michael B. Ryan in 1893. Several other patents were issued soon after including the patent of Henry Gerard who partnered with Charles Morel and produced bicycles for the military which were widely used by the English and French during the First and Second World Wars.
The 1980s saw the increase in demand for folding bikes. Despite its slow start, sales have started to pick up during these years when people began looking for alternative modes of transportation. Increase in the demand for this type of bike continues to this date with more and more manufacturing companies showing in the market.
The appeal of this bike type is the fact that it is easy to transport and store. The bike is cruising down the street one and minute and the next thing you know, it has already been contorted and folded into a smaller size and stored into an impossibly tight space. Folding bikes are also easier to carry into buildings and workplaces or can be stored in compact living quarters or aboard a car, boat or plane. Depending on the type of bike one has, you can fold it down within a few seconds and a few simple steps, making for a small suitcase size bicycle that you can easily take anywhere.
With the number of folding bike manufacturers in the market, finding the best can be quite difficult. Identifying your purpose is one the first things that should be done to make choosing easier. Purpose includes certain factors such as type of trail that will be traversed, the weather conditions that will be crossed and the person who will be using the bike. These will help you categorize the functions that will be needed for the bicycle. Once you know your purpose, it will now be easier to choose the design. Keep in mind that bikes with more parts are easier to maintain and are at a higher risk of malfunctioning. An ideal bike can also folded in a matter of 15 seconds at the most.
Adjustability and suspension are two other functions that should be present in a folding bike. The ability to change positions when rising is what adjustability refers to while the built in shock absorbers for smooth riding on rough surfaces are what we call suspensions. Finally, make sure that the size of the wheels and seats are also properly checked. People using folding bikes in slow traffic areas are advised to use smaller wheel as they provide more maneuverability. Comfort is one important thing in riding which makes choosing the right seat size essential.
The folding bike is definitely an indispensible equipment that has affect and will to continue to affect our lives. Using this type of bike is one experience that should not be missed.
A folding bike is a bicycle type designed to fold into a compact form for easier transportation and storage. The history of this bicycle is quite difficult to determine as there a number of claims on who actually invented it. However, the first patented version of this was documented and issued to Michael B. Ryan in 1893. Several other patents were issued soon after including the patent of Henry Gerard who partnered with Charles Morel and produced bicycles for the military which were widely used by the English and French during the First and Second World Wars.
The 1980s saw the increase in demand for folding bikes. Despite its slow start, sales have started to pick up during these years when people began looking for alternative modes of transportation. Increase in the demand for this type of bike continues to this date with more and more manufacturing companies showing in the market.
The appeal of this bike type is the fact that it is easy to transport and store. The bike is cruising down the street one and minute and the next thing you know, it has already been contorted and folded into a smaller size and stored into an impossibly tight space. Folding bikes are also easier to carry into buildings and workplaces or can be stored in compact living quarters or aboard a car, boat or plane. Depending on the type of bike one has, you can fold it down within a few seconds and a few simple steps, making for a small suitcase size bicycle that you can easily take anywhere.
With the number of folding bike manufacturers in the market, finding the best can be quite difficult. Identifying your purpose is one the first things that should be done to make choosing easier. Purpose includes certain factors such as type of trail that will be traversed, the weather conditions that will be crossed and the person who will be using the bike. These will help you categorize the functions that will be needed for the bicycle. Once you know your purpose, it will now be easier to choose the design. Keep in mind that bikes with more parts are easier to maintain and are at a higher risk of malfunctioning. An ideal bike can also folded in a matter of 15 seconds at the most.
Adjustability and suspension are two other functions that should be present in a folding bike. The ability to change positions when rising is what adjustability refers to while the built in shock absorbers for smooth riding on rough surfaces are what we call suspensions. Finally, make sure that the size of the wheels and seats are also properly checked. People using folding bikes in slow traffic areas are advised to use smaller wheel as they provide more maneuverability. Comfort is one important thing in riding which makes choosing the right seat size essential.
The folding bike is definitely an indispensible equipment that has affect and will to continue to affect our lives. Using this type of bike is one experience that should not be missed.
About the Author:
Carly Luther is a writer from Florida. One of Carly's ways in order to gain writing inspiration is biking wherein she use her ever reliable folding bike (Faltrad).
