Eight Good Reasons To Buy A Folding Bike

Folding bikes have been around for many years but always seemed to be the poor relation of the full-size bicycle. Probably because they were as heavy and clunky as ordinary bikes used to be, plus the added task of the folding process.

These days it's a different story. Bicycle technology has advanced so the folding bike today is light, strong and agile. Patent hinges and custom fittings make them safe and fun to ride, and the folding process is quick and easy.

Here are eight good reasons why a folding bike makes sense today:

1: They're easy to use - everyone can ride a bike. No license is necessary and there's usually a minimum of regulations. But even if you don't have to, ALWAYS wear a helmet. Most cyclist fatalities are the result of head injuries.

2: They're convenient - you can put a folding bike in the trunk of your car or take it on public transport with you. If you use your folder to commute to work, you can store it under your desk or tuck it in a corner. No more having to lock it up on the street and hope it's still there when you get back.

3: They're economical - no expensive fuel to buy and no special parking or garaging needed. You don't need to pay license fees or vehicle registration - they're great in traffic and you don't have to pay for parking space or garaging.

4: They're good for the environment - no fossil fuels are burned to pollute the atmosphere. They're good for relieving traffic and parking congestion - one person on a bike takes up a lot less space on the road, and parking, than one person in a car.

5: They're good for commuting - public transport is okay but there's usually a lot of waiting involved and you've often got a walk at either end. With a folding bike you can be on your way, and if the weather turns bad you can take your folder on public transport.

6: They're good for short trips, too - no need to fire up the SUV just to go to the library or the corner store. Plus it's amazing what you can carry on a bike!

7: They're good for your health - riding a bike is a gentle workout, unlike jogging, but still good cardio-vascular exercise. And you get to breathe some fresh air.

8: They're low maintenance - keep the tires pumped up and make sure the batteries in your lights are charged and that's about it. A regular service by a bike mechanic costs a lot less than the same thing for a car.

And if you need yet another reason - they're fun!

There's a range of folding bikes to choose from, from the standard steel folder with a modest range of gears to some very sophisticated folding bikes made of ultra-light alloys and with remarkable gearing specs.

Which folding bike's right for you? It depends on the level of your interest in cycling, and the depth of your pocket. The enthusiast who can afford it will go for the top of the range. If you're new to the idea of riding a bike regularly, buy an entry-level folder and see how you like it. If the bike bug bites, you can upgrade to something more exotic; if it doesn't, you're not a lot out of pocket.

So, with eight good reasons to buy, what are you waiting for? On your bike!

Copyright © 2008 Peter Strudwick