Folding Bike Discussion: Why?
Folding Bike Discussion: Featuring Brompton, Dahon & Tern folding bikes
Of late, I've been asked, "why folding bikes, what's up with all the folding bikes?" I like to start the answer with: "Is it a folding bike, or a bike that just happens to fold?" For me, that is the question, is it not? Truly speaking, it's an interesting question to ponder these days as we deem it fit to classify and sub-classify just about everything. There are many "folding bike" companies throughout the world, but I will limit my specific comments to the three brands, which I consider the best in the world--Brompton, Dahon & Tern (in no particular order, but alphabetical.)Although these companies started their bicycle-industy-lives a "folding bike companies," I can assure you that for at least one, though I presume for the other two as well, the company wants to be considered as a wonderful riding bicycle, that just so happens to fold. The case for the "folder" as they are often referred, begins with a discussion of physical space, or the lack thereof.
With so many people throughout the world living in crowed cities, or living in smaller dwellings in uncrowded area, many people want a compact form factor for storage--hence the folding bike. Once you try one, I am confident many people would see the utility in a bicycle that folds. Simple as that.
Many people travel by bike daily and need to be able to take it with them during their daily tasks to avoid the issue of parking, locking and theft of their bicycle--hence the folding bike. Corollary to this, many people travelling frequently by train, plane, or boat also have a use for a compact and portable means of transportation at any given destination or port, at virtually any time--again, hence the folding bike.
Many people, for many different reason, prefer a smaller bicycle with a lower standover height which are easier to mount and dismount--hence the folding bike. I was recently in London at a dealer conference for Brompton Bicycles, and we all stood in amazement at the picture of a 4'11" woman standing next to her Brompton while standing next to a 6'7" gentleman with his Brompton--classic tall and short picture with one twist--the SAME bike (granted different handlebar.) Whether an ailing hip or other physical complication, some people simply like the smaller form and smaller wheel; the folding bike offers many options for many people to continue riding bicycles. Amazing.
Are there people that ride folding bikes that rarely if ever fold them? Probbably, and that's ok, because a bike is a bike is a bike, and as long as you're happy riding one, then does it really matter particularly if it's got 16", 20", 24" or larger sized wheels? I think not.
We often joke that the perfect number of bikes for one's household is N+1, but some people just don't have the appetite, resources or space--sorry to be redundant, but "hence the folding bike." Whether for utility, pleasure, or performance, pedal only or electric assist (or any combination thereof) there is probably a folding bike out there.
Hopefully that helps understand why someone would find a bike that folds so useful. I would also encourage any one that thinks that folding bikes equals a "clown bike" to ride one just to dispel this myth. The folding bikes we carry have full length wheelbases when compared to larger sized wheel bikes--this gives them the stability and ride quality of a larger wheeled bicycle. The slightly quicker handling of the smaller wheels is quickly overcome after a few rides; there's a bit of an optical illusion or expectation of not seeing "more" wheel in front of the handlebars while riding along--again, just another nuance that will quickly disappear.
Lastly, we can wrap up this brief folding bike primer with a bit about each of the brands we carry.
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| Brompton M6L Hot Pink/Apple Gren |
Brompton: Brompton's are generally considered the premium product in this category, though truth be told there are some Dahon and Tern models that are more expensive that the most expensive Brompton can be. The Brompton is the smallest folding bike in the category because of its ingenious "trifold" design (and 16" wheel) wherein the rear wheel folds under the main frame. Bromptons are made from steel and titanium, one at a time in its factory in West London, UK. Buying a personalized custom Brompton (B-Spoke is their term) is possible because of their manufacturing process. An exquisite product indeed.
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| Dahon Vitesse D7HG |
Dahon: Dahon is a Taiwanese company that has been in the folding bicycle business for over thirty years. The company founder, David Hon, always wanted to make a product that would improve, increase and enhance one's personal mobility, and his bikes have stood the test of time. The price points are generally less expensive than Brompton, though not always and are made in China. We've recently carried some of the Dahon bicycles starting at just $300, which is incredible for someone to start their folding bike experience. Most of the models in the Dahon line have 20" wheels, though there are a few with 16" and 24" wheels as well.
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| Tern Link P7i |
Tern: Tern, a Taiwanese company, is the newest entrant into the folding bike category as of 2011. Tern has designed 20", 24" and 26" wheel folding bikes--though we will only be stocking the 20" and 24" for the time being. The Terns have some beautiful designs seen their lines and aesthetics, and like Brompton, have an integrated luggage system for their bicycles. Tern will also be the presenting an electric bike version of their most popular styles. Opening price points for a Tern is a bit more than Dahon, and as mentioned, some being even more expensive that an fully equippped custom Brompton. Useful options are rear and front luggage points, fenders, dynamo lighting and adjustable stems, which is not often the case in the category. Like Dahons, when it comes to folding, Terns basically fold in half, hence the bi-fold term.
