Synonyms: Touring, touring bike. These types of bicycles are ideal for touring on asphalt roads. Externally similar to the highway type due to the ram handlebars. However, the touring has a number of its own differences:
the frame material is steel, aluminum, chrome or titanium
a luggage carrier designed for heavy weight (front and rear)
rigid steel fork
sturdy and durable wheels
powertrain for off-roading
good dirt protection
powerful lighting
Since this type of bike is designed to cover long distances with luggage, in it reliability is more important than weight.
Not many manufacturers make touring bikes, so prices are high, starting at $1,000 and up.
Folding bike
The bicycles of our time are usually not very problematic in terms of transportation – in order to put your eco-vehicle in the car, you only need to remove one or both of its wheels. This simple machination is done without the use of special tools and takes no more than three or four minutes. But still in some situations, this bike is very uncomfortable – for example, if the car for his transportation you do not have. That’s where a folding bike comes in handy!
Folding bicycles for adults and not only fit in the trunk without having to remove the wheels and easily stored in small rooms. Thus, they are not only more convenient to transport, but also easier to store in a small apartment.
Carrying such a bike in the subway also will not give you any serious inconvenience. Although folding bicycles and inferior to the “big” bikes on the stroke characteristics, they can also make both small and long bike rides. The main thing is to make your bike ride on paved roads.
Perhaps the main advantage of such bicycles. In addition to the fact that such bikes are smaller by themselves, so they can also be folded, at least in half. This allows you to store the bike in the closet, under the table, not to mention the balcony. It also becomes available to transport it in a car (shuttle, streetcar, subway). It does not need any fasteners and covers.
№2. Versatility .
This is probably the easiest type of bike to master. There is no great variety of frame sizes and complex geometries, no high top tube, a million speeds and complicated settings. On the same bike can ride and man, woman and child.
Disadvantages of folding bikes
№1. Limited
This is the downside to the versatility of folding bikes. Other than city riding, it’s hard to use them anywhere else. It will not go into the woods or fishing, it strongly do not drive. There are people who can drive them for long tours, but mountain bikes are still the most universal class. To be honest, even in the city the “folding bicycle” is not that good: even the same curbs are not easy to be overcome on it.
№2. Low speed
Although there are folding bikes with 24-inch wheels, but the most common models are bikes at 20 inches or less. This imposes its own terrible limitations on developing top speed. If you like to chase, or use the bike to develop muscle mass (be it quads, calves or myocardium), this type is definitely not for you.
What you need a folding bike for
№1. Home Storage.
A folding bike is just the thing for those who don’t have the ability to store a full-fledged bike at home. Live in a big city and a small apartment? A bike like this is just what you need.
№2. Getting to work.
When folded, such a bike will pass in the subway, and it is easy to hide it in the office. Some models even fit under the desk.
№3. Touring
Suburban tourism for a folding bike is not the best option. But if you’re in a foreign city, come for work, and want to ride/explore, rent a Folding Bicycle. However, if you have good physical fitness, you can travel on such a bike as well.
How to choose a folding bike
The trick of such units is the mechanism for folding the frame. Most models have a small frame with one hinge in the middle. In addition to the folding frame, some models have a telescopic handlebar and saddle extension mechanism, which makes the bike even more compact. When buying, pay attention to the latches, which should hold the mechanisms securely in place.
№1. Weight
Folding bikes are most often made of steel, less often of aluminum, and almost never of carbon. That’s why they always weigh a lot. Add more pedals, chain, wheels, rack and accessories. If the “machine” weighs a little – it means there is something wrong with it.
№2. Chain
Pay attention to the chain, how it “sits” in the folded form. Important: it must not stain your pants while you are carrying the bike around the office.
№3. Transportation
When folded, your bike should be able to be easily transported. It should be easy for you to pick it up and carry it. Otherwise, why would you want such a foldable bike?
№4. “Adjustments.”
See if the bike adjusts easily to your height. Whether the handlebars and saddle are easy to extend, and whether there’s room for it.
How quickly does such a bike fold?
Also an important parameter when choosing a bike. It is believed that models that fold longer than 20 seconds are not worth buying, as they cost more, and the life of the cyclist barely simplify. It is better that the bike can be brought into a compact state in 10-15 seconds. This is considered ideal.
