Folding Bikes

We gave them a serious look and rode several belonging to friends, but decided they weren't for us.  They're ideal for the contemplated uses on paved roads around the campgrounds. A big part of our biking is taking advantage of the many improved bike trails around the country, however.

We found that even with gears, they are problematic off the pavement- even on improved gravel trails.  The issue is the small wheels, which are severely affected by ruts, rocks and soft spots.  We're not crazy, rough-terrain mountain bikers, but experienced riders nonetheless. And we came close to wrecks any time those small tires encountered even small obstacles.

Folders with 26" wheels would be eminently suitable for us, but we settled on full-size "hybrid" bikes for the more upright riding position, compared to other full-size bikes.  And frankly, the 21 gears have proven really nice for geezerly bodies and hills.

Aaron,

Cool bikes!

Brownbear,

excellent point about the ride with the small wheels. As well as being a little more "squirrely", I'd like to mention they also give a more "harsh" ride. Bicycle wheels provide a good amount of shock absorption, the smaller the wheel, the less shock absorption. While bicycle touring on Vancouver Island, I ran across several "rails to trails" (railroad lines turned into bicycle paths) which still had RR ties in place...those can give a good beating on a small wheeled folder.

However, on pavement or smooth dirt/gravel, I love my folder!

John 

That's a huge factor. Thanks for adding it to the pot. On one of our test rides of a small-wheel folder, my wife failed to stand up going over one innocuous looking bump and limped around for several days afterward.

I should have said "on our final test."  After that experience, she wouldn't get on another.

I've ridden a few, and somehow they just don't feel right to me.  We prefer our full-sized bikes, and we have the ability to haul them.  However, a friend of mine went on a 250 mile tour with me, and he rode his folder, just to see if he could do it.  He said "never again."  He still enjoys it and uses it for what it was made for, but not for long rides.

Bicycles are like canoes and kayaks. There are many makes and models with different price ranges and quality, serving different purposes. There is not a one size fits all. First decide on the type of riding you intend to do. We started with hybrid bicycles. Not especially great for road riding or mountain biking but they got us out and where we wanted to go...mainly short distances riding comfortably upright on both pavement and dirt and a workout on longer distances. And, the gearing was sufficient to climb hills on recreational trails.

As our riding skills improved we wanted to ride longer distances with more speed so purchased road bicycles. Later we decided we wanted to also do some mountain bicycling so added those to our lot. Later we added touring bicycles that we took with us to France and short overnight/camping weekend destinations. Recently we purchased folding bicycles to take with us when we RV and for air travel destinations. They each have their own pluses and minuses. We have a garage full of many different size tires and tubes to go along with our bicycles. And, love them all. We were at the Sea Otter Classic yesterday and the big rage is fat tire bicycles. Something out there for all riding styles!

Get a bicycle that meets your intended purpose so you will use it. Otherwise, it will just sit and collect dust. Your special bicycle is out there just waiting to take you on new adventures or for a spin around the campgrounds! It's all good!

That is why I have over 30

Aaron 

wahoonc...Some might say you have gone overboard, but it won't be us! Hey, who wears flip-flops on a 10 mile hike?! Same thing with bicycles. And, we Lancers do love our gear!

Way cool.  We haven't bought yet, but may seriously buy at least one folding bike for basic biking around campgrounds.  At this time, that's all we're looking for.

Don

I was thinking about something more compact:

Judging by the size I think I would be better off carrying the bike than the bike carrying me.  That would kill my back!

Last week we bought one of the 6-speed folding bikes from Camping World (caught a very good sale).  So far, so good.  Seems to be sturdy enough.  Definitely folds down so it's compact enough.  We'll have to start using it now so we can report back on it. 

Don

I purchased the 6 speed folder years ago from CW and it has been a good durable cycle.