The current high oil prices make it impossible to burn, and the parking fees around office buildings are also expensive. More and more people choose to cycle to get off work, which can also help people exercise. Compared with mountain bikes and racing bikes, folding bicycles are flexible, compact and easy to carry. So how to choose a folding bike? What should you pay attention to when choosing a folding bike?

1. The main points of folding bike purchase

Buying a bike is buying its frame. The frame is the only irreplaceable part of the whole vehicle, and it also determines most of the performance of a bike whether it is rigid enough, how high is its high-speed performance, whether it is comfortable to ride, whether it can absorb shocks, and how much it can carry. What kind of wheel set, how to fold it, etc. A frame with different kits will become different models, such as Dahang P8, SP8, SP18, P8 Youth Edition, the frame is basically the same, but different accessories are used, and the accessories can often be replaced by yourself upgraded.

2. What makes a good frame?

Start with materials, weight, styling and more.

Material:

Aluminum alloys are the most common, ranging from 1,00 dollar sto 10,00 dollars. They are light in weight, but lack elasticity, so they may feel rigid when riding.

Steel is divided into high-carbon steel and chrome-molybdenum steel. High-carbon steel is the cheapest and is generally used for models with less money. Chromium-molybdenum steel is often used in mid-to-high-end models of several thousand dollers. It is more comfortable, but the disadvantage is that it is relatively heavy. Due to technical reasons, carbon fiber is rarely used in folding bikes. Big brands do not currently have mass-produced carbon fiber products, only some concept products, but it may be a trend in the future, but high-end models will use carbon fiber for seatposts and fork. Titanium alloy is the most high-end material, and only models with tens of thousands of dollars will be equipped.

In terms of weight: of course, it is better to be light. Steel is generally heavier than aluminum, but steel has its advantages, so it is only useful to compare with the same material and the same size. As long as it is a regular brand, the sturdiness is generally not a problem, and the light weight is not the result of cutting corners, but the use of better materials and craftsmanship.

In terms of styling: no matter which brand, you can see the approximate grade of a bike just by looking at the frame shape and welding parts. Older or lower-priced entry-level models have straighter and thicker lines, and the frame is full of welds and weighs a lot. Frames designed according to force analysis or aerodynamics are generally composed of complex curved surfaces, which require advanced manufacturing processes. In the vicinity of the head tube and the folding mechanism, the use of one-piece molding technology can reduce the welding parts and enhance the strength, but the cost of these processes is high, and it is an important reference to distinguish the high and low ends of the frame. The design and technology of the frame is an advanced bike. Friends need to focus on consideration, only a good frame can be upgraded.

3. How to choose the configuration?

Transmission: Generally, the rear derailleur ranges from the entry-level 6-speed to the most advanced 11-speed, which is an important indicator to distinguish the low-end to the high-end, but the difference is only in the smoothness, which has little to do with the speed change range. Different levels of transmission, the difference Mainly the number of excessive gears in the middle, the more in numbers, the less effort to shift, and the easier it is to be geared.

Shock absorber: The addition of shock absorbers effectively improves comfort, but many high-end models do not add shock absorbers. Instead, thousands of entry-level models are popularized. Whether to choose shock absorber models depends on demand. It will increase the cost, but it is by no means a factor to distinguish the high and low quality of bicycles. Consumers should make a reasonable choice.

Brakes: Generally speaking, V-brakes are the most common, and disc brakes can prevent brake locks and have high safety. The cost of hydraulic disc brakes is higher than that of mechanical disc brakes, the braking action is light and labor-saving, and the braking effect is linearly controllable. The cost, weight, and maintenance difficulty are significantly higher than V-brakes, but many entry-level models with a price of several hundred are equipped with mechanical disc brakes. This is more like a publicity stunt by the manufacturer. In fact, it is not necessary. Thousands of bicycles are equipped with V-brakes that do not look very “tall”. In fact, advanced V-brakes can also provide excellent braking effects, and are lightweight and durable.

Tires: The various designs of tires are designed to improve grip in different road conditions. The characteristics of off-road tires: thick and have many lines, which can provide good grip in complex road conditions such as rainy days and mountains. High-speed tire features: thin, smooth, high tire pressure, providing optimal grip and minimum road resistance on flat roads. The general folding bike mechanism is complex and low in rigidity, and is not suitable for off-road or racing. If there is no special demand, it is more reliable to choose a compromise tire.