With such a wide range of folding bikes to select from, it's really a difficult task in hand. Simply from top brands alone, many shops carry a wide range of wheel dimensions, folding mechanisms and folding systems. For leading brands there are no less than fifty to sixty models of folding bikes to select from. The figure itself is mind boggling. For the normal individual, selecting a foldable bike is really a difficult task. However, following these few pointers, selecting a folding bike will be a breeze.

Basically, the main thing begins with YOU, that is what is your purpose in buying a folding or a collapsible bike.

Safety of rides should be the primary concern. Be certain that the latches of all foldable parts are well designed and can be securely latched. Just a few tips here to help narrow down with your final choice:

Your Needs Vs Fancy Features

When considering one, keep in mind the basic rule of thumb, the 80/20 ratio. Extra emphasis is place on those items that you really want most and little on those mechanism that you seldom use. Everybody has diverse requirements,

so there is no one type of foldable bike that suits all the different requirement. However it is possible to reduce the various option to fulfill your selection. The essential things which have to be considered are the types of folding system, riding comfort, your budget as well as your own personal preference.

Cycling Comfort

For most of the time you will be peddling on the bike, hence the seat option is a significant consideration. Ease of ride and comfort and sitting down position are all essential factors to note. Select a bike that offers you many adjusting options. A properly fitted bike can result in less strain on your limb joints and will ensure greater enjoyable experience.

Visit A Reliable Vendor

Who else can provide you with good advice on the particular type of bike that best suits you? Definitely, the vendor who is experience, knowledgeable and has a wide range of leading brands and designs to enable you to compare

models and test ride. So check out the right bike shop is important. Go for a reputable vendor which can give you good advice, have experience staff, right tools and equipment to provide after sale service and maintenance as the bike needs regular tuning and adjustments during continuous use. Prior to the visit, a little research on the different brands, models and reviews of the foldable bike may very well be valuable while at the shop later.

A test ride is important to help you check out on the riding, comfort of seat and posture after adjustment to the optimum height and reach of various models. Get a feel of the bike as it is going to be your close companion for a long time.

Your Need for A Folding Bike

The first thing in picking your folding bike is usually to decide what type of riding you intent to use. Is it for recreation, traveling, errands or for sporting activities?

Choose Your Wheel Sizes & Gear System

Folding or collapsible bikes come in different wheel sizes. Popular brand like Dahon bikes come in few different wheel options: 16 inch, 20 inch, 24 inch and 26 inch. These dimensions could impact on the riding behavior and ease of moving around your bike.

16 inch diameter wheel size - Is light and compact when collapsed and suitable for taking in public transport. However, there will be a compromise for compact size and riding comfort. Comfort for taller riders would be a drawback on longer distance. If compact-ability is your requirement then this may well be your choice.

20 inch diameter wheel size - advantage of performance and compact when folded. Bike with this size delivers comfort and efficient in ride and also ease of transporting when folded.

24 & 26 Inch diameter wheel size - a normal size bike that gives foldability as well as efficient performance. Take advantage of this full size bike if you need a bike that gives you both performance and looks of a normal full size bike

but come with folding option.

Single or Multi-Gear - Single gear bike offers comfortable ride on level track but it is cheaper and easy to maintain. Multi-gears provide ease of cycling over hilly ground with the different combinations of the gears. However, the bike will be more pricey and requires skilled mechanics and costly to maintain.

Accessories to complement your purchase

Finally, after you have made your final choice on the type and model of the folding bike, you have to choose your accessories to complement your selected bike. For safety, select components that are sturdy, durable and light in

weight. Bearing in mind that the better the accessories the greater is the ride and comfort. Once you have chosen your bike, you proceed to choose on basic equipment, safety accessories like helmets, front and rear lights, bells,

mud-guard and so on. When a final choice is made, ride safely and enjoy your folds.