What is A Folding Bike?
A folding bike or foldable bicycle is a type of bike that is commonly used for urban & daily commuting. A folding bike frame is designed to be compact and foldable, making it an excellent choice for urban commuting or any activities that require high convenience and portability. This bike is also ideal for anyone living in small living spaces such as apartments and dorms which are very common in urban areas, thanks to the folding mechanism that allows this bike to transform into a more compact and manageable size.
The key to the folding bike design lies in its folding frame mechanism, allowing this bike to be folded in half or smaller sections for better portability. When you fold this bike, you will get a smaller shape bike that can be easily carried everywhere starting from public transportation, small corners in your room, and small parking spaces. You can even take this bike on your flight! But remember, you have to check the airline rules before taking your folding bike and traveling on the airplane!
Even though this bike is well-known as a compact bike, this bike is capable of assisting your daily commuting journey with performance. Because folding bikes are equipped with robust frames, powerful brakes, responsive drivetrain systems, and more upright geometry. Hence, a foldable bicycle blends comfort, performance, and portability in a pack. The current folding bikes are equipped with more advanced components such as hydraulic disc brakes, and premium gears from reputable brands like Shimano.
The portability of folding bikes has boosted their popularity in recent years, especially after cycling became a healthy lifestyle in urban society. Hence, folding bikes became their favorite alternative to eco-friendly transportation. Aside from being eco-friendly, cycling also helps to improve both physical and mental health for cyclists. Folding bikes or foldable bikes are a perfect solution for urban commuting anytime anywhere!
History of Folding Bikes
The demand for portable bikes has intrigued inventors to fulfill society’s need for transportation. The problems caused the inventors to develop a bike that could be folded into half or smaller sizes. This innovation led to the development of current folding bikes, an eco-friendly and convenient bicycles.
The Beginning of The Folding Bikes Concept
The folding bike initial concept was born back then in 1887. One of the bike engineers, Emmit G. Latta, invented a bike that can be folded when it’s not used. The initial concept was rudimentary however, this invention laid a foundation for the future innovations of what we know as “foldable bikes” nowadays. The initial folding bikes were heavy and cumbersome with complex folding mechanisms.
Whilst the idea was found in 1887, the first folding bikes were manufactured by the French army for military use in 19th century. So, initially folding bikes were used for military concerns, especially after the Second World War started. However, since automated vehicles such as private cars and motorcycles were invented, bicycles began to lose their popularity in the early 1900s.
The Golden Age of Folding Bikes
Losing their popularity in the early 1900s, folding bikes revive around the late 1970s due to their portability. They can be stored in a small space, and taken in other transportation such as cars, buses, trains, and even planes.
Those benefits were realized and made people curious about folding bikes. In the late 1970s, inventors and manufacturers began to refine the design and engineering of these bikes. Adjusting their characters to the audience’s need for a portable bike. In the 1970s, various types of folding bikes were produced.
The most popular folding bike models in the late 1970s were The Raleigh 20 and The Bickerton Portable bike. Both bikes were becoming the favorite choice among cyclists at that time due to their portability and simple folding mechanism. From both iconic bikes, the folding bike industry rapidly grew shaping innovation and trend in the world of folding bikes.
The folding bikes gold age is a time when manufacturers began to conduct experiments on folding bike materials and their folding mechanism, resulting in lighter, stronger, and more compact folding bikes.
Folding Bikes in Modern Era
The advancement of folding bikes technology in the 20th and early 21st century focused on the advancement of overall riding experience, technology, features, and built quality. Modern folding bikes offer smoother folding mechanisms that can be easily operated with simple steps and quicker folding time.
The simple folding mechanisms are combined with lightweight materials such as alloy and carbon fiber. These materials allow manufacturers to produce stronger and lighter folding bikes. Manufacturers also enhance the modern folding bike performance by adding high-quality components such as hydraulic disc brakes, and a wide-range gear system, making it perfect to use on any surface.
The versatility of folding bikes is followed by a wide range of designs to suit different needs and cyclists’ preferences for their urban lifestyle. As folding bikes evolved over the years, the future of folding bikes should be more innovative and efficient.
Characteristics of Folding Bikes
Fold, stow, go! Folding bikes are designed to be portable and efficient for urban life. Whether commuting, bike to work, traveling, and others. Here’s the key breakdown of folding bikes’ characteristics:
Frame design
A folding bike has a very distinctive frame compared to other bikes. The foldable frame allows this bike to be folded into smaller sections. Commonly, folding bikes’ frames are built from alloy, steel, and carbon to blend strength and weight. However, a carbon folding bike is commonly more expensive compared to alloy and steel folding bikes.
Folding mechanism
Foldable bicycles use a folding mechanism to fold the bike into half or smaller shapes. The folding mechanism nowadays mostly still uses a hinge design. Commonly the hinge is placed at the bike’s center point, so the hinge helps the bike to be folded into half. Modern folding bikes might have multiple folding points resulting in a very compact size foldable bicycle.
Tires
A folding bike typically has a small tire size, only starting from 16-20-inch wheels. It affects the folding bikes’ overall speed and performance because smaller tires make a bicycle easier to maneuver and give faster acceleration. Designed for urban and smooth surfaces, foldable bike’ tires provide comfortable rides. Small tires also contribute to their portability because they can reduce space to keep the folding bikes.
Gearing
Current folding bikes have multiple gears to handle various urban terrains whether it’s smooth surfaces, wavy roads, and semi potholed roads. They also use a premium gearing system for smoother shifting and optimal performance. A common configuration in Folding bikes is a single front chainring combined with a multi-speed cassette in the rear. This configuration provides a good balance of gear ratio for flat smooth roads & moderate hills tracks.
Brakes
Modern folding bikes are equipped with the latest hydraulic disc brakes for better speed control. Hydraulic disc brakes are also more reliable to use in all weather conditions, especially because they can give consistent performance in wet conditions.
Handlebars
Folding bikes have a special folding handlebar that can be folded down to reduce the bikes’ size. The handlebar length also could be adjusted to fit different cyclists' preferences.
Pedals
These bikes are equipped with pedals that can be folded up against the crank arms to save space and prevent accidental pedal strikes. Available in various designs like platform and clipless pedals. Commonly, modern folding bikes use platform pedals because of their simplicity and ease of use.
Geometry & riding position
Foldable bikes' design is commonly smaller and more compact compared to other bikes. They provide an upright cycling position to reduce fatigue and give better comfort. Aside from their portability, folding bikes still offer a comfortable and efficient ride.
Folding Bikes Uniqueness
Folding bikes are unique city bikes category that offers balance between portability, convenience, and health benefits. Here’s a key breakdown of the folding bikes.
Portability
Folding bikes can be easily folded into a smaller size making them perfect to store in small apartments or even below your desk. Their compact forms allow them to be carried inside other transportation easily such as trains, buses, and car trunks. Wanna take your folding bikes travelling? No worries! Because once it’s folded, you can take this bike anywhere you want.
Convenience
Ideal for navigating urban streets, as they can be easily folded and carried on public transport or into buildings. Their folding mechanism is designed for quick operations, making it convenient for daily use. Running errands with a folding bike is categorized as a fun activity. So why not try the convenient folding bikes for daily use? This bike is also adaptable with various cycling accessories like bike bags, baskets, and bike lights, making your move more convenient.
Environmental Benefits
Since folding bikes produce zero emissions, these bikes are the smart choice as an eco-friendly transportation option. Folding bikes also help reduce the urban reliance on cars, finally alleviating urban traffic congestion. Go greener and actively reduce air pollution by cycling. Folding bikes promote active transportation, encouraging people to actively move by bike or walk to their destinations. Additionally, folding bikes frame are produced using durable materials, reducing the environmental impact of their production and waste.
Health Benefits
Cycling is well-known as a physical activity that promotes physical activity and contributes to a healthier lifestyle. Cycling with folding bikes also gives the same benefits, you can also take your bikes strolling around the park and greener areas to refresh your mind! Riding folding bikes improves cardiovascular systems, strengthens the heart & lungs, hence it can effectively reduce the risk of heart disease.
Why is a Folding Bike Perfect for You?
A foldable bicycle can be a smart choice for you adjusting to your demand and lifestyle. Here are some plausible reasons why folding bikes are perfect for your demand. Check it out:
Compact Storage
This bike is ideal for keeping in small living spaces like urban apartments. If you live in limited living spaces that require room efficiency, yet you still want to have a vehicle, foldable bikes are perfect for you. Just fold it into half or smaller shapes then everything’s clear.
Easy to Carry
If you are running errands every day and are a multi-modal commuter, take your foldable bike with you. A foldable bicycle is easy to carry inside public transportation (like MRT) and unfold when you reach the last mile and need to use a bike. The folding bike’s lightweight helps you to carry this bike easily without any struggle, perfect if you want to carry this bike walking ascending the stairways.
Sneak Out the Traffic Jam
Folding bikes are incredibly nimble, allowing you to take a shortcut through narrow spaces between the car’s gaps letting you arrive faster at your destinations. The portability also lets you avoid the hassle of crowded parking spaces. Just carry it away with you to your room or your office.
Multi-Modal Commuting
Need to transit and use other transportation? Folding bikes help you to experience a seamless transition between cycling and public transportation like trains, buses, and subways. Expanding your transportation options and reducing reliance on cars
Reduce the Theft Risks
Last but not least, this bike makes you feel more secure. Providing peace of mind when storing or parking your folding bike. You can just carry your bike with you or install a bike lock to give maximum protection from theft risks. By choosing a folding bike, you’re choosing an efficient, healthy, and fun lifestyle.
Folding Bikes Popularity in Singapore
We are known worldwide as one of the cleanest countries in the world. Singapore commits to promoting sustainable eco-friendly transportation and provides tremendous eco-friendly transportation support for citizens such as bicycle lanes, buses, and MRT.
Since our government has implemented healthy lifestyles as health awareness raising among them. As a small island country, obviously we live with space constraints and challenges, making the cars and their parking fees price became abnormal. Hence, we love to use bikes for urban commuting. Gladly, the Singapore government built an extensive bicycle-friendly infrastructure network to support the eco-friendly commitment.
As a result, the cycling culture among Singaporeans massively increased. Singapore citizens are enjoy cycling with the extensive cycling infrastructure built by the Singaporean government. The rise of folding bikes is growing following the urban cycling trend here. A folding bike is perfect for conquering Singapore’s traffic congestion and density. Allowing cyclists to reach their destination faster. Another reason why Singaporean cyclists switch to folding bikes is that we want to make it convenient for urban commuters.
With a foldable bicycle, we don’t need to worry about theft because simply just can carry our bike wherever we go. The space constraints challenge, forces Singapore citizens to live with a limited space. Folding bikes are a perfect solution for people who value minimalist and compact lifestyles.
Here in Singapore, cyclists can take their folding bikes on public transportation such as a bus and MRT. However, you need to pay attention to these beforehand. First of All, a foldable bike must not exceed 120 cm x 70 cm x 40 cm when it’s folded. The bike should be folded all the time in MRT/LRT stations, bus terminals, and on both vehicles. So, make sure you’re not using your bike in those areas. For a safe and enjoyable commute in Singapore, make sure you handle your folding bike responsibly, ensure your bike always close to you all the time.
Best Folding Bikes Brand in Singapore
Are you looking for the best foldable bikes in Singapore? There are various premium cycling brands in Singapore however, you must choose the best one. Here, Rodalink picks the best brands for the folding bikes category, Polygon Bikes. Let’s get in touch with Polygon, the biggest bike manufacturer from Indonesia.
Polygon Cycling Brands
Polygon Bikes is an international cycling brand, popularly known as a bike manufacturer with cutting-edge design for various disciplines such as mountain biking, touring, road race bikes, and urban cycling.
Polygon bikes are designed to meet both casual riders and professional athletes. Polygon commit to produce the most innovative, high-quality, and high-performance bikes for cyclists that go beyond expectations and deliver amazing cycling experience.
Polygon Folding Bikes
For urban cyclists who are looking for nimble, comfortable, and portable bikes, Polygon folding bikes are designed for anyone who values portability and comfort over performance. Polygon folding bikes are urban leisure bikes designed for urban lifestyles that require high portability and live in limited space like an apartment.
Come up with the cutting-edge design, Polygon folding bikes offer a balance between portability, comfort, and performance. The most popular Polygon Folding bikes in Singapore are Polygon Urbano 3 & Polygon Urbano 5. Both develop a friendly-used folding mechanism, allowing cyclists to commute easily on Singaporean-dense roads. With their sleek design and eye-catching colors these bikes are not just a means of transportation but also enhance the user’s confidence on the road.
How Much Does a Folding Bike Cost?
The cost of folding bicycles Singapore might be influenced by various factors such as brand, specification, class, technology & features. We’ve collected the estimated price of the folding bikes across Singapore.
The Lowest
Estimated folding bikes' lowest price starts from $500. The folding bikes on this segmented price are categorized as entry-level bikes. You will get decent basic features including a basic folding mechanism, lightweight alloy frames, multiple gears option, and hydraulic disc brakes. These bikes are ideal for frequent riders and daily commuters for someone who is looking for a balance between performance and portability.
The Highest
The estimated folding bike’s highest price comes up to around $900. On this segmented price, you will get some advancement from the previous category. The most obvious advancement is placed on wider gears option and improved folding mechanism. In some cases, you might get a folding bike special edition such as the Polygon Urbano special edition.
Please keep in mind that those are general prices, not the specific prices of a folding bike’s model. Hence, you have to make a wise budget plan before choosing a folding bike for running errands. Additionally, also consider including folding bikes accessories such as helmets, light, and perhaps apparel on your overall budget.
How to Choose a Folding Bike?
Are you looking for a brand-new folding bike for your daily commuters but confused a lot about how to choose the best folding bike according to your demand? This simple guide will help you a lot so pay attention to our simple guide in choosing a folding bike!
Before buying a folding bike, make sure that you understand the basic features, and choose certain folding bikes’ features to determine which one suits you the most. Here is the breakdown of the key.
Frame Size
The first key feature you have to pay attention to is obviously the folding bike’s frame size. Why? Because frame size oversees comfort when you use this bike. Choosing the wrong frame size reduces your overall cycling experience, makes it discomfort, and even causes some potential injuries.
Folding Mechanism
The most crucial component that built a foldable bike is located in the folding mechanism. This component is the heart of a folding bike, so make sure you choose the most friendly and smooth folding mechanism. The folding mechanism affects how you can easily fold and unfold your bikes. It also affects how compact a folding bike is when it’s folded.
Wheel Size
Folding bikes are nimble, perfect for sneaking the traffic jams by going through the cars’ gaps. Folding bikes’ ability was mainly influenced by their small wheel size, however, you should pay attention to wheel size. Aside from agile and nimble, you might consider other factors such as portability and comfort. Choose the smaller wheel for the most agile and portable size or choose the bigger wheel for better control and stability.
Suspension
Folding bikes are built with rigid forks for passing through the smooth city lanes. However, there are also folding bikes with suspension mechanisms to reduce the friction of their small wheel. If you don’t want to buy a folding bike with a suspension mechanism, you might consider buying a folding bike with a bigger wheel size for smoother rides.
Shop the Best Folding Bikes at Rodalink Singapore
Looking for high-quality folding bikes? Discover the folding bikes collection from Rodalink Singapore. We offer high-quality and value-for-money folding bikes for your urban lifestyle demand, where convenience and space management are paramount. Folding bikes are perfect solutions for your urban needs, whether running errands, bike to work, or just a leisure ride with your loved one.
Rodalink understands that nowadays, urban lifestyle has rapidly changed, and we try to provide practical solutions for peak urban mobility. A foldable bicycle gives you top-tier flexibility while you move from one place to another place in the heart of the city-state. You can have peace of mind if you’re using a foldable bike, no worries about limited parking spaces & limited living spaces. Simply fold your bike in half, hop into public transportation, or store it in your compact room. Folding bikes is a game-changer for anyone who is seeking the ultimate comfort and portability.
When looking for folding bikes, explore and compare different models to know what exactly you need. Folding bikes are built to boast unique features that define their purpose. For example, some folding bikes are focused on aesthetics or design-oriented. Driving manufacturers to enhance its aesthetical appeal, whereas others prioritize performance, integrating high-performance components like tires and gears for optimal functionality.
For those who are interested in compactness and aesthetics, we carry bikes that fold down easily and have eye-catching looks. Designed easy to handle, stylish appearance, and a quick folding mechanism. If you’re looking for performance, we also have performance-oriented bikes built with premium components like multiple gears, robust frame, and wider tires.
Discover our foldable bikes selection and find the best one for your personal styles and demands. Shopping for folding bikes has never been easier, just scroll with your gadgets on our website or visit Rodalink’s bike shop near you. Find the best foldable bikes and upgrade your urban cycling experience with style, convenience, and superior performance.
Why You Should Buy Folding Bikes from Rodalink Singapore?
Choosing folding bikes from Rodalink Singapore means that you invest in convenience, quality, and limitless potential for your urban lifestyle. Every model we have crafted to provide convenience on the go, allowing you to enjoy leisure daily commuting with ease.
Here are the reasons why you should buy folding bikes from Rodalink Singapore:
- 0% Installment: Enjoy your new bike immediately with over easy monthly payments.
- Frame warranty: Ensure your investment is protected with our frame warranty.
- Ready to ride: Save more time with our ready-to-ride bikes, professionally assembled and tuned for optimal performance.
- Free delivery: Your bike will deliver next to your doorstep securely.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to feel the best urban cycling thrill with our selection of folding bikes. Visit the Rodalink Singapore bicycle shop nearest or explore our online selection today. It’s time to run errands with portable folding bikes and discover the city farther.
