Tag: Folding

Folding bikes have gained significant traction in recent years. Offering commuters and urban dwellers a convenient, space-saving bicycle, they’ve become a mode of transport in their own right. Despite their practicality and efficiency, some common misconceptions surround the compact two-wheelers. We debunk some myths and misunderstandings about folding bikes. 1. “They’re Only For Commuting” While we often associate folding bikes with urban commuters, politicians, and middle managers, their versatility extends far beyond the daily grind. Yes, their small footprint and short wheelbase mean they excel in navigating crowded city streets and weaving through traffic. But their utility doesn’t end there. They’re a perfect companion for travel and leisure. Want to take a ride further afield on the weekend? A folding…

E-bikes are taking over. And it’s a good thing. Last week, I actually stumbled across one of the original “e-bike review” websites and was astonished by how primitive the electric bikes mentioned on the website were. And they were only from about 2012. 10 years on and the electric bike market is huge. Demand is soaring and manufacturers are recognising the need for a diverse range of products. You can find electric hybrid bikes, electric mountain bikes, electric fat bikes, electric folding bikes… even electric folding fat bikes! Which brings me to the subject of this review: the Engwe EP-2 Pro. Fat Folding E-Bike The first thing we need to understand here: what on earth is the point of an…

If you think your workplace is too far away to cycle to, there’s a good chance you find the first or last part of your commute the most challenging – especially if you work in a city. In busy towns and cities, it can be difficult (and/or expensive) to park your car anywhere near your office. Or, if you commute by bus or train for the majority of your journey, then you’ve got to hope that both your home and workplace are nice and close to a station. Therefore, it can be useful to have an easily storable mode of transport to hand. And that is exactly why folding bikes have exploded in popularity in the past couple of decades….

If you’ve decided to commute to work by bicycle, you might well be considering using a folding bike. As the name suggests, these are collapsible bikes that are compact and easy to transport, perfect for tucking away when you get to the office or if you don’t have much space to store a bike in your home. However, as folding bikes tend to have smaller frames and wheels than regular bikes, they are often stiffer and less shock-absorbent. They’re often considered less comfortable on bumpy surfaces and potentially more difficult to ride. This is why you should consider a folding bike with suspension, for better ease of cycling and improved comfort. At Discerning Cyclist, we’re here to help with our…

When you think of folding bikes, it’s likely that Brompton is the brand that first comes to mind. It was back in 1975 that the company’s founder, Andrew Ritchie, invented a bike with a three-part fold – a bike that could be transported anywhere and everywhere with ease. The rest is history. However, decades of premium precision engineering and innovation means the end product can cost a fair few bob, with Brompton bikes ranging from £850 to over £3,750, depending on the model. If you’re looking to invest in a high-quality folding bike, it’s likely you’re considering a Brompton: the brand is universally recognised, the bikes are all built in the UK, and the design is now all but synonymous…

Belt chains have a myriad of advantages over their more traditional, chain counterparts. They’re quieter, offer a smoother ride and tend to last longer – not to mention requiring nearly zero maintenance! All of this comes at a cost, though, so belt drives are usually more expensive. Belt drives and foldable bikes are a powerful combination offering an even more convenient ride and letting you take your bike anywhere. Since these bikes are getting more popular, there’s a lot of choice. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are our top picks… Can You Get a Belt Drive on a Folding Bike? Yes! Belt drives are a popular choice on folding bikes. Unlike chains, belts can be virtually ignored…

Demand for folding bikes has boomed over the last couple of decades. Although they still make up a relatively small part of the UK market (around 4% of bikes sold), global sales are predicted to exceed 1.6 billion US dollars by 2028. There was a time in the not-so-distant past when a folding bike was a curiosity. Now, they are commonplace, particularly in cities where they’re a clear winner among many urban commuters. But although they seem like a recent phenomenon, folding bikes have actually been around for over a century – the first models being used by the military. But the first significant modern folding bike was the Stowaway, introduced by Raleigh in 1971. Fast forward to the 80s,…