CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESTime to banish troubling mental images of scary clowns on painfully tiny bikes. Today’s folding models convert savvy engineering and responsible space management into respectable transportation. Active Junky took two leading models to the streets and bike paths around Civano, Arizona, looking to log miles in style.
Light and fast is how Tern plays this one. Testers found the quick-folding frame (“N-fold” is the brand name) converted adrenaline into productive pedal strokes. Tern’s double-truss frame added unexpected rigidity for responsive turning. While the SRAM 10-speed drivetrain wasn’t up to topping out nearby Mt. Lemmon, smooth shifters handled rollers on sizzling blacktop and unconsolidated gravel. The athletic riding position landed testers upright enough to maintain composure and visibility in six-lane traffic. This model looked good standing still while mustering performance worth the bike’s mid-premium price.
Best For: Longer and regular commutes, recreational riding across moderate topography
Best For: A lifetime of urban and suburban responsible transportation, more cruising than hard climbing
One bonus from riding in Tucson was connecting with new friends at Cycle To Go, U.S. purveyors of Tannus technology. While kid’s starter bikes often sport solid tires, folding bikes are an ideal application of the same no-worries thinking. The Brompton demo bike came equipped with colorful tires that repelled construction debris scattered across the Tuscon’s fast-growing suburbs. The patented locking system felt secure, recognizing a set of Tannus’ tires are heavier than traditional tubes. More than a sensible choice for rental bikes, folding bike commuters lower stress by spending more for this aftermarket product. Expected to roll smoothly for up to 5,000 miles, sizes include those for strollers, BMX bikes, MTB and even 700cc road wheels.
Best For: Commuting atop changing, rain-washed or wind-blown surfaces
