Folding

Cambridge Bicycle and Boston Bicycle carry folding bicycles from Breezer and KHS.

Folding bicycles are most popular in East Asia and the United Kingdom, and are gaining popularity in the U.S. and Canada, especially in cities with great mass transit including Boston, New York, D.C., and Toronto.

Some uses and benefits:
- train and bus commuters can ride to the station, fold the bike for the transit trip, then bike to work
- apartment dwellers can save space if they keep their bike inside
- some daytrippers like the convenience of putting their bike in their car trunk
- RV, boat, and private plane owners use folding bicycles as take-along bikes

A folding bicycle, or "folder", has hinges or joints, which may be lockable, that permit it to be folded. The frame on a folding bike is always foldable. Depending on model, the handlebars, steering column, pedals, and/or seatpost may also be be foldable. The frame, usually available in only one size, has a wider range of adjustments than a conventional bike to accommodate different riders. Seatposts and handlebar stems on folders extend as much as four times higher than conventional bikes. For even greater range of adjustment, longer after-market posts and stems may be available.

Smaller diameter wheels result in a rougher ride. The smallest folding bikes have a shorter wheelbase as well, which compounds the problem. Wider tires and shock-absorbing suspension are often used to help counteract this.

Frame-only folding bikes tend to use larger wheels, sometimes the same size as in non-folders, for riders who value the better ride afforded by taller wheels over maximum compactness. These larger folders are compact enough for a car trunk, RV, boat, small apartment, train ride, etc, though they may be too unwieldy to carry onto a bus.

Breezer itzy folding bicycle

Breezer i3 Tangerine folding bike

Breezer folding bike carry-storage bags