When setting out to buy a new bicycle, you will undoubtedly find an incredible range of options. With so many different designs, why choose a folding bike? A folding bike can seamlessly integrate cycling into your life by making bike ownership more convenient. Let’s take a look at all the advantages of owning a bike that folds.

Home Storage

One of the most useful and often overlooked advantages of a folding bike is the ability to store it in your home or apartment. While portability is the coveted feature of the folder, storage is a concern for everyone who owns a bike. Unless you’re lucky enough to have a large garage or shed, you likely have limited space to keep your bicycle, but even the smallest apartments can accommodate a bike when it folds. Tuck it out of the way when you get home from a ride or stash it in the closet when guests come over.

Car Trunk Storage

Transporting a bike on a car rack is risky business. Will it get stolen while I’m parked? Will it rain on my new leather saddle? Did I tie it down correctly? Enter the folding bike. A folding bike can be safely sealed inside your car trunk. It’s always secure and protected from the elements and if you choose to leave it there, you’ll always have a bike with you for spur of the moment rides.

Connect the Last Mile

Getting from point A to point B can be a challenge and those last miles of your journey are often the most difficult. You inevitably hit traffic when you approach the office or the train stops several blocks from your home. A folding bike can help you bridge that transportation gap and connect the last mile. Park you car, unfold your bike and ride the last few miles to work or bring it with you on the train and cycle from the station to your home.

Travel with your Bike

When heading off on holiday or a weekend getaway, bringing a bicycle can turn any trip into an adventure. There’s no better way to explore a new destination and a folding bike is the ideal traveling companion. It easily packs in your car or as piece of luggage and it won’t take up too much space in that Airbnb. As Ernest Hemingway famously said, “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.” Even if sweating up the hills isn’t your thing, a leisurely ride along the beach and through the town square lets you take in the sights and sounds of a place better than any other mode of transport.

Avoid Theft and Damage

A bike left locked outside is vulnerable to harm. Bike locks are not impenetrable and thieves are getting more and more creative with their methods. Even the best lock leaves many of the parts on your bike unprotected. We’ve all seen that sad looking bike frame locked to a sign post with half the components stripped. Don’t let that happen to you. Get a folding bike! It can accompany you anywhere while remaining safe and sound. Toss it under your desk and finally get some work done without worrying if you’ll even have a bike to ride home. It will be there guaranteed! It won’t be exposed to harsh weather either which can quickly cause corrosion and rust key parts. Components will last longer and save you money on maintenance.

Be Ready to Go Anywhere

When you’re out on your bike and plans change, it can be challenging to adapt. A torrential rain storm might dampen your hopes for a bike commute home, or running into a friend may lead you to head up town for a drink. When you have a folding bike, you can always take a different mode of transit, stay dry on the bus or train, and even toss your bike in the trunk of an Uber. Even if your friend doesn’t have a rack on their car, they can take you and your bike across town.

Find a Folding Bike for Every Riding Style

Whether you’re looking for a super compact small wheel bike or a high performance machine to take you over rough terrain, there are folding bikes for every riding style. You won’t be limited in your adventures by choosing convenience and portability. While companies such as Brompton, Dahon, and Tern focus on small wheel folding bikes, Montague offers full-size folders with 700c, 26″ or 27.5″ wheels. Even gravel and mountain bikes can fold in seconds so you can get to the trail-head with ease.

Folding bikes can truly fit into your lifestyle and make cycling easier and more accessible. Whether you need a bike for leisurely rides on your local paths or a busy urban commute, the option to fold is a welcome perk that you’ll soon find to be a necessity.