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When buying a conventional, non-folding bicycle, the frame size is one of the things you have to decide. Nearly all folders lack a high cross-bar, and have a very extensive range of saddle height adjustment, so that they are unisex and unisize (some models of Bike Friday are custom made to exactly suit the rider, though they still offer a wide range of saddle adjustment). Although you may not need to specify the frame size when buying the bike, it is still important to adjust the saddle height etc to suit you – the wrong riding position is not only uncomfortable, but it is inefficient and wastes energy. In particular, a lot of people ride with the saddle much too low. If you have returned to cycling after a long break, you may well feel more confident if the saddle is low enough for you to reach the ground with your feet while still seated, but in terms of efficiency it is actually better if the rider’s leg is almost fully extended straight when the pedal is at the bottom of its travel. With the saddle at this height, you will still be able to reach the kerb while seated, but in practice it is usual to get off the saddle anyway when dismounting, so the saddle height, particularly in the absence of a cross bar, does not present any problems in stopping safely. A slightly lower saddle position may be preferred for extensive off-road riding. Taller riders may need to specify extra long seat post options on some models.
The other crucial features in comfortable and efficient riding are handlebar height and reach (distance along the bike from saddle to handlebars). Unfortunately adjustment of the height of the bars is quite limited or non-existent on many of these folders, or you may need to specify the required height (and reach) at the time of purchasing. Some limited adjustment of reach can usually be achieved by fore and aft movement of the saddle, but this may not be enough on its own to achieve the ideal riding position.
When buying, make sure that you are comfortable on the bike, and discuss with the supplier whether there are any options of different handlebar heights and reach. If you are comfortable and able to ride efficiently, cycling is a pleasure, but riding an unsuitable, heavy bike with an uncomfortable riding position and the saddle too low will be a misery, and will probably put you off using your cycle.
Most cycle shops – even the specialists – do not stock any folders at all, or possibly just one make. Any advice you get form these shops is likely to be of limited value, and may be biased by what they sell or can get hold of.
There are a few dealers around the country who stock and can supply a number of different makes and models, though none of them stock all the machines available. If you want the opportunity to see and try a number of different makes, and get informed and reasonably unbiased advice, then it is worth seeking out these specialists, or reading A to B magazine and its web pages, and dare I suggest also The Folding Society and its web pages! Perusal of A to B magazine and our web pages will indicate some of the dealers who specialise in folders.
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