Folding mountain bikes are essentially practical bikes, easy to store and transport. These mountain bikes can be folded in seconds and you won’t even need a special bike rack for these bikes. Simply put it inside your suitcase and carry it as one more piece of luggage inside a car, boat, train or even inside an airplane.
The mountain bike folding technique is a patented military design and was initially used to develop full-size folding bikes for US Marines and Paratroopers for strategic use.
A folding mountain bike is a bit expensive compared to a non-folding mountain bike. Despite the price factor, buying a folding bike will be advantageous in all respects. In reality, folding mountain bike manufacturers haven’t compromised on the sturdiness or toughness of the bikes by making them foldable (and therefore portable).
As for the options, these days you just have a lot of options with manufacturers like Airnimal, Montague releasing a host of models that allow for easy and convenient loading and unloading. Select from the many light but strong bikes, choosing according to your needs.
Below are descriptions of some of the best folding mountain bikes available on the market:
Hummer
The Hummer made by Montague is a high-tech folding mountain bike. The Hummer bike, designed from full-size military bikes, has normal wheels with knobby tires and therefore can be used on any terrain. It takes about 30 seconds to fold a Hummer and the folded bike measures only 36 “x 28” x 12 “. Folding is accomplished without the use of tools.
The Hummer is essentially lightweight, but it’s perfectly tough and durable. Other points in this bike’s favor are: Shimano precision index shifters for quick gear shifting, Shimano 24-speed drivetrain, and front suspension with front disc brake.
Parachutist mountain bike
Market leaders have launched another folding mountain bike, the Paratrooper Mountain Bike. A very sturdy bike, the Parachutist folds and unfolds in less than 30 seconds. This superb stopping power and the excellent engineering behind this Montague bike make it unmatched for rough terrain. Montague also sells important accessories such as folding pedals and carrying cases, both hard and soft cases.
Rhinoceros Airnimal
Airnimal Rhino, the first ‘off-road’ bike officially released by Airnimal is a folding mountain bike. Its 20 “wheels and front and rear suspension make it perfect for all terrains.
Giatex Stretch Bike
The Giatex stretch bike is based on a new folding concept. In this case, it is not the frame that folds from the middle, but the steering column and the rear that fold down. The folded bike measures approximately 37 inches.
Friday by bike
Bike Fridays made by Green Gear Cycling Inc. are revolutionary finds because they are folding bikes rather than folding ones. Assembly and disassembly takes time, but the new bikes are excellent in terms of performance.