Folding portability is what they are called and they are a big new trend on the bicycling market. What are we talking about? Folding bikes! Folding bikes have been around for many years and as a matter of fact I had one when I was a youngster, but back then, folding bikes were heavy and clumsy to handle. New folding bikes have undergone a whole transformation and are adapted to newest biking technologies and use new and strong materials. These new lightweight materials make the bight lighter than ever and therefore easy to carry when folded.

So why would you invest in a folding bike, while you could buy any regular version of bike available at your local department store? Many reasons for buying a foldable bike have to do with the storage and portability of the bicycle. People living in a small apartment with no garage space or lower level storage need to be able to take their bicycle into a safe place, such as the apartment. Not having the space prevents you form parking a big size bike in your rooms and hallway and a folding bike can easily store in a narrow corner or closet. Other more expensive apartment buildings might not really let you take the bike into your apartment and up their elevators and therefore a folding bike can be of a great advantage.

Folding bikes can be packed into a sports size duffel bag and many companies offer a carrying bag with their folding bikes. These carrying bags are so inconspicuous that nobody would believe that you are carrying a bike with you just by glancing or looking at the bag. These bags make it possible for you to take the bicycle with you into elevators, trains, and buses and even into your office right to your desk. Having your bike always with you reduces greatly the risk of a stolen bike. How often have you seen cut open locks and chains that were meant to secure a new bike and just hours later after school or work, the bicycle was gone and all that is left is a piece of your securing device. The bicycle safely located at your desk or in your locker is a lot safer than the one sitting in front of the building waiting for you.

If you want to transport your regular bike to some far away cycling trail, but do not have a car bicycle rack it was so far not possible for you. But with the new and improved folding bikes you can just take it onto any transportation medium you want. Especially if you choose to pack it into one of the many fashionable folding bike bags that nicely hide the fact that you are actually carrying a bike onto your transportation.

When choosing one version and brand of folding bike over another it is important to consider what the bike is used for. A bike that is just occasionally needed for shorter stretches form the subway to the office around the corner, just too far to walk, any cheaper version of a folding bike might do. The downside of a cheaper folding bike is in general the ease of folding as well as limited gearing. If the bike is used daily for a longer distance or needed for more speed it might be advised to invest in one of the higher end bicycles available. Higher end versions are most often easier to fold, have a smaller folding size, better and more gearing and are lighter in total weight than the lower end versions.

So as just with any other purchase you need to think about what you use the bike for before you invest. Investing in a folding bike for any of the above reasons is a good one and if you do have an overfilled garage or house, a folding bike can safe you storage space and transportation hassles.