In this post we'll look for an answer to the question of whether, for people living in big cities, a folding bike or a classic city bike makes more sense when choosing a bicycle. These days bike products are made so appealing that if it were possible you'd want to buy both. But in the end you need to choose one of the two.
Which bike is worth buying? The classic city bike with big 28" wheels, or the folding bike with 20" wheels? Below I've covered this in detail. It's very hard to say it's definitely this one, but let me write the advantages and disadvantages and the choice is yours.
To compare all the advantages and disadvantages of the two kinds of bike correctly and objectively, you need to own both kinds. The city bike / hybrid bike I actively use is a Trek FX 7.3, and the folding bike is a B'TWIN Tilt 500. As someone used to a city bike, getting used to the folding bike took me quite some time.
20" Folding Bike
These bikes are far more manoeuvrable than bikes with 28-inch wheels. Thanks to their manoeuvrability you can easily pass even between cars in traffic. The most practical part of these bikes is that they can be folded when you need to store them in small spaces.
Depending on the model, folding bikes can be folded or put into riding position in about 5 - 20 seconds. It's worth stressing that you shouldn't skimp on money here. If you buy a folding bike and it takes something like 30 seconds to fold, what's the point of it being folding? So if you decide to buy a folding bike, you shouldn't fall into the trap of cheap bikes. It'll be harder to fold, it'll weigh more and its equipment/parts won't be very durable. So I'd advise setting your budget between 750 - 1500₺.
Again, though it varies by bike, folding bikes generally weigh between 10 - 20 kg. Frankly, the lightest ones have the best features and so they're also the most expensive.
28" Classic City Bike
If you're looking for comfort and enjoyment no other bike can offer, you should decide on a classic city bike. Thanks to its big wheels you can reach higher speeds while spending less effort. Also, a city bike usually offers great comfort with its large-sized, comfortable equipment. With the wide handlebar you can keep the control you need. But in traffic or in tight spaces, it can't compete with folding bikes for agility.
With a city bike you can go to the supermarket and shop, or carry lots of things that need carrying. Especially if you use a rack, you'll be in heaven. Even if you use a rack on folding bikes, they can never reach the carrying capacity a city bike can offer.
In any case and at whatever price, when you want to buy a classic city bike, apart from extreme cases your bike will generally be heavier. It'll even be more expensive than a folding bike. The prices of these bikes, averaging between 10 - 20 kg, range between 1000 - 2000₺.
Of course, if you have no financial limit, there are higher-priced bike options in both folding bikes and classic city bikes. But for beginners there's no point buying a very top-class bike.
1. Which Bike Is More Practical?
The folding bike is undoubtedly better than the classic city bike in terms of practicality. Since it can be easily carried and stored in any situation, it offers quite a big advantage. Just think how easy it is to get into a lift or take shelter in the metro when it rains. Getting into a lift with a classic city bike is total torture, while the folding bike goes wherever you go, comfortable and simple. Especially for those who store the bike at home, the folding bike is very advantageous.
The winner of this question: Folding Bike 1 - 0
2. Which Is More Manoeuvrable?
Compared with the classic city bike, the folding bike is of course more agile and turns more easily. Because of their long frames, city bikes aren't as practical and don't turn as well.
The winner of this question: Folding Bike 2 - 0
3. Which Is Easier to Maintain, and What Are Spare Part Costs Like?
Depending on the equipment, both can be easy to maintain. Generally, bikes with a geared hub and a rear pedal brake need less maintenance and servicing. Since folding bikes have more moving parts, when it comes to maintenance the city bike is easier to maintain. The comparison was made assuming both bikes have a V-brake system.
Both kinds of bike have expensive and cheap parts. For example, city bikes usually have one chainring and one sprocket, or multi-speed hubs with internal gears. Folding bikes may have fixed 8-speed systems.
As for tyres, city bike tyres are more expensive. So it should be said clearly that when it comes to spare part / repair costs, there's not much difference between the two bikes.
The winner of this question: Folding Bike - Classic City Bike 3 - 1
4. Which Is More Advantageous When You Need to Carry Something?
The winner of this part is undoubtedly the classic city bike. As you see in the photos, with our bike we can carry a laptop, a bigger bag or our shopping on the way back from the market thanks to the panniers. The racks and panniers fitted to a folding bike are quite small in volume and most of the time won't meet the need..
The winner of this question: Classic City Bike 3 - 2
5. Which Is Lighter?
This question is quite hard to answer, but looking at averages, city bikes are generally heavier. I decided this comparison by comparing bikes in the price ranges I mentioned above. At the same prices there's generally a difference of at least 2 - 3 kg.
The winner of this question: Folding Bike 4 - 2
6. Which Is Cheaper?
If you're not looking for a special bike, such as a Dutch-style city bike, classic city bikes will generally be more expensive. In some cases, depending on the equipment, a folding bike can even cost 4000 - 5000₺; of course in that case there are also higher-priced classic city bikes. But prices like these generally apply to the latest-technology products.
The winner of this question: Folding Bike 5 - 2
7. Which Is Faster?
Because of wheel diameter and gearing, the distance the wheel covers in one turn is greater on the city bike. Also, in acceleration, classic city bikes are better than folding bikes. In this case the winner is undoubtedly clear :)
The winner of this question: Classic City Bike 5 - 3
8. Which Is Safer?
When on any two wheels, not just a bicycle, I think the most important thing is safety! Safety isn't only about ourselves but also about the pedestrians, cars or other cyclists around us. Most cities have prepared the infrastructure needed for cycling. Measures have been taken for both comfortable riding and safety. Also, bike safety should be taught through awareness training from an early age. So, coming to the question "Folding or classic city?";
In terms of riding safety, the classic city bike is a step ahead. It's more stable, and it's harder for it to be affected by anything on the road than a folding bike.
The winner of this question: Classic City Bike 5 - 4
9. Which Is More Compact?
The answer to this question is undoubtedly folding bikes. When folded, it becomes almost three times smaller than a classic city bike.
The winner of this question: Folding Bike 6 - 4
Conclusion
Looking at the answers to the questions above, the folding bike came out the winner. But depending on your needs, each bike has different advantages. It varies especially from model to model. We decided the winner of this comparison by comparing bikes in a price range we set. Whatever the bike, stay away from bikes sold in supermarkets. If you're going to buy a bike for children as an end-of-school-year present, I'd advise spending a bit more money and buying a good bike.