Folding bikes have become extremely popular as they are much easier to carry around than a conventional bicycle. There are, however, drawbacks involved with buying and using one.

Here are some pros and cons of this mode of transportation.

• Pros

1) Portable

With a little practice, folding and unfolding one of these bikes is actually simple and quick, thanks to their dedicated hinges. Relatively compact, they fit easily into the boot of a car and are easy to carry on public transport.

2) Secure

A folding bike is easier to safeguard against thieves than a conventional model. It is recommended to keep it folded, whether at home or at work, rather than leave it where thieves can see it.

3) Good for the environment

Riding a bike, whether it’s foldable or not, is a green action as it doesn’t entail any CO2 emissions, and therefore has minimal impact on the environment. As part of a multi-mode journey, the folding bike can also replace the car or the bus on short trips.

• Cons

1) Heavy

Using a folding bike also means having to carry an item weighing more than 10kg. An electric model can even weigh as much as 20kg.

When choosing a model, make sure you can transport it without difficulty. Perhaps weigh it before buying it.

2) Fragile

The structure of a folding bike is by definition fragile, particularly if it is folded and unfolded daily. The hinges along with the frame are the quickest to wear out.

While steel designs may be heavier, such structures are generally stronger than aluminium ones.

3) Uncomfortable

The more compact a bike is, the smaller its wheels are. When it is being ridden, this can lead to a certain instability, depending on the condition of the road: the worse it is, the more uncomfortable the ride will be.

This is particularly noticeable on paved or uneven roads.

4) Expensive

With the same options, a folding bike is always more expensive than a classic model.

While prices for a conventional bike start at around US$200 (RM850), a folding bike can easily go up to US$900, and sometimes even more than US$1,500 for a high-performing model.