The Folding-Bike Solution

If you live in a tiny apartment, commute to work, and have nowhere safe to lock up a full-sized bicycle, consider the folding-bike solution. Folding bikes have long been popular in Europe and Asia, and their use is on the rise in America. In the late 1800s, several designers vied to invent the first one (check out The Folding Cyclist for a short history lesson), and now they're even used by the military.

Two new designs promise to make these bikes even more convenient for commuters. Montague Corp. just introduced the Boston, the first 700c single-speed folding bike. Unfettered by the clutter of gears, this could be the urban cyclist’s dream. The Ios XL, by Dahon, includes a device that will charge small electronic devices, including iPhones, iPods, and GPS units. For a handy guide to other folding bikes, see the Folding Society's extensive buyer's guide. 

 --Wendy Becktold

Tell us: Do you have a folding bike? What kind? What do you like best about it?