If I could ask for anything this holiday season, I would ask for a folding bike. There are so many reasons I would want one that I'll have a hard time limiting myself to just nine. I think I will sneak a few bullet points under each reason.
Clearly, it is not a gift you would buy for just anyone. But for someone near and dear, on whom you would not mind splurging a little, someone who seems to have everything, especially if that someone also lives in a big city, for that someone a folding bike is the perfect gift.
- If ordinary bikes give you freedom to move around the city with ease and sidestep traffic woes, folding bikes crank that freedom up another notch. For the urban dweller, folding bikes offer the ultimate in versatility and flexibility:
- allow you to combine biking with transit, taxi cabs,
- let you bail if you have to work late or the weather turns inclement,
- easy to store at home or at the office and take in and out of buildings,
- they even go with you inside a store or restaurant, and thus...
- folding bikes never, ever have to be locked outside or be in danger of getting stolen!
- Unsurpassed for travel:
- Car-based road trips
- Business trips
- Car or train weekend trips
- International travel
- Ideal for airline personnel or boat and aircraft owners
- Folders are easy to ride and use.
- The small wheels on most folding bikes give them a low stand-over height, making it easy to get on and off the bike quickly, and maneuver through tight spots and sharp corners.
- Many folding bikes offer a fairly upright, head-up, riding position, which is great for stop-and-go commuting, running errands, and most other urban riding situations.
- The friendly geometry of most folding bikes makes it possible to comfortably ride one in almost any attire, including office garb and skirts. If the weather turns, see point #1, above.
- They fit a wide range of riders. Most folders accommodate rider from about 4'10" to 6'2" without any modification. When buying one as a gift, in most cases, you won't have to worry about fit. The adjustability also gives you the option of sharing the bike among different household members, making the expense easier to justify.
- Folding bikes are unique. It is unlikely that you are going to duplicate anyone else's gift-buying effort.
- Many folding bikes from Tern come equipped with thoughtfully designed, commuter-friendly accessories, scaled-down and customized for the folding bike, such as fenders, racks, kickstands and lights.
- Brompton folding bikes can be endlessly personalized with specialty extras, luggage, saddle options and lights, and a huge array of color combinations from conservative to festive.
- Folding bikes come in a wide range prices to suit most budgets. That makes them comparable with many other popular gift items, such as, say, cameras. Yet, you get personal mobility, affordable transportation, fitness machine, recreational vehicle, and tons of fun rolled into one neat package.
And, oh, BTW, it is a package that... - ...fits under the Christmas tree!
All photos by Jay Madden.
