What are the pros and cons of a folding bicycle, compared to a mountain bike? Which is easier to maintain?

Question

I'm considering getting a mountain bike for recreation and exercise. However, I recently came upon an auction for a foldable bicycle at an attractive price of $200 plus (original price was $300 plus). I'm wondering whether a folding bike can perform well on rough terrain like gravel paths. If it doesn't have shift gears and suspension, will riding uphill be difficult?

Additional Details

Also, will it be more difficult to get spare parts for a folding bike?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

A foldable bicycle might be good for commuting to work, school, etc, but if you really want to use it for rough terrain, stay away from it!
Foldable bike will have incompetent parts compared to mountain bikes in the same price range due to the extra cost of the frame. Fold bikes also have smaller wheels, so it will be harder to go fast and will make the ride more bumpy. Fold bikes are also heavier. The advantage of folding bikes is that you will be able to fit it in tight spaces.
But first, it depends on what types of terrain you are going to ride on. I assume that you are a beginner, so a single-speed bike will be physically hard to climb with, but you won't have to deal with shifting gears. It's a trade-off. I would say that a foldable bicycle will be able to handle gravel paths, but not any serious mountain bike trails. If you are serious about mountain biking but don't really know much about fixing bikes, you must buy from a bike shop. There they will have mechanics who can help you with problems with the bike. The guys at department stores don't know much about bikes, so the bikes there may be assembled improperly. Riding on smooth gravel paths is perfectly fine with a bike without suspension, but again, suspension comes in handy with anything rough. Avoid full suspension bikes if you're not willing to spend too much money.
So to sum it up, get it if you are riding mostly on roads and gravel paths. Get a real mountain bike if you want to get serious. You don't want a cheap fold bike breaking on you while blasting down a bumpy hill.

Good luck on your quest for a new bike. :P

Second question: Some parts should be standard, but things like the fork might be harder to find.

Source(s):

I love to mountain bike.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks for your informative answer. It gives me a better idea on which kind of bike I should choose for my needs. :)

Thanks too sister Minnie for your input. Appreciate it. :)

Peace be with you all.

Answer 2

folding is heavier

Answer 3

I don't know. My best friend has a Cannondale [I think that's what it is] and the front tire comes off easily for transport.