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Are
Folding Bicycles Safe?
Folding
bicycles are as safe as standard bikes, possibly
safer. Naturally, some bikes are better made than
others but this has less to do with the type of
bike and more to do with the bike manufacturer.
 All
Giatex bicycles exceed the rigorous strength and
safety standards in the U.S., Japan, Germany,
the UK and France. Giatex warrants its bicycle
frame set including forks against defects in workmanship
and materials for one (1) year and for one (1)
year on all remaining parts (excluding tires,
tubes, cables and chains).
On
the other hand, some small factories in Asia churn
out folding bicycles with poor welds and cheap
components, causing their bikes to wriggle or
even to fail when ridden.
Or
advice is that you carefully evaluate any bike
before electing to buy. Here are six questions
to ask when evaluating a folding bicycle for safety:
1.
Has the bicycle been tested by an international
bicycle testing institute like CPSC (U.S.),
JIS (Japan), TUV (Germany), UTAC (France and Italy)
or BS (UK)?
(NOTE: In order for the Giatex to be sold
in the USA, it HAD to pass RIGOROUS testing...)
2.
Is the frame rigid under normal pedaling loads?
To make a bicycle fold, many folding bike manufacturers
cut the frame in half and weld in a hinge for
folding. As a result, a poorly made folding bike
will flex alarmingly. For a quick test, sit on
the saddle, squeeze the brake levers, and try
twisting the seat post and the handlebars in opposite
directions to stress the frame. If the frame is
not stiff, this is a sign of poor construction
and should be avoided.
(NOTE: The frame of the Giatex is NOT hinged.
Rather, the Giatex uses a patented frame that
telescopes to fit the size of the rider. As a
result, the bike is rock solid.)
3.
Is there any play in the folding mechanisms when
they are locked in the closed position? Many
poorly made folding bikes will wriggle around
like a wet noodle even when the locking mechanisms
are locked.
(NOTE: The frame of the Giatex is NOT hinged.
Rather, the Giatex uses a patented frame that
telescopes to fit the size of the rider. As a
result, the bike is rock solid.)
4.
Are there double locks on the key folding parts?
If not, is there a chance that these locks could
some accidentally undone while riding?
(NOTE: The patented frame of the Giatex
uses 2, redundant quick release levers to adjust.
Additionally, the front handlebars employs a secondary
lock for safety.)
5.
Does the bicycle adjust to give you a comfortable
riding position? Many low-cost folding bikes
are not sized properly for taller adults. As a
result, the handlebars may bang into your knees
on tighter turns.
(NOTE: The Giatex is unique in that all
aspects of the bike (seat, handlebars AND frame)
adjust to fit the size of the rider, from child
to adult.)
6.
How does the bicycle handle - is the bike stable
and the steering controlled? Many low cost folding
bikes are built by assemblers where nobody rides
a bike. Often there is little if any testing of
the product. Remember that folding bike geometries
need to be carefully tuned to deliver a stable
ride.
(NOTE: The Giatex rides similarly to standard
sized bikes. The bike is shipped to you already
assembled & tested. Just inflate the tires,
screw on the pedals, insert the seat tube &
adjust the bike to your size.)
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