We all know that biking as a form of commuting has immense cardio benefits.
It helps you meet the CDC recommended 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week, is better for the environment, and can help reduce anxiety and stress.
However, lugging around a bulky bike, locks, and chains can be a huge deterrent, especially if you’re working in an area that sees a lot of bike theft.
Not to mention, many buildings don’t even have lock stations.
There are many folding bikes on the market, with a long list of different features.
One of the most popular is the Schwinn Loop Folding Bike, so we dug deep into the bike’s features to see if it’s earned the hype.
Before we can do that, let’s start with some of the things to think about when you’re on the hunt for a folding bike.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Folding Bike
To Fold or Not to Fold
The first thing you have to decide is whether a folding bike will be a good fit. Maybe you’ve already decided on a folding bike, or perhaps you’re still on the fence.
Folding bikes will cost more than your regular, run-of-the-mill bike, so it’s important to really ask yourself if it’s the best option for you, or you may end up with 30 pounds of regret.
Purpose
Choosing a folding bike based on how it looks isn’t the most effective way. It’s essential to think about how you’re going to use the bike.
Are you going to use it to get to and from work, or is your goal to purchase something you can easily fit in your car?
Are you going to use it for 30 minutes at a time, or do you want to be able to ride for hours? The answers to these types of questions can help you decide on the model that best fits your needs.
Someone taking shorter trips to the subway will need to put more weight into features like foldability, whereas someone looking for longer trips may need to focus more on wheel size and frame durability.
Price
As mentioned earlier, folding bikes have a heftier price tag than your standard bike. They can range anywhere from the mid-$ 200’s to thousands of dollars.
It’s a delicate balance of quality, features, and cost-effectiveness. However, keep in mind that by choosing a folding bike, you can actually save a decent chunk of change in the long run.
We’ll take the example of the subway again. When you drive to the subway, you’re usually hit with expensive parking fees and gas, but the use of a folding bike eliminates these costs. One other important note about price.
Folding bikes don’t typically come fully assembled. Depending on the difficulty of assembly, you may have to pay a shop to assemble it for you.
Folding
There are three main types of folding mechanisms on these types of bikes – triangle fold, breakaway fold, and the half fold, also known as mid horizontal fold.
Each type has pros and cons; the half fold is the easiest to fold and reassemble.
However, it does put some stress on the frame, especially if you’re regularly carrying large items.
The triangle fold offers less stress on the structure but is more challenging to ride. Lastly, the breakaway fold separates the bike into two parts.
While this allows you to fold it into a much smaller size, putting it back together can be painstaking.
Another thing to keep in mind is the amount of time it takes to fold and unfold the bike. This is especially true in our subway example, where you may need to quickly fold it up before you miss a train.
Some folding bikes require tools to fold, which can be inconvenient. Of course, if you’re only using the bike once a week, this may not be as important.
Weight
If you’re planning on carrying your bike through your office, on a trail, or up the stairs of your apartment, one thing you’re going to want to ensure is that it’s light enough where you can carry it!
Most folding bikes fall in the range of 26 to 36 pounds. There is a bit of a tradeoff.
A lighter bike may be less durable and cost more, while a heavier bike will have a sturdier feel and may be less expensive.
Lighter bikes will usually have a lower weight capacity, so keep that in mind as you’re shopping.
The crucial piece of this is choosing a weight that fits your capability and your intended purpose.
Easy to Move
While we’re on the subject of carrying, it’s not just about weight. Is there a good place for you to grip the bike to lift it?
Does it come with a carrying case? If not, do the wheels lock when folded, or can you wheel it?
Thinking about these things ahead of your purchase will prevent you from buying a folding bike that simply collects dust under your bed.
Wheel Size
Folding bikes offer a variety of different wheel sizes, usually between 16″ and 27″. The smaller bike wheels have shorter spoke lengths which usually make them a little stronger.
Small wheels also provide a more compact fold.
They’re easier to steer and to stop and go, but they can feel a bit bumpy on the road. A larger wheel size will let you feel less of the road, and the largest sizes can even give you the speed of a full-size bike.
Larger wheels provide more momentum, which is a check in the plus column if you’re riding longer distances.
Again, your intended purpose plays a prominent role in the correct tire size for you, but a 20″ is a good mid-point.
The Schwinn Loop Folding Bike
The Schwinn brand has long been a mainstay in the biking arena. Its Loop Folding Bike offers various features, all at the lower end of the market’s price range.
The Schwinn Loop Folding Bike is ideal for commuting, especially on shorter rides, and is known for balancing cost with performance.
It’s likely not a great fit for those who intend on using it for longer touring rides or trails.
Pros
- Includes carrying case, rear rack, and fenders
- Easy to assemble
- It feels like a full-sized bike
- Responsive brakes
- Easily adjustable
Cons
- Heavier than other models
- Some parts are plastic and don’t appear durable
- Uncomfortable seat cushion
Features
It’s time to take a deep dive into the Schwinn Loop Folding Bike.
Price
The Schwinn Loop Folding Bike is on the lower end of the price scale for folding bikes. Prices range from the low $ 400’s to the mid-$ 600’s, making it an excellent choice for those looking for durability and dependability without spending thousands of dollars.
Brakes
The Schwinn Loop Folding Bike has alloy linear-pull brakes that allow you to brake smoothly and quickly.
This feature is vital if you’re commuting in the city, where cars and people often jump into the road with minimal notice.
Brakes are located in the front and rear, which makes the bike easy to control.
Wheel Size
The Schwinn Loop Folding Bike has 20-inch alloy wheels with 30 spokes. Why does this matter? It helps to prevent your rims from bending.
The tires are semi-slick, so you have more control and grip as you’re biking down paved roads.
As with most bikes, depending on the frequency of use, you may end up having to replace them down the road.
However, replacement parts are relatively inexpensive compared to other models.
Frame
The Schwinn Loop Folding Bike has a low frame that makes it much easier to mount and dismount, especially for shorter riders.
The stand-over frame also makes it a bit more compact when folded. It’s made of reinforced aluminum that boosts durability enough to make it an excellent option for daily commuting.
The frame’s design helps you sit straighter, which is beneficial for your back and provides a more comfortable ride.
Gears
Schwinn offers seven gears on the Loop, with a twist shifter that makes provides a smooth gear change.
This vast number of gears means you’re not succumbing to different routes due to your inability to bike hills or varied terrain and prevents fatigue.
Weight
The Schwinn Loop Folding Bike is on the heavier side, weighing in at 33 pounds. That said, it has a maximum weight capacity of 230 pounds which is on the higher end of weight capacities.
It also comes with a carrier that allows you to transport the bike easily.
Foldability
The Schwinn Loop Folding Bike has one of the more straightforward folding mechanisms, with a quick-release latch that allows you to simply fold the bike in half.
Folding the bike takes just seconds, and its folded size comes in at 32.5″ x 26″ x 16″.
Assembly
This folding bike is effortless to assemble. The majority of the time spent assembling the product is taking it out of the packaging.
From there, it takes just a moment to screw on a pedal, and no specialty tools are needed.
Adjustability
The Schwinn Loop Folding Bike fits riders that are 56 to 74 inches tall. It has an adjustable seat and handlebars that allow you to get the best fit for your size and stature.
The seat cushion itself isn’t the most comfortable, but it’s pretty easy and inexpensive to replace the seat with a more comfortable option.
What Others Are Saying
Now that we’ve gone through the nitty-gritty let’s talk about rider experience.
Review #1
Charles gave the Schwinn Loop Folding Bike five out of five stars saying, “The Schwinn is an inexpensive copy of the Dutch bike that I’m proud to have in my collection of 2 wheelers.”
Review #2
Stan gave a glowing four-star review with a few tips “For commuters, it’s easy to fold and store once you get to where you’re going… If you want to roll the folded bike, unfold and lock the handlebars only. You can use them to push the folded bike from behind.”
Review #3
Another verified purchaser, KirkKirk, gave a five-star review “Assembled the bike in 20 minutes and gave it a test drive the next day. Really enjoy the handling and smooth ride, brakes and gear shift too.”
Schwinn Loop Folding Bike Alternatives
Of course, the Schwinn Loop Folding Bike isn’t the only option out there, so let’s take a look at a few other models.
EuroMini ZiZZO Campo
The EuroMini ZiZZO Campo is similarly priced as the Schwinn and offers 20″ wheels and a similar weight capacity.
It’s a great option for those looking for a folding bike that’s lightweight for much shorter rides.
Similarities
- Seven-Speed
- Aluminum frame
- Aluminum alloy brakes
- Adjustable to fit riders 56 to 74 inches tall
Differences
- Carrying case, fenders, and rear rack not included with Campo
- The Campo seat post can be lowered to act as a tripod when the bike is folded
- Campo is lighter, weighing in at 28.5 pounds
Goplus 20″ Folding Bike
The Goplus 20″ Folding Bike is on the cheaper side of the bikes we’re looking at and its weight capacity is a minimal 178 pounds which makes it a good option for smaller riders.
Similarities
- 20″ wheel size
- Seven-speed
- Adjustable bars and seat
- Easy assembly
- Goplus is just a pound lighter at 32 pounds
Differences
- Goplus has rear and front suspension
- Goplus frame is made of aluminum and steel
- Goplus has a three-step folding process, and folded dimensions are slightly larger
XSpec City Commuter Bike
The XSpec City Commuter Bike has a steel frame that bumps it to the heaviest bike on our list at 36 pounds.
It has a single folding pedal that makes it easier to maneuver when folded.
Similarities
- 20″ wheel size
- Seven-speed
- Adjustable bars and seats
Differences
- XSpec has a steel frame with alloy wheels and handlebars
- XSpec’s bike has a max weight capacity of 220 pounds
- The XSpec requires some additional assembly
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking to maximize your time and money by incorporating biking as part of your commute, the Schwinn Loop Folding Bike is an excellent fit.
It’s on the more cost-effective side, offers flexibility in ride time and terrain, as well as a compact design that makes it easy to fit under your desk at work, in your car for a trip, or even in the smallest of houses.
