In the first of two parts of our Decathlon bicycles review, we share our thoughts on three folding bicycles otherwise known as foldies, a popular category among leisure cyclists
Foldable bicycles are a popular choice among leisure cyclists. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG
Cycling has picked up tremendously over the past two years, as people find themselves stuck on the island with a need for new hobbies during the pandemic.
At one point, there was even a shortage of bicycles as they were sold out nearly everywhere, including the higher-end model bicycles.
Watch our full review above as Gene Leck, Cheryl Tay and John Yeong took 3 of Decathlon's foldies out for a ride. VIDEO CREDIT: FELIX GALISTAN, SPORTPLUS.SG
Now that stocks have been replenished and in-person cycling events such as the OCBC Cycle 2022 are finally back, you may be on a lookout for a bicycle that suits your needs but are unsure of what to get.
Here we review six bicycles from mega sporting goods retailer Decathlon Singapore over two parts to help riders like you:
Decathlon has a wide range of bicycles, from folding bikes to hybrid bikes, road bikes, city bikes and mountain bikes.
Who will win the bicycles folding challenge and finish first - Gene or John? Watch to find out. VIDEO CREDIT: FELIX GALISTAN, SPORTPLUS.SG
While cycling can be quite an expensive sport, thanks to Decathlon it has been made a lot more affordable for average and amateur cyclists who are just looking to get in on the fun without breaking the bank, and also not compromising too much on quality.
In part one of our review, we review folding bicycles otherwise known as foldies.
Gene Leck takes the Tilt 500 XS 14in foldable bicycle out for a ride. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG
Folding Bikes
Foldable bicycles (or folding bikes) are easy to get around with, as they are without the usual limitations you find in those bicycles that are full-sized. In Singapore where we don’t have the luxury of space for our homes, a folding bike is a great option if you are looking to save some space at home.
The three of us – John, Gene and myself – had the opportunity recently to each take a foldie out for a ride to test them out courtesy of Decathlon Singapore, and here are our thoughts.
One of the greatest selling points of the Tilt 500XS 14in folding bicycle is how compact it can become, enabling you to even bring them onto the train should you wish to. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG
Tilt 500 XS 14in Folding Bike ($360)
Tested by Gene in our Review Video
At 8.98kg, this is an incredibly light aluminum bike, hence making it easy to carry around. It comes in one size that fits all riders from 145cm to 180cm. Its small wheels and single-speed drivetrain mean this bike is not meant for you to go fast, but it certainly will do its job to help you commute conveniently.
The frame and stem is easy to fold – in just 30 seconds. When folded, its dimensions are 60 x 66 x 38 cm – really compact! The stand and seat post are theft-proof and you get a lifetime warranty on the frame, stem (excl. hinge), rigid fork and handlebar.
Close-up of the Tilt 500XS 14in folding bicycle. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG
Gene’s thoughts:
It looks very cute and I like that it is small and compact. It comes with a cute handle that makes it easy to carry around, especially if I need to carry it around when I’m commuting via train. The only limitation would be that it only has one speed so if you’re looking for something speedy, then this might not be the bike for you.
Find out more about the Tilt 500 XS 14in Folding Bike here.
John Yeong with the Tilt 120 20in 6sp folding bicycle. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG
Tilt 120 20in 6sp Folding Bike ($290)
Tested by John in our Review Video
This is a slightly bigger folding bike, weighing in at 14.5kg and measuring at 78 x 66 x 38cm. It is of one size that fits riders from 145cm to 185cm. This also conforms to LTA regulations so you can fold it up (in 30 seconds) and bring it onboard buses and trains. The pedals can fold up too, so this makes it even more compact, taking up only 26cm in width.
Made of steel (steel frame and fork) for more durability, this bike comes with steel low-rise bars with a rise of 60mm so you can find a position on the bike to suit your body. The non-adjustable folding stem however, is made from aluminum for increased rigidity.
The Tilt 120 20in 6sp folding bicycle can easily be packed into your car boot or trunk. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG
For the ride, it comes with a six-speed drivetrain designed for various riding conditions where you can shift to the appropriate gear accordingly, making it easy to set off and quick on flat ground as well.
There’s a double chain guard in place to stop your chain from jumping and also to protect it from dirt. Tyres are 20-inch, developed by Decathlon for a balance between performance and grip.
John’s thoughts:
I like it because it is convenient, based on my lifestyle and needs, as I am not a serious road cyclist. It felt like a smooth ride, is of a very affordable price and even comes with six speeds for easy change of gears.
It’s also good that it is very portable, thus it can be easily folded and stored in my car trunk. In fact, this is my preferred bicycle which I use to cycle between the office and Sports Hub for meetings, beyond just cycling in the parks.
Find out more about the Tilt 120 20in 6sp Folding Bike here.
Cheryl Tay with the Tilt 500 7sp Folding Bike. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG
Tilt 500 7sp Folding Bike ($360)
Tested by Cheryl in our Review Video
With an aluminum frame and a steel fork, this bike has the same dimensions as the TILT 120, but weighs a little lighter, at 13kg. It also fits all riders from 145cm to 185cm. This bike however, is the quickest to unfold of the three, taking only 15 seconds.
The sweetest thing about this is the Shimano seven-speed derailleur, which makes it really easy to ride on any gradient so you can adapt your effort accordingly.
Close-up of the Tilt 500 7sp Folding Bike. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG
Going up overhead bridges or simply accelerating on a straight path would both be effortless. The Shimano Revo-Shift makes the process smoother as you can change gear swiftly and precisely.
This would be a bike that is great for commute, but also suitable if you want to take it for longer rides for exercise or for exploring areas of different elevation. This bike will be available in Orange at Decathlon stores in May 2022.
The Tilt 500 7sp Folding Bike comes with Shimano Revo-shift, allowing for smoother change of gears. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG
Cheryl’s thoughts:
I’ve only been cycling on the roads on a road bike so this has been a refreshing experience for me. This model especially, gets up to speed quickly with its seven-speed drivetrain, and is able to cope with undulating terrain so you don’t struggle too much. Best part, it can be folded away easily in mere seconds and taken along with you on the bus or train as part of your commute.
Find out more about the Tilt 500 7sp Folding Bike here.