Mercedes-Benz Folding Bike

Expert Rating:

Introduction

Mercedes-Benz might be best know for its cars, but walk into a dealer and you can pick up a brochure for its bike range too. All sorts of bikes are offered, but we chose to sample the Mercedes-Benz Folding Bike, the perfect folding contraption for the Mercedes-Benz owner who has to commute by train during the week.

What is it?

The Folding Bike is, as its name suggests, a bike that folds. That makes it perfect for commuters, the Folding Bike able to be packed away into its very own storage bag of 80x80x35 cm - or about the size of a small suitcase. It comes with front and rear suspension, an eight-speed transmission, disc brakes front and rear, flip-up side stand and a variable luggage rack for your laptop bag. The aluminium frame is both strong and light, the Folding Bike weighing just 13.5kg. It costs £1,099, which is not a lot for a Mercedes, but quite a bit for a bike - a Brompton folding bike would cost about the same.

How does it drive?

If it's been in the bag you'll need to spend a bit of time unfolding it but it really couldn't be simpler. A few quick release catches does it, the Folding Bike also able to be stowed in even easier to set up 'Shuttle' position - which allows you to push it around and steer it when you're not riding it. Get on and initially the tiny wheels cause a bit of concern, but it rides remarkably smoothly and feels stable despite the lack of the gyroscopic effect that comes with larger wheeled bicycles. The suspension does an excellent job of smoothing out bumps in the road and the disc brakes provide prodigious stopping power with the mere flex of a finger.

The upright riding position feels very natural, the seat is very comfortable and the steering light and accurate. The gears are quick and easy to shift across their eight ratios, doing so requiring little more than a push of your right thumb, and the gears are spread nicely to enable the Folding Bike and its rider (engine) to get up most hills. If it all proves too much, or too exhausting, you can always fold it up again, pop it in its bag and jump in a bus, train or taxi. The only weakness is the Folding Bike's engine, which on this test ride was in a shocking state of tune. Even so performance is brisk, but sustained speed around town necessitates the odd rest for a breather. More powerful engines with greater endurance are available, and the use of the Folding Bike regularly actually results in improved engine performance over time.

Weather protection is negligible, though the mudguards do prevent streaks of water all over the engine, but if it's cold or windy you bear the brunt of it. The luggage rack is small, but the rider could always wear a rucksack for bigger loads and crash protection is limited. We recommend a helmet, a decent pair of cycling gloves, some lights and a high-vis jacket if you're going to be using the Folding Bike in busy traffic.

Planet hugger or planet mugger?

Use this on your commute to the station, to and from the office or for those small trips you shouldn't really do in your car and you'll cut down CO₂ emissions dramatically. Anything that encourages people to leave their cars at home is a good thing in these more environmentally conscious times. You'll be doing yourself a favour too, as using the Folding Bike instead of your car will do wonders for your fitness.

Verdict

Lightweight, comfortable and with ever-improving performance, the Folding Bike is a very sensible addition to your fleet. Even if you only use it a few days a week you'll cut your emissions substantially, and do yourself some good in the process. It's not cheap, but for Mercedes-Benz obsessive or simply those who like a nicely engineered folding bicycle it's not too outrageous. Its folding ability makes it perfect for commuters, it fitting in the boot of your car for park and ride schemes, or easily transportable on trains for use at either end to the office or home.

Kyle Fortune

Thursday October 29