Steering control on a folding bicycle

Posted by Dr. Yan Lyansky on Nov 11th 2017

You’ve decided to move from a standard bike to a folding bike. Good for you. However, once you start riding it you notice something you’re not to keep on. Many first time folding bike riders complain that the steering is squirrelly, which means it responds unnaturally to turning forces. I have to stress here that this is not a universal problem. Different people like different thing s. So, if you are one of those people who have the “squirrelly” steering feeling I can offer a couple of ways to resolve the problem.

Small Bar Ends

The easiest solution is to install small bar ends. They fit, as the name suggests, at the end of your handlebars. Small bar ends usually will not interfere when you want to fold your bike, but it might be an idea to buy the smallest ones you can find. Riders using bar ends naturally hold the handlebars further outside. This gives an angular force that makes the bike turn like it's bigger wheeled cousins.

Just sticking a set of bar ends on your bike isn’t all you have to do. You still need to set them properly for your riding style, and greatest comfort. Aggressive riders normally prefer them pointing downward; this will allow them to get into a tuck position. Bar ends can assist you in climbing because you are using more muscles in the shoulders, upper arms, and back. Others prefer to have the bar ends pointing backwards and parallel to the ground believing it is more efficient and comfortable. Recreational riders normally prefer the bar ends point upward, to allow them to sit straight up. You may need to experiment to find the best spot for you, but this should give you a head start.

Having bar ends also allows you to change your hand position, which can help prevent muscle strain and fatigue. The only drawback to bar ends is that your hands are not directly on your brakes or your shifter.

Riser Handlebars

If you need more adjustment in the control area it would be best to use a high rise handlebar. A handlebar that has 1" or more of rise can be rotated to create a longer or shorter top tube length. Some riders like to do this to accommodate an injury. This will really allow the rider to stretch out and relax while riding.

Riser handlebars are great for removing weight from your hands and giving you a more relaxed sitting/riding stance. This is especially important if you are doing off road riding. Sometimes you need to lift the front wheel to avoid a root or rock and the more upright sitting position allows you to do that more easily. This position can also be a disadvantage to riser handlebars. Because there is less weight on the front wheel there is also less traction. You may have to quickly adjust your riding position during an off road trip depending on the ‘up’ angle of a hill.

It’s up to You

It’s up to you to find the right solution for you: bar ends or a riser handlebar. Some people might want to have both, but I’m not sure that is a good idea for off road riders. Having both can make turning a bit risky because the bars ends might hook onto a branch. Ride safe; have fun!