When we compare a bike to a car, we can see that it is less expensive and less harmful to the environment. There are various types of bikes, and folding bikes appear to be the best option if you live in a small apartment with insufficient space for your bicycle. Folding bikes make your life much easier because they are portable.
Have you considered making your own folding bike instead of buying one? If not, we can help you build a DIY folding bike using one of the two methods described in this guide, whichever works best for you. Let’s get started right away, without further ado!
Why Build Your Own Folding Bicycle?
We understand that both money and time are valuable commodities. But doesn’t it feel good to spend our time making something that will save us money in the long run?
A folding bike can cost between $1,000 and $10,000, which does not appear to be very affordable. So, if you choose materials within your budget, building one yourself could be less expensive than buying a folding bike.
Furthermore, when designing your own folding bike, you can tailor it to your specific needs and preferences.
DIY Folding Bike Instructions
In this section, we will go over two methods for making your own folding bike that will not cost you a lot of money or time to complete. Let’s start with the first method: constructing a folding bike with a hinge.
Making use of a hinge
When using this method, there are a few things to keep in mind: first, we need to be extremely precise, and second, the bike shouldn’t be too expensive because you’ll be cutting it in half and won’t be able to use it again if you make a mistake. Choose a bike that isn’t too expensive or too new. A worn-out bike will suffice.
Make the frame
The first step is to disconnect the brake cable that connects to the back wheel. The bike should then be measured from the centre of the front wheel to the centre of the back wheel.
Following that, a line should be drawn down the centre of the bike, and it should be cut into two pieces. To cut the bike into two straight, right-angled pieces, you may need to use a grinding wheel.
Make the hinge.
After severing the bike in half, inspect the hinge to see if it can accommodate the tubes. If not, a longer hinge may be required because some bikes have two tubes rather than one. Another consideration is that it should be sufficiently strong.
Then, to serve as the hinge’s mounting points, drill the holes marked by the lines you drew on the tube. Drill two holes at the same time because they will be stacked one on top of the other. After that, the holes can be enlarged with a grinding saw to fit the hinge size.
Insert the hinge.
After prepping the holes in the tube, the hinge must be installed, which requires a welding station, a large pair of tongs, and a helper. Before inserting the hinge, make sure the bike’s tubes are clean, flat, and straight. If not, you can polish or sand the tubes to prepare them for welding.
Second, with your friend’s help, take the back half of the bike and instal the hinge in the proper location (tube). Additionally, before welding the pipes together, place the hinge in a safe and comfortable location. Then, to make things easier, take the front half of the bike and try to remove the front wheel before inserting the hinge.
Trying to find a stable position for the hinge while holding the front of the bicycle is the most difficult part of closing the hinge. The final step would be to quickly weld it, then reattach the front wheel.
Complete it!
Begin with the components you removed from the bike, such as the back brake. The bike would then need to be repainted to look brand new and appealing. It’s a process that will reward your hard work, patience, and perseverance with a more simple and enjoyable life.
Making use of couplings
If you’re having trouble making a folding bike with a hinge, try couplings. To find out how, read the instructions below.
Make the couplings
Depending on the model of bike you choose for the project, you may need to use a 27mm scaffolding coupler. If you can’t find them in your local store, look for them online. When you place the bike into the vehicle, you will notice that the coupler distributes the forces.
The following materials are required for this method:
- There are two internal scaffolding sets (27mm)
- One small tube (25cm)
- A key to open the hex bolts (optional depending on the bike)
Make the frame
The first step will be to remove all of the bike’s components. If you want the bike to be more than just functional, the frame must be sanded, cleaned, and smoothed.
You will insert the couplings as far as possible after measuring them, up to the maximum insertion distance. First, take measurements, say a prayer (lol), and then cut the bike in half. There is no turning back now, so let’s move on.
Install the couplings.
If your frames have the same diameter, the next step will be to mount the couplings. We cut the parts in half to make four rings, each about 25mm to 30mm wide, because the tubes needed to be strengthened before proceeding to the coupling phase.
The rings you made from the top line must then be glued to the down tube. Make sure the two frame pieces are parallel to one another and horizontal.
Secure
To keep the frame from separating too quickly, drill two holes through the bottom of each coupling and insert tiny bolts. After that, secure the bike with a spanner or thread the hole with a tap.
Paint
We’ve arrived at the fun part; you’ll now paint the bike. Because it is rust-proof, there is no need to paint the coupling, and doing so will most likely cause damage to the bike. We recommend looking for YouTube tutorials on how to properly paint the bike. In this way, you can create an excellent, fashionable, and one-of-a-kind bike for yourself.
Assemble
As soon as you finish the job, you can reassemble all of the pieces. All that remains is to put it to the test!
Conclusion
This article will show you two low-cost DIY methods for building a foldable bike. Even if it appears difficult at first, you will almost certainly end up with a DIY folding bike. The most important piece of advice we can give is to be patient and not rush through the process.
