Folder - the prose of life
Folding bikes have a long tradition in Poland. We owe this to our domestic brand, Romet. The popularity of the Flamingos, Jubilats, and, of course, Wigry bikes was primarily due to their price and availability. While their upright silhouette and compact dimensions were a significant advantage, the folding feature that distinguished them was often not even used once. This was quickly recognized, and the Agat model, a non-folding version of the Jubilat, was introduced into production. I've also seen welded hinges more than once. By the early 21st century, the folding bike had become a symbol of communist Poland's poverty and crude technology in the cycling world (a friend of mine once owned a Soviet-made, cast-iron version of one of the Polish bikes).
Even more tests - A test of the most popular folding bikes in the UK
Maybe it's not so stupid?
Meanwhile, folding bikes are slowly making a comeback in the environment where they have the most to offer: the city . The ability to quickly fold a bike and throw it in the trunk or take it with you on the train or public transport makes folding bikes an attractive proposition for many. New designs, ideas, and approaches are emerging. City bikes are our passion, so we decided to see how it really works and equip ourselves with a modern folding bike. 
Vello Urban
We chose a small brand from across the western border – Vello. The company has been on the market since 2014. Its origins lie five years earlier, when its founder created the first prototype of his vision for a folding bike. They offer a wide range of models, from those with a classic drivetrain to a titanium version (!) with belt drive and electric assist. We chose the Urbano model, our favorite steel frame and a 1x8 Shimano Claris drivetrain. 
Monitor box
The bike arrived folded, of course. The package was so small that we initially joked that 20 inches was the size of the monitor it came in. Admittedly, it couldn't have been crammed any tighter. The folding procedure is nothing like what we're used to from Jubilat and his colleagues. The folding bike features a rigid, fully-fledged front triangle (though more of a rectangle). The rear section is attached by a hinge and magnetic mount, which also features an elastomer element for added comfort. The fork is also foldable. 
The rest of the features are quite similar to the competition. A practical addition is the footer. The whole thing looks elegant and would easily complement a modern office. 
Folding car to the city
The bike is equipped with a single derailleur – an 8-speed Claris model. This is more than enough for urban riding. The single front sprocket has metal guards on both sides to prevent the chain from coming off and getting your pant legs dirty. The 20-inch wheels are shod with proven Schwalbe Marathon tires with puncture protection. They perform well on asphalt, sidewalks, and are resistant to curbs. The integrated lights are a highlight. What surprised us most was the incredible stiffness of the frame. There's no floating involved; the folding bike transfers our energy directly to the road.
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This black bike is highly agile and, despite its upright stance, doesn't lack a certain aggressiveness. It maneuvers beautifully in tight spaces and parking lots. Vello offers folding bikes with disc brakes, but we think that for urban use, classic V-brakes are perfectly adequate. It's a great bike for short distances and urban slaloms, and its impressive folding capabilities mean it's sure to appeal to enthusiasts. The folding bike is for sale – you can view and test it at our store on Skolimowska Street. Meanwhile, we've seriously considered expanding our offerings to include a folding bike... 
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