This Columbia folding bike is appealing and popular for a couple of reasons.
For one it has 26” wheels, which is rare for a folding bike. Usually they are much smaller.
The larger wheels add versatility and help with a smooth ride. It also does not have that low scoop frame that most folding bikes are known for. The frame size for this bike is 17”.
It looks more like a standard light mountain bike and feels a lot like one when riding it as well.
Second, it is REALLY well priced for what you get. This is not an expensive bike and consequently the components are not high end and it may not be perfect.
However considering how little you pay, you get a solid bike that in our experience will last quite a good length of time with a little care.
Personally I think you get more than your money’s worth out of the Columbia 26” folding bike.
If bigger tires are important to you and you are not looking to pay a premium price, then this one is a good option to consider.
Specs For The Columbia 26” Bike
- Speeds:Shimano 18 speeds
- Wheel Size:Kenda 26” wheels
- Color Options:blue, black, red , silver
- Weight:34 lbs.
- Max Rider Weight:200 lbs.
- Ideal Rider Height:5’3”-6’
- Foldable Size:38″x14″x29″
Frame Material: Aluminum
Best Suited For: Riding around town, light trails
Pros: Very affordable, larger 26” bike wheels, smooth ride, versatile, solid, unfolds in less than a minute, fairly light weigh for its size
Cons: Seat is hard, pedals are flimsy, folded size is a little bigger than many others, no bag included
Where To Buy The Columbia 26”
Click here for the best deal on the Blue Columbia 26” Folding Bike at Amazon.com.
Click here for the best deal on the Black Columbia 26” Folding Bike at Amazon.com.
More In-Depth Info
I prefer my folding bike to be compact and easy to travel with. I don’t mind the smaller wheels and I like the complete ease of portability with the smaller size.
However that is because I use mine for traveling and recreation. If a smaller size isn’t your first priority and you would prefer more ‘regular’ size wheels, then the Columbia 26” is a good choice.
Although I have read some reviews that talk about how lightweight it is, I actually don’t find that to be true. There are many lighter folding bicycles out there.
It is light enough to carry though at 34 lbs. and easy to fold up and take in and out of the trunk of your vehicle or even on public transportation.
The foldable size is a little larger because of the 26” wheels but I don’t find it to be awkward in any way. It is still easy to store in a small space and transport.
It feels good to ride. We found it solid once locked into shape and noticed no wobble at all while pedaling.
In fact it feels good to ride this bike on road or even on light trails. We had no issues with it.
Columbia 26” Important Features
Below are some of the main features to be aware of…
26” wheels – We have already talked about the wheels but it is worth mentioning again. The larger 26” size will be appealing for a lot of people.
Frame – The frame has more of a ‘normal’ shape to it. Often with folding bikes you see the low profile scoop frame.
The low profile frame often makes folding it up a little easier and more compact.
Folded up, this frame is a little larger than others. However it is great for those who want a more standard looking bike, yet still have the convenience of being able to fold it up.
Shimano 18 Speed The 18 speed shifter and derailleur provides a lot of versatility.
With eighteen different speeds you can easily ride this bike up and down hills, on trails and around town on roads.
Make sure you get your bike tuned up and adjusted properly before using it so that there are no issues with the gears.
Alloy Brakes – The Alloy front and rear V-brakes work great. We had no issues with them at all.
Removable Front Handle Stem – The front handle bars can be easily removed to make this bike even more compact when storing or transporting.
PVC Black Bell – This bike comes with a bell. Ours worked fine and we thought it was a nice added touch.
Steel Kick Stand – This bike comes with a standard type kick stand. There isn’t anything special about it but it works just fine.
Columbia 26” Folding Bike Setup
I found this bike a little heavier than some of the smaller ones I have tried.
However the setup and folding process are quite simple and easy.
There is one main latch at the center of the frame that secures the frame into place. Once secured it is solid.
To fold it up simply undo that latch and fold. The handlebars twist in so they are out of the way and the pedals turn down so as not to stick out. It is really quite slick.
I would say it takes all of a few seconds to fold up and then to set up again.
With the very first setup out of the box you will need to install the front wheel. This takes roughly five minutes and once done you won’t have to do it again.
We always recommend taking a new folding bicycle to a bike shop to get it properly tuned up before riding.
This will make sure everything is running smoothly as it should.
Columbia 26” Comfort Level
I am 5’8” and my partner is 5’11”. We both found this bicycle to be very comfortable.
The seat is a little on the hard side but that is an easy replacement if you wanted to change it up.
For cycling around town or along some nice easy trails, it works great. In fact it is quite a smooth ride.
The tires are thicker than you would find on a road bike but a little thinner than a real mountain bike.
This bike is versatile, fun and very aesthetically appealing.
The Negatives
The negatives aren’t major and considering the low price not unexpected.
We found the seat to be a little on the shorter side and kind of hard, although we have definitely seen harder.
If you find the seat uncomfortable it is easy and fairly cheap to replace.
When folded up the size is a little larger than many other folding bikes.
For this reason it may not be as convenient to travel with as some of the smaller options.
However it is still quite a compact package, easy to store in a small space and quick to fold up when taking public transit or bringing your bike inside.
Some people have commented that the pedals are a little flimsy and I would agree.
They are however fairly standard pedals for bikes in this price range. You get what you pay for.
Pedals can easily be replaced if you have any issues with them.
The last negative is the fact that no bag is included in the purchase package. The bag is sold separately.
Some bikes come with a bag and some don’t. I wouldn’t let this deter you. The bag for this bicycle can be purchased on Amazon.com for a low price. The optional bag is decent but nothing special.
You may choose to upgrade to something a little more rugged if you will be traveling with this bike.
More Pictures
Final Thoughts
Overall you really can’t go wrong with the Columbia 26” folding bike.
It provides a convenient and comfortable ride with a fair amount of versatility.
The wheels are a little wider than a road bike but slimmer than a typical mountain bike.
We found this bike to ride well on roads, light trails, gravel and really anywhere around town.
It rides smooth and feels solid. The package comes with everything you need to get it easily assembled, including a wrench.
This is a nice looking bike and we think an excellent buy. If you want a folding bike that doesn’t necessarily look like a folding bike, the Columbia 26” is a great choice.
Where To Buy
Click Here For The Best Deal On The Blue Columbia 26” Folding Bike At Amazon.com.
Click Here For The Best Deal On The Black Columbia 26” Folding Bike At Amazon.com.