Hitway BK10S at Fatbikeskopen.nl

The Hitway BK10S is a folding fat bike: 20-inch fat-bike tires on a frame that hinges in the middle. That combination requires a sturdy construction, which is reflected in its 34-kilogram weight. So you fold it to store it somewhere, not to carry it. You also get a 624-watt-hour battery, seven gears, front suspension, and mechanical disc brakes.

A fat bike that folds

Most folding bikes have narrow tires and a lightweight frame because weight is the deciding factor. The BK10S does the opposite: it starts as a full-size fat bike, and only then adds the hinge. The benefit is that the bike fits in a car trunk or the back of a van, or that you can store it more compactly in a cramped storage area. What you cannot do is carry it: at 34 kilos, you are not getting it up a flight of stairs. In the showroom, you can see how this works in a few minutes.

Range of the Hitway BK10S

The 48V, 13-amp-hour battery, with a total capacity of 624 watt-hours, is rated for up to 120 kilometers. That is optimistic for a 34-kilogram fat bike; realistically, expect 60 to 80 kilometers. For commuting, that is more than a week of riding. Charging takes approximately six and a half hours, which is a long time and means charging overnight rather than topping it up during the day. A battery lasts longer if you do not routinely drain it completely and charge it indoors during winter. The stated range is always a test figure, so expect somewhat less in practice.

Mechanical brakes and front suspension

The BK10S uses mechanical disc brakes. At 34 kilos and in the rain, you notice the difference: you need to squeeze harder, and braking is less finely modulated than with hydraulic brakes. The advantage is easy maintenance and the ability to adjust them yourself. Suspension is only fitted at the front, which makes sense with a folding frame because a rear suspension system would weaken the hinge. The wide 20-inch tires absorb some of the roughness of the road. The brake pads and discs use standard sizes, so they can be replaced at any service point. Hydraulic brakes occasionally need bleeding; otherwise, they require little attention.

Folding and weight

The frame folds in the middle and the handlebars fold down. When folded, the bike fits in a car trunk or the back of a van. At 34 kilos, however, it is still heavy: you slide it rather than lift it. For anyone taking the bike to a holiday destination or storing it in a cramped shed, that is manageable. For anyone who has to carry it up a flight of stairs every day, this is the wrong model.

Who is the Hitway BK10S for?

For anyone looking for a fat bike that can be stored compactly: in a cramped shed, a basement storage unit, or transported by car. The maximum total weight is 120 kilos, which is limiting for a fat bike with luggage. Things to consider include the mechanical brakes given its 34-kilo weight and the charging time of more than six hours. If you are looking for a lightweight folding bike for the train, this is not the right model and you will find better options elsewhere. Consider where you will store the bike, as that often matters more than the specifications. For commuting within built-up areas, this equipment is more than adequate.

Ordering from Fatbikeskopen.nl

You need to fold and move a folding fat bike once to know whether it suits you. You can try this at ten showrooms and schedule a test ride right away. For maintenance, you can visit more than 450 locations in the Netherlands. When ordered online, the bike is delivered to your home ready to ride. Three years' warranty on the frame and one year on the components and battery. You can use our pickup and delivery service for maintenance. You can pay in full or in installments.

See also: folding bikes | foldable electric bikes | folding bikes for camping | small electric bikes