Test: Handy, practical, foldable? Basically, folding bikes are a great thing, especially in the city or for commuters, because they make everyday life easier. We were able to test the Dynamics K7 20 Urban and found out what it has to offer and how practical it really is.
When you're currently out and about in the city, you see one type of bike quite often: folding bikes. Its compact dimensions are not only ideal for the way to work, especially since the bike can be transported in the trunk to the parking lot; the folding bike is also ideal for commuters by train. So you are mobile everywhere and can enjoy your freedom on two wheels. As a representative of its genre, the Dynamics K7 20 Urban seems to have a lot to offer at first glance.
Dynamics K7 20 Urban folding bike - the folding mechanism
The frame is made of aluminum and the fork is made of steel. A quick-folding mechanism is integrated into the central frame tube of the Dynamics, which is easy to operate; it only takes a few more steps to fold the bike up completely. To do this, after "dividing" the frame, all you have to do is push in the seat post, then turn the handlebars and fold them down. The pedals can also be folded in with two movements, making the bike even narrower. The folded bike is then held firmly in position by a magnet. The folded size appears pleasantly small; the package is compact and easy to grab on the top tube.
Of course, once we unfolded the bike, we wanted to know how it rode. At just under 400 euros, the Dynamics is certainly not a high-end folding bike, but with Shimano equipment and 7-speed gears it makes a valuable impression - these are good starting conditions. Shifting is done with a twist grip; the gear range is quite large with a 12-28 cassette, so that the gears can be easily adapted to speed and terrain.
The necessary safety is provided not only by a bell that you can use to draw attention to yourself, but also by the powerful V-brakes, which do a solid job and pull directly and powerfully. In this way, you can quickly come to a standstill in all situations.
Mudguards at the front and rear are certainly a welcome feature, especially for commuters, as they keep you dry(er) at least from below. The luggage rack also contributes to the suitability for everyday use of the Dynamics folding bike.
In addition to the Urban version, the Dynamics K7 20 is also available as a Sport and Street model. While the sports version does not require any luggage racks or mudguards and therefore weighs less, the street version is also equipped with a permanently installed lighting system, so that you are safer and more visible in traffic at night. The N models also offer hub gears.
The handling of the Dynamics K7 20 Urban convinced us in all areas. Of course you won't do huge day trips with this bike or do record-breaking sprints while pedaling out of the saddle. In our opinion, however, it offers a solid basis for everything you need for use in the city or as a commuter bike. The entire equipment is designed for suitability for everyday use and stability, the gears work well, the brakes have enough power and the folding mechanism can be operated quickly and easily with a little practice. Unfortunately, the handlebar is only painted and very sensitive, which is why it already had scratches after a few folding units. All in all, this is a solid folding bike that fits practically into everyday life.
