Best Folding Bike

Folding bikes are an excellent choice for urban commuting, travel, and limited storage spaces. Their compact design makes them highly practical for city dwellers and travelers alike. Here, we explore some of the best folding bikes in the market, focusing on their features, benefits, and what sets them apart.

Brompton M6L

Brompton is a British brand known for its high-quality folding bikes. The M6L model is a great example of their craftsmanship. It features a steel frame that provides durability and sturdiness. This model is equipped with six gears, making it versatile for various terrains. When folded, it becomes very compact, perfect for public transport and small apartments.

Weight: 24.2 pounds
Frame Material: Steel
Gears: 6-speed
Folded Size: 23 x 22.2 x 10.6 inches
Price: Approximately $1,500

The Brompton M6L’s ease of folding and unfolding is unmatched. It takes around 20 seconds to transform it from a bike to a compact package. The bike’s small wheels might raise concerns about stability, but Brompton has addressed this with a robust frame and well-designed geometry. Riders report a stable and comfortable ride, whether on busy city streets or more rugged paths.

Dahon Mariner D8

Dahon is another leading name in the folding bike industry. The Dahon Mariner D8 is particularly popular among commuters and boaters. This bike features an aluminum frame that balances lightweight with strength. It’s equipped with a Shimano 8-speed drivetrain, providing a decent range for urban and leisure rides.

Weight: 26.2 pounds
Frame Material: Aluminum
Gears: 8-speed
Folded Size: 25.6 x 31.1 x 12.6 inches
Price: Approximately $800

The Dahon Mariner D8 emphasizes convenience and portability. Its Neos derailleur sits under the chainstay, making it less prone to damage. This design choice also keeps the chain and gears away from your clothes, reducing the risk of stains. Additionally, its larger folded size might be a downside for those with very tight storage spaces, but it remains very manageable for most users.

Tern Verge X11

For those seeking performance alongside portability, the Tern Verge X11 stands out. Tern, known for premium folding bikes, delivers a mix of speed, agility, and lightness with this model. The carbon fiber components contribute to its lightweight frame, making it one of the lightest folding bikes available.

Weight: 22 pounds
Frame Material: Aluminum and Carbon
Gears: 11-speed
Folded Size: 27.5 x 31.5 x 14.1 inches
Price: Approximately $2,700

It features high-end components, including a SRAM X1 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. These ensure quick shifts and reliable stopping power in all weather conditions. The Verge X11’s larger 451mm wheels provide a smoother ride over bumps and irregular surfaces. Despite its performance-oriented build, it folds quickly and compactly.

Montague Allston

Montague Bikes takes a different approach with its folding bikes. Unlike the traditional small-wheeled folding bikes, the Montague Allston features full-size 700c wheels. This bike is designed for those who don’t want to compromise on the riding experience of a standard bike.

Weight: 30 pounds
Frame Material: Aluminum
Gears: 11-speed
Folded Size: 36 x 28 x 12 inches
Price: Approximately $1,900

The Allston offers a belt drive instead of a traditional chain, making it cleaner and requiring less maintenance. Its disc brakes ensure safety and control, especially in wet conditions. Folding the Allston takes a bit more space compared to other folding bikes, due to its full-size wheels, but for those seeking comfort and performance similar to a regular bike, it’s a solid choice.

Schwinn Loop

For budget-conscious buyers, the Schwinn Loop offers an affordable entry into the world of folding bikes. Schwinn, a reputable brand in the bicycle industry, ensures reliability even in their budget models. The Loop has a steel frame, which, while heavier, provides a sturdy ride for urban commuting.

Weight: 33 pounds
Frame Material: Steel
Gears: 7-speed
Folded Size: 29.5 x 29 x 19 inches
Price: Approximately $300

The bike includes a rear carrier and a nylon carry bag, adding to its practicality. Although it’s heavier and larger when folded, it covers the basics well. It’s suitable for short commutes and moderate urban rides. The 20-inch wheels strike a balance between smoothness and compactness when folded.

Bike Friday New World Tourist

Bike Friday specializes in custom-built folding bikes. The New World Tourist is designed for touring and long-distance rides. It features a cromoly steel frame that offers comfort over long journeys. The bike is fully customizable, allowing riders to choose gears, colors, and other specifications to match their needs.

Weight: Approximately 24 pounds (varies by configuration)
Frame Material: Cromoly Steel
Gears: Customizable
Folded Size: 32 x 24 x 12 inches
Price: Varies by configuration, starting around $1,500

With smaller 20-inch wheels, it folds more compactly than full-size folding bikes. Its design ensures stability and comfort, critical for long rides. Despite its compact fold, setting it up takes a bit longer compared to others due to its custom build, but the performance and comfort make it worthwhile.

Anatomy of a Folding Bike

Understanding the specific parts of a folding bike can help in making an informed choice. Here’s a quick overview:

Frame Material: The frame material impacts the bike’s weight and durability. Common materials include aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber. Aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant, steel offers durability and a smoother ride but is heavier, and carbon fiber combines strength with lightweight, though at a higher cost.
Folding Mechanism: There are various folding mechanisms such as mid-fold, vertical fold, and triangle hinge. Each has its pros and cons related to ease of use, folding time, and compactness.
Gears: The number of gears affects the bike’s versatility. More gears offer better performance on different terrains but can add weight and complexity.
Wheels: Wheel size influences ride comfort and the bike’s folded size. Smaller wheels make for a compact fold but may offer a rougher ride. Larger wheels provide a smoother ride but result in a bigger folded package.
Brakes: Efficient braking systems, like disc brakes, offer better control and stopping power, especially in adverse weather conditions.

These elements greatly affect the performance and convenience of a folding bike. Consider your priorities regarding weight, size, and ride quality when choosing the best folding bike for your needs.

Folding bikes represent a blend of convenience and efficiency. They cater to various needs, from daily commutes to long-distance adventures. The key to finding the best one lies in understanding your requirements and matching them with the bike’s features. With numerous quality options available, you’re sure to find the perfect folding bike that complements your lifestyle.