Folding Bikes can be the best way to travel multi-modal – think train, and bicycle. Or if you live in a small flat, a folding bike can be the best option to save on space.
However, with so many options on the market, it can be hard to find the product that is right for you.
In this article, we break down everything from wheel size to folding bike adjustability to help you find the folding bike that best meets your specific needs.
Best Value: B-Twin Tilt 120
- Wheel size: 20-inch
- Gears: Shimano 6-Speed
- Brakes: V-Brakes
- Folded Dimensions: 78cm x 66cm x 38cm
- Weight: Not stated
Why we chose it: The Tilt 120 is the best choice for anyone looking for a folding bike on a budget. This affordable compact bike takes just 30 seconds to fold and its 100% steel frame makes it durable and long-lasting. A 6-speed drivetrain helps with hills while mudguards ensure your commute to work doesn’t leave you covered in dirt.
We were pleasantly suprised to see the Tilt 120 also comes with a lifetime warranty on most parts including the frame.
Upgrade Pick: Brompton M6L
- Wheel size: 16-inch
- Gears: 6-Speed
- Brakes: Rim brakes
- Folded Dimensions: 56.5cm (H) x 58.5cm (W) x 27cm (D)
- Weight: 11.88 kg
Why we chose it: The Brompton M6L, featured in the popular BBC show w1a, is a great choice if your budget allows it. This foldable bike is super versatile and can be ridden comfortably in the hills or urban areas. The M6L features mudguards minimizing the muck on your clothes after a ride in the rain and features a six shift gear set.
The M6L is easy to maneuver through the cities on its 16-inch wheels. Additionally, this bike folds up small enough that it can go anywhere without fear of size restrictions or extra fees.
Best for kids: Trinx 20″ Folding Bike
- Wheel size: 20-inch
- Gears: Shimano 7-Speed
- Brakes: Rim brakes
- Folded Dimensions: 85.8cm x 66cm x 34.4cm
- Weight: 14 kg
Why we chose it: With its Shimano 7-speed derailleur & freewheel, this is a great folding bike for kids to progress their riding ability. The bike has a front and rear hand brake for quick stops, and the 20″x 1.75″ cruiser tires provide a smooth ride while also giving your child more stability than they might get from thinner tires.
The bike’s chain guard keeps your kids clothes clean and safe from oil stains during use.
Most compact: Tern BYB P8
- Wheel size: 20-inch
- Gears: Shimano 8-Speed
- Brakes: V-brakes
- Folded Dimensions: 35cm × 81cm × 52cm
- Weight: 14.3 kg
Why we chose it: For many people, the appeal of a folding bike is the small amount of space it takes up. If this is your main prority, check out the BYB P8 from Tern. The P8 is 30% smaller than traditional 20″ folding bikes, which means it fits conveniently into lockers, closets, or any narrow space. It also feature’s Tern’s Metro Transit Rack with built-in spinner wheels for easier trolleying.
Also great: Dahon Mariner
- Wheel size: 20-inch
- Gears: 7-Speed
- Brakes: Rim brakes
- Folded Dimensions: 28cm (H) × 81cm (L) × 66cm (W)
- Weight: 11.8 kg
Why we chose it: The Dahon Mariner is one of the best commuter bikes on the market. It is known for it’s lightweight and ability to fold down easily and quickly. The 7-speed shifter adds to the ease and comfort of the ride, it similar to a traditional bike. Additionally, special attention has been given to the braking system allowing for faster and safer braking in high traffic areas.
Also great: Fortis Urban Traveller
- Wheel size: 20-inch
- Gears: 7-Speed
- Brakes: Rim brakes
- Folded Dimensions: 89cm × 33cm × 66cm
- Weight: 14.5 kg
Why we chose it: The Fortis Urban Traveller is a brilliant choice for city riding. It is lightweight and compact, allowing it to be stored just about anywhere. The Urban Traveller features the seven-speed Shimano gear set, providing for a more relaxed and smoother ride. The bike is simple to assemble and folds up quickly, making it an excellent foldable bike for any rider.
Polygon Urbano 3
- Wheel size: 20-inch
- Gears: Shimano 8-Speed
- Brakes: Disc brakes
- Folded Dimensions: 75cm x 65cm x 35cm
- Weight: 12.5 kg
Why we chose it: The Polygon Urbano folding bike is affordable, lightweight, folds up in under 20 seconds, and it fits in th boot of your car. The frame is made of aluminium so it’s light enough to carry but strong enough to support your weight. The saddle height can be adjusted, as well as the height and angle of the handlebars—so you can customise your ride to suit your needs. It also comes with quick-release parts for ease of use.
The 20″ wheels are great for smooth riding and speed. You’ll notice less bumps than you would with smaller wheels. The 8-Speed Shimano drive train makes it easy to shift from uphill to downhill to flat ground.
What’s changed from the previous version: The new Urbano boasts an updated frame with disc brakes for better stopping power in all conditions.
FOLDING BIKE BUYERS GUIDE
Foldable bikes come in a multitude of styles, including electric folding bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, and of course cheap, budget-friendly folding bikes.
With the abundance of options, it can be challenging to choose which folding bike would work best for you. Here are some key factors to consider before purchasing a fold-up bike.
Fit And Size
Though the fit and size of a folding bike sound like obvious factors, they occasionally get lost in the specs and features of a bike.
In fact, the fit and size are two of the most important elements when deciding on the right bike for your needs.
When considering the size of the bike it needs to be large enough to fit you comfortably, yet compact enough to fit in small spaces once folded up.
Folding
Some folding bikes are more straightforward to fold up than others. It is necessary to consider your comfort level of folding and unfolding the bicycle before buying.
It may seem an easy thing when watching YouTube, but if you’ve ever seen w1a, then you know there can be some challenges.
The ease in which a bike folds up will be critical when time and space are a factor, such as when jumping on a train, tram, or bus.
RELATED: The Best E-Bikes
Weight
Though most foldable bikes take into account the need to be lightweight, there is still a wide range of weights to choose from, starting at 6.9kg and going up to 13.6kg.
If you are purchasing a foldable bike, you know you will end up carrying it. So, be conscious of where you will be taking the bike as the weight can make a big difference.
The drawback of going with a lighter weight bike is that it often increases the cost of the bicycle.
Purpose
How you plan to use the bike will also impact your choices. If you’re using it to commute to and from work and around the city, you would want a very different bike than the one you would ride on dirt trails or to use while camping.
Wheel Size
The two most common wheel sizes are 20-inch (406 or 451 mm) and 16-inch (305 or 349 mm). They both have their pros and cons.
Note: Both the 20 and 16-inch wheels have two slightly different wheel sizes in both groups. While the differences are small, the sizes are not compatible with each other, so keep this in mind when looking at availability of replacement parts.
20-Inch:
Pros:
- More common which means easier to replace and have fixed
- Smoother and more efficient ride
- Aesthetically more pleasing
Cons:
- Larger
- Heavier
- Are not allowed on all buses or trains due to size restrictions
16-Inch:
Pros:
- Smaller
- Lighter
- Better handling
- Are small enough to travel via public transportation without worries regarding size restrictions
Cons:
- Difficult to find replacements
- Less stable
- More maintenance
FAQ
Disadvantages of folding bikes mostly relate to the small wheels which exaggerate bumps in the road and limit the rider’s ability to reach high speeds.
