Best Folding Bikes [updated for 2021]

The Best Folding Bike Buyers Guide

As you have probably already realized, choosing the right folding bike is an absolute minefield. There are simply so many different angles to tackle this problem from and it’s easy to get lost.

However, don’t despair, follow our guide below and you will be able to find the perfect folding bike for you:

1. Choose your wheel size

You should search for the right size wheel for you; the options available range from 16-inch wheels through to 27.5 inch wheels:

• 16″ Wheels: These wheels are tiny; they do not offer the most stability, but they are exceptionally flexible on the road. These bikes are specifically designed for short distance leisurely riding and should not be considered if you plan on travelling on them as your daily commuting ride. They are not the quickest style of wheel; however, they are by far the most portable.
• 20″ Wheels: Most folding bicycles have 20-inch wheels, these are the quintessential hybrid sized wheel. Not only do they offer good maneuverability, they are also truly agile and portable as well. Perfect for your daily commute, or for your leisurely activities too – one to consider.
• 24″ Wheels: The larger the wheel, the more comfortable the ride. This is the size of wheel where this statement becomes most evident. While these bikes are not the most portable, they are far more stable to ride and are still a totally viable option to use on your commute. Regardless of whether you require the use of public transportation – these are not overly large wheels and a good model can still be folded down to a reasonable size.
• 26″ or 27.5″ Wheels: The largest style of bike wheel, typically found on folding mountain bikes. This is somewhat of a niche wheel size and is certainly rarer than the other wheel sizes discussed above. They offer the most stable and therefore comfortable ride because of their outstanding shock resistance. However, they are quite large and cumbersome to carry around daily.

2. Choose your frame size

One crucial consideration that many people often forget to make is to choose a bike that fits their bodily dimensions.

It is essential to first consider whether you are likely to sit comfortably on your chosen model. And if not – ensure that it is fully flexible and can be adjusted to your size.

The last thing that anybody wants is to purchase a bike that simply doesn’t fit them.

Remember, the best folding bikes are those that are the most comfortable to ride and transport around with you. You should be looking for bikes that can vary their handlebars, saddles and frames if possible, too.

3. Select the folding mechanism

Many people don’t realize the significance of a bikes folding mechanism when it comes to buying their first model.

I can tell you from many years of experience, it is absolutely – one hundred percent – essential.

At a fundamental level, it is the solitary component that affects how quickly the bike can be folded down.  The different types of mechanism include:

Split Fold Mechanisms: This is the most popular type of mechanism, by quite a margin too. Generally found on the average 20″ bikes, but also right up to the largest models too. 

This mechanism functions by utilizing a hinge located in the center point of the bike’s frame. It essentially functions by folding the bike in half. Why would you want to choose this type of mechanism?

Well, these folding bikes tend to function the best in almost all circumstances and are also relatively quick to fold away.

Why wouldn’t you? 

The main reason would be that they are generally the bulkiest when folded. They are perfect for people that constantly find themselves on the go and for those that have ample storage space.

Triangular Hinge Mechanisms: These are becoming increasingly common in today’s bikes – in fact, many believe they are now the gold standard.

While I’m currently sat on the fence about this, there’s no doubt that they are a well-functioning style.

Bike frames containing these mechanisms function by intricately folding together in a particularly compact form. They contain both hinges and clasps – as a result they are slightly more complicated to fold away and usually take more time.

However, once folded down, they take up the least space and so they are very useful bike models to carry around on public transport.

Break Away Mechanisms: The rarest of the three mechanisms. Whilst the majority of folding bikes are either folded or somewhat taken apart.

These bike models function by splitting entirely into two separate pieces.

This may sound appealing however I have found that it takes far longer to fold these bikes away and it can become quite a tedious task too. I would never personally recommend purchasing one of these styles, however there is a small minority of people who swear by them.

4. Choose the number of gears

One bike configuration variable that people tend to get stuck at is whether or not to purchase a geared model.

I will break this decision down for you, so it is easy to digest.

Single speed bikes function via a single chain, they are slow at accelerating, have a high-top speed and generally struggle at climbing hills. However, these bikes are the most reliable and so many choose to use them for their daily commute.

Geared bikes accelerate quickly, can traverse hills with relative ease and also have a high-top speed. The downside is that these bikes are liable to breaking.

I would personally recommend purchasing a bike with three to eight gears.

5. Consider frame material options

I believe another specification that should be central to any decision is the material of the frame.

Why the frame?

Because the frame is what contributes most of the weight towards the bike and so it is crucial to ensure you get the lightest type possible – in most cases at least. The most popular folding bike frame materials include:

Aluminium

The benefits of choosing an aluminium frame design are numerous.

This has been the material of choice for bike users across the world for many years now, and not for no reason.

These bike frames will not rust and are relatively lightweight too.

On the downside, aluminium isn’t the strongest material around, however it is a good hybrid and certainly a good choice.

Carbon Fiber

The most expensive style of bike frame by a significant margin.

Carbon fiber is the lightest type of material and so your bike will weigh virtually nothing.

However, expect to break the bank and spend extortionate amounts of cash if you want one of these gorgeous frames.

Furthermore, carbon is very easily broken and so it is essential to take care of it if you plan on purchasing one of these folding bikes.

Steel

Like aluminium in the sense that it has been utilized in bike frames for many years now.

It is also resistant to becoming rusty over time. What’s more? It is also a lot more durable than aluminium too.

The down sides?

Steel is the heaviest of the materials used in bike frames and so it isn’t really an ideal option for a folding bike, given that most people want a portable model.

Titanium

A less widely used bike frame material; however, it is a totally viable option – if you can afford it.

Expect to pay a similar amount as what you would expect for a carbon frame.

Titanium bike frames weigh more but are very durable and so you won’t break your bike easily at all.

Furthermore, these are the most stable bikes, vibrations are kept to an absolute minimum by these truly premium frames.

Which Foldable Bike Should You Choose?

Make a final decision on anything in life can be a difficult job.

When it comes to deciding what is the best folding bike for your things can get a little bit trickier. I believe the best way to decide is narrowing down your options based on what type of rider you are.

What I mean by this is, what is the ultimate purpose of your folding bike going to be?

Leisure

Most people looking to purchase a folding bike are intending to buy one for leisurely purposes.

This generally involves taking your bike short distances away from your home for day trips or small excursions, but not utilizing it as your main mode of transport.

Your activities would therefore include taking it to the shops, out around your local town or to even use for part of your commute.

If after reading this you would classify yourself as a leisurely rider, you should therefore be looking at purchasing a cheaper model of bike.

Fundamentally, you don’t require the highest specification bike and in an ideal sense, you just need a folding bike that will get you safely from A to B.

Obviously the higher the specification the better; you want the bike to look good, be comfortable and also be unlikely to break – however, aside from that, you should probably look to cut costs where possible.

Some additional considerations for your bikes specification should also be made, including the number of gears your folding bike will have – if you live in a particularly hilly area you should probably go for a bike with more, if not, then less – or even none.

Commuters

If you’re not a leisurely cyclist, then you are almost certainly a commuter. In this instance you will regularly find yourself sharing the road with cars over particularly long distances.

Travelling to work, for many, is a mundane and unpleasant experience.

Consequently, I believe that it is essential that we identify a model to make this as bearable as possible. The best folding bikes for work commutes are generally exceptionally comfortable, fast, lightweight and above all – totally safe and unlikely to break.

That sounds like a lot of requests however most folding bike models have been designed with commuters in mind.

This is ultimately what they were designed for, and so you will find several models that are perfectly suited for your requirements.

Other essential considerations for commuters looking to purchase a collapsible bike include the wheel size and, once again, the number of gears.

Wheel size is an essential component because it is directly related to the speed and stability of the bike, likewise with the number of gears too.

Given the fact that you will be doing many miles on your bike on an almost daily basis, you should ensure that your bike is always quick and totally secure to ride.

Mountain Bikers

There is always one anomaly, and this is it. Some people will be actively searching for a portable bike that is capable of surviving off-road.

These are typically few and far between, however there is a definite increasing trend in the number of these folding mountain bike models becoming available.

Overall, these bicycles are designed to be thoroughly durable and quick over a diverse array of terrains too.

These bikes have large, thick, and often have large treads too.

Furthermore, they are not always too portable since they always tend to weigh a little more to increase their riding stability when off-road.

Not only that, these bikes characteristically come with shock absorption features to prevent the riding from being thrown around too much.

There is a large variety of suspensions that are found on these bikes, some are considerably better than others – but they all essentially do the same thing.

Prices on mountain bikes vary drastically, make sure that you weigh up your personal requirements before purchasing one as it is easy to spend astronomical amounts of money on a top of the range fold up bike.

Types of Folding Bike

Not only are there many different brands that are currently producing foldable bikes, there are also several different types too.

While it holds true that most collapsible bikes are your typical size (20-inch wheels), it is crucial to realize that there are many more potential options to choose from:

Folding Mountain Bikes

We have provided an article on what we think are the best folding mountain bikes here.

MTB’s are certainly growing in popularity, whereas in the past they were quite a niche form of fold up bike. They’re the least portable form of folding bike, however they are extremely useful for a wide range of activities.

Not only do they offer higher speeds than standard models, they’re also capable of tackling both road and dirt tracks.

Another benefit that mountain bikes offer is the capacity to traverse hills relatively easily.

This is a result of folding mountain bikes usually having larger wheels, although this can vary somewhat between manufacturers.

An increasing number of brands are taking the step to producing folding bike and mountain bike hybrids in recent years.

We believe that soon they will be regularly seen on roads globally due to their exceptional usability.

Folding Road Bikes

Another example of a relatively unheard of or unseen style of foldable bicycle is the folding road bike.

As many would expect, these are typically the lightest models available, but as discussed previously regarding mountain bikes.

They also tend to be moderately less portable than a 20″ model.

Conversely, as their name suggests, road bikes are extremely fast on the road and can travel far faster than motor vehicles throughout a city.

If time is important to you, and portability not so, then these lightweight bikes might be perfect you.

Regarding portability, these bikes also tend to have much larger 700cc diameter wheels, but they don’t weigh too much so carrying them around isn’t always a massive drain.

Benefits of Foldable Bikes

There is an almost innumerable amount of benefits that can be derived from using a folding bike. Here are some of the main reasons for why so many people consider purchasing folding bikes:

Free Travel

Folding bikes enable you to save vast sums of money in such a short period of time, whatever your circumstances.

Think about it; no transport fees, insurance, fuel, parking tickets or any form of maintenance for your auto-mobile either.

Furthermore, you have the capacity to utilise more than one mode of transport with a folding bike.

You can it onto any form of public transport and therefore reach your destination far quicker.

I personally save upwards of $300 every single month using my folding bike in combination with public transport, buses and trains.

Exercise Daily

When I purchased my first folding bike, I never realised quite how much it would raise my fitness levels.

I used to be fairly overweight, and by fairly, I mean extremely.

Weeks would go by where I very rarely did any physical exercise and was constantly travelling to and from work in my car, then simply vegetating at my desk all day long.

I purchased my folding bike to make travelling to and from work quicker and to become less dependent on cars.

As a result of riding my folding bike I managed to lose excess fat, look and feel so much healthier.

Flexibility

In many cities across the world it is extremely difficult to travel around by car (difficulty parking and constant traffic) and you are therefore forced to walk or use public transport to get around.

Folding bikes can be carried anywhere, they are smaller than a briefcase and weigh very little.

Consequently, you’re able to take them absolutely anywhere with ease and won’t have to worry about them being stolen.