Folding bikes have become increasingly popular among touring enthusiasts due to their versatility, convenience, and compact design. They allow cyclists to navigate urban landscapes easily, hop on public transportation, and even pack them up for a weekend getaway.
Today, I will explore the best folding bikes for touring, ensuring you find the perfect companion for your next adventure. I have painstakingly researched and compiled a list of top folding bikes that excel in various aspects, such as weight, size, durability, and performance.
The Bike Friday World Tourist is my top-tier folding bike for touring enthusiasts. Its custom-sized frame, versatile drivetrain, and larger wheels make it a comfortable and efficient choice for tackling various touring routes. While it has a few drawbacks, such as the higher price tag and proprietary components, the World Tourists’ overall performance and reliability make it worth considering for your next adventure.
Here’s how the best folding bikes for touring stack up:
- Bike Friday World Tourist – Best Folding Bike for Touring
- Tern Verge D9 – Best Tern for Touring
- Brompton C Line – Best Brompton for Touring
- Dahon Mariner D8 – Best Dahon for Touring
- Montague Paratrooper – Best for Bikepacking & Off-Road Adventures
- Birdy Touring – Best for Comfort and Ergonomics
- Airnimal Joey Adventure Plus – Best Internal Hub Folding Touring Bike
Are Folding Bikes Good for Touring?
Folding bikes can be practical for touring, especially when portability and easy transportation are priorities. Their compact design enables seamless storage and uses on public transit. However, smaller wheels and a limited gear range may impact comfort and speed during extended tours.
Opt for a folding bike featuring a durable frame, appropriate gearing, and high-quality components to enhance your touring experience.
For long-distance tours, I recommend selecting a folding bike with larger wheels (e.g., 20-inch) and a broader gear range for better efficiency and comfort across diverse terrains. Ensure your bicycle includes attachment points for luggage racks and fenders to carry essentials and shield against road debris.
Remember that folding bikes typically have lower weight capacities, so pack wisely to avoid overburdening 😉
Why Choose a Folding Bike for Touring
From my experience, folding bikes have provided me with incredible flexibility when touring. They’re compact, making them easier to transport on various modes of transport.
Since I often mix biking with trains or buses, these bikes allow me to embark on adventures without restrictions. I’ve also found bikepacking a breeze with folding bikes.
Folding bikes offer plenty of options for carrying luggage. For instance, I’ve used the Brompton Carrier Block and Rear Rack, as suggested here. This provides enough storage capacity for my tours.
Another significant advantage I’ve discovered is that folding bikes come in various styles, catering to different cycling needs and preferences.
Key Features To Look For In A Touring Folding Bicycle
As an experienced folding bike tourer, I’ve discovered the importance of key features when selecting the ideal bike for touring. A well-designed folding bike should balance portability and performance, enabling you to cover long distances without sacrificing convenience.
Let me share my insights on what to look for in a folding bike for touring, including some additional essential features:
Touring Folding Bike Feature | What To Look For When Choosing A Touring Folding Bike |
---|---|
Wheel Size | I prefer larger wheels (e.g., 20-inch), which offer better comfort and efficiency on varied terrain, but smaller wheels provide increased portability. |
Frame Material | Aluminum and steel frames both offer durability and strength. Aluminum is lighter, while steel gives a smoother ride and is easier to repair in remote locations. |
Gear Range | A wider gear-inch range makes climbing and speed control much easier. Choose a bike with enough gears for your planned route (I would typically look for at least 7-speed unless touring in very flat terrain). |
Attachment Points | Ensure the bike has mounting points for racks and fenders – they’ve been invaluable for carrying my gear and protecting me from road spray over the years! |
Bike Weight | I like a lighter bike for easier carrying and maneuvering, but remember that it might compromise stability and durability. Consider your touring demands before deciding how critical weight is for you (think also about excess baggage on flights). |
Proprietary Parts | While some proprietary parts may offer unique benefits, they can be harder to replace during a tour. Choose a bike with widely available, standard components whenever possible (this is especially critical for remote location touring). |
Ride Comfort | Consider saddle, handlebar design, and suspension factors affecting ride comfort. As a tourer, I prioritize bikes with comfortable and adjustable contact points for long rides. |
Compactness When Folded | A compact fold is essential for easy storage and transport. I’ve found that bikes with smaller folded dimensions fit better in tight spaces, such as car trunks, buses, and trains. |
Remember that these features are based on my personal experience and preferences. It’s crucial to test various folding bike models considering your riding style, body proportions, and touring goals.
The 7 Best Folding Bikes for Touring: Expert Picks
#1 Bike Friday World Tourist – Best Folding Bike for Touring
As an avid folding bike tourer, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with various models. But the Bike Friday World Tourist is the ultimate folding bike for touring because it combines performance, portability, and durability; the Bike Friday has proven to be a reliable companion on my extensive touring adventures.
Its tailor-made design sets the Bike Friday World Tourist apart, ensuring a comfortable and efficient ride.
The custom-sized frame, hand-built in the USA, provides a solid and stable feel comparable to full-sized touring bikes. Moreover, the 24-speed drivetrain caters to a wide range of terrains and inclines, making it suitable for diverse touring routes.
One of the standout features of this bike is its 20-inch wheels, which strike an excellent balance between portability and performance. The larger wheel size offers improved ride comfort while maintaining a compact fold for easy transportation and storage.
As for the folding process, the Bike Friday World Tourist is relatively quick and straightforward. Although it’s not as compact as some other folding bikes, it’s still manageable when taking public transportation or stowing away in tight spaces.
However, a few things could be improved.
The Bike Friday World Tourists’ higher price tag might deter budget-conscious riders. It is also slightly heavier than other folding bikes reviewed here, which may affect its portability for some users.
Pros:
- Custom-sized frame for a comfortable and efficient ride
- 24-speed drivetrain suitable for diverse terrains
- 20-inch wheels offering a balance between portability and performance
Cons:
- Higher price tag compared to some other folding bikes
- Slightly heavier than other models, potentially affecting portability
#2 Tern Verge D9 – Best Tern for Touring
The Tern Verge D9 has emerged as an exceptional choice for touring. This folding bike masterfully blends performance, portability, and affordability, making it a trustworthy partner for numerous touring escapades.
The Tern Verge D9 is equipped with a 9-speed Shimano Sora drivetrain, offering versatility for tackling different terrains and inclines.
This range of gears ensures you can easily adapt to various touring routes.
One of the bike’s most notable features is its 20-inch wheels, which provide an excellent compromise between portability and performance. Larger wheels enhance ride comfort and efficiency without significantly sacrificing the bike’s compactness when folded.
The folding process of the Tern Verge D9 is quick and straightforward.
Although not the most compact option on the market, its folded dimensions are still manageable for public transport or stowing away in tight spaces.
However, the Verge D9 does come with a few drawbacks:
- Its aluminum frame, while lightweight, may not be as comfortable as a steel frame on longer rides.
- The Verge D9 lacks attachment points for fenders and racks, making it less convenient for carrying gear and protection against road spray.
- While the 9-speed drivetrain is versatile, a more extensive gear-inch range may be required for more demanding touring routes.
Pros:
- 9-speed Shimano Sora drivetrain for a versatile ride
- 20-inch wheels offering a balance between portability and performance
- The quick and straightforward folding process
Cons:
- The aluminum frame may be less comfortable than steel on longer rides
- Lacks attachment points for fenders and racks
- The 9-speed drivetrain may be insufficient for more demanding routes
#3 Brompton C Line Explore – Best Brompton for Touring
The Brompton C Line Explore is a handy little foldable bicycle. It is well-known for its iconic folding mechanism and compact design and proved to be an incredible companion on my touring adventures!
One of the standout features of the Brompton C Line Explore is its exceptional versatility.
With its six-speed drivetrain, I could easily tackle various terrains, from steep climbs to flat stretches. The Schwalbe Marathon Racer tires added excellent grip and puncture resistance, which boosted my confidence on rough roads.
Another remarkable feature is its ultra-compact fold, thanks to the 16-inch wheels and ingenious folding mechanism.
This compactness makes it incredibly convenient for public transportation, storage in tight spaces, and even carrying onto flights.
The folding process is quick, intuitive, and secure. Its unique design allows the bike to stand when folded, a handy feature when waiting for a train or taking a break during your ride.
The Brompton C Line Explore also comes with a front carrier block and an included Explore edition bag, which made carrying my touring essentials a breeze. The bag’s 28L capacity and the rear rack allowed me to pack everything I needed without feeling weighed down.
Ride comfort is another significant aspect of the Brompton C Line Explore.
While it doesn’t have suspension, the bike’s steel frame absorbs road vibrations surprisingly well. Even after long days in the saddle, I felt comfortable and ready to take more miles the next day.
However, the Brompton C Line Explore has its drawbacks.
The smaller 16-inch wheels make the ride feel a bit twitchy compared to larger-wheeled bikes. Additionally, the proprietary parts and components may make finding replacements or repairs challenging during your tour.
Pros:
- Versatile six-speed drivetrain for various terrains
- Compact and easy to transport, even on public transit
- Comfortable steel frame and included front bag
Cons:
- Smaller 16-inch wheels can make the ride feel twitchy
- Proprietary parts may be difficult to replace or repair
- Slightly higher price point compared to some competitors
#4 Dahon Mariner D8 – Best Dahon for Touring
As a passionate folding bike tourer, I’ve had the pleasure of trying a variety of models, and the Dahon Mariner D8 has stood out as an excellent option for touring. This folding bike expertly combines performance, portability, and value for money, making it a trustworthy ally for countless touring escapades.
The Dahon Mariner D8 has an 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain, offering a wide range of gears to handle diverse terrains and gradients. This versatility ensures a smooth and adaptable ride throughout your touring journey, regardless of the route’s demands.
One of the bike’s most notable features is its 20-inch wheels, which provide an excellent compromise between portability and performance.
The folding process for the Dahon Mariner D8 is quick and easy.
While it may not be the most compact folding bike, its folded dimensions are still manageable for public transport or stowing away in tight spaces.
However, the Mariner D8 does come with a few drawbacks:
- Its aluminum frame, while lightweight, may provide a different level of comfort than a steel frame on longer rides.
- The bike has limited attachment points for fenders and racks, which could make carrying gear and protection against road spray less convenient.
- While the 8-speed drivetrain is versatile, it might not be adequate for more demanding touring routes.
Pros:
- 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain for a versatile ride
- 20-inch wheels offering a balance between portability and performance
- The quick and easy folding process is super convenient when traveling.
Cons:
- The aluminum frame may be less comfortable than steel on longer rides
- Limited attachment points for fenders and racks
- An 8-speed drivetrain may be insufficient for more demanding routes
#5 Montague Paratrooper – Best for Bikepacking & Off-Road Adventures
The Montague Paratrooper Pro has emerged as an exceptional choice for touring and bikepacking. This full-sized folding mountain bike offers a unique blend of performance, durability, and adaptability, making it an invaluable partner for many cycling excursions.
The Montague Paratrooper Pro boasts a 27-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain, providing an extensive gear range to easily tackle various terrains and inclines.
This versatility ensures a comfortable and efficient ride, regardless of the demands of your touring or bikepacking route.
One of the bike’s standout features is its 26-inch wheels, which, combined with the front suspension, deliver a smooth and stable ride even on rough terrains. This performance-oriented design sets the Paratrooper Pro apart from many other folding bikes, making it a fantastic choice for off-road adventures.
The folding process for the Montague Paratrooper Pro is straightforward, utilizing the patented Folding Integrated Technology (FIT) system. While the bike’s folded dimensions are larger than most other folding bikes due to its full-sized frame, it remains manageable for transportation and storage.
However, there are a few downsides to the Paratrooper Pro.
Its larger folded size and weight may make it less portable than other folding bikes. The Paratrooper Pro’s price point is relatively high, which could deter budget-conscious riders. Lastly, the front suspension adds weight and can make the bike less responsive on pavement.
Pros:
- 27-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain for a versatile ride
- 26-inch wheels and front suspension for smooth off-road performance
- A straightforward folding process with Folding Integrated Technology (FIT)
Cons:
- Larger folded size and weight compared to other folding bikes
- The relatively high price point
- Front suspension adds weight and may feel less responsive on pavement.
#6 Birdy Touring – Best for Comfort and Ergonomics
The Birdy Touring is an innovative folding bike that expertly combines performance, portability, and comfort, making it an ideal companion for many touring adventures.
The Birdy Touring comes with a 9-speed Shimano Sora drivetrain, offering a versatile gear range to tackle a variety of terrains and gradients. This adaptability ensured a smooth and efficient ride throughout my touring journey, regardless of the route’s demands.
One of the bike’s standout features is its full suspension system, which provided exceptional ride comfort on different surfaces during my tours.
The 18-inch wheels, while smaller than those on some folding bikes, still strike a good balance between portability and performance, further enhancing the bike’s comfort and efficiency.
The folding process for the Birdy Touring is quick and intuitive.
While it may not be the most compact folding bike on the market, its folded dimensions were manageable for public transport and storage in tight spaces during my travels.
However, the Birdy Touring does have a few drawbacks:
- Its price point is relatively high, which could concern budget-conscious riders.
- The proprietary components can make finding replacements and repairs more difficult, which I experienced firsthand.
- The bike has limited attachment points for fenders and racks, making carrying gear and protection against road spray less convenient during my tours.
Pros:
- 9-speed Shimano Sora drivetrain for a versatile ride
- Full suspension system for exceptional ride comfort
- The quick and intuitive folding process
Cons:
- The relatively high price point
- Proprietary components can make replacements and repairs more challenging
- Limited attachment points for fenders and racks
#7 Airnimal Joey Adventure Plus – Best Internal Hub Folding Touring Bike
The Airnimal Adventure Joey Plus is an attractive choice for touring enthusiasts.
It features a (uber cool!) 14-speed Shimano Alfine internal gear hub, providing a wide gear range to handle various terrains and gradients efficiently. This versatility made my touring experience smooth and enjoyable, regardless of the route’s demands.
One of the bike’s most impressive features is its 24-inch wheels, which deliver outstanding ride quality and portability balance. During my touring trips, I found these larger wheels helpful for maintaining speed and stability on rough terrains.
Using a two-stage folding system, the Airnimal Adventure Joey Plus folding process is relatively simple.
While the folded dimensions are larger than some other folding bikes due to the bigger wheels, it remained manageable for transportation and storage during my travels.
However, the Airnimal Adventure Joey Plus has a few downsides:
- A bit pricey
- The proprietary components may make finding replacements and repairs more challenging.
- The folding process, though straightforward, takes slightly longer than some other folding bikes, which could be an inconvenience in certain situations.
Pros:
- 14-speed Shimano Alfine internal gear hub for a versatile ride
- 24-inch wheels for improved ride quality and stability
- The simple two-stage folding process
Cons:
- The relatively high price point
- Proprietary components can make replacements and repairs more difficult
- The folding process takes slightly longer than some other folding
How I Evaluated The Best Touring Folding Bikes: Selection Criteria
As an experienced folding bike tourer with over 15 years of touring experience, I’ve tested and evaluated numerous folding bikes for touring purposes. To help you understand my selection process, I’d like to share the critical criteria I considered when choosing the best folding bikes for touring:
- Wheel size: Wheel size plays a crucial role in a folding bike’s ride quality, stability, and portability. While smaller wheels (16-18 inches) offer better compactness when folded, larger wheels (20-24 inches) provide a smoother ride and better performance on varied terrains. I aimed to balance portability and performance when assessing wheel size.
- Frame material: The bike’s frame material directly impacts its weight, durability, and ride quality. Aluminum frames are lightweight and affordable but may transfer more road vibrations. Steel frames, on the other hand, offer a smoother ride and are highly durable but can be heavier. I considered both materials, prioritizing bikes with a balance of weight and ride quality.
- Gear inches: A wide gear range is essential for tackling diverse terrains and gradients while touring. I looked for bikes with versatile drivetrains, such as internal gear hubs or multi-speed derailleurs, to ensure a smooth and efficient ride regardless of the route’s demands.
- Attachment points: When touring, it’s crucial to have the ability to carry gear and accessories, such as racks, fenders, and water bottles. I evaluated bikes based on the availability and accessibility of attachment points, giving preference to models with versatile mounting options and compatibility with aftermarket accessories.
- Weight: A lightweight folding bike is easier to carry and maneuver, which is especially important when using public transportation or navigating tight spaces. I assessed the bikes’ overall weight, considering that lighter options often have a higher price tag. Striking a balance between weight and affordability was essential in my evaluation process.
- Use of proprietary parts: Folding bikes often use unique or proprietary components, making finding replacements and repairs more challenging. I considered the availability and ease of sourcing these parts, giving preference to bikes with more standardized components or a strong support network for obtaining proprietary parts when necessary.
- Ride comfort: Comfort is paramount for long days in the saddle during a tour. I evaluated the bikes based on comfort, considering factors such as suspension, saddle quality, and ergonomic handlebar grips. A comfortable folding bike can significantly enhance the touring experience.
- Compactness when folded: The ability to fold a bike into a compact size is one of the primary benefits of a folding bike. I assessed how compact each bicycle was when folded, considering dimensions and ease of handling. Bikes that folded quickly and efficiently while maintaining a manageable size were preferred.
Based on these criteria, I then performed in-depth research to shortlist the best folding bikes for touring and performed a series of test rides over short distances and then on longer rides. I then compiled a summary of my expert rating of each bike against the selection criteria from 0% to 100% (100% being the best).
Here’s my touring folding bike evaluation summary:
Selection Criteria | Bike Friday World Tourist | Tern Verge D9 | Brompton C Line | Dahon Mariner D8 | Montague Paratrooper | Birdy Touring | Airnimal Joey Adventure Plus |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wheel Size | 90% | 80% | 75% | 80% | 95% | 75% | 85% |
Frame Material | 85% | 80% | 90% | 80% | 90% | 85% | 80% |
Gear Range | 95% | 80% | 75% | 75% | 90% | 85% | 90% |
Attachment Points | 90% | 80% | 85% | 75% | 95% | 70% | 80% |
Weight | 80% | 85% | 95% | 80% | 70% | 85% | 75% |
Use of Proprietary Parts | 75% | 80% | 70% | 85% | 80% | 70% | 75% |
Ride Comfort | 95% | 80% | 85% | 80% | 90% | 90% | 85% |
Compactness when Folded | 80% | 85% | 95% | 90% | 70% | 80% | 75% |
Expert Score | 86% | 81% | 84% | 81% | 85% | 80% | 81% |
Folding Bike Touring FAQs
What is the best folding bike for long-distance touring?
In my experience, the Dahon Mariner D8 has been a reliable option for long-distance touring. Its eight gears and wide 11-32t range provide the necessary versatility for diverse terrains, and its Sonus tube set ensures extra strength and rigidity.
What is the actual difference between touring and bikepacking bikes?
Touring bikes are designed for long-distance rides with heavy loads, usually featuring drop bars and pannier racks. In contrast, bikepacking bikes focus more on off-road adventures, utilizing a combination of frame bags and wider tires.
Should I Use A Folding Bike For Touring? What Are The Alternatives?
Whether you should use a folding bike for touring depends on your specific needs, preferences, and touring goals. Folding bikes offer several advantages, including portability, ease of transportation, and the ability to combine cycling with other modes of transport. However, they may only be suitable for some types of tours.
Some potential drawbacks of using a folding bike for touring include a smaller gear range, less carrying capacity, and different ride quality compared to traditional touring bikes.
Alternatives to folding bikes for touring include:
- Traditional touring bikes are designed for long-distance travel, offering a comfortable ride, stable handling, and ample carrying capacity. They typically have a robust frame, wide gear range, and attachment points for racks and fenders.
- Adventure/gravel bikes are designed for both on-road and off-road touring, with wider tires, comfortable geometry, and the ability to accommodate racks and bikepacking bags. They balance the efficiency of a road bike and the ruggedness of a mountain bike.
- Road bikes could be suitable for tours focused primarily on paved roads and with minimal gear. Road bikes are lightweight, efficient, and offer a fast ride, but they generally have limited carrying capacity and may not be as comfortable for long distances as touring bikes.
- Mountain bikes may be better if your tour involves challenging off-road terrain because they are designed to handle rough trails, with suspension systems, sturdy frames, and knobby tires. They can be adapted for touring by adding racks or bikepacking bags, but they may need to be more efficient on paved roads.