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The best folding mountain bikes are versatile, catering to adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts who crave the excitement of mountain biking but need a compact, easy-to-store option.
Foldable mountain bikes successfully marry the durability and capability of mountain bikes with the convenience of a foldable design, proving indispensable for those with limited space and a love for exploration.
Best Folding Mountain Bikes For The Money
- Military grade frame and components
- 27 gears are perfect for tackling all terrains
- Suitable for riders from 4'8" to 6'4" in height
- Powerful 750W motor with 26 miles range
- Comfortable ride thanks to full suspension and fat tires
- Suitable for off-road, beaches and snow!
- Great value for money
- Full suspension and hydraulic disc brakes performed well off-road
- Suitable for riders of varying heights (approximately 5'3" to 6'0")
The Expert: With over 25 years of off-road biking experience, a background competing at the National Championships, and over 10 years working as a bicycle mechanic. I’ve spent over 1,000 hours riding, testing, and reviewing mountain bikes and foldies.
Mark Plummer
Best Folding Mountain Bike: Montague Paratrooper Pro
I recommend the Montague Paratrooper Pro to anyone seeking reliability, durability, and performance in a folding mountain bike. Its unique design and military-grade quality set it apart from many other available options.
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
- Folded Size: 36″x28″x12″
- Speeds: 27
- Wheel Size: 26″
- Weight: 31 lbs
- Military grade frame and components
- 27 gears are perfect for tackling all terrains
- Suitable for riders from 4'8" to 6'4" in height
- I would have liked to see a 27.5" wheel option
I’m thoroughly impressed with the Montague Paratrooper Pro. Its sleek design and lightweight aluminum frame make it perfect for off-road riding and easy to carry. The Paratrooper Pro is versatile with its 20” frame and 27 gear options, offering exceptional functionality on various terrains.
The disc brakes performed excellently on the trails, providing a full range of stopping power that gave me confidence when tackling downhill trails or on rough terrain. The tires also have outstanding grip, ensuring both safety and control for the rider.
However, one drawback is the slightly higher price than other foldable mountain bikes.
But considering its features, performance, and military-grade quality, I believe it’s worth investing for those who prioritize portability without compromising ride quality.
Although initially designed for military personnel, the Montague Paratrooper Pro is an excellent choice for adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and commuters alike. Its sturdiness and capability to handle various terrains make it suitable for long rides and off-road trails.
In contrast, its folding mechanism and lightweight frame make it convenient for urban settings and daily commutes.
Learn How To Choose, Setup, Ride & Maintain Your Folding Bike with The Ultimate Folding Bike Beginner’s Guide
Learn MoreBest Folding Electric Mountain Bike: Rundeer 750W
With its 20-inch fat tires and 750W electric motor, this e-bike is powerful and designed for environments like beaches, snow, and mountains. It reaches a top speed of 32 mph, making it fun for experienced riders.
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
- Electric motor: 750 watts
- Speeds: 7
- Wheel Size: 20″ x 4" fat tires
- Weight: 82 lbs
- Powerful 750W motor with 26 miles range
- Comfortable ride thanks to full suspension and fat tires
- Suitable for off-road, beaches and snow!
- 82lbs weight makes transporting or pedalling with a flat battery challenging
- Folding mechanism wasn't the best I've tested
Looking for an adventurous way to explore various terrains? I recently had the opportunity to test the Rundeer folding mountain bike, and after trying it out, it was a solid folding e-bike for adults seeking some excitement.
With its 20-inch fat tires and 750W electric motor, this e-bike is powerful and designed for various environments like beaches, snow, and mountains. It reaches a top speed of 32 mph, making it fun for experienced riders.
During off-road test rides, I found the 7-speed gears could tackle most terrains, including steep climbs, thanks to the power assist.
The impressive battery features durable A-grade Samsung cells (48V/15Ah), providing more than 26 miles of range in pure electric mode. The bike has front fork shocks, and the rear section offers additional shock absorption, making it comfortable and stable.
One drawback I identified during testing is that the bike weighs 82 pounds (including the battery), which might be too heavy for some users. Despite its weight, the bike is foldable, making it convenient for storage and transportation.
Best Folding Mountain Bike Under $300: Xspec 21-speed
The Xspec is a perfect folding MTB for those who need a daily commuter or an entry-level mountain bike for occasional off-road adventures.
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
- Folded Size: 41"H x 32"L x 22"W
- Speeds: 21
- Wheel Size: 26″
- Weight: 42 lbs
- Great value for money
- Full suspension and hydraulic disc brakes performed well off-road
- Suitable for riders of varying heights (approximately 5'3" to 6'0")
- 42lbs weight is a little heavy (albeit understandable at this price point)
- Some owners reported rear wheel bearing failures
the Xspec 26” 21 Speed Folding Mountain Bike is my budget pick, and despite the entry-level price I discovered during testing, it has some great features that are perfect for city commuting and trail adventures.
The Xspec Mountain Bike can be collapsed for storage or transport in seconds with its folding mechanism. Its compact folded dimensions (41 “H x 32 “L x 22” W) and 42 lbs weight make it convenient to tuck away when not in use. The high-tensile steel frame holds up well under challenging terrain yet remains lightweight for a smooth ride.
As a rider standing 5’8” tall, I found the bike’s recommended height range (5’3” -6’0”) to be accurate.
Despite its low weight capacity, it can accommodate up to 220 lbs, making it suitable for various users. The disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, ensuring a safer ride on and off the road.
Best Folding Full Suspension Mountain Bike: Eurobike OBK G4/G6
The Eurobike is perfect for riders on a tight budget who want a full-suspension foldable mountain bike with disc brakes. The folding mechanism on this bike works well, making it easily portable.
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Speeds: 21
- Wheel Size: 26″
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Available with 26" or 27.5" wheels
- Full suspension and disc brakes
- Great value for money
- 40 lbs weight is a little on the heavy side
- Rims cannot be straightened if buckled
Recently, I got my hands on the Eurobike OBK G4/G6 26” Full Suspension Folding Mountain Bike, and it’s been a game-changer for me.
Its quick folding design sets this bike apart, making it incredibly portable.
You can effortlessly fold it away with a swift-release clip to fit in your apartment corner or car trunk, which comes in handy when you’re out and about and need to save space.
The Eurobike also offers a reliable braking system with front and rear disc brakes for safe and controlled stopping even at high speeds.
The full suspension performed well during testing, with a powerful shock absorber allowing smooth cruising on rough terrain. The adjustable saddle and handlebar height added another layer of comfort, catering to adults with a height range of 5’3” to 5’7” for the 26” wheels and 5’7″ to 6’1” for the 27.5” wheels.
The third time I rode my Eurobike, I optimized the handlebar and saddle heights more, which was worth the time as the ride was much more comfortable.
Though the Eurobike has many positive features, it is worth mentioning that at 40 pounds, it is heavier than some of the other mountain bike brands I tested.
Overall, the Eurobike OBK G4/G6 is an excellent foldable mountain bike for those who seek convenience, comfort, and versatility at an affordable price point.
Best Fat Tire Folding Electric Mountain Bike: Wooken
The Wooken Electric Bike is a great choice for those seeking a convenient, efficient, and fun way to get around.
Its powerful motor, versatile fat tires, and adaptable riding modes make it suitable for various conditions and satisfy anyone's taste for adventure.
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Speeds: 21
- Wheel Size: 26″ fat tire
- Weight: 71 lbs
- The 500W motor delivers great power, allowing you to tackle steep slopes, snow, and beaches
- Battery charges within 5 hours and provides 30 miles of range
- The 500W motor struggles on steep hills for heavy riders
- I found the power key sometimes got stuck or was difficult to operate
- Weighs 71 lbs (yikes!)
The Wooken Electric Bike is a 26” fat tire electric bicycle with a powerful 500W motor that can achieve speeds up to 21.6mph. It adapts well to various terrains, including steep slopes, snow, and sandy beaches, giving you a thrilling, obstacle-free ride.
What I love about this bike is its removable and concealed 48V/10Ah battery, which charges fully in just 5 hours and offers a 30-mile range in pure electric mode and up to 60 miles in assisted mode. The clear display shows useful data such as voltage, mileage, battery life, speed, and power-assist levels.
This compact e-bike can easily fit in the trunk of your car, so you can take it for long road trips and enjoy the freedom of riding anywhere.
The Wooken Electric Bike offers three riding modes:
- e-bike
- electric-assist
- normal bike
These options came in handy as they catered to my different riding needs when I tested the Wooken on gravel tracks, off-road, and cycle paths. I did most of my riding in electric-assist mode to maximize battery life.
Best Brompton for Off-Road: Kinetics MTBrompton
I am on the record saying that a Brompton is unsuitable for off-road riding due to its 16-inch wheels and being designed for urban riding.
And that’s where Kinetics comes in.
The MTBrompton by Kinetics is a revolutionary upgrade to the classic Brompton folding bike, designed for off-road terrains without compromising Brompton’s renowned compactness.
The upgraded features include 20” wheels, 60mm wide off-road tires, disc brakes (hydraulic or cable), and an Alfine or Rohloff internal gearing hub, ensuring smoother and more controlled rides on rugged landscapes while maintaining a compact fold.
The MTBrompton offers a smooth, controlled ride with a higher sitting position due to an elevated bottom bracket.
Despite the upgrades, it retains a manageable fold size, albeit slightly larger, catering well to commuters with mixed transport modes and limited storage.
Weighing approximately 14.6kg, it is robust and durable.
The premium upgrade costs around £1460 (~US $1840), not including the bike, which certainly is not cheap and best suited to die-hard Brompton fans.
I haven’t had the chance to ride one of these modified Brompton’s yet, but I did thoroughly enjoy watching this video of it being tested off-road on the isle of Arran!
Considerations When Buying A Foldable Mountain Bike
If you’re in the market for a foldable mountain bike, there are three key considerations that I recommend you focus on:
- Portability: it goes without saying that if you’re searching for a foldable bicycle, it’s important to consider the folded size of the mountain bike and its ease of foldability.
- Off-road capability: in assessing how suitable the bike is for off-road riding, you should consider the same features that you would look for in a regular mountain bike.
- Budget: you will need to balance getting the features you want and need with your budget, and sometimes this requires compromise!
Let’s look at each of these considerations in more detail:
1. Portability
Portability is paramount in a folding bike. While the compactness of the folded bike is crucial, the folding mechanism’s design and quality are equally important. Assess how quickly and seamlessly you can fold and unfold the bike and whether it’s cumbersome or intuitive.
Also, consider the bike’s weight.
While a lighter bike offers more convenience, it shouldn’t compromise stability and durability. Assess whether the folded dimensions fit comfortably in your intended storage spaces or transportation.
2. Off-Road Capability
To evaluate off-road capability, I always closely examine the following features:
- Suspension Quality: Essential for absorbing shocks on uneven terrains, ensuring a smoother, more controlled ride. Full suspension will provide a smoother ride but often at a higher price.
- Wheel Size: Larger wheels (i.e., 26″ or 27.5″) and wider tires with grippy treads offer better stability and grip on challenging terrains.
- Frame Material and Construction: Opt for robust yet lightweight materials like aluminum that can endure the rigors of off-road biking.
- Gear Range: Modern mountain bikes have tended towards a 1×11 drivetrain setup. I haven’t found many foldies with a similar setup, so at the very least, look for a reasonable number of gears and consider the range from high to low speed.
- Braking System: Hydraulic disc brakes provide superior stopping power and control off-road and are fairly standard on most mountain bikes today, even at lower price points. Tip: look for 160mm diameter or greater disc rotors for maximum braking power.
If you’d like to dive deeper into choosing an off-road bicycle, I found this guide from Bike Radar to help you understand the key features of a high-performing mountain bike.
3. Budget
Balancing your desires and budget is pivotal. Prioritize features based on your intended use:
- If off-road performance is your priority, don’t compromise suspension quality and frame durability.
- If portability is crucial, seek bikes that fold compactly and are lightweight.
While premium bikes, such as Montague, offer advanced features, there are also cost-effective options providing essential features without compromising quality. Additionally, consider warranty and after-sales services, as these can be beneficial in the long run.
How We Tested
I have 25 years of experience riding, building, testing, and repairing mountain bikes. An experienced bicycle mechanic and former MTB athlete who has also undertaken extensive research and testing of various folding bikes.
Testing involved a combination of desktop comparisons and research, combined with test rides of specific foldable mountain bikes, which I performed in a range of urban, outdoor, and off-road environments to test out and compare the different models.
Mountain Bike vs. Folding Bike: Which is Better?
Mountain bikes are robust and versatile, ideal for off-road terrains but slower on pavement. Folding bikes are compact and excel on paved surfaces, suitable for urban commuting and easy storage, but falter on rough paths.
In choosing between a mountain bike and a folding bike, consider your primary riding terrain and whether portability or versatility is more crucial.
The folding bike excels in urban settings and smooth roads due to its compactness, while the mountain bike is the preferred choice for explorers tackling diverse and challenging terrains.
And if you need the best of both worlds, choose a folding mountain bike 😉
Are Folding Mountain Bikes Worth It?
Folding mountain bikes are portable, robust, and durable. Their space-efficient design makes them especially suitable for those with limited storage.
What Is The Lightest Folding Mountain Bike?
The lightest folding mountain bike in the world is the Montague Paratrooper Elite, which weighs 27 pounds. The Paratrooper Highline weighs 30 pounds, including the front suspension and all other components.
Mark Plummer
Mark Plummer is an experienced bike mechanic who has built, repaired, and customized thousands of bikes over the years. A former mountain biking athlete, his cycling adventures have taken him all over the globe from the mountains of Scotland to the South Island of New Zealand. These days he enjoys the benefits of commuting to work and touring on his Dahon and Brompton folding bikes.This free cheat sheet will help you choose a folding bike by providing quick information on the 7 key considerations when buying a foldable bicycle!
