Best Folding Bike 2021
If you are a bike rider that has to commute (particularly through multiple means of transportation) then you probably already know a great deal about folding bikes. They’re meant to be easy to carry, convenient for taking onboard a bus/train, and a much more secure option for those concerned with leaving their bike unattended for long periods of time.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. There are a lot of shoddily mechanized folding bikes out there, so we’ve weeded out the bad ones and come up with a great list of the best folding bikes- just for you.
Things to Consider for Folding Bikes
- How Much You Are Comfortable Carrying. The average folding bike weighs between 17-40 lbs.
- Why You Want a Folding Bike in the First Place. You should definitely consider what appealed to you about a folding bike in the first place; as opposed to getting caught up in cool add-on features. If you need a bike that you could easily carry for several blocks between bus stops, you need a super light framed folding bicycle. If you mainly ride out on the trail or somewhere else with rougher terrain, you need a super durable, relatively heavy model.
- Wheel Size. Paying attention to the bikes tire size will give you a good idea of how large the bike frame is when it’s completely unfolded. Larger tires mean larger frames.
- Speed. Many folding bicycles aren’t meant to go very fast, and are really just for short casual rides. If you’re a more serious cyclist however, you want a bike that has a little bit of pedal-power.
Top 10 Best Folding Bicycles Overview Chart
| Picture | Name | Weight | Ease of Folding | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. fBIKE Direct 6 Speed Folding Bike (Graphite gray) | 31 lbs | Easy | $$$ | 4.7 |
 | 2. Columba 26" Folding Bike w. Shimano Black (SP26S_BLK) | 34 lbs | Easy | $$ | 4.5 |
 | 3. Dahon Mariner D7 Folding Bike, Brushed | 26 lbs | Easy | $$$$ | 4.4 |
 | 4. Montague 18-Inch Paratrooper Pro Folding Bike, Matte Black | 29 lbs | Easy | $$$$$ | 4.4 |
 | 5. Allen Sports Urban Aluminum 1 Speed Folding Bicycle, Navy, 12-Inch/One Size | 33.5 lbs | Easy | $$$$ | 4.4 |
 | 6. Dahon Speed Uno Folding Bike, Shadow | 24.2 lbs | Easy | $$$$ | 4.3 |
 | 7. Hasa Folding Foldable Bike Sram 6 Speed Black | 27.5 lbs | Medium | $$$ | 4.2 |
 | 8. Retrospec Bicycles Speck Folding Single-Speed Bicycle, Graphite, 20-Inch | 22 lbs | Easy | $$$ | 4.0 |
 | 9. Stowabike 20" City Bike Compact Folding 6 Speed Shimano Bicycle | 35 lbs | Medium | $ | 3.8 |
 | 10. Schwinn Hinge Folding Bike | 42 lbs | Easy | $$ | 3.5 |
Basic Buyer Information
If you’re searching for the best folding bike, make sure that you are purchasing a brand with a good reputation for providing appropriate products that are safe. A folding bicycle can be a great convenience if you are constantly on the go, living or working in a tight space or just want to be able to toss your bike in the trunk for the occasional spur-of-the-moment ride. All of the bikes that we’ve listed on our top ten are tested and certified for safety, performance and durability.
Top 5 Best Folding Bike Reviews
1. fBIKE Direct 6 Speed
The fBike Direct 6 Speed Folding Bike is a great choice for cyclists that need a heavy enough bike that they can ride when and where they want. It is certified for safety, and is quick and simple to assemble, or unfold. The average time taken to unfold this model is an incredible and convenient 15 seconds.
Weighing in at 31 lbs., this bike is a medium-light weight folding bicycle with a durable steel frame. It is equipped with 20 inch alloy wheels, and Kendra brand ‘road’ tires. When folded this bikes dimensions are; 22 inches H by 14 inches W by 30 inches. When unfolded and ready to ride, this bike is appropriate for riders up to 6’3 in height. Its weight limit is 225 lbs.
The fBike Direct 6 Speed is (you guessed it) a six speed. Enough gears to get you where you are going in a reasonable amount of time; even if it isn’t exactly what you would want to ride in a dirt track race.
2. Columba 26″ (SP26S_BLK)
The Columba 26” Folding Bike w. Shimano Black is a very sleek and attractive model; weighing in at 34 lbs. It is also certified for safety.
This is the perfect bike for commuters, students and light hikers. It easily fits in a standard compact car trunk, is easy to carry and transport; as well as being quick and easy to fold and unfold.
On average, this bike model takes about 10 seconds to fold/unfold; which is pretty impressive. Its dimensions when folded up are; 38 inches H by 14 inches W by 29 inches. When unfolded and ready to ride, it is the appropriate size for riders between 5’3 and 6’0. It is noted that those of you with longer legs should consider purchasing a longer seat post.
This model is constructed of a high quality steel frame and alloy wheels; and is equipped with 26” Kendra tires for a great grip on any surface. The Columba 26” Folding Bike is an 18 speed bike; giving you the ability to bike almost exactly the same way that you would on a standard, non-folding bicycle.
3. Dahon Mariner D7
The Dahon Mariner D7 (seven speed) Folding Bike is yet another one of the best folding bikes on our list. It is an awesome option for regular cyclists who need to make their bike a little more compact while it isn’t in use. It is certified for rider safety, and is an attractive and unique looking convenient travel bike.
Riders who live on the coast may have special appreciation for this model. It is dubbed the Mariner due to its convenient size when folded, as well as its rust resistant quality. While you still have to maintain proper care and maintenance of the frame, this leads to far less corrosion and overall damage to this folding bicycle. It would also be great to take out on a boat for occasional trips to shore to go exploring.
This bikes dimensions when folded up and ready for storage are; 22 inches H by 11 inches W by 33 inches; very convenient for trunk or bus storage as well. It only weighs 26 lbs., making it easy to carry with you when you aren’t riding. When it is unfolded, it suits riders between 5’3 and 5’11.
4. Montague 18-Inch Paratrooper Pro
The Montague Paratrooper Pro 27 is pretty fantastic and rather unique. If you are looking for a true mountain bike experience, but require the ability to fold your bike up and store it when you’re done; this is the bike for you. Of course, it is also certified for safety.
This model weighs in at a total of 29 lbs. and its folded dimensions are; 36 inches by 28 inches by 12 inches. This incredible model can be folded or unfolded in a matter of 20 seconds. It is appropriate for riders between 5’3 and 6.4’ (Different frame sizes, 18 and 20); and it is a 27 speed bicycle.
5. Allen Sports Urban Aluminum 1
The Allen Sports Urban Aluminum 1 Speed isn’t meant for long uphill treks, but it is a great bike nonetheless. It only weighs 24 lbs., and when folded it is 33 inches H by 14 inches W by 31.5 inches; and rolls like a car when folded up; making it an incredibly convenient bike for commuters and students.
This model is suitable for riders between 4’8 and 6’5. It supports up to 230 lbs. and only requires roughly eight seconds to fold or unfold.
