Folding Bikes: Are They Actually Good?
I was skeptical about folding bikes until I started commuting through a city where you can’t take full-size bikes on the subway during rush hour. Now I get it.
Who They’re For
Commuters who mix cycling with transit. Apartment dwellers with no bike storage. People who travel and want to bring a bike. Anyone who needs a bike that fits in a car trunk easily.
If none of these apply to you, get a regular bike instead.
The Trade-offs
Smaller wheels mean slightly less efficient rolling. The folding mechanisms add weight. Ride quality isn’t quite as good as a proper bike.
But if you need the folding feature, none of that matters. A folding bike you can actually use beats a perfect bike you can’t take with you.
What to Look For
Fold size and speed: How small does it get and how fast? Brompton folds tiny in about 20 seconds. Larger-wheeled folders don’t get as compact.
Weight: You’ll be carrying this. Every pound matters. Most are 20-30 lbs. Under 25 is nice.
Wheel size: 16″ wheels fold smallest. 20″ is a good balance. 24″ or larger means bigger fold but better ride.
Gears: Single-speed is lightest but limiting. 3-8 speeds covers most terrain. More than that is rarely necessary.
Brands Worth Considering
Brompton: The gold standard. Folds incredibly small, well-made, holds value. Expensive ($1500+) but you get what you pay for.
Dahon: More affordable range. Good quality for the money. Many models to choose from.
Tern: Similar to Dahon (same original founder). Good mid-range options.
Bike Friday: Made in Oregon, can be customized. More expensive but quality is excellent.
Avoid the Ultra-Cheap Ones
Those $200 folding bikes on Amazon? Usually terrible. Heavy, flimsy hinges, components that break. A folding bike needs solid engineering at the joints – that costs money.
The Reality
A folding bike is a compromise. You’re trading performance for portability. If that trade-off makes sense for your life, they’re fantastic. If you don’t actually need the folding feature, you’ll be happier with a normal bike.
