Looking for a lightweight folding bike that you can use while traveling or on your daily commute?
There are so many brands of folding bikes available on the market and it can be quite hard to narrow down your options if you have no idea as to what kind of features you are in or if you aren’t a bike person and you can’t tell the good components from the bad ones.
In order to make the task of finding the best foldable bike easier for you we have come up with a buying guide as well as a top ten list of the best folding bikes on the market in order to give you an idea of the kinds of options that are available at different price ranges and the kinds of features that you can expect to find on these types of bikes at varying prices.
Our best choice for this year’s top spot for best folding bike is the Schwinn 20-inch loop folding bike and the Xspec 20″ 7 Speed City Folding Compact Bike. We really love the looks of the Outroad and Eurobike mountain bikes with 26-ich wheels and 17 frames.
Folding Bike Buying Guide
Price
The first thing that you are going to want to consider when you are thinking you may want to purchase yourself a bike it to consider the price that you are willing to pay in order to get one.
It is important to think about factors such as how often you plan on using the bike, what your financial situation is as well as where you are going to be storing the bike during off-seasons or when it is not in use.
If you aren’t using your bike very often or you don’t have a proper place to store your bike you may either want to invest some money into a proper storage option first or buy a lower-end bike so that your bike isn’t outside exposed to the elements.
Drivetrain
There are a very wide amount of drivetrains available when it comes to folding bikes and it can be hard to decide what kind of a drivetrain is the best for your situation; especially if you have no idea what a drivetrain is in the first place.
A drivetrain is a device on a bike that transmits the power of your pedaling to the wheels in order to propel you around.
A drive train will essentially determine the rate that the pedals have to move in order to spin the wheel. A drivetrain will have multiple gears incorporated into its design unless it is a single-speed drivetrain.
If a drivetrain does have multiple gears this essentially allows you to choose an appropriate gear for the terrain that you are located on.
Generally speaking you will find that you will be in a lower gear when you are trying to go uphill, a medium gear when you are trying to bike on a flat road, and a high gear when you are going downhill.
Size
Size is actually much more important when it comes to bikes than most people think.
A bike that is of a proper size will allow the rider to ride much more efficiently, remain more comfortable for the duration of the ride as well as create more power from each and every one of your pedals.
In order to make sure that you get a proper size of bike a manufacturer incorporates sizing ranges and you should be able to locate these directly on the bike.
If you are looking to get a more professional size you can always head over to your local bike shop and they should be able to give you a more accurate size reading and they will likely even have more bike options that you can choose from in order to suit your biking needs.
Weight
Depending on what you plan on using the bike for the weight of a bike can actually be a big deal. If you want to attempt to do any kinds of tricks on the bike it is best to try and get something that is a lightweight design.
A lightweight design will be easier to maneuver around when you are both on and off of the bike and this is an important factor that you should consider.
It is important to consider the size to weight ratio as well because not all bikes are the same size and a larger bike should be expected to weigh more than a smaller bike.
Material
Generally speaking you are going to find that there are three types of frames available and they will come in a steel design, a carbon fiber design or they will be a lighter-weight aluminum frame.
Most riders prefer a lighter frame as it makes their bike easier to move around. Steel is generally the cheapest metal to manufacture a bike with which is why it is used quite often when making bike frames.
You may pay a bit more to get an aluminum or carbon fiber frame but you will have more maneuverability as a result.
Warranty
One of the most important parts of purchasing something expensive is to know what kind of warranty you are getting with the product.
A product that has a long warranty is always a good thing because it means that the manufacturer is willing to put money behind their product because they trust that it is of a high enough quality that it is going to last for that length of time.
It is very important to read the fine details of a warranty to make sure that there are no clauses within it that will block you from returning the product;
generally you will be safe when buying from the larger companies but it is still always a good idea to check and make sure that the statement they are making is true.
Brand
When many people turn to bikes they often turn directly to the top manufacturers on the market and check out the products that they offer.
This is a great idea to get an idea of what something of a decent quality looks like and the kinds of features that they have incorporated into their design.
It is important to remember that the largest manufacturers are going to charge a higher price for their product simply due to their big-name brand.
It is a good idea to check out some of the lower-priced competition as well to see the types of bikes they offer as you may find something quite similar to a big-name brand without the massive price tag associated with it.
When you are buying from a company that you don’t know much about you should always have a look to make sure that they are a legitimate company that makes high-quality products.
Weight Capacity
Not all of the bikes you see are going to have a weight capacity limit but it is extremely important to be on the lookout for weight limits as it can have a large impact on bike performance and even cause damage to the bike if the weight limit is exceeded.
You will find weight limits within the manufacturer’s specifications for the bike and it should be in the same area as the place where the manufacturer puts the expected rider height for proper sizing.
Best Folding Bike Reviews
1. Schwinn 20-Inch Loop Folding Bike
If you are looking to get something from a big-name brand for a fairly reasonable price tag then this could definitely be a good option for you.
This bike is available in three different designs at varying prices if you are interested in getting something a bit on the fancier side of things.
This bike is available in a white, titanium silver and black design in order to suit your personal tastes. Each of these bikes features a 7-speed derailleur meaning that this bike does quite well no matter whether pedaling uphill or downhill.
This bike has 20-inch wheels that offer a very smooth and comfortable ride. In order to shift gears on this bike all you have to do is twist the speed shifter and you can go up and down gears as you need. I
f you use this bike as a commuter bike there is a rear carrier designed into the back of the unit that you can attach a basket so that you can hold all of your possession while maintaining control of your bike.
This bike is fairly lightweight, easy to fold, and is made by one of the most popular bike brands to give you some peace of mind with your purchase.
Pros:
- Available in three color options in order to suit your personal tastes
- 20-inch wheels provide a smooth, comfortable ride
- 7-speed derailleur makes this bike easier to use when going uphill and downhill
- Made by a big name brand for some peace of mind
- Easy to shift gears on thanks to spin mechanics
- Rear of the unit can hold a basket to take your personal possessions with you
Cons:
- Higher price tag due to big brand name
- Bike weighs 34 pounds so it isn’t the lightest bike on the market
2. Xspec 20″ 7 Speed City Folding Compact Bike
If you are looking for a mid-priced folding bike then this could definitely be a good option for you. This bike features a 20-inch frame and a seven-speed drivetrain so that this bike is easier to use when you are going downhill and uphill.
The back of this unit is built to be able to hold a basket on the back of the unit in case you want to carry any of your things around with you.
This frame is made from steel and although it may be 36 pounds making it not the best for tricks, it is a great urban commuter bike with lots of features.
This bike folds neatly in seconds and fits easily in a closet or teensy-weensy car trunk (like a “for two” trunk). It ends up 29″ x 24″ x 13″ when folded.
It can accommodate riders up to 220 pounds and for a portable, urban folding bike, it actually doesn’t look too bad! The Xspec, with durable alloy wheels would be perfect to accommodate someone even over 6 feet tall!
Pros:
- Seven-speed bike allows you to travel uphill and downhill with ease
- Built-in rack on the back of the bike to attach a basket to in order to hold your personal items
- Easy to fold
- Tiny footprint
Cons:
- Not a super lightweight bike so it isn’t great for tricks
- Only available in a black, Super White and Gunmetal Blue design (for those of you who want more colors, this is bad news 🙂
3. EuroMini ZiZZO Via Folding Bike
The Via from EuroMini Zizzo is a well-regarded bike to be sure. It’s one of the best rated bikes on Amazon for customer satisfaction.
Aluminum alloy is the material of choice to keep the cost down, and Shimano Tourney is the component group. It features a 7-speed capability and the seat stem adjusts for people from under five feet tall, to over six and a half feet tall!
With double-wall rims, ultra-light multi-terrain tires and a tough magnet to hold the bike together when closed, it’s nicely appointed with lots of “must have” features.
It can hold riders up to 240 libs and the whole bike itself weighs 27 lbs.
Pros:
- Common 20 inch frame size
- Low price tag appeals to broad audience
- Amazon’s highest ratings
Cons:
- Not exactly a “macho” looking bike – a bit slight and “feminine”
4. Outroad Folding Mountain Bike
The Outroad mountain bike offers one heck of a good look, that’s for sure! It’s not a household brand for sure, is it good enough for you? Let’s see!
If you’re anywhere from 5’3″ to 6’2″, this would work for you. The bike made from high carbon steel and offers dual-suspension. Its 21 speeds are quickly accessed at your fingertips.
This bike has 26-inch wheels, a 17-inch frame and 6-spoke fashion rims. Of course, you can adjust nearly everything including seat height, but we think the disc brakes are the pinnacle of this bike.
Disc brakes have usually been the domain of very high-end (priced) bikes, until now! At 39 lbs, it’s not breaking any world records for the lightest bike, but at less than $250 and offering a foldable feature, we can’t expect the world!
It’s not all roses however. The Amazon reviews are just “okay” at just under 4 out of 5 stars. While all users loved the looks of the bike, some users (more than we’d like to see) experienced issues with various parts failing soon after purchase.
Having said that, the return policy is pretty good and several buyers received a brand new bike right away!
Pros:
- Free pedals
- Large frame size compared to most foldable bikes on the market
- Low to average price range
- Disc brakes
- Great return policy
Cons:
- Can have some parts/function issues after purchase
5. Eurobike 26 Inch Mountain Bike
Okay, here’s a gem of a bike that is worth a second look. It has nearly the same specs (and price) as our previous entry (#4) but it carries a different name but more importantly, a bit of a different review profile.
Amazon rates this one quite high at nearly 4.5 out of 5 stars. Only a few problems were reported by confirmed buyers.
It offers 21 speeds with a smooth-shifting Shimano shifter and derailleur system. The shifter is Shimano EF500 and the derailleurs are Shimano TZ30. The double aluminum alloy rims will handle pretty much anything you put them through.
The Iron racing handlebar offers a great value and the dual disc brakes are an addition that is traditionally meant for mountain bikes in the $2k – $10k price range.
This bike can handle 330 pounds of weight and the total weight of the bike is 38 pounds.
Pros:
- 26-inch wheel and 17-inch frame make for minimal size ideal for transportation and storage
- Dual disc brakes offer high-end features at a low-end price
- Very good customer reviews with only a few minor problems
- Available in 3 colorways – Blue, Forest Green and Red
Cons:
- Some users had gear tuning issues, but this is the most common of all bike problems, so it’s not unexpected at the $250 price point
6. Vilano Urbana Single Speed
If you are looking to buy a bike in the average price range as far as folded bikes go and you want something simple then this may be a good option for you.
This bike is lightweight thanks to its aluminum frame which allows for maximum maneuverability. This bike is a single-speed bike and has coaster brakes incorporated into the design.
The bike only weighs 21.5 lbs meaning it is an ideal bike to try and do tricks on if you want a folding bike that is capable of that. This bike comes with three different design options in order to suit your personal tastes.
The designs include a matte black option, a white option as well as a grey option. When this bike is folded up it is quite small and measures 12 by 32 by 25 inches meaning it is relatively easy to transport and store the bike as you need.
The wheels on this bike are the traditional 20-inch size. Unfortunately, this bike does not come pre-assembled and if you are not familiar with bike parts you are going to have a difficult time getting this bike together.
Although this bike may not have a rack that you can use to put a basket on; it does have a spot where you can attach a water bottle holder so that you can comfortably bike for a long distance.
Pros:
- This bike is quite small when folded allowing for optimal storage and transportation of the bike
- Room for a water bottle holder built into the design
- Single-speed bike gives you a better grasp of the terrain
- Super lightweight bike at 21.5 lbs
- Quick and easy to fold and unfold
- Comes with three different design options including matte black, white and grey
Cons:
- Average price tag may be out of reach for some people
- No rack to put a basket on incorporated into this design
7. EuroMini Campo
If you have an average-to-high budget and you want something relatively lightweight with speed options then this could be a nice bike for you.
This bike comes with a lightweight aluminum frame which allows it to weigh just 28 lbs which is quite a lightweight considering that the bike has a seven-speed drivetrain incorporated into it.
This bike has the traditional 20-inch frame size which makes it ideal for folding and storage.
A grip style shifter on the handlebars of the unit allows you to change your gears easily so that you can take this bike uphill or downhill with ease.
This bike does have a 240 lb weight limit which is something that you should be aware of. An adjustable stem is incorporated into the design of this bike allows the majority of buyers to be able to use this bike comfortably.
Pros:
- This bike comes in a yellow and a matte black design
- Stem adjusts to being able to fit riders between 5 and 6 feet tall
- Fairly lightweight design at 28.5 lbs
- Seven-speed drivetrain allows you to easily use this bike going uphill or downhill
- Easy to fold up and the traditional 20-inch size makes it easy to store and transport
Cons:
- Average to high price range may be a bit out of reach for some people
8. Schwinn Hinge Folding Bike
If you have a high price range then this is definitely a nice stylish bike that you may be interested in. This is a single-speed bike which makes it lighter, more affordable, simpler and just as good for urban commutes as a bike with lots of gears.
In fact, some of the highest-end urban bikes costing over $1000 (not folding bikes) only have ONE gear! You can read about the appeal of a one-gear or “Fixie” bike HERE!
This bike is not a true “fixie” since you can coast when you stop pedaling.
This bike uses an adjustable stem so that riders from 5-6 feet in height can use this bike and comfortably sit down and pedal. This bike has a nice kickstand that you can use to set your bike anywhere you please.
Additionally, you will also see that this bike has a rack located on the rear of the bike that you can use to attach a basket onto in order to store your personal items as you need.
The Hinge comes with full wrap fenders, easy mount (step-through) frame and a folding pedal to minimize space once folded. Oh, and need I remind you of the iconic name? Yes, that’s right – S-C-H-W-I-N-N !
Pros:
- Adjustable stem allows riders from 5-6 feet in height to remain comfortable
- Single-speed drivetrain which is a sought-after feature on lots of urban bikes
- Lightweight aluminum frame increases the speed of the bike
- The rear rack allows you to place a basket on the rear of the bike in order to hold your personal items
Cons:
- High price tag could definitely be out of reach for some people
- Not great for going up big hills in the city like perhaps in San Francisco!
9. SwagCycle Foldable E-bike
If you have a really high budget one option that you probably didn’t know you had is that you can get a foldable electric bike. This foldable electric bike comes in a black as well as a white option in order to suit your personal tastes.
The bike can charge and go up to 16 mph and can travel for as long as 15 miles before running out of power. Inside this bike, you will find a 36-volt battery and a 250-watt motor that is capable of charging up to full power in 2.5 hours.
The frame of this bike is made up of an aluminum frame making it a lighter weight and allowing it to travel a greater distance.
This bike has a handlebar display incorporated into its design in order to show you how much battery you have left. On the handlebars, there are functions that enable you to honk the horn, accelerate and brake as you need.
This bike even has a very handy micro USB port built into it to charge your phone during your bike ride.
Pros:
- No emissions
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Available in a black as well as a white design
- Handlebar display of battery
- Capable of traveling at 16 mph with a 15-mile range
- Can charge your phone on the go
Cons:
- No pedals on this design
- Have to recharge the bike every 15 miles
- High price tag will be out of reach for some people
Conclusion & Recommendations
Hopefully, after reading this article you have learned a lot about foldable bikes and have an idea as to what you may want to purchase thanks to some of the nice bikes in our top ten folding bike list.
It is always important to make sure that you keep your budget in mind so that you don’t go overboard and spend money that you can’t afford to spend.
Make sure that you look into the finer details of a bike such as the recommended height, the weight limit as well as the material that it is made up of so that you can make the best purchasing decision for yourself.
Always take a look at the return policy and the company warranty so that you can have some peace of mind with your purchasing decision. Best of luck finding the ultimate fold up bike, enjoy your biking!
