9 best folding bikes

Folding bike assembly looks like a regular two-wheeled, except for some of the features of the frame. But the main difference is that it can be made smaller - sometimes reducing to the size of a hiking backpack. Such a device is perfect for transportation in the trunk of a car, and if necessary it is easy to take with you on the subway or bus. Despite the simplicity of the design, these types of bicycles can serve for a variety of purposes, so you should not take the first available model. To make it easier for you to make a choice, consider the best representatives of the folding bikes of the main classes that you need to focus on.

Folding bike which company choose

Among the manufacturers of bicycles, as in the automotive world, there are firms specializing in the production of luxury models, popular brands that occupy several price segments of the market, and so-called popular brands.

Since the choice of a bike often dictates the budget, a list of brands offering folding models, we have compiled in descending order the value of their goods:

1. Сronus

2. Strida

3. Stark

4. Smart bikes

5. Shulz

6. Stels

7. Forward

These companies produce the best bikes-transformers. The top lines of the rating are traditionally occupied by European brands. But also domestic producers are not lagging behind - due to high quality and adequate price, they also turned out to be widely represented in our TOP.

Top folding mountain / sport bikes

This section includes MTV for cross-country, freeride and other mountain sports. They appeared on the Russian market only a couple of years ago, but at the moment their choice has increased significantly. They have all the advantages of mountain bikes - lightness, durability, and high maneuverability on unprepared tracks - but they fold freely, if necessary, into compact sizes.

Soldier 2.5

The pride of the French company Cronus is distinguished by reliability, quality and convenience. Here, not only the frame, but also the pedals are folded, which makes the “transformer” even smaller. The equipment is designed for rider weight up to 120 kg.

Pros:

• Shimano Deore 27-speed transmission with shifting - suitable for cross-country with minimal jumps;
• Depreciation fork with two-position regulation and blocking;
• Hydraulic disc brakes work confidently and gently;
• Big and tenacious wheels, 26 inches in size;
• Fits easily in the trunk;
• Comfortable, slightly curved steering wheel;
• Improved assembly / disassembly system - the manufacturer responded quickly to customer complaints from the 2015 Soldiers.

Minuses:

• Cost;
• Hydraulics can not be repaired in field conditions.

Despite all the advantages of Soldier 2.5, it is not recommended to use it in professional races - after all, folding bicycles are designed more for ease of transportation.

Stark Cobra HD 2016

A great option for cross-country applies to hardtails - that is, it goes without a rear shock absorber. It’s not so comfortable to ride on difficult tracks, but he wins precious seconds from a double suspension at the start and when cornering.

Pros:

• Aluminum alloy frame, so the weight of the device is 15.2 kg;
• Compact assembly allows you to transport it even in buses and subways;
• Disc brakes on hydraulics Tektro HD-M290 cope with any emergency situation;
• The convenient form of a wheel will allow not to be tired during long arrivals;
• Simple build system;
• There is a place for the installation of a child seat.

Minuses:

• Still high price;
• The lack of a second suspension reduces the ride comfort over rough terrain, but this is just a design feature.

In general, we can say that the Cobra is a very good and reliable machine. And although it costs a lot of money, the characteristics of the bike and excellent quality compensate for this disadvantage.

Best city bikes

No need to think that this is just walking models, designed for unhurried driving through the parks. Modern city bikes are very brisk, durable and quite suitable for overcoming long distances. And when folded, they will easily enter public transport (although you will be asked to wear a carrying case), a cafe or a shop.

Strida sx

The most expensive in our ranking folding bike for the city has a very non-standard appearance. However, its quality and design features fully justify the high cost. The strid is folded to the size of a small narrow carriage that you can carry along - even the steering wheel is transformed here!

Pros:

• Wires and cables are hidden in the cavity of the frame;
• Belt drive from Kevlar instead of the traditional chain in the grease;
• Disc brakes, like a serious bike;
• Easy to assemble, even for a child;
• The presence of the trunk;
• Very maneuverable, although it cannot boast of good speed;
• Very small weight of 11.6 kg.

Minuses:

• Narrow 18-inch wheels are not suitable for all types of roads;
• The trunk is purely symbolic and is not designed to weigh more than 10 kg;
• Weak amortization - it is better to brake on the curbs or to stand on the pedals.

Strida SX is one of the best representatives of urban folding bikes. Small weight, compactness, stylish design and many other positive qualities make this device ideal for residents of megalopolises.

Smart Truck 300

Dutch semi-professional bicycle for sports riding, which can easily cope with country roads and trails on a relatively flat off-road. It has a 24-speed switch from the Shimano Acera family.

Pros:

• Convenience and ease of transformation;
• Stylish design;
• Develops a decent speed on relatively flat areas;
• In the brakes - traditional for MTV discs and obedient hydraulics;
• Comfortable saddle and comfortable steering design are great for long rides;
• 26 inch wheels;
• Easy move;
• Manufacturer's warranty on the frame 5 years.

Minuses:

• Not always available for sale;
• The relatively high price, although the bike is in some way status, so this drawback is forgivable.

In general, Smart Truck is not much different from professional MTV, but it is not designed for mountain routes. His element - driving through the city and relatively even off-road.

Top folding bikes for kids and teens

Folding bicycles initially provide a good supply of growth adjustments, which is already a significant plus - because children grow up and parents are not ready to buy them a new projectile every year. However, when choosing models, one should focus on the size, trying to “get” to the lower limit specified in the specifications.

Forward timba

One of the best folding city bikes for children 6-9 years old. The one-speed model does not have wide capabilities, but as the first two-wheeled friend for a baby it is very good.

Pros:

• Cute bright design;
• Affordable price;
• The diameter of the wheels is 20 ″, which allows an experienced child to pick up a good speed;
• Comes with protection for the chain and a pair of removable side wheels;
• Russian production - there will be no problems with the repair or replacement of parts.

Minuses:

• For a child, it is too heavy (13.8 kg), so parents will have to carry and carry the bike;
• Some moving parts will require manual adjustment, as they are either over-tightened or loose from the factory.

In general, Timba is perfect for a child who is just learning to ride. Outwardly, it looks like an ordinary bicycle without frills and unnecessary “frills”.Distantly reminiscent of the Soviet "Storks" and "Fireworks", except perhaps a little modernized. There are similar models for girls Forward Timba Girl, differing only in colors.

Shulz Max (2016)

Children's city bicycle of an average price category. A bit heavy (14.3 kg), however, is intended for teenagers up to 16 years old - they will cope. Interestingly, the load capacity of this baby is up to 110 kg, so that adults of small stature should also take a closer look at this model.

Pros:

• Nakatisty, well "takes" ups;
• Convenient and quick assembly / disassembly;
• Durable steel frame;
• Folded bike keeps upright stability;
• 20-inch wheels develop good speed;
• It takes a minimum of free space - you can put 2 such bikes in the trunk of a car;
• All details are well made - no backlash or creaking.

Minuses:

• Brake pads are not made of the best material;
• There are few complaints about the quality of the factory adjustment.

In general, Shulz Max is suitable for both teenagers and adults for city driving. This is a very attractive, fast and almost indestructible model.

The best folding bikes budget category

Of course, choosing an inexpensive folding bike that does not disappoint with its quality is difficult. But probably. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money to buy a good model that does not cause any trouble.

Forward Sevilla 1.0

A bicycle weighing 17.2 kg is designed mainly for urban highways, but due to the large wheels of 26 inches, it even copes with country dirt roads.

Pros:

• The presence of the trunk;
• Sturdy steel frame, which holds well the blow (you never know);
• Takes up little space when folded;
• The design has virtually no plastic parts;
• Chain guard and pump included.

Minuses:

• The absence of hand brakes (although this is more a matter of habit than a minus);
• Front fork stiff - there is a vibration on a rough road.

Sevilla 1.0 is a great folding bike that develops good speed in urban environments and maneuvers well. It is one of the best in its price category. Especially like women.

Smart 20 (2016)

The bike looks cool and stylish, and 20-inch wheels allow you to perfectly maneuver in urban environments. The model is designed for children, but the price is so low that Smart freely migrated to this section of our rating.

Pros:

• Elementary folding mechanism;
• Reliable steel frame;
• Comes with protection circuit, step, bell and electrical equipment;
• There are reflectors and front lamp;
• When folding, you can remove the front wheel.

Minuses:

• The quality of the centering of the wings from the factory may “limp”;
• The absence of hand brakes, but the pedals cope with this task well - without idle scrolling.

Bike Smart 20 impresses with its reliability and even some good quality, despite the very low price. Suitable for both children and adults.

Stels Pilot 710 24

The excellent and easy model intended for trips in the city. In reviews, this bike is called simple and reliable, with a good soft stroke.

Pros:

• The average diameter of the wheels allows you to perfectly maneuver in urban environments;
• Well goes coasting;
• Discreet design;
• When folded, it fits even in the back seat of a passenger car;
• In the basic configuration already has a trunk and chain protection.

Minuses:

• The wide wheel and direct landing are not all comfortable;
• Size is not designed for people above 170 cm;
• Low gear ratio - the loss in speed, but the rise takes a "hooray."

In general, a great bike for urban runs up to 10 km. Its only serious drawback can be called perhaps the difficulty of maintenance - it is difficult to get to some sites without special tools.

Which folding bike to buy

1. An adult lover of extreme sports more suitable folding MTV Cronus Soldier 2.5. By the way, he is recognized as the best mountain bike in 2017.

2. Those who like the speed and reliable hardtail for cross-country should choose Stark Cobra HD. This model can withstand even a big rider weighing up to 120 kg.

3. For residents of megacities, a unique city bike, the Strida SX, has been specially created - insanely expensive, but very stylish, maneuverable and comfortable.

4. If you need a more functional and fast sports model that can drive even off-road, choose a 24-speed Smart Truck 300.

5. Available options for every day for children and adults - Forward Sevilla 1.0 or Smart 20. These are strong workhorses for any roads.

6. If you need to drive only a few kilometers a day through the city, you can stop on an inexpensive Stels Pilot 710 24 bike. But only if the rider’s height does not exceed 170 cm.

7. As a first bike for a child of 6-9 years old, you can buy a Forward Timba - there are models for boys and girls.

8. Teenagers already need a more solid and cooler bike - they will like the stylish city bike Shulz Max.