Just like the adage that the best camera is the one you have with you, the same holds true for bicycles, especially when it comes to getting around town. The “best” bike isn’t necessarily the highest-performance machine; it’s the one that seamlessly integrates into your daily life. For many urban dwellers and commuters, this often points towards the incredible versatility of the Best Foldable Bike.
We often get caught up in the idea of cycling perfection, chasing marginal gains and the ideal setup for every imaginable scenario. But sometimes, the most practical solution is also the best solution. Recently, during a trip back to Edinburgh, I rediscovered the simple joy of navigating a city by bike. The goal wasn’t a hardcore cycling adventure, but rather to explore, revisit favorite spots, and experience the city in the most efficient and enjoyable way possible.
Car boot full of stuff including two folding bikes
Bringing bikes was essential, but they needed to be discreet enough for city locking and compact enough to fit inside a car already packed with luggage. Remembering past fuel-guzzling trips with roof-mounted bikes, the answer became clear: foldable bikes. Luckily, we had a couple of these space-saving marvels readily available.
The Surprisingly Excellent World of Foldable Bikes
Foldable bikes come in various forms, from those with larger wheels aiming for a near-standard bike feel, to ultra-compact models like the iconic Brompton, prioritizing ultimate portability. While they might be seen as compromises in the cycling world, this is precisely where their genius lies.
Dahon folding bike ready to ride
For this Edinburgh trip, I rode a well-used Dahon Vitesse D8 with 20-inch wheels, while my wife enjoyed a quirky Big Fish Carnielli with 16-inch wheels – a recent eBay find in pristine condition. Neither of these are Tour de France contenders, but that’s entirely beside the point. They are functional, user-friendly bikes perfectly suited for zipping around urban environments.
Edinburgh’s charming cobbled streets and less-than-perfect road surfaces presented some comfort challenges, but the folding bikes handled them admirably. They allowed us to explore far more of the city than we could have on foot or relying on public transport.
It’s easy for cycling enthusiasts to become fixated on achieving the “perfect” bike for every niche. We can get lost in debates about tire widths and rim dimensions, sometimes overlooking the bigger picture. The truth is, for everyday utility and urban mobility, a foldable bike can be an outstanding choice.
Riding a Brompton through the city at night
From a purely performance perspective, foldable bikes have limitations. Their designs often prioritize compactness over frame rigidity, leading to a flexier ride. The geometry tends to be more upright and responsive, which can feel less stable at high speeds compared to a traditional road bike.
However, when you consider the alternative – perhaps not cycling at all – the advantages of a foldable bike become undeniable. They offer a fantastic way to integrate cycling into your life, and that’s a compelling reason to consider buying one right now.
Exploring Some Excellent Foldable Bike Options
If you’re convinced that a foldable bike might be the best foldable bike for your needs, here are a couple of models to consider:
Btwin 500: A Budget-Friendly Foldable Bike
Orange folding bike
RRP £379.99 (Price may vary depending on retailer and region)
The Btwin 500 stands out as one of the most affordable foldable bikes from a reputable brand. It’s a great option for those new to folding bikes or seeking a budget-conscious choice. Featuring 20-inch wheels, it offers a ride feel closer to a full-sized bike than some smaller-wheeled folders. A 7-speed Shimano cassette provides a useful range of gears for city riding. A notable bonus at this price point is the inclusion of lights as standard. With a claimed weight of 12.9kg, it’s also reasonably light for a foldable bike in this category.
Brompton C-Line: The Quintessential Foldable Bike Experience
Brompton folding bike in front of graffiti wall
RRP from £1,250 (Price may vary based on configuration and retailer)
Brompton is synonymous with foldable bikes and needs little introduction. It’s truly a genre-defining brand. While the A-Line is their entry-level model, the C-Line offers more versatile gearing options suitable for a wider range of riders. The Urban model comes with a 2-speed drivetrain, while the Explore offers a 6-speed setup for tackling varied terrain. Bromptons are famous for their incredibly compact fold, achieved thanks to their small 16-inch wheels. While they represent a more significant investment initially, Bromptons are known to hold their value exceptionally well compared to many other bikes, making them a worthwhile long-term purchase for serious foldable bike enthusiasts.
If you are looking for the best foldable bike, consider how it will fit into your lifestyle. Prioritizing practicality and portability can unlock a whole new way to experience your city and integrate cycling into your daily routine.
