There are numerous great folding bikes to choose from. When compiling this top 5 list we had to sort through a lot of different bikes and decide what our criteria would be in order for a bike to make this list.
It is easy to pick out the most expensive, lightest, top performing folding bicycles available. However they tend to come with a very high price tag and those are not always what people are looking for.
You might want to know which bike is going to give you the most bang for your buck. Or possibly which one is easiest to travel with.
We find with our friends and with ourselves included we want an all-around well functioning folding bike that won’t empty our wallets yet won’t fall apart after a couple uses.
For that reason our top 5 list is a little varied. You will notice that it includes some excellent bikes as well as what we feel are the best all-rounders.
We have included those that provide good quality for your money, are durable, have good components and that are ultimately very portable and compact.
All of the bikes we have listed have Aluminum frames. If money is not an issue for you and you really want the cream of the crop lightweight carbon-frame bikes then click here to read our article “High End Folding Bicycles”.
For everyone else below are the folding bikes that have made our top 5 list. They are in no particular order as individual favorites will depend on each persons needs and the type of cycling you will be doing most.
Dahon Mariner D7
The Dahon Mariner D7 is one that we love. Why? Quite simply for the price it rocks.
It is well made, fairly lightweight, the components are good, it is fun and comfortable to ride and very portable.
It is not in the “cheap” category and it is not in the “high-end” category. It falls in between and is ideal for a large majority of people.
It is a great all-rounder that will suit a lot of needs. It has 7 speeds, a low profile and lightweight design. It folds down in 15 seconds and easily stashes away in a small space.
If you are looking for a decent fast-shifting bike that won’t cost a fortune but that also won’t fall apart or rust after a few uses, the Mariner D7 is definitely worth checking out.
It is ideal for urban rides, short commutes, easy trail riding and recreation. It can easily be taken on the bus or train and stored in an apartment or office. We have put a lot of miles on this bike and it holds up well.
Click here to read our full review of the Dahon Mariner D7 folding bike.
Schwinn 20” Loop
This bike is the number one seller on Amazon for folding bikes. For that reason initially it got our attention.
It is not an expensive bike and we were weary of how good it could possibly be.
However for it to be the #1 seller on Amazon means it appealed to a LOT of people and those people gave it excellent reviews.
So we bought it and decided to see what the hype was about.
Our conclusion: This bike if perfect for those who want a functional, compact folding bike but who don’t want to spend a lot of cash.
It is ideal for those who want to take the bike traveling with them a few times per year or possibly to store on a boat and use for shore excursions.
It is not expensive, it is not high end in any sense, it is heavier than we would prefer but all in all it rides well, is comfortable and smooth to peddle. Plus it folds away into a nice compact package and comes complete with a storage bag.
The components are cheaper and won’t last as long. However it is the perfect starter folding bike and also ideal for those who just don’t want to dish out extra money if not needed.
This bike wouldn’t be our personal ride of choice but it will be kept for road trips and it will get used.
It deserves a spot in our top 5 because it is the best affordable compact portable bicycle we have found for those who want to keep their purchase under $300.
Click here to read our full review of the Schwinn 20″ Loop folding bike.
Columbia 26″ w. Shimano 18-Speed
This is the folding bike that doesn’t look like a folding bicycle. Although they can vary in style, in general folding portable bikes have a lower profile and smaller wheels specifically so they can fold up into a compact package and be brought anywhere and stored in a small space.
The Columbia 26″ has larger 26″ wheels, a full size frame and 18-speed shifter.
The larger size means that it does not fold up into as small of a package as many of the other bikes.
For this reason it wouldn’t necessarily be our choice for traveling however it still folds up and can be stored in a small space or in the trunk of your car.
The marketing for this bike says it is lightweight but we would have to argue that it is not. It weighs 34 lbs., which is quite a bit heavier than others.
All that being said, it does ride well, the components are decent considering the low price and it is very versatile. You can ride this bike just about anywhere.. on trails, around town, or use it for commuting. The 18 speeds give you a lot of riding options and the bike looks great.
For those who don’t want the typical low profile folding bicycle, this one is a nice choice. It is very affordable and also very popular.
Click here to read our full review of the Columbia 26″ folding mountain bike.
Xootr Swift
The Xootr Swift is a cool looking bike. It is a little higher priced than the others on this list but we feel it is worth the extra cash.
This bike is light weight (not as light as carbon bikes but light enough at 25 lbs.), has a very rigid frame and folds down super fast. The Swift is well made and ultimately make a great commuter bike that can be easily taken on trains, the bus, or transported in the trunk of your vehicle.
We feel the best thing about this bike is it’s durability and smooth speedy ride.
The frame is solid and and can hold a lot of weight. The aluminum frame does not rust and is very durable. It is ideal for people of all shapes and sizes.
The fold down size is not quite as small as many others are so you may find it slightly bulky when folded. However it still easily fits in small spaces and ultimately is easy to manage.
The other nice thing about this bike is that you can fully customize it to your needs. You can add any accessories and components that you might need.
If you want a really good folding bike without getting into the super high-end prices, then the Xootr Swift is the way to go.
Click here to view more information on the Xootr Swift folding bike on Amazon.com.
Allen Sports XWay 20-Speed
This bike hits over the $1000 mark and has all top-end components. We like Allen Sports in general but this bike is really great.
The price is higher even though it still has an aluminum frame as opposed to a super lightweight carbon fiber frame.
However it is an awesome bike that has some pretty great features. It weighs 24 lbs. and is really easy for anyone to carry and manage.
When folded it has a patented wheel lock system that allows the bicycle to be rolled like a cart – how portable is that!
We think it is really classy looking bike. It has 20 speeds making it quite versatile. Although it excels as a long distance or urban commuter it can also be used on flat trails, climbing up hills and cruising around for recreational fun.
You don’t have to worry about the XWay getting stolen as it folds up in roughly 8 seconds and can be stored in a condo, in an office or taken on the train or bus.
Where you go your bike goes and the Xway will get you there in style. You can expect this bike to last a long time and to provide a smooth comfortable ride.
Click here to view more information on the Allen Sports XWay 20-Speed folding bike on Amazon.com.