Folding bikes have come a long way over the past few decades. Gone are the days of the old contraptions that moaned and groaned when you got on them and that felt like they would fall apart the next time you tried to fold or unfold them. The 1970s folding bike throwbacks are, thankfully, a thing of the past with much more advanced and capable offerings now available.
You should consider a folding bike for your bike commute if you have to take the bike on public transport, have limited storage space at work or at home or have concerns over security at locations you can leave your bike for prolonged periods of time.
Folding bikes are not the ’embarrassment’ they once were and have developed massively to the point that they can be considered a real option for the serious bike commuter and they offer a host of benefits to you opening up more flexibility on your commute.
Why Choose a Folding Bike for your Bike Commute?
The choice to opt for a folding bike, over other options such as a road bike or mountain bike will come down to your personal commuting factors and preferences, but you may not currently realise the benefits a folding bike can give.
Check out the video below of a demonstration of folding a Brompton bike to show how simple it can be.
Folding Bikes are Great for Multi-Modal Commutes
If you travel very large distances then you may need to use the car or some form of public transport to take you part of the way on your journey. This is known as multi-modal commuting as is becoming more popular and a folding bike can be a great companion to this form of commute.
With multi-modal commuting, you use a multiple of transport options to complete your commute. An example of this is cycling from your home to the train station, take the train part of the way (with your bike in tow) and then cycle to work from the train station at the other end. Another example is you drive to a park and ride type hub and cycle the rest of the way.
There are many combinations of multi-modal commuting and there may be one that is suitable for you. This is where a folding bike will offer ultimate flexibility as it opens up a full array of multi-modal modes that are available to you.
If you have a small car, then you will easily be able to carry a folding bike in the car without the need for expensive bike carriers. Just fold up the bike and put in on the back seat or the boot.
You are also less likely to be turned away from a train, or a bus with a folding bike, especially one that is stored in a protective bag.
There is currently no clear nationwide policies on taking bikes on public transport in the UK. Most train operators allow a ‘normal’ bike to be taken on a train if you follow specific rules. There is usually only one place on the train to store your bike, usually at the far end of the train, and once it is full, then you will be turned away. This could lead to you being late with no other option than to wait for the next train (which may also be full).
There are also unwritten rules about when you can and cannot take a bike on a train with most operators NOT allowing bikes during the busiest times of the day. As this is the time you will be multi-modal commuting, this is not too helpful.
Buses can be even more of a challenge due to the limited space they offer. Generally, if it is busy, you will not be allowed on with a normal bike.
This is where a folding bike is a solid choice. When folded and in the bag, a folding bike will resemble a reasonably sized hand luggage bag. These can be stored on the normal luggage racks on trains or in between seats in some instances meaning you have many more options. Buses in the UK are also obligated to let you on with normal-sized luggage, so this becomes another option for you.
Most folding bikes, when folded down, are designed to cover all oily parts (the gears and chain) on the ‘inside’ of the folded-up bike, or are covered by a chain guard? This keeps the dirty parts out of the way which is perfect for commuters hopping on and off of public transport or for storage in the office!
Another great feature of some folding bike designs is the ability to use the wheels to ‘roll’ the bike along when folded down which helps with any issues carrying the weight of the bike.
Folding Bikes are Great for Storage
Another reason to consider a folding bike is the ability to easily store the bike. These large, adult-sized, bikes fold down to the size of a large bag so are perfect if you don’t have storage space at work or at home. At work, you can easily fit these under a desk or workbench. It would also take up very little space in a changing room so there are loads of work storage options.
At home, the folded bike would fit under a bed, in a cupboard or just in a spare corner meaning a bike becomes a real option for people living in small apartments or other living spaces, which is common for professionals living in a city. They can easily be carried upstairs too so if you are not on the ground floor, or simply want to store your bike upstairs, the folding bike is perfect.
Folding Bikes are Less of A Security Risk
Whilst folding bikes are easy to carry, you may think that they are easier for thieves to steal but the ability to store the bike anywhere is actually a great security benefit. You just take it with you and so you don’t need a secure location to store your bike. You do not have to worry about locking your bike up and leaving it, you simply take it with you. This also saves money on bike locks.
Disadvantages of a Folding Commuter Bike
When you are thinking about whether a folding bike is right for you, consideration is needed into the practicalities including the terrain and routes your bike commute will take you on. There will be performance compromises you need to make that can offset some of the benefits you gain. There are obviously some drawbacks to the folding bike as a commuter bike.
Folding Bikes are Rubbish on Uneven Terrain
Due to the compact frame, the bike does have much smaller wheels than a conventional bike – typically in the range of 12 to 20 inches. This puts you at a disadvantage when navigating rough terrain.
If you plan to cycle on trails you’ll do better using a mountain bike with larger tires that can easily roll over rocks, bumps and debris. Even using a folding bike in a city can be tough if you frequently ride over uneven roads or curbs.
Due to the smaller wheels, rough terrain will not only be more uncomfortable but also has the potential to damage your bike due to increased stress being put into the frame.
On the flip side to this, folding bikes can easily be carried over really rough terrain, up steps and over fields meaning you could potentially take a short cut through rough terrain and carry the bike. This means that folding bikes are becoming more popular with campers and hikers, as they can ride on the suitable terrains, for increased speed over walking, and then hike, with the bike in tow, when the route is unsuitable.
Overall, as a commuter, folding bikes are ideal if the terrain allows but if your route takes yo off-road, they are not a great option.
Folding Bikes are Too Slow for Commutes
Folding bikes are less than ideal if speed is a factor. Folding bikes are less stable than conventional bikes and combined with their smaller wheels makes it difficult to ride fast for any length of time. Folding bikes are generally easier to get going than a larger road or mountain bike but maintaining a good top speed for an extended period of time on a folding bike is hard work and can fatigue even the more experienced riders fast.
Folding Bikes are Not Great for Long Distance Commutes
Folding bikes are not great at covering long distances so may not be ideal if your commute is further than a few miles. They are capable of longer distances and can be quite comfortable in doing so, but the slower average speeds and the reduced comfort level of the bike mean that commutes will take longer and be more difficult to sustain due to the increased investment.
Over a few miles, the slower speeds can be ignored but if your commute starts to take longer than 30 minutes, your patience may wear thin and your commute will start to take too much time to complete meaning sustaining the alternative commute will be challenging.
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to folding bikes of long distances is the tyres but you can upgrade your tires to the off-road options. Folding bikes are not great when it comes to riding down hills. This is where the small wheels give you issues and are hard to control.
Folding bikes, by design, have joints on the frame (so you can fold it) which makes them weaker than a standard frame bike which means that you cannot ride them as hard as you would a mountain bike. Bigger tires will take on rocky terrain much better but folding bikes are not built for this.
This means you are generally stuck on paved roads and cycle paths when considering folding bikes. This makes them ideal as an inner-city or town riding solution enabling you to cycle through busy streets at a more leisurely pace over shorter commute distances making them perfect as a companion to other transportation modes.
Folding Bikes are Not Cool
Ok, I don’t personally think this one is true, but many people would argue it is. The more modern folding bike designs are great and the novelty of a folding bike is still fun in my opinion, but not everyone will join me in my adulation of folding bikes.
Folding bikes are definitely becoming more and more socially accepted as people realise that we need to do something more about climate change, with folding bikes offering a great solution for keeping cars off the road. We are increasingly starting to see more folding bikes out on our streets and on our roads. Modern folding bike designs are becoming a trendy, must-have, accessory for some and do resonate with the young, modern and affluent city commuter.
There is no doubt, a grown adult on a small bike is reminiscent of a clown in the circus. You just can’t shake the image and this has the tendency to think a person riding a folding bike is a funny sight, despite their rise in popularity. You will turn some heads and maybe you will have to tolerate some teasing when you ride through busy streets but this is a small price to pay. Hold your head high knowing you making a great choice for your health, wellbeing and the environment in choosing to bike commute, the folding bike is just your bike commute solution.
Some of the head turning will be positive and in admiration for your folding bike. Some people will appreciate the trendy modern designs being offered and riding a folding bike may be a good talking point an conversation starter.
As popularity continues to rise and the designs continue to improve, the negativity surrounding folding bikes will become less of an issue.
Our Top Picks – Folding Bikes for Your Commute
When selecting your folding bike, you need to consider what’s most important to you and what your commute is likely to throw at you. What distance do you cover? What terrain do you go over? Do you want a lightweight bike that is easier to carry or a bike that is more sturdy? Heavier folding bikes are likely to be a cheaper option but obviously more difficult if your circumstances mean you need to carry it more.
Whatever you choose, stick to a brand you can trust. There are some potentially dangerous bikes lurking on the internet, so make sure you buy from a trusted trader and don’t get caught out.
The Best ‘All-Round’ Folding Option for Bike Commuting
Brompton S2L Superlight
Whenever you talk about folding bikes, no doubt the name ‘Brompton’ is brought up. Brompton are the godfathers of folding bikes and have been market leaders since the 1970s. It is not difficult to see why.
Brompton bikes have kept the basic design almost identical for decades, which shows they are doing something right. The S2L Superlight is no exception.
Whilst this folding bike is not cheap, it is somewhat expensive, but you certainly do get what you pay for which is a pedigree of decades of folding bike experience, and it shows. The build quality of the Brompton is exceptional, with a smooth folding action. When un-folded, the frame feels sturdy despite the light weight design.
The S2L Superlight does cost significantly more than a standard model, but for that money, you do get a bike which is lighter, easier to carry and feels just that bit faster than the standard version. Whether it is worth the extra investment will come down to personal choice, and weighing up intended use. The extra lightweight design could be the definitive factor, especially if you need to carry the bike more on your commute.
You can check out a full review of this bike here.
The Best ‘Cheaper’ Folding Option for Bike Commuting
Raleigh Evo 2
This is a great budget option for the casual bike commuter. At 16kg, it is a little weighty to be regularly lugged upstairs but is a great option if you don’t want to completely break the bank on a folding bike. It folds around a simple hinge in the middle of the alloy frame.
You get a seven-speed transmission operated by a twist-grip, and there’s a handy rear rack plus a folding pedal to make it easier to stow. The 20in wheels make the handling more predictable and although they do take a fraction more effort to get up to speed, they provide some added stability.
The bike comes fitted mudguards make it good for all weathers and a bike you can use on your commute straight out of the box.
The Best ‘Different’ Folding Option for Bike Commuting
Hummingbird
This offering from Hummingbird is the lightest folding bike in the world. At just under 7kg for the single-speed version, it’s the weight of a racing bike and a real blast to ride. It is a very quiet bike due to the single speed and absence of gear trains, although those living in hillier areas might want to check out the more practical multi-speed versions, more expensive version.
The carbon fibre frame and aluminium swingarm have a simple elegance, while the folding mechanism has been really well thought out. With practice, you can have it folded away and stored in seconds.
This bike is the most expensive of all the options coming in at around £3,500 so will definitely be out of the range of practicality for most people, but worth considering if you have deep pockets and want something a little more performance-based.
You can check out this full review of the Hummingbird here.
How Much do Folding Bikes Cost?
How long is a piece of string? Folding bikes can range from less than £200 up to in excess of £3000. The price is just another factor to consider. However, with folding bikes, we do no believe that you always get what you pay for. The key thing to consider is usage. A more expensive folding bike may just be overkill.
There are some great budget options for folding bikes and if you are only considering the bike for a short trip to the train station on very predictable terrain, then the cheap options will suit you absolutely fine. There really is no need to spend any extra cash on a higher-end model.
We think the Brompton Superlight (or the similar steel S3L model which s great too) is the best overall option for most commuters. Commuters who travel a few more miles on roads that are not always ideal. The Brompton will give you the best balance of build quality, lightweight design and comfort. The extra cost buys you this balance, but if you just need a cheap commuter, then go for the Raleigh Evo 2 and save some cash.
It is worth noting that folding bikes do tend to hold their value and have small depreciation compared to more standard offerings, Whether this is due to the limited numbers in production currently, or some other inherent allure and potential collectable attribute of the bike, we don’t know but their resale value is relatively close to the purchase value meaning you can invest knowing that a sale will likely make you most of your investment back.
Due to the resale value, there is a thriving second hand market which is worth checking out. The fact that they hold value means there you won’t get a massive saving, but the second hand market could be worth a look.
Folding Bikes Make Your Commute Fun!!
There is no denying it, riding a folding bike for the first time is a fun experience. The smaller wheels on the folding bike make acceleration surprisingly quick and this took me by surprise the first time I got on one.
The instability that the smaller wheels give you, is actually another source of fun (albeit a little more dangerous) as you can zip in and out of tight turns through city centres making them a lot of fun to ride.
It is also fun to quickly hop on and off of public transport, and be riding again within minutes due to the speed at which you can fold and un-fold these bikes and combining the two modes of transport for your commute means you can speed up your commute, making it much more sustainable over the long term.
The folding bike is an all round fun experience, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!!!
Summary
Folding bikes are great!! If you have limited space, or fancy a multi-modal option then folding bikes can be a great companion for your bike commute. There are many benefits of a folding bike, they are compact, generally lightweight and easy to carry on public transport.
The downsides need to be reviewed and your personal circumstances need to be considered to determine whether the folding bike is right for you. Cost needs to be considered too, as they can be pricey, especially if you need more stability but have a lightweight frame. There are budget options and if your commute allows, this could be a great way to start commuting with a folding bike.
