Sometimes it isn't convenient to transport your bicycle to the place you want to ride it. If you commute by subway, train or bus, or if you're planning a trip, a folding bike may be right for you. Although they've been around for over a century, folding bikes are just now getting the attention they deserve and have been gaining in popularity in recent years due to their size, portability and ease-of-use.
Brompton M3L
Britain's Brompton Bicycle makes the world's most compact folding bikes. The Brompton M3L offers stability and comfort in a small package; when folded, it measures just 22.2 inches by 21.5 inches by 10.6 inches. Once collapsed, the M3L stays locked with the chain in the center to prevent grease from getting on your clothing. With only three gears, you won't want to attempt big hills, but the M3L is a great choice for commuters looking for a good quality and very compact folding bike. As of 2010, the manufacturer's suggested retail price was $1,075.
Brompton Bicycle Ltd
Kew Bridge Distribution Centre
Lionel Road
Brentford, Middlesex TW8 9QR
www.bromptonbicycle.co.uk
Dahon Jack
Dahon controls over two-thirds of the folding bike market by offering a wide range of lightweight, durable and affordable bicycles. With 26-inch wheels, the Dahon Jack is large for a folding bike; most come with either 16 or 20-inch wheels and are about twice as big as the Brompton M3L when collapsed. What the Dahon Jack lacks in compactness, however, it makes up for in durability and ride quality. BikeRadar.com says that it is "one of the best go-anywhere folding commuters." It is also affordable; in 2010, the manufacturer's suggested retail price was $580.
Dahon, Inc
833 Meridian Street
Duarte, California 91010
203-246-4470
dahon.com
Downtube 9FS
With 20-inch wheels, quality components and a folded size of 12 inches by 23.6 inches by 33 inches, the full-suspension Downtube 9FS is a bargain at a 2010 suggested retail price of $350. The Downtube 9FS is also one of the most stable folding bikes on market with its wider-than-average handlebars. It even comes with a water bottle cage.
Downtube
956 Bristol Pike
Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020
215-245-4032
downtube.com
Member Comments
davecriswell June 28
Another good choice for full-size folding bikes, both road and mountain is Montague Bikes.