Folding Bikes: Reviews

The Brompton M3L is not the lightest folding bike on the market, and it's not the least expensive, but reviewers say it provides a stable and comfortable ride with an incredibly compact fold. The 25-pound Brompton M3L… folds down to 22.2 inches by 21.5 inches by 10.6 inches, which is one of the most compact folds on the market. Reviewers say the folding process is quick and easy to master. The Brompton M3L stays locked once folded, and the chain is tucked away in the middle to keep grease away from your clothes. Small wheels allow you to roll it when folded, but testers say this only works well on flat pavement. According to reviews, the biggest downside of the Brompton M3L is the gearing -- with only three gears, this folding bike won't give you much help on hills. Still, the portability makes it a good choice for riders who hop on public transportation as a part of their commute.

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When it comes to value, experts say the Downtube 9FS is a clear winner. It's not as light or compact as top-end folding bikes, but it offers quality components for the price. The Downtube 9FS weighs 27 pounds and it folds… quickly to 12 inches by 23.6 inches by 33 inches. The Downtube 9FS has 20-inch wheels with full suspension, and reviewers love the water bottle cage mount and wide handlebars for stable handling. Peter Eland at VeloVision magazine calls it "one of the most stable folding bikes I've ridden." Unlike the Brompton M3L, the Downtube 9FS doesn't lock together when folded; reviewers recommend using a strap or bungee cord to keep it together.

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Rugged is a not a word usually associated with folding bikes, but the Dahon Jack is not your typical folding bike. With 26-inch wheels and a sturdy black frame, the Dahon Jack looks like any other full-size bike.… Reviewers say it rolls easily over uneven streets or trails, and BikeRadar.com calls it "one of the best go-anywhere folding commuters." Owners agree, giving the Dahon Jack top marks for versatility and quick folding. Although the larger wheels are great for ride quality, they make for a bulky fold; the folded size is about double that of the Brompton M3L, but these bikes are really designed for two different purposes. The Dahon Jack is a well-reviewed choice for riders who want a folder that can double as a weekend bike. Surprisingly, the Dahon Jack's larger size doesn't give it a higher weight limit; it can accommodate riders up to 230 pounds, which is less than both the Brompton M3L (242 pounds) and the Downtube 9FS (245 pounds).

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Reviewers say the Xootr Swift rides and feels like a regular bike, which is high praise for a folding bike with 20-inch wheels. It's stable and easy to ride, and testers say the eight speeds give it plenty of power for… tackling hilly commutes. When folded, the Xootr Swift isn't exactly compact; a "quick fold" process gets it down to 31.5 inches by 40 inches by 20.5 inches, and you can make it more compact by removing other components with quick-release levers. The Xootr Swift is lightweight at 24 pounds, but the optional accessories like a kickstand or fenders will add additional weight. The good news for tall riders? The Xootr Swift's XXL frame size accommodates riders between 6 feet 5 inches and 6 feet 7 inches thanks to a taller riser and a longer seat post and stem. Xootr also has smaller frame sizes for short riders.

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