Yahoo News The best folding bikes in 2017
Folding bikes, with their small wheels, low frame and weird handlebars, haven't always been considered cool. Once the preserve of middle-aged men, they are now seen as the must-have commuter bike.
Most models are designed primarily for urban use. The small wheels allow for speedy turning, ideal for darting in and out of traffic or dodging unruly pedestrians.
The folding mechanism, which on the best versions is quick and simple, means they can be easily transported on trains and buses, so you can part-cycle your commute if necessary.
There's also the benefit of storage. Folding bikes can be kept in hallways or cupboards, rather than needing shed space. And, with bike theft high across Britain, you can also store a folder in your office (or under a pub table).
For anyone buying a folding bike, one name looms large. British-based Brompton has become the byword for folding bikes, setting the standard against which all others are judged.
Founded in London in 1975, the company has grown to become the country's biggest bicycle manufacturer, building over 45,000 units per year. They only produce one model, but offer customers the chance to customise their particular product, adding or subtracting, gears, mudguards, and the like.
These bikes are regularly seen on commuter trains puffing in and out of cities – but folders aren't just used for the work run. They've become increasingly fashionable, nowhere more so than in East Asia, where Bromptons are used primarily for leisure.
Neither should they solely be used in cities. Some companies are now producing folding sport or mountain bikes, which can be easily transported for a weekend – or day – in the countryside.
Here's our pick of the best folding bikes on the market:
All the products mentioned in this article are selected independently by our journalists. The Telegraph makes money by adding affiliate links to some of the products.
1. Brompton
The mother of all folding bikes. A classic, and for good reason. Brompton the company has grown exponentially in the past decade, due to an increase in urban cycling and commuting by bike. It has also become a fashion statement, particularly in China and Japan.
Bromptons don't come cheap, but for everyday use they're certainly worth the expenditure. The basic version starts at £840; it's easy to spend double that once you customising your bike, with gears, lighter frame components, and lights.
The personalisation tool means you can design to your needs. Want lower handlebars for a sportier ride? No problem, choose the S type. Need it higher for a more upright posture? Brompton will do it for you.
There are four gearing options, which cover everything from flat city riding to "longer rides and challenging inclines".
Finally, you can choose from 12 colours. Mudguards are available for wetter climes, and you can even add the Brompton bag for your luggage.
Bromptons are also one of the easiest bikes to fold, as demonstrated in this video:
If you want something ready made, consider this year's Brompton Barbour edition at £1,350.
Telegraph rating: 10/10
2. Tern Verge D9
The Verge D9 is a sleek, high-performing bike from Tern, a relatively new company – it was founded in 2011 – that has swiftly elevated itself into a major player in cycling.
The entry model comes with larger 20'' wheels, 9-speed transmission, and adjustable handlebars depending on your preferred riding position.
A handy feature is the padding under the seat, which allows you to hold the frame and comfortably rest the seat on your shoulder, useful for carrying the bike short distances.
Telegraph rating: 8/10
3. Raleigh Stowaway
Raleigh have been designing classic bicycles from their Nottingham base since 1885.
At almost 14kg, the Stowaway is not the lightest option out there, but it does boast a strong, sturdy frame and folds extremely easily.
It comes with 7-speed gearing, powerful alloy v brakes, mudguards and a rear pannier rack. You'll struggle to find a better all-weather commuter bike at this price.
Telegraph rating: 8/10
4. Montague Urban
The Montague Urban looks nothing like a folding bike, so if you're sceptical of the traditional folding bike look, then this could be the option for you.
But it's not just about style. The Urban is a highly versatile bicycle. It looks and feels more like a road bike, and is designed for use on hilly roads (its 21 gears are far above average for a folding bike) as well as rough roads with potholes, where smaller tyres may struggle. A handy feature sees the pannier rack double up as a bike stand.
See below for the folding process:
At close to a grand, it doesn't come cheap, but if you like to mix your commute with slightly more challenging terrains from time to time, it's an option worth considering.
Telegraph rating: 8/10
5. Dawes Kingpin
Classic bicycle brand Dawes have been making folding bikes for decades, and the Kingpin is their longstanding bestseller.
This modern iteration features up-to-date technology alongside the traditional design, and comes in a beautiful ivory finish.
The three-point folding mechanism ensures folding is simple and neat. Mudguards, a pannier rack, strong alloy V brakes and a smooth ride make the Kingpin ideal for winter commutes. And at under 12kg, it's on the lighter side (although you still wouldn't want to carry it for much longer than a train platform).
Telegraph rating: 7/10
6. Kingston Freedom
With folding bikes, cheaper often means heavier, and the Kingston Freedom weighs in at almost 16kg.
While it wins no prizes for weight, if you're on a tight budget the Freedom is certainly one to consider.
Boasting 20'' wheels, larger then many folding bikes, the Freedom offers a stable ride for those not used to the smaller wheels of a Brompton. Full-length mudguards will keep you clean in winter, and the lightweight aluminium rims offer extremely responsive braking.
Telegraph rating: 7/10
7. Prodrive Hummingbird
Launched earlier this year, the Hummingbird is the lightest folding bike on the market. Thanks to a sturdy carbon frame it weighs just 6.9kg, less than your average watermelon, and can be lifted with one finger.
With a similar weight to a Tour de France bike, the Hummingbird is certainly speedy, though we can't guarantee you'll become the next Chris Froome with one.
It's main downside is the fold which, while simple to do, isn't very neat. Our reviewer found he couldn't fit it in the luggage compartment on a train – fine on an empty train, but a possible issue on packed carriages. There's also the price. At £2,000 more than a Brompton, you'll have to consider whether the weight alone justifies the outlay.
Telegraph rating: 7/10
8. Airnimal Joey sport
Airnimal is another top folding bike manufacturer. This beautiful bike is heavier than the Brompton, but its sturdy frame is designed for use as a sports bike as well as for commuters.
The bike works with two wheel sizes. The fatter of the two is designed for city or trail, with the narrow high-pressure version for more speed.
It's more cumbersome than the Brompton, and folding takes a bit longer (folding includes removing the front wheel) but if you want to use your bike both in the countryside and for the commute, consider the Airnimal Joey sport.
Telegraph rating: 7/10
9. Ecosmo new folding ladies shopper
An elegant ladies folding bike that offers a budget option for those not requiring a heavy-duty, all-weather bicycle.
If short trips to the shops or a nearby commute are what you want from a folding bike, this is a good option. It's heavy at 17kg, but folds neatly and easily, has seven gears, a rear pannier for all the shopping and a comfortable seat.
Telegraph rating: 6/10
10. Ford C-Max
An affordable option that contains all the most important features of a folding bike from car giants Ford.
It's designed for city use, with 20'' aluminium rims and city tyres. Six gears, mudguards, pannier racks and a kickstand are all welcome components.
The biggest downside is the weight, at 16kg, and slightly lengthy folding time. Not ideal for a quick rush to the train.
Telegraph rating: 6/10
And one for off-road cycling:
11. Cyrusher FR100
Folding bikes aren't only for commuters. The Cyrusher FR100 looks and rides like any good mountain bike, but can be folded and transported in a car trunk or on a train to the hills.
With thick tyres, full suspension and 24-speed gearing, it's a heavy-duty option for those who want a sport bike but lack the space.
Telegraph rating: 7/10
Our favourites
There are a few basic requirements for a folding bicycle: it should fold, obviously, and preferably easily. It should be light, and easy to ride, speedy and maneuverable, for darting in and out of traffic.
Most possess small wheels and elongated seats, designed for compact storage and urban use. Some come in designs more akin to regular bikes. The Cyrusher F100 is even a specialised folding mountain bike.
The best, however, are made by classic bicycle companies. If you're on a budget, consider the Raleigh Stowaway, at £300.
But the clear winner is the Brompton, which is still the best performing and highest quality folding bike on the market.
