Folding Bikes Tested

Cut your fuel bills and beat jams with a bicycle that fits in your boot. We pick from 8 of the best

Auto Express Car Reviews

April 2011

Tired of sitting in traffic on your commute to work? Then why not set up your own park and ride scheme, and slash your fuel bills, by investing in a folding bike for the boot?

Leave the car out of town, where parking is free, unfold your cycle and pedal past the gridlock. There’s a huge choice of bikes on the market – so we strapped on a helmet and hit the streets with 12 of the best to find the right one for you.

The Test

We assessed how each bike fitted in the boot of a typical hatchback, and rated them for folding and unfolding. Then, we rode each on a potholed, hilly, mile-long urban route, scoring them on comfort and riding position, and gears for ease of use. We weighed them, and noted build quality and extras. Our test bikes covered a wide price range, and we rated this against how simple each was to get on with.

Verdict

Small, simple-to-use Brompton S1E-X justifies its price to win. The Carrera is fine if you don’t need to lift it often. Easy-to-unfold, full-suspension Jango Flik T9 is third.

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6 Comments

BP

I really wonder how the Bigfish would have done in this comparison. Its weight and price is near the average of the selected bunch. (http://bit.ly/lPckUq)

By Bimbo on 10 May, 2011, 7:47am

You rate the Brompton as the best partly because of the weight. Yet the Carrera shown in the picture has mudguards, a carrier rack and eight gears. Wonder what they weigh??
Only benefit I can see is slightly smaller when folded.
BUT high price difference and no gears.

By wheelz1951 on 10 May, 2011, 7:57am

Part of the Ageing Process?

1968 Hercules Jeep Single-Speed before they were trendy.
Age 14+ dicovered beer, laddishness and girls. Gave up cycling, the Jeep was a bit of a dog and no longer fitted.
1982 at Uni, borrowed a mates races and re-discovered the freedom.
1984 bought Raleigh Record Sprint 12 cool black roadie.
Mid 90's married with kids = mountain bike with child seat.
Since then gradual improved Giant hardtails.
But a pain to put in or on car to get to good off road sites.
Mates/Peer group now talking of the wonders of folders - the new mid 50's boy toy.
Put it in boot and go round the park/Harewood/Meanwood Trail etc/
Tempted but not bought yet

By RENZO on 10 May, 2011, 5:16pm