Folding bikes review

01.Introduction

Test results for seven folding bikes from $385 to $1800

Commuting by bicycle is an ideal way to incorporate exercise into your lifestyle. It'll keep you fit, save the costs of running a car, not to mention helping the environment. By avoiding a 20km drive to work each day, you'll save 1.3 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year.

A folding bike offers all these benefits while introducing more options and greater flexibility. For example, if you want to combine public transport and cycling, it’s a lot easier to manage a folded bike on the train or bus than a regular bike. They're much easier to store at work as well.

Apart from commuting, a folding bike can also be handy if you don't have much storage space at home, if you like the idea of putting one in the car boot and driving to a suitable riding place, or for convenience when travelling by plane or train to exotic cycling locations.

With these uses in mind, CHOICE tested seven folding bikes with a range of designs and prices, to see what sort of quality and ride you get. Where there was a choice, we chose the biggest-selling model from each manufacturer. Two bike experts assessed each bike for quality of construction and components, ease of use and rideability. We also got six keen recreational riders to try them out.

Brands tested

• Birdy Orange
• Brompton M3L
• Dahon Boardwalk D7
• Giatex Sport 6 speed BICI 660
• Progear Cross Road
• Strida V3.3
• Yeah YRA062

Looking to commute to work by bicycle, but don't have the space for a full-sized model?