A foldable bike gives you the flexibility to use busy public transport, including trains, and store a bike under your desk or in cramped living spaces. This is a big plus when it comes to bike security, too.
If you’re a commuter, city dweller or simply want an easy run-around that doesn’t take up much space, look no further.
Cheap folding bikes: 7 popular options
- Challenge Holborn folding bike: £195
- Challenge Beacon folding bike: £129.99
- Cross CRF300 men’s folding bike: £149.99
- Raleigh Evo-2 folding bike: £275
- Compass Northern folding bike: £234
- B’Twin Tilt 120 folding bike: £199.99
Wondering what size road bike you need? Or looking for nifty ideas for storing your bike indoors? We’ve got you covered.
B’Twin Tilt 120 folding bike
- Folded dimensions: (H) 66cm x (D) 78cm x (W) 36cm
- Wheel size: 20in
- Claimed weight: 14.5kg
The design of this B’Twin is claimed to take just 30 seconds to fold and unfold, and features a handy wheel restraint making it easier to carry and store the folded bike. A nice feature is the bike stand at the base for storing upright.
A grip gear shifter should make it nice and simple to switch between the bike’s six gears and front and rear battery-powered lights are included as standard.
Not tackling big hills? You can save a further £50 by going for the singlespeed Oxylane 100 folding bike which is also sold by Decathlon.
There’s also a lifetime warranty on the steel frame, stem, rigid fork and handlebars (excluding the hinge), so you get some peace of mind despite the low price.
Challenge Holborn folding bike
- Folded dimensions: (H) 60.5 x (D) 84cm x (W) 32cm
- Wheel size: 20in
- Claimed weight: 14.5kg
Despite its steel frame (which hinges at the middle) and all the trimmings of a standard commuter bike, Challenge’s Holborn folding bike only weighs in at a claimed 14.5kg – a relatively lightweight option at this price.
Front and rear mudguards are included, as is a quick-release seat clamp for easily adjusting height, and the pedals also fold away. A 6-speed Shimano groupset should give enough range to tackle hilly terrain.
You forfeit a pannier rack for carrying bags but, if not essential to you, this is one cheap folding bike to consider.
Challenge Beacon folding bike
- Folded dimensions: (H) 73.5cm x (D) 96cm x (W) 32cm
- Wheel size: 26in
- Claimed weight: No information provided
Claimed to offer the qualities of a mountain bike, the Challenge Beacon should be suitable for commuting as well as taking on light holiday trail adventures. The bike has 18 Shimano gears to switch between, which is more than your average foldable bike.
Front suspension and mountain bike ‘style’ tyres also make it more suitable for rougher terrain than tarmac. If you’re not keen on roof racks, the foldable design would enable you to transport and store the bike inside a car.
Cross CRF300 folding bike
- Folded dimensions: (H) 55cm x (D) 45cm x (W) 35cm
- Wheel size: 20in
- Claimed weight: 14.1kg
The ‘city style’ tyres of the Cross CRF300 mean it’s most suited to urban riding and tarmac routes. It has 7-speed Shimano gears and looks to be reasonably lightweight, thanks to an alloy frame and rims.
When dismantled, the seat drops down and the handlebars fold inwards, along with the pedals and frame itself. There are front and rear metal mudguards, but they're unlikely to stay white for long.
Raleigh Evo-2 folding bike
- Folded dimensions: (H) 65cm x (D) 90cm x (W) 45cm
- Wheel size: 20in
- Claimed weight: 16kg
Although weightier than others on this list, the Raleigh has a few extra features to boast that should boost its practicality. Its 20in tyres are puncture protected, useful for city riding.
Its handlebars and pedals both fold to help reduce its footprint when packed down and a little kickstand has been added. The metal pannier rack for supporting bags above the back wheel is also a nice touch.
Compass Northern folding bike
- Folded dimensions: No information given
- Wheel size: 20in
- Claimed weight: 16kg
One of the first things you notice about the Compass Northern bike is its brighter design to others. Structurally, the steel frame is a low one to step over which should make mounting and dismounting easy.
The actual dimensions of the bike when folded are not provided, but it’s claimed to become a manageable size for fitting in car boots and small storage spaces. Mudguards and a luggage rack are both included.
