r/foldingbikes

Hello

I've recently gotten into biking and want to own my own. I want a folding one since the elevator at my building is kinda compact and I'm scared of it getting stolen. I just want something that can adhere to these circumstances I have, if I'm asking for too much yall can be honest w me too.

I'm 5'0 tall and I don't NEED it to be portable but more so to keep it indoors while at work or home.

I live in NYC, queens specifically so we don't have a lot of bike lanes and also it's very hilly over here, sometimes the roads can get tough but I don't see myself biking through hidden rough trails or anything.

I don't want tiny wheels, I'm sorry #noshade but I don't like the visual look of the foldable bikes w smaller wheels, it just doesn't do it for me snd I'm already short like I fear I will just look funky on it. The Pacific folding bike is something closer but again it's not something they sell in stores. I've seen some I like visually on Walmart or target but a lot of cyclists also mention them not being reputable.

A lot of my needs w biking are mostly running errands or riding around neighborhoods.

Please let me know your recs :)
Thank you!

I would prefer center mount, but I'm flexible. The bike is a 20" folding road bike. It's my sole mode of transportation for groceries and shopping runs in general (rear basket, not a bike trailer), so the weight of potential cargo needs to be taken into account. I can give more info if needed.

I’m looking for a folding bike for suburban roads and paved trails, mostly for short trips and throwing in the car. I’m 6'2" and around 180 lb, so I’m a little worried about buying something compact that feels cramped or twitchy. My budget is roughly $1,200–$2,000, and disc brakes are important to me. I’ve been comparing the Tern Verge D9, Dahon Launch D8, Origami models, Bike Friday, and the Brompton, although the lack of factory disc brakes makes that one harder to justify. Would you choose the Verge D9 for this use, or is there another model with a better ride for a taller rider? Also, are disc brakes really worth prioritizing on a folding bike?

Hello, I very recently moved to the Netherlands and needed some help choosing a good folding ebike for my daily commute

My last ebike in the US was a Lectric XP 3.0 just for reference

I want something that's easy to fix and maintain (not many proprietary parts and/or very ubiquitious and affordable support), under €2000, preferably 20" wheels but can go for 16, easy to fold and carry (doesn't have to be super light as long as the handle is well positioned) and fits within 86x80x45cm (the Dutch personal item size limit)

One I find interesting is the b'twin e fold 500 in decathlon but I'm not a huge fan of its brakes and cadence sensor (https://www.decathlon.nl/p/elektrische-vouwfiets-e-fold-500-rood/330540/c57m8928945). Plus the smallest dimension slightly exceeds the limits

The Legend Monza looks nice too but it also has a cadence sensor and apparently doesn't cut power to the motor when the brakes are pressed. For me, this is a must on a cadence sensor based bike

The Fiido X looks good but the max folded dimension is 87 which is a little more than I would like. Fiido D11 is probably my current top choice but I don't like that the battery is in the seatpost for both of these (I assume this will lead to some wear and tear over time but please correct me if I'm wrong about this)

Please share your recommendations or advice

I am especially interested in underrated 16" recommendations. I don't love the wheel size but if there's an option that completely satisfies my other requirements, I'd be more than happy with it

As a side note, the Brompton G Line Electric looks insanely Good to me but I don't know if I'm ready for such a premium price tag, plus I'm a bit worried about it being stolen. If you own this bike, I'd like to hear your thoughts

Thank you!

Just finished a move into a much more urban area and my riding needs have changed. I'm keeping the roadie and mountain bike around, but I'm quickly realizing I need something more portable as a daily machine.

My regular commute is short and completely doable 100% on the bike, but for going farther in the city, I'd love to take a bike with me on the subway for those first and last miles. A folding bike is pretty much a requirement for that to work with local transit rules around peak hours.

I've managed to get in a few test rides on a BYB P8 and Link 7i at my local shop, both of which felt pretty solid, and I think I have a wishlist of features.

* 20" wheel minimum (couldn't feel right on a friend's 16")

* easy to fold, unfold, and move through transit stops and elevators

* around $1k usd, but I'm a little flexible

* fenders and chain guard are ideal. I will absolutely ride in any weather I can stand to be outside in.

* non-electric. I don't want to deal with charging my ride if I don't have to.

I really like the Link 7i for the internal hub, fully covered chain, and dynamo light, but the BYB P8 is noticeably more compact when folded and the metro rack seems handy. I'm torn between those models, but also open for reccomdations on other brands that can check off my list too.

Living in Germany. Riding a Chinese-made MTB fork. 🇨🇳🇩🇪🔥

Why choose a Chinese suspension fork?

Forget the label. The trail is the real test.

I have the option to buy a V1 Amethyst Lacquer or a V2 Pacific Lacquer.
The weight is the same & I am upgrading with Brooks B17 & conti tyres.
I love both colours, so my question is:
Is the V2 worth the extra 500 pounds? For people who have owned a Brompton for a while, what do you think?

I live in NYC. I pre-Ordered 2 kits for our Bromptons in May of 2025. Received delivery Sept 2025. Two months later than expected...

However I've been having a blast with it . My 73 year old legs love it. Its brilliant IMO... But I've been concerned Swytch would be going out of business due to its poor customer service and all the deserved negative posts. So when the OLED controller was finally "back in stock" I was hopeful, took a chance and ordered one to find if indeed the reorganization improves things. I ordered a new controller August 4 2026 and received it, August 9 2026. I was sent tracking info the same day with updates till it arrived. So I'm a happy camper!

https://preview.redd.it/begs25wndkjh1.jpg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8defaa861c91b64e4f141c5864a1fc35c2e92143

FYI The increased performance of the OLED controller is huge. It enabled me to increase the top speed to 20 mph from 15 mph the stock controller allowed. That extra boost makes a huge difference making pedalling much easier. I wasnt expecting the performance boost! I then ordered one for my wife on August 12th. The tracking initially promised delivery by August 18th. It was delivered August 15th. Maybe Swytch has survived after all!

ive travelled enough times with a regular sized bicycle, had to box it and pay extra special luggage... im travelling with my first time with a folding bike, can i just check it as regular checked bagged? or would i have to check it as special luggage, also would i have to box it or could i just use a bike bag?

flying with air canada if that helps

I like folding bikes. They're fun to ride, nimble and compact to store and travel with. I'll be flying off to Japan with my trifold Cranston safely packed away in its flightcase. There's a not-zero chance that I could be tempted into buy another vintage folding bike while in Japan. Bringing it home would be the issue as airline's (Westjet) own rules only allow "one bicycle and helmet per person".

The particular style of folding bikes I have in mind would fit into a regular suitcase if completely disassembled into its component parts, frame included. If I were to spread the parts between two checked suitcases, would that still count as a second "bicycle", or just "bicycle parts"? There would be some parts I could place in my actual bicycle's flightcase, so the the parts in the checked suitcases wouldn't actually be a complete bicycle...

Anything to avoid paying $300-500 in freight charges to ship a second bike back to Canada.

Has anyone attempted to fly with a suitcase full of a disassembled bicycle and not had to pay the usual bicycle luggage fee?