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Folding bikes are growing in popularity and for good reasons – they provide convenience and portability, making it easy to take them wherever you go.
But did you know that you don’t have to compromise on performance when it comes to foldable bikes? There’s a huge variety when it comes to folding bikes, from hybrid to MTB to road, there’s something for everyone.
This article will cover the best folding road bikes available today. We’re also going to consider whether they are worth it and how safe they are, helping you to decide if a foldable road bike might be what you’re looking for.
Best Folding Road Bikes
When it comes to folding road bikes, there are endless options to choose from. We’ve narrowed down the list to the top 4 folding road bikes that offer exceptional performance and portability.
Regarding road bikes, there isn’t necessarily a solid definition of what one is. In this list, however, we’ve prioritized bikes designed for speed on paved surfaces, have full-sized wheels (or very close to them), and are lightweight.
While they might not always appear aesthetically to be similar to road bikes, they nonetheless intend to ride like a traditional road bike. With that out of the way, let’s get on with the list.
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Everyday Road Commuter
Change DF-702W
Lightweight folding road bike with 700C wheels and 30 speeds.
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Bringing Back the Basics
Montague Boston
Single-speed folding road bike with the option to run as a fixie.
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Titanium Folder
Helix Standard
Ultra compact folding road bike with 24″ wheels and titanium components.
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Small Wheeled Racer
Vello Speedster Titanium
Ultralight sleek racing road bike with drop bars and a sharp look.
Are Folding Road Bikes Worth It?
If you’re looking for a bike with a performance that’s close to that of a traditional road bike, but you value portability and compact storage, then a folding road bike could definitely be worth it for you.
There are definitely some compromises when it comes to foldable road bikes. Inevitably, one is weight. The folding mechanism will usually add weight to a bike, meaning that a non-folding counterpart is almost always lighter.
Another is usually cost. The complexity of the folding mechanism normally makes a folding road bike more expensive than a non-folding one. That being said, they can still be affordable.
However, they provide an excellent way to stay fit and healthy. While other types of folding bikes such as commuter and electric bikes offer unique benefits, folding road bikes are ideal for those looking for speed, agility and portability. Whether a folding road bike is a good investment for you or not really depends on what you value in a bicycle.
Are Foldable Road Bikes Safe?
Folding road bikes are safe when used appropriately. The key to ensuring safety is purchasing a high-quality bike from a reputable brand and using it responsibly.
One potential issue with foldable road bikes is stability. Folding bikes tend to be a bit ‘jittery’ at high speeds and can also be a little over-responsive in their handling. This is partly due to their construction, as the incorporation of a folding mechanism means that the frame, at some point, has to be compromised.
Folding bikes also have a reputation for instability due to their small wheels, but the reality is that they take a bit of getting used to. Fortunately, on this list, almost all of the options have wheels that are as close to a standard size as possible.
However, as with other bicycles, the best foldable road bikes are made and tested to rigorous safety standards. If you treat them with respect and caution they’re going to serve you well.
As always, purchase a bike that’s suitable for its intended use and wear a helmet.
Best Foldable Road Bike (Top 4)
1. Change DF-702W
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£1,235
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$1,500
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€1,420
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 23lbs (10.5kg)
- Folded Size: Unknown
- Gearing: Shimano Tigra 30 Speeds
- Wheel Size: 700c
30 speeds
Aluminium double-butted frame
Not much bigger than a small suitcase
Within Change’s range of folding road bikes, one particular model stands out.
The DF-702B is the folding road bike that does it all. Even when folded, the clever design allows it to roll, be carried and even stand freely. In this regard, it’s really versatile.
It’s lightweight too, weighing just over 10 kg! All this comes in a modest sized folded package that is little bigger than a small suitcase, so it’s perfect for travel as well as commuting.
Aesthetically, it doesn’t have the obvious appearance of a folding bike, maintaining its road bike image to an extent. Quite frankly, it looks pretty smart.
Coming in with 30 speeds, it’s versatile too. All things considered, it’s pretty impressive that all of this can fit into a folding bicycle.
Pros
- Looks great
- 30 speeds
- Folded bike can easily be wheeled around
Cons
- Limited availability
- Limited colour options
2. Montague Boston
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£765
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$879
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€832
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 24lbs (10.8kg)
- Folded Size: 91 x 71 x 30 cm
- Gearing: Single speed/fixed
- Wheel Size: 700c
Single speed or fixed gear folding bike
Custom drawn 6061 Series aluminum frame
Sporty gel saddle
When it comes to folding road bikes, Montague is of the belief that simplicity is best. If there’s a bike that demonstrates that well, it’s the Boston.
The Boston is a full-sized folding road bike that’s great for city riding. It’s lightweight, weighing shy of 11 kg, and is nimble and maneuverable.
Most notably, it’s a single speed. It’s worth noting that single speeds aren’t for everyone. They can be more challenging physically, especially when it comes to scaling hills. It can also easily be converted to a fixed gear, but bare in mind this might not make the decline any easier!
However, it more than makes up for this in its simplicity. If you want a low-maintenance bike with a clean aesthetic, then the Boston might be what you’re looking for. It’s an excellent folding road bike for the city rider who values portability and simplicity.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great price
- Can easily convert from single-speed to fixie
Cons
- Single speed can be more challenging physically
- Limited frame and colour options
- Frame geometry has a strange aesthetic
3. Helix Standard
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£2,460
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$2,990
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€2,830
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 26lbs (11.8kg) (weight varies with gearing options)
- Folded Size: 71 x 63 x 27 cm
- Gearing: 11 speed (other options available)
- Wheel Size: 24″
Choose between single, 10 or 11 speeds
Helix ultralight tyres
Now with titanium dropouts as standard
The Helix is a premium, Canadian made folding road bike that doesn’t just look great, but performs at a very high standard too.
This bike is regarded for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design. In fact, it’s the only bike in the world to be robotically welded in an argon chamber for absolute precision in the production process.
The Standard model of the Helix folding bike comes with 27 titanium CNC machined parts, all made on multi-axis mills and lathes.
It also includes components such as Shimano XT 160mm brake rotors, TRP dual piston disc brakes, Sram direct mount chainring, and a GXP bottom bracket.
One of the few contenders in this price range is the ultralight model of the same bike! But as the standard model is over $1000 cheaper, it’s hard to refuse.
For those seeking a full sized folding road bike with excellent components, Canadian manufacturing and precise construction, it’s an excellent choice, even if is on the pricier end.
Pros
- Rides very closely to a normal road bike
- Premium materials
- Modern aesthetic
Cons
- Expensive
- Lack of optional accessories
4. Vello Speedster Titanium
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£2,600
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$3,160
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€2,990
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 22lbs (9.9kg)
- Folded Size: 57 x 79 x 29 cm
- Gearing: Shimano 10-speed
- Wheel Size: 20″
Racing bars
Brooks saddle as standard
Titanium frame with chromoly forks
When it comes to folding road bikes, the Speedster Titanium from Vello is definitely one of the classiest.
With its lightweight titanium frame, the Speedster offers the perfect balance between strength and agility, ensuring a smooth ride throughout the city.
It’s got an innovative folding mechanism, meaning it’s one of the fastest folders on this list.
Equipped with top-of-the-line components such as a Shimano 105 groupset, hydraulic disc brakes, and a brooks saddle as standard, the Speedster is really a performance road bike that folds, rather than being a folding bike.
There is of course the compromise when it comes to the wheels. Unfortunately, they’re nowhere near the standard road size, meaning you’re going to feel the little bumps of the road more. You’re also probably going to sacrifice some speed.
But, you’ll more than make these up in portability. If you live in the city and want a stylish and agile road bike that can fold into a small package, the Speedster could be for you.
Pros
- One of the most stunning bikes to look at
- Very fast folder
- Drop bars to get into a more aero position
Cons
- Very shiny
- Small wheels