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Are you seeking the perfect blend of convenience, versatility, and adventure? Or are you looking for something portable to take you off the beaten track? Welcome to the world of folding mountain bikes.
Folding bikes have exploded in popularity, so it’s no surprise that the folding mountain bike market has grown to accommodate this.
Whilst you won’t see household folding names such as Brompton or Hummingbird on this list, you will see some innovative and thoughtfully designed bikes from other manufacturers.
In this article, we’re going to explore the best folding mountain bikes, addressing important concerns that you might have about their safety, their practicality, and, ultimately, their value for money.
We’ve got you covered with everything from electric folding mountain bikes to those with great suspensions. Are they a good investment for you? Read on to see our list of the best foldable mountain bikes and find out for yourself.
Best Folding Mountain Bikes
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War-Proof
Montague Paratrooper
Rough and ready folding mountain bike that’s seriously tough.
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Folding Electric Mountain Bike
Ancheer Electric Folding Mountain Bike
Very affordable folding mountain bike with electrical assistance.
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Great Climber
Change 812 Offroad MTB
A solid climber with premium shock absorption forks.
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Premium Folding Mountain Bike
Montague Paratrooper ELITE
Extremely high performance folding hard tail.
Are Folding Mountain Bikes Worth It?
Folding bikes are definitely worth the money, depending on what you’re planning on using it for. Their versatile nature allows you to take them anywhere, whether you’re commuting through the city or traversing challenging terrains in the great outdoors.
Mountain bikes are very practical anyway, but the folding aspect makes them especially great, not just for commuters but for people who’d like to take their bikes to a more secluded route further afield. They can enhance accessibility and empower individuals to embrace a new and exciting form of exercise.
Investing in a folding mountain bike offers a number of benefits that make them truly worthwhile. If you want to cycle but don’t have much storage space at home, if you’re adventurous on the weekend but the city is limiting your routes, or if you don’t know what you’ll be up against, folding mountain bikes have you covered.
Are Foldable Mountain Bikes Safe?
Folding mountain bikes can be considered safe if you respect their intended use. When handled with care and caution like any other bike, folding bikes (and folding mountain bikes) are generally as safe as their non-folding counterparts.
Of course, as with any folding bike, it’s important to ensure you fully secure the folding mechanism and regularly inspect it for any signs of wear or tear. The components of the rest of the bike are comparable to their non-folding counterparts, give or take. That’s to say, they aren’t generally made of lower-quality materials except on the very low-end models produced.
Mountain bikes are rugged and are made to be used and enjoyed. Don’t expect trail performance out of every model though, especially if its intended use is a short cycle in the countryside.
However, it is important to note that the safety of a bike ultimately depends on its design, construction, and user maintenance. Regular maintenance, such as checking and adjusting the brakes and gears, is also essential to ensure safe operation.
Additionally, you should follow proper cycling safety practices like other bikes. Wear a helmet and protective gear if appropriate, and cycle safely.
Best Foldable Mountain Bike (Top 4)
1. Montague Paratrooper
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£975 -
$1,195 -
€1,123
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 26lbs (12.2kg)
- Wheel Size: 26″
- Folded Size: 76 x 90 x 30cm
- Gears: 24-speed
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Patented folding design.
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Loads of gearing options.
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Disc brakes.
One of the best all-round options, we present the Paratrooper from Montague.
The original folding mountain bike from Montague, the Paratrooper, is a war machine. It’s based on a design intended for landing air troopers and soldiers, where a robust folding bike would prove to be extremely practical.
It has 24 speeds, a front suspension, and some excellent mechanical disc brakes. It’s smart and rugged, doing equally well on tough weekend runs through the trails and city hops as a commuter.
It’s designed to fold without any breaks in the frame’s tubing, which makes it extremely strong (although at the cost of being a little less compact). Nevertheless, it’s still a fairly quick folder, clocking in at under 20 seconds to convert from cyclist to pedestrian. This is largely thanks to Montague’s patented folding design. Just flick the quick-release lever, and you’re on your way.
As a mountain bike, it’s not a surprise that you can count on the suspension. It’s got an SR Suntour suspension fork at the front end, allowing a good degree of glide over most obstacles you’re likely to encounter.
It is an excellent choice for mountain bikers who want something that’s good value, portable, rugged, and also somewhat discreet. It certainly has more of a military aesthetic than an MTB one.
2. Ancheer Electric Folding Mountain Bike
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£799 -
$980 -
€920
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 60lbs (27kg)
- Wheel Size: 26″
- Folded Size: 82 x 102 x 23cm
- Gears: 21-speed
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Affordable.
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Good ratings.
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Electric.
Step into the future with the Ancheer Folding Electric Mountain Bike, a true fusion of technology and functionality.
Gone are the fiddly spokes, replaced by a mesmerizing and practical five-knife integrated design. This isn’t just useful (and tidy!), it provides a clean and sharp aesthetic as well.
It’s in a bold blue and white color scheme that is modest, but, if we’re honest, is likely to look pretty dirty once you start taking it offroad.
It’s not just a folding mountain bike; it’s a pedelec as well! As an electric bike, it offers the advantage of a little push when needed. Equipped with a 250W motor that can reach a top speed of 15mph and a battery life of up to 30 miles, no one is complaining. Just don’t expect it to carry you up the hill; you still need to move your legs, unfortunately.
The LED control panel adds an extra touch of modernity and convenience, allowing you to navigate through various riding modes and monitor battery life effortlessly.
It’s equipped with high-strength magnesium forks, which should be fine under most conditions, giving you good handling and stability.
The reviews are primarily promising, but it must be said that it’s a little heavy at 60 lbs (27kg). This is undoubtedly due to the electric equipment.
3. Change 812 Offroad MTB
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£1,754 -
$2,150 -
€2,020
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 28lbs (12.8kg)
- Wheel Size: ‘Roughly’ 28″ Tires (Exact wheel size unknown)
- Folded Size: 76 x 94 x 36cm
- Gears: 20-speed
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Lightweight folding mountain bike.
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Big wheels.
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Capable of extremely steep climbs.
Introducing the Change 812 Off-Road MTB, a great companion for your cycling adventures. When you invest in the Change 812, you’re not just getting a bike – you’re receiving a complete package.
Alongside this exceptional bicycle, you’ll find a versatile black canvas carry bag, allowing you to easily transport and store your bike. A convenient seat bag for pedals is also included, providing a secure place to keep your pedals when not in use.
But that’s not all – the Change 812 allows you to choose your preferred pedals, be it MTB, SPD, or flat, allowing you to customize your ride to match your unique style and preferences.
The standard bike weighs in at just 28lbs (12.8kg), which is pretty impressive. Its 20-speed gearing might not be the highest on this list, but it’s more than enough in most instances.
Speaking of impressive, it boasts its lowest gear ratio at 0.6, meaning you’ll have the torque needed to take on decent ascents. No hill is too much for the Change 812.
It also comes standard with some great high end specs, such as the 32 float air shock forks (costing $500 individually!). They’re great for shock absorption for the obstacles that you’re likely to find. Whilst it isn’t the cheapest model, it’s a great high-performance investment if you’ve got the cash.
4. Montague Paratrooper ELITE
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£2,410 -
$2,950 -
€2,770
Prices are approximate
- Weight: 27lbs (12.25kg)
- Wheel Size: 27.5″
- Folded Size: 91 x 71 x 30cm
- Gears: 30-speed
Top-end components.
Great technical bike.
Classy colour scheme.
Finally, we have the cream of the crop when it comes to folding mountain bikes. The Paratrooper ELITE from Montague is the high-spec upgrade of its relative the Paratrooper. And while the Paratrooper is a great folding mountain bike, the ELITE is even better if you’ve got the money.
24 speeds become 30, the bike drops roughly 2kg in weight, and its folded size is even a little bit smaller. It’s got large 27.5″ wheels that can roll over anything, a full Shimano XT drivetrain, Shimano XT hydraulic disc brakes, and even Rockshox Recon suspension to cushion all the blows. It’s good for a mountain bike, let alone a folding one!
As always with Montague, we’ve got the patented folding system that maintains the structure and strength of the frame. This is especially good news when considering what this bike is designed to go through. Races and time trials, this bike was made for them. And if you don’t believe that, feel free to test their lifetime warranty.
It’s an exceptional piece of engineering and design that comes at a cost. But, we’re happy to see that Montague has taken something great and made it even better.
