Folding and compact bikes in the test: Mobile on small wheels

Note: This article was first published in 2020. We have revised and updated it.

Germany's roads, pavements and cycle paths are getting crowded. It even feels like it's getting more and more crowded: since the coronavirus pandemic, many more people have been using their bikes to get around in everyday life, but also in their free time, to get outdoors and enjoy nature. A general increase in the need for mobility combined with increasingly limited space - this cannot end well in the long term.

Folding bikes extend the radius

Folding and compact bikes offer a constructive approach to changing the situation: they take up significantly less space than a normal bike - both when travelling and when stationary, at home, in the office or even when travelling on public transport. The railway and almost all local transport networks now accept bikes with 20-inch wheels or smaller as hand luggage, provided they are folded. In this case, no restrictions apply and extra bike tickets are obsolete. Unfolded 20-inch wheels or smaller are also permitted in many places as long as the "structural requirements in the means of transport" are met.

Such rules considerably extend the radius for cyclists if, under the heading of intermodality, a closer, seamless interlinking of as many modes of transport as possible is created. Even long-distance commuting is much easier with a reliable local transport app and personally optimised luggage management. Reason enough to take a closer look at the "20-inch and smaller" category.

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There are many more folding bikes than ever before

The idea that folding bikes are not only easier to transport, but also safer and more competent to ride, has become more and more popular in recent years. Many manufacturers have developed their own new models, and both the number of folding bike manufacturers and the variety of models have increased.

There is a wide range in terms of price and quality. Inexpensive folding bikes with usable handling, a reliable folding mechanism and practical folding dimensions are often available as labelled own brands from major manufacturers or large retail chains. More demanding folding cyclists get their money's worth with folding bikes that are fully suitable for touring or even travelling at a high technical level. Sporty riders can find a serious folding training device for prices between two and three thousand euros.

The riding position on good wheels is almost indistinguishable from that on an "adult" bike. On the one hand, however, small wheels make a folding bike roll more bumpily than a large bike: the smaller the wheel diameter, the greater the impact of a bump when rolling over it. A pothole two centimetres deep and ten centimetres long can be easily and easily absorbed by a large wheel with a larger air volume in the tyre. A 20- or 18-inch tyre, on the other hand, rumbles through much harder and with less damping. The extremely low weight of small wheels makes them more nervous when turning, and the slightest steering force immediately translates into a change of direction.

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Riding a folding bike is special

Another special feature of folding bikes also plays a role: for reasons of stability, almost all handlebars are designed as a conical, often extendable stem with a folding joint. The slight forward tilt of the stem corresponds to the stem length of a conventional bike. In order to achieve the tightest possible folding dimensions, many manufacturers refrain from installing a sufficiently long, stabilising stem length. To summarise, almost all folding bikes ride much more nervously than you are used to on a normal bike. Some are even borderline nervous. For beginners, this takes some getting used to, but it soon becomes a thing of the past the more time you spend on your folding bike.

If you are clear in advance about how and for what you want to use your folding or compact bike, it could be that the "normal bike" stays in the garage more and more often. A folding bike can, but by no means has to be just a second or third bike for convinced bike people. After all, there is hardly any type of everyday use that cannot also be handled with small wheels. And where a folding bike often even creates new possibilities and freedom due to its smaller footprint.

Fixed folded

All but one of our test bikes are foldable. A folding bike must also be foldable in order to travel on the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, tram and DB long-distance services without restrictions. You want to have your bike ready to travel quickly on the platform - the folding effort required should be as low as possible. Our folding size and volume specifications in the test letters represent the pragmatic, quick "platform" folding without loose parts such as a seat post. Many manufacturers' specifications refer to the smallest possible package size. For car transport or storage in the home, more effort may be required to achieve a minimum folding size. The Moulton compact bike can be split into two halves, each with half a frame and a wheel, using a 6 mm hexagon socket. This is hardly practical when travelling, but is helpful for transport by car or plane.

The 9 folding and compact bikes in the test

Brickerton Argent 1909, derailleur 1x9 derailleur

The British dominate when it comes to folding bikes: Harry Bickerton, an engineer at Rolls-Royce and de Havilland, was ahead of his time in the early 1970s when he started working on the construction of folding bikes. He had lost his driving licence, and a bike that could be taken anywhere seemed like a good idea to the travel-loving inventor. Today, his son Mark runs the business, and the 1909 Argent still carries the genes of the original Bickerton. The box-shaped main frame is based on aluminium sheets that were glued together at the time to create stable structures in aircraft construction. The lowered bottom bracket, a folding joint at half the length of the frame and short seat and steering tubes - these folding bike elements can already be found in the 1971 prototype. The current model uses tried-and-tested components and parts from Tern stocks and thus achieves high-quality stability in handling. Its very short wheelbase (995 centimetres) makes the bike manoeuvrable, while the steering remains commendably smooth. With wide-ratio gearing, even hills and valleys can be negotiated, while the Big Apple tyres can also cope with easy off-road trails and provide plenty of comfort. Of course, the Brooks saddle also stands for genuine Britishness.

• Price: 999 Euro
• Info: bickertonportables.co.uk
• Folding size (W, L, H)/volume: 40 x 85 x 63 cm/214 l
• Test bike weight*: 12.1 kg
• permissible total weight: 118 kg
• Frame: Aluminium, welded
• Fork: Aluminium, welded
• Circuit: Shimano Alivio, Sora; 53:11-32 teeth
• Brakes: Avid/Kinetix V-Brakes
• Tyres: Schwalbe Big Apple 50-406, 20 inch
  * without pedals

Conclusion and grade

• Plus: solidly constructed, versatile bike; reasonably priced; extensive range of accessories
• Minus: Handlebar extension not form-fitting and sharp-edged; difficult to carry when unfolded
• MYBIKE grade: 2.6 satisfactory

Brompton S6, 2x3 hub/ derailleur gears

With flagship stores and emotionally charged brand messages, Brompton is skilfully working to turn the British folding bikes into a lifestyle product. Viewed unemotionally as a product, the bike has clear strengths and weaknesses: the sporty seating position, which allows you to pedal efficiently, and the high frame rigidity, which gives you a safe riding experience, are strong points. Another clever feature is the ability to park the bike quickly by folding the elastomer-sprung rear triangle around its pivot joint: the bike then rests on castors, making it easy to manoeuvre. The folding joints are stable, but the screw clamps are not "captive" - they can shake loose when open. Long mudguards provide protection in bad weather. We would count the nervous steering behaviour, the coarsely stepped, technically outdated own-brand gears, wet-sensitive rim brakes and the narrow handlebars with coarse clamping and non-height-adjustable cockpit among the weaknesses. Nevertheless, the S6 is a useful bike for shorter everyday journeys. And for fans of the British lifestyle.

• Price1,451 Euro
• Info: voss-spezialrad.de
• Folding size (W, L, H)/volume: 29 x 61 x 61 cm/108 l
• Test bike weight*11.8 kg
• Permissible total weight: 110 kg
• Frame: Steel, welded
• Fork: Steel, soldered
• CircuitBrompton, 3-speed hub gear with 2 sprockets; 50:16, 13 teeth
• BrakesBrompton side-pull rim brakes
• TyresSchwalbe Marathon Racer 35-349, 16 inch
  * without pedals

Conclusion and grade

• Plus: Very compact and can be quickly folded small; laterally stiff and manoeuvrable; smooth riding behaviour
• Minus: Rickety rear linkage; gearing too coarse; brakes sensitive to wet conditions
• MYBIKE grade: 3.4 satisfactory

Dahon Curl 14, 4-speed hub gear

As an "old hand", Dahon knows how to reconcile cycling and minimal space requirements: Dahon is probably the largest manufacturer of folding bikes in the world, and many basic elements such as folding geometries, concepts and joints can be traced back to the Taiwanese giant. Dahon technology can be found in many folding bikes from other brands. And behind the Tern brand is a son of the Dahon family. The Dahon Curl with its curved frame has a particularly compact folding size. The (unsprung) rear triangle rotates around a joint close to the bottom bracket, the rear wheel sits under the frame hump: the bike is stable and easy to manoeuvre on the four skateboard wheels of the carrier. The telescopic handlebars and seat post also contribute to the economical pack size. Unfortunately, the riding characteristics and component quality fall short: The bike rides hard and bouncy, the steering is very nervous and the handlebars are too narrow. The 4-speed hub shifts only reluctantly, the chain rubs against the rear triangle and the safety catch on the second frame joint is mounted in such a way that it cannot hold back the quick-release lever.

• Price1,199 Euro
• Info: bbf-bike.de
• Folding size (W, L, H)/volume31 x 63 x 61 cm/119 l
• Test bike weight: 12,5 kg
• Permissible total weight: 105 kg
• FrameAluminium, welded
• ForkAluminium profiles, forged
• CircuitSturmey Archer 4-speed hub gear, 46:16 teeth
• BrakesTektro side-pull rim brakes
• TyresSchwalbe Marathon 35-349, 16 inch
  * without pedals

Conclusion and grade

• Plus: Sturdy fork and frame; very small folding size, yet easy to manoeuvre and carry
• Minus: Weaknesses in workmanship, gearstick and joint lock; rear suspension lock rattles
• MYBIKE grade: 4.0, sufficient

Hercules Versa R3, 3-speed hub gear

Hercules appeals to a very specific audience with the Versa R3: This sedate but attractive bike is the only folding step-through bike on the market. With three-speed hub gears, a back-pedal brake and a decidedly upright riding position, the bike is aimed at the active "50+ generation", who travel with a caravan, motorhome or boat or have a second home in their holiday home and want to cycle short distances in comfort. The Versa has a large folding size, as the frame can simply be folded sideways. Both the hinge and the frame are stable and surprisingly laterally rigid for a step-through bike: The ride feels safe and smooth. Due to the upright riding position, the front wheel tends to understeer a little, so a (slightly self-unhooking) spring serves to dampen the steering, but also considerably limits the possible steering angle. The V-brakes lose their effectiveness in wet conditions. A mini pump and high-quality plug-in lights are welcome additions, while the pannier rack transports shopping or excursion luggage easily and safely. The thick, Big Apple-like tyres provide a comfortable ride.

• Price: 749 Euro
• Info: hercules-bikes.com
• Folding size (W, L, H)/volume: 42 x 76 x 62 cm/198 litres
• Test bike weight: 14.5 kg
• permissible total weight: 135 kg
• Frame: Aluminium, welded
• Fork: Aluminium, welded
• Circuit: Shimano Nexus 3-speed hub with coaster brake; 42:16 teeth
• Brakes: Tektro V-brakes
• Tyres: Impac Bigpac 50-406, 20 inch
  * without pedals

Conclusion and grade

• Plus: Suitable for everyday use for shorter distances; solid construction and handling; very reasonably priced
• Minus: Joint/handlebar stem and seatpost/seat tube fit have play; heavy
• MYBIKE grade: 3.3, satisfactory

Moulton TSR Kensington, 1x9 derailleur system

Alex Moulton already had an illustrious engineering career behind him when he began developing compact bicycles with 20-inch wheels in 1962. Moulton designed the rubber suspension of the Austin Morris Mini, for example, which also caused a sensation despite its small wheels. Since 1983, the truss-like space frame, which can be split in the middle at the crossing point, has been the distinguishing feature of the eccentric Moulton bikes. This bike cannot be folded, but it can be dismantled. Its braced frame makes the bike light and extremely laterally rigid. The high-quality hand-soldered tubes (Reynolds 525 tube set), which seamlessly wrap around the seat and steering tube, are beautiful to look at. From the very beginning, a conical rubber element system on the rear triangle and a parallelogram-sprung fork have been essential features of a Moulton bike. Accordingly, it is noticeably comfortable to ride, yet always stable and safe. It can even be pedalled comfortably hands-free. The V-brakes could be a little stiffer for better braking, but otherwise there is nothing to criticise about this frugally equipped bike. A wide range of suitable accessories is available.

• Price: 2,390 Euro
• Info: lhbicycles.com
• Folding size (W, L, H)/volume: 58 x 103 x 50 cm/299 litres
• Test bike weight: 12.0 kg
• permissible total weight: 150 kg
• Frame: Steel, hand-brazed; rear suspension
• Fork: Steel, brazed; parallelogram suspension
• Circuit: SRAM DD3 derailleur 9-speed; 54:11-32 teeth
• Brakes: Avid/Tektro V-brakes
• Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon Racer 40-406, 20 inch
  * without pedals

Conclusion and grade

• Plus: Versatile bike with an eccentric but practical concept
• Minus: Relatively expensive; not foldable, can only be dismantled
• MYBIKE grade: 2.4, good

Riese & Müller Birdy Touring, 1x10 derailleur gears

Riese & Müller's entire company history revolves around the only model without an electric drive in the current catalogue, because it all started with the Birdy. The idea was to develop a folding bike with full suspension whose pivot points were also folding joints. In its current form, with its aluminium monocoque main frame, high-quality rear swing arm and parallelogram fork, the Birdy has become a fully-fledged all-round bike that is very small when it counts: once you have internalised the steps, folding is a breeze and the package is very compact. On the other hand, despite its tiny 18-inch wheels, it offers highly comfortable, mature riding performance with stable straight-line stability, comparatively smooth steering, a wide-ratio drive suitable for uphill riding and effective brakes. The Birdy is the only folding bike to have a Supernova lighting system with continuous light on board. The Birdy can carry panniers weighing up to around ten kilos without turbulence. The handlebar stem and seat post can be extended, making the bike suitable for cyclists up to 1.95 metres tall.

• Price: 2,572 Euro
• Info: r-m.de
• Folding size (W, L, H)/volume: 37 x 85 x 71 cm/223 l
• Test bike weight: 12.4 kg
• permissible total weight: 120 kg
• Frame: Aluminium monocoque, welded; rear suspension
• Fork: Aluminium profiles, welded; parallelogram suspension
• Circuit: Shimano Deore derailleur gears; 52:9-32 teeth
• Brakes: Shimano Deore Disc, ø 160 mm
• Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon Racer 40-355, 18 inch
  * without pedals

Conclusion and grade

• Plus: Mature concept without weaknesses; very comfortable and safe to ride; top lighting system
• Minus: Relatively expensive
• MYBIKE grade: 1.9, good

Strida EVO 3, 3-speed bottom bracket gearbox

What a bold approach to think of a folding bike! The wow effect goes back to a London design student who wanted to cycle his way to university despite using the underground and didn't want to walk. Manufacturer Ming in Taiwan has been producing the Stridas in series for over ten years. High-quality welded seams adorn the unusual frame construction. Many components are labelled with the company's own brand, such as the unusual 3-speed drivetrain, which supplier Sturmey Archer has transplanted from a rear hub into the bottom bracket. It makes the Evo 3 somewhat more versatile than the model with single-speed drive for around 340 euros less. The bike should not be considered a fully-fledged bike: The saddle position is far too close to the handlebars, you sit squat and have little freedom of movement on the far too narrow handlebars. The steering is too tippy for longer distances or high speeds due to the lack of caster and flat steering angle. The short wheelbase makes the bike rear-heavy and bumpy. All three frame joints require constant attention due to their dimensions and the forces acting on them. As a "walking aid", the Strida is a third or fourth wheel for a few occasions - or wild indoor races around the coffee table.

• Price: 1,169 Euro
• Info: strida.de
• Folding size (W, L, H)/volume: 26 x 55 x 116 cm/166 l
• Test bike weight: 12.2 kg
• permissible total weight: 100 kg
• Frame: Aluminium, A-shaped, connected by joints
• Fork: integrated in the frame
• Circuit: Sturmey Archer 3-speed bottom bracket gearbox; 100:30 teeth; Strida toothed belt
• Brakes: Bengal mechanical disc, ø 140 mm
• Tyres: Strida 32-355, 18 inch
  * without pedals

Conclusion and grade

• Plus: high originality, polarising design; fast, clever folding; suitable for short distances
• Minus: Unfavourable seating position; very tippy steering
• MYBIKE grade: 3.8, sufficient

Tern Verge X11, 1x11 derailleur gears

The Verge is a weapon - and a happy machine for road bike fans, training fetishists and speed riders. Unrivalled in its lightness, Tern has equipped the Verge uncompromisingly with fine, light - and expensive - components such as a carbon crank, racing rear derailleur and Syntace elements on the seat post and cockpit. The mid-range Deore discs also work flawlessly, and their effect on the small wheels is even brutal. Sensitive, forward-thinking cyclists get along well with the narrow racing tyres (280 grams); wider tyres up to around 35 millimetres would still have room even with optional mudguards and create significantly richer road contact. Riding and steering behaviour are at the level of a "grown-up" bike, the handlebar stem inclined in the direction of travel, a generously wide handlebar (62 centimetres) and Syntace adjustment clamps noticeably calm the otherwise wobbly steering. Nevertheless, it always adds a pinch of nervousness to the terrain. The accessories programme is extensive; Tern offers mudguards, pannier racks and plug-in lights. Folding is quick, logical and easy thanks to precisely fitting parts, solid joints and locks.

• Price: 2.599 Euro
• Info: ternbicycles.com
• Folding size (W, L, H)/volume41 x 81 x 71 cm/236 l
• Test bike weight: 10,5 kg
• Permissible total weight: 115 kg
• FrameAluminium, welded
• ForkAluminium, welded
• CircuitSram Force derailleur 11-speed; 52:11-42 teeth
• BrakesShimano BL/BR-M6000 Disc, ø 160 mm
• TyresSchwalbe One 28-451, 20 inch
  * without pedals

Conclusion and grade

• Plus: Very high-quality equipment, extremely light and fast
• Minus: Very expensive as a second or third bike; only really suitable for everyday use with accessories
• MYBIKE grade: 1.8, good, test winner

Vello Rocky, 1x10 derailleur gears

Vello has big ambitions to change mobility in our cities. The Rocky is a folding bike designed and constructed from scratch with a robust steel frame. Its folding process is somewhat more complex, as the fork is folded at the bridge. However, as a package it is very compact and easy to carry. Despite its relatively thin, long tubes and typical steel flex, the relatively heavy Rocky can be steered precisely through bends with the cockpit positioned low down and can even be pedalled uphill in the cradle. Riding freehand, you quickly feel the frame's tendency to flutter. The broadly tuned Deore gears, easy to modulate brakes and wide, robust tyres provide the necessary prerequisites for using the Rocky in everyday life, on tours and, with reservations, even as a touring bike. Mudguards, various pannier racks and panniers are available separately. The centre stand gets in the way when manoeuvring and folding, and a poorly riveted one was fitted. However, this is hopefully an isolated case, quickly complained about and replaced. Nevertheless, the Rocky remains our most versatile bike in the test field.

• Price: 1,490 Euro
• Info: vello.bike
• Folding size (W, L, H)/volume: 39 x 85 x 68 cm/225 litres
• Test bike weight: 13.9 kg
• permissible total weight: 120 kg
• Frame: Steel, welded; rear suspension
• Fork: Steel, Disc/V-Brake
• Circuit: Shimano Deore derailleur 10-speed; 54:11-32 teeth
• Brakes: Shimano BL/BR-MT200, ø 160 mm
• Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon 40-406, 20 inch

Conclusion and grade

• Plus: Sophisticated folding mechanism; very stable handling characteristics; small folding size
• Minus: relatively heavy; support, handlebar stub and stem only form-fit at the clamps
• MYBIKE grade: 2.3, good

The test results of the folding bikes in comparison