If you are a regular biker, then you know how hard it is to board a bike with your ride. The bulky nature of a generic two-wheeler means you have to spend a few hundred dollars extra to buy a bike rack if you need to carry it on the back of your car to a distant mountain trail.
And the worst part, you need to lock them outside in the parking zone as you can’t handle it sometimes.
However, have you tried a folding mountain bike yet?
This simple two-wheeling counterpart is a marvel that gives daily riders a more comfortable time due to its portability and space-saving features. At the end of the ride, you fold it, ready to be stored anywhere, from your car to your cupboard, or even under your office seat!
You can carry it anywhere literally, even in the public rail and bus. Additionally, such bikes come at similar or lower prices to their closest cousins with low maintenance costs.
The list below details some of the best folding mountain bikes worth considering in 2022. In this list, Montague Paratrooper 24 Speed Folding Mountain Bike comes out as the best and most sophisticated option.
Best Folding Mountain Bikes
Now, let’s take a look at some of the most reliable folding bikes on the market today. We will gig dipper to the core features, pros, and cons for each model listed above.
1. Montague Paratrooper Folding Mountain Bike
As the name suggests, the Montague Paratrooper Folding bike is a military-grade folding mountain bike built to handle any terrain. This ride is heavily armed with some serious components like the top quality frame that holds still even when supporting large riders.
The durable frame, high-quality Kenda tires, and the front suspension system grant this bike spectacular shock-absorbing abilities on uninviting terrains.
This ride is a good mountain bike with a reliable 24-speed system bearing Shimano components. Such multi-gear options, coupled with the standard 26-inch tires, mean stress-free hill-climbing.
Both the front and rear wheels sport the dependable, all-weather mechanical disc brakes. Such brakes stop the bike from the wheel center rather than grinding on the rim.
There are a few essential things that can’t go unsaid regarding this bike.
First, its military-grade capabilities grant it much power for rough riding, yet it still manages to weigh below 35 pounds. Secondly, the bike is not a pain in the ass when unfolding; on the contrary, within 20 seconds, it’s ready to go.
Finally, most of its core parts, like the aluminum frame, are covered with a 1-year warranty.
Top features
- Mechanical disc brakes;
- Front suspension;
- 27-speed Shimano gear;
- Aluminum frame;
- 26-inch Kenda tires;
- Front and rear fenders.
Pros
- Easy to fold within a minute;
- 7005 series aluminum frame makes it lightweight;
- Mechanical disc brakes provide an incredible braking power;
- Long-lasting military grade components;
- Suitable for all environments;
Cons
- The bike doesn’t fold into the tiniest carriage like its small-tire counterparts;
- Front fender cannot be installed without some plier or some kind of wrench;
- Not all components are of top-level quality.
The one thing that causes hesitation in riders from investing in folding bikes is their miniature tires that limit their usefulness.
The fact that the Montague folding mountain bike comes with regular standard tires and durable components makes it one of the few reliable bikes for sophisticated riders.
2. Kingttu EURG6 Mountain Bike
Kingttu EURG6 Mountain Bike is probably one of the rides you’ve never heard off before, and you are wondering if it’s genuine or imitation. Well, to start with, this is a very genuine piece of work that provides exceptional performance than other lower budget bikes.
The shifters, drivetrain, brakes, and folding joints work flawlessly. Like most bikes, it rolls on 26-inch wheels, although with a stunning 3-spoke design. As for traction, the rubber surface takes a hybrid look that makes them ideal for both on and off-road purposes. Unless you weigh past 250 pounds, you’ll find the suspension to work just fine.
Kingttu EURG6 Mountain Bike gives you a total of 21 speeds to play around with. The gear components come from Shimano and thus expected to last longer. With the quick-release lever, you can get it to fold or retract within seconds. This bike is made of steel parts and therefore, will need proper maintenance to prevent parts from catching rust.
Top features
- 21-speed Shimano drivetrain;
- Dual disc brakes;
- Full suspension folding bike;
- 3-spoke 26’’ wheels;
- Steel forks and frame.
Pros
- This bicycle arrives with 85% assembled. You need to install the front wheel, pedals, handlebar, seat and air up the tires;
- Folds and retracts within seconds;
- The gear and drivetrain components work smoothly;
- Fitted with dual suspension for extreme comfort;
- Comes with all the assembly tools;
- An eye-candy design.
Cons
- It’s going to need a little fine-tuning to reach your expected standards.
Customer reviews are full of praise for Kingttu EURG6 Mountain Bike. Despite not coming from the biggest global brands, it does pack a lot of value for its users and at a fraction of the cost of other bikes with the same features. What’s more, you might not even need to replace anything during your first rides.
3. Stowabike 26″ MTB V2 Folding Mountain Bike
Not ready to spill hundreds of dollars into a nifty folding bike? Then perhaps the Stowabike 26″ MTB V2 Folding Mountain Bike might be amongst your top options.
The most striking feature (frames aside) that you are likely to see before the rest is the magnificent dual suspension. Rebounds from huge bumps and uneven terrains go unnoticed.
The bike comes with a steel frame that perfectly folds up to take very little space in the car, office, or on public transport.
If you don’t weigh over 177 pounds, then you should have no problem riding this bike anywhere—including off-road trips, thanks to the 26-inch Wanda tires. The bike cannot sustain the weight of anyone above 177 pounds, so it may not be ideal for large riders.
Stowabike Mountain Bike sports a reliable 18-speed gear system that not only allows smooth shifting but makes hill-climbing super easy as well. The rest of the parts may not be from respected brands like Shimano, but they get the work done.
Top features
- Steel folding frame;
- Steel V-brakes;
- 26-inch Wanda tires;
- 18-speed gear system;
- Dual suspension.
Pros
- Comes at a pocket-friendly price;
- A colorful and fashionable design;
- Easy to fold and unfold within a few minutes;
- Extremely comfortable thanks to the dual suspension system;
- Ready to cruise on uneven roads.
Cons
- No mechanical disc brakes;
- It is a little bit heavy;
- No fenders.
If you are after a practical folding bike without breaking your bank, the Stowabike Mountain Bike should be at the top of your list.
The dual suspension system is quite a marvel. However, you need to ride it cautiously and keep the parts in good shape for it to serve for long.
4. Xspec 26″ 21-Speed Folding Mountain Bike
Are you afraid of roaming around with your bike and causing an obstruction? Do you fret at the thought of leaving your bike behind in bike racks and public places? Then you need a super simple and lightweight folding bike like the Xspec 26″ 21-Speed Folding Mountain bike.
This ride comes with a durable top quality steel frame that can support individuals weighing up to 220 pounds. Xspec 26″ is a low-cost folding bike with high-quality components from recognized brands. For instance, both the shifter and rear derailleur are from Shimano.
The 21-speed gear system is pretty expansive and gives you ample gear options for virtually any terrain. Thanks to the 26-inch wheel and dual suspension, this bike can cruise on both flat and rough mountainous terrains without causing discomfort to the rider.
It takes merely 15 seconds to fold or unfold the bike. The pedals, too, are unique as they fold. Regarding the braking system, the mechanical disc brakes to the front and rear tire are more efficient than the traditional V-brake systems.
Top features
- Foldable steel frame;
- Dual Disc Brake;
- Dual suspension;
- 21-speed gear system;
- Shimano rear derailleur;
- 26-inch wheels;
- Maximum weight: 220 pounds.
Pros
- Efficient disc braking mechanism;
- Excellent shock-absorbing abilities;
- Features several top-level components;
- Folds and unfolds within 15 seconds;
- The bike comes with 3 stylish colors to choose from Cool Black, Super White, and Bright Yellow;
- Budget-friendly.
Cons
- No fenders;
- Limited Weighs;
- The seat gets uncomfortable after a few hours of use.
The Xspec 26″ 21-Speed Folding Mountain Bike earns a good spot amongst fellow folding bikes as it’s cheap, folds quickly, and it’s still durable. It’s an excellent buy for beginners and veteran riders alike.
5. Columba 26″ Folding Bike
Most people look for bigger foldable bikes so they can ride over hills and mountainous regions.
That is okay. However, an ideal folding bike needs to be slightly smaller than their non-folding counterparts to be portable and fit in the trunks of small cars.
One such bike is the Columba 26″ Folding Bike. It’s super simple, with a few fancy components apart from the Shimano shifter and high-grade Kenda tires. The tire may be of standard dimensions, but the absence of suspensions means the bike will only be pleasurable to ride in urban areas.
The frame is tough and petite but can accommodate the average riders’ weight. The brakes, too, are conventional and thus not as effective as mechanical discs.
Columba 26″ Folding Bike is simple to fold, unfold or assemble. You don’t need any tools to do that. Even the handlebars can be detached to make it extra small.
However, some parts, like the saddle, could use some upgrades to improve comfort. A well-cushioned and wide seat will increase the comfort on your long ride.
Top features
- Shimano derailleur and 18-speed shifter;
- 26-inch wheels;
- Kenda tires;
- Weighs 33 pounds;
- Folding pedals.
Pros
- The bike lightweight and portable;
- Folds up to fit in small spaces;
- Expansive gear system for smooth shifting;
- It takes 10 seconds to fold and unfold;
- Doesn’t cost much.
Cons
- No suspension;
- No fenders;
- Conventional braking system.
The Columba 26″ Folding Bike is a simple, durable and reliable bike for beginner riders or anyone who doesn’t wish to spend much on a folding bike. However, if the suspension and disc brakes mean a lot to you, then look at other options.
6. Cyrusher FR100 Folding Mountain Bike
Good looks and excellent performance are the tenets of the Cyrusher FR100 Folding Mountain Bike.
As a mid to high-end ride, the bike features some of the best components that make riding not only fun but safe as well. Since the bike supports up to 296 pounds, it can accommodate average to relatively large riders comfortably.
The Cyrusher FR100 comes with three main features that make it an all-terrain cruise, the Chaoyang MTB 26″X1.95 tires, full suspension, and mechanical disc brakes. It’s the only bike in this review with the next level of comfort absorbing abilities.
The multiple gear options it has will make riding uphill a breeze. The bike doesn’t pop around with fenders, but that is something one can add at any time.
Top features
- Full suspension;
- 24-speed Shimano gears and shifters;
- Aluminum frame;
- Mechanical disc brakes;
- 26-inch wheel;
- Max weight support: 296 pounds.
Pros
- Premium quality parts make it lightweight and durable;
- The front and rear disc brakes help keep the cyclist safe even in high speeds and down sloppy terrains;
- Chaoyang MTB fat tires that cruise through any terrain;
- It is fitted with a quick-release clamp to assist in folding the bike quickly;
- Top quality shock absorption components.
Cons
- The saddle is not comfortable;
- Not suitable for all riders;
- Could be costly for some people.
Cyrusher FR100 looks and performs like a beast. If you are planning to go for some of the most challenging rides on unforgiving terrains, this is the bike to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No one likes to learn anything the hard way. If you know nothing about folding bikes, then the random questions doing the rounds in your head are no different from another person who is new to folders. Go through the FAQs below to learn a thing or two about these unique bikes.
Q. What’s the significant difference between ordinary bikes and folding bikes?
A. There are two significant differences between an ordinary mountain bike and a foldable one. The latter folds up into a small unit for secure storage while the former doesn’t. Additionally, mountain bikes have larger tires, usually 26 inches, while that of a folding bike is 20 inches or lower.
When it comes to the mountain, there’s none to guarantee good weather. It’s quite a risk to go out for cycling on bad weather conditions. Not to worry, though. If you have a folding mountain bike, then you can attach a mountain bike trainer for continuing your cycle inside your house.
Q. Do small wheels slow down folding bikes?
A. Yes, small wheels require very little energy to pedal compared to larger ones. If you are used to bikes with massive tires, you will find folding bikes with lightweight, and faster and easier to maneuver.
Q. Can folding bikes cope well against hills?
A. It depends on the type of bike you are riding. Those with single speed gear cannot handle steep hills unless you stand on the pedals, which is also highly dangerous if the pedals are foldable.
However, any multi-gear folding bike with good quality tires can comfortably ride up a hill without breaking too much of a sweat.
Q. Can you use a folding bike for long distance rides?
A. Only if it’s designed for that purpose. There are several brands like Montague and Dahon that make high-end folding bikes suitable for long-distance riding. Since such bikes pack a lot of premium features and components, their prices are steeper than usual.
Q. Is it more challenging to ride folding bikes than it is to ride full-size bikes?
A. Yes, it can be very challenging to ride small-wheeled folding bikes, unless you buy a full-size folding mountain bike that permits custom configurations.
The nature of collapsible bikes leaves them with a couple of weaknesses such as not being able to accommodate large riders, and as well as riding on rough terrains can prove more challenging.
Q. How do I get parts for a folding bike?
A. Apart from the fork, handle post and frame, most parts of a folding bike can be found with the help of a reliable bike dealer.
If you have a problem with some of the unique parts, you may need to scout around for a distributor that deals with your bike brand. Whenever you can, always order your bike with a few spare parts to make your work less troubling if it does break down.
Q. Can these bikes fold while one is riding?
A. Mishaps do sometimes happen, especially if the rider has failed to be thorough. Better quality folding bikes go through rigorous testing to ensure the latches and locks are foolproof before being released to the public. Nevertheless, safety begins with you. Always cross-check all the joints to ensure none are loose.
The Bottom Line
There are many good reasons why you need to buy the best folding mountain bike besides their portability and space-saving abilities.
If you are still not sure if this kind of bike is right for you, try and find someone who has taken the leap and bought one and asks them if you can try it out to experience the beauty and functionality.
Alternatively, pop down to your local bike shop and hear it directly from the expert’s mouth!
Like ordinary bikes, folders vary a lot. You need to take your time and research the best models that line up with your commuting needs. Go through several foldable mountain bike reviews to get the opinions of different users and reviewers.
If you don’t have plenty of time on your hands, we’ve researched for you. All the bikes reviewed in this article are top-rated and have received positive feedback from previous buyers.
If you have any knowledge to share with us, any question to ask, or anything to add regarding folding bicycles? Feel free to post them in the comment section below.
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