Best folding bikes 2023 — portable bikes for convenient commuting

Perhaps unsurprisingly, our top folding bike choice comes from the pretty much ubiquitous British success story that is Brompton. This one is six-speed, has 16" wheels with tough puncture-resistant tyres and the folding mechanism is unchanged. 

The C Line Explore weighs 12.1kg, is pretty easy to fold after a couple of goes (it should take the average Brompton user around 20 seconds) and is understandably a very popular option amongst commuters because of the impressively compact fold, perfect for those who frequent busy trains. As we've mentioned already, this version also comes kitted out with a generous six gears which your legs will surely be grateful for on inclines; though if your commute is flatter and you don't need the extra range, the 2-speed C Line Urban or 3-speed C Line Utility might suffice.  

Aesthetically it’s hard to deny that a Brompton is one of the best-looking folding bikes money can buy, with our reviewer describing it as it's "the ultimate commuter [that] can do so much more." Additionally, there is also the option of nine different colours for this model. Although that doesn’t affect the ride quality, reflecting your individual style is always important when you're making a considerable two-wheeled investment.

Read our review:

The Tern Link C8 is a reliable folding bike, and given its modest price point it takes our title as the best mid-range folder from our selection. It's nothing too loud or flashy, but it’s certainly not bog standard either.

Moreover, this offering from Tern is available in three fun and vibrant colours and also features eight gears, which is great for those not wanting to be too restricted in gearing choices just because they ride a folding bike. Therefore, this particular option would be suitable for riding along slightly hillier terrains too.

Weighing in at a decent 12.8kg, which for a folding bike under the £1,000 price point is pretty impressive, this bike is not the lightest nor the heaviest: exactly what you’d expect from a midrange selection. Additionally, the Link C8 also folds down to a rather surprisingly small and compact size, which is great for taking onto trains or storing under your desk at work.

If you like the idea of a bike with folding capacities but can stretch a bit further to get an electric folding bike, then check out this review of the Tern Vektron Q9.

The Birdy City from German brand Riese & Müller has taken the spot for the best suspension folding bike due to its impressive front and rear suspension... yep that’s right, rear suspension on a folding bike! Coming in at just under 13kg it’s also not too heavy given the added weight of the suspension.

Thanks to its 8-speed hub gear system, not only is this suspension folding bike a comfy ride but it’s also a little more versatile in comparison to others on the market. Both front and rear suspension will help to offer a softer ride quality, especially on light off-road terrain such as gravel bike paths and grass, which is great for slightly more adventurous commuters. Then with the added addition of eight gears, riding on light off-road terrain won’t be an issue.

Additionally, the Birdy City can also be folded into a nice and neat size, although it doesn't pack down quite as fast or as agile as the Brompton. It’s still a very reasonable size which is also practical for those hopping on and off public transport all day.

Like the previous generation Dahon Quix D8 that we reviewed back in 2017, the Dahon Mariner D8 has 20 inch wheels compared to 16 inch on Bromptons, meaning it isn't the most compact fold on the market. If folding your bike into the smallest space possible isn't your priority, though, then the Mariner has plenty to offer for a very reasonable price. 

20" wheels mean the ride should feel more 'normal' than some folders with smaller wheels, and to help with hills you get eight gears with plenty at the bottom. To fold, it's just a case of dropping the seatpost, folding the handlebar stem and then folding the frame at the main hinge. A magnet on the right fork grabs a steel plate on the left dropout so it doesn't flap about, and the pedals supplied are also folding to stop them getting caught on you or anyone else while you're transporting the bike.  

The 13kg weight isn't the lightest around, but most of us will find this manageable for short flights of stairs and carrying on and off trains.