A great example of a quality folding bike is the Tern Link P9, which has been designed for practicality, comfort, and perhaps most of all, speed. You can’t start a Tern Link P9 review without first addressing one of the major concerns that people have had in the past with folding bikes in general. The feeling has always been that the frames tend to be somewhat flexible and unreliable, but the Tern Link P9 folding bicycle uses Double Truss technology that adds a level of support not found in other folding bikes, and also increases the amount of power delivered from the rear to front wheel.

With that out of the way, it’s time to look at exactly what else you get with the Tern Link P9 folding bicycle. It weighs in at an extremely lightweight 25lbs, thanks in large part to the aluminum that is used in the fork, handle post and rear derailleur. Despite its lightweight feel, it will easily accommodate riders up to 230 lbs. It’s sleek, demure appearance belies the fact that it is indeed a sturdy piece of equipment that will handle all you care to throw at it.

The P9 is a single cog in the entire Link series, with Tern suggesting that this is the bike for those that like to feel the need for speed. The 20 inch wheels and 9-speed drivetrain will help you to pick up the pace, but the speed also translates into how quickly the P9 can be folded down into its compact 15″ W x 31″ L x 28″ H folded size. That can normally be achieved in as little as 10 seconds, and the size makes it a perfect fit for the trunk of the car or a corner spot in your office. 

It’s hard to find a Tern Link P9 review that has anything negative to say about this great folding bike, and that may because the manufacturers have spared no expense in the equipment and accessories used to put it together. From the Kinetix Supra cranks, to the BioLogic Impel saddle, the Tern Link P9 folding bike is quality made and earns every penny of its $900 price tag.

Check out this great video review on the Tern Link P9 to get a feel for how it rides:

The Emoto Ridge 3.0 folding bike easily folds up to half the bikes size. The folded bike measures 38″ x 23.5″ x 41″. It isn’t the most compact folding bike in the industry however it is still capable of being placed in the trunk, behind your chair at work, or in a closet at home. Where the Emoto Ridge does stand on it’s own is the unique motor that can maintain speeds around 15 mph and travel approximately 20 miles on a single charge. Your motor has zero emissions which is eco friendly and green conscious.

One of the many advantages the Ridge has is the climbing assistance with the built in torque sensor. You can climb small to moderate hills using the motor assist with literally no difficulty. The Emoto Ridge bike has a sensor that can tell how hard you are pedaling and provide instant power that matches your pedaling effort. From the novice to professional, you could easily maintain the bike’s top speed with very minimal pedaling. One of the bikes many unique features is that when you do stop pedaling the bike, the power is interrupted, giving the rider total control. You can easily remove the battery when you get home or charge the battery while it’s still on the bike with any traditional electrical outlet.

This folding bike has 26″ tires, has a front adjustable zoom suspension fork, a live rear swing arm with KS shock, and an ultra light Panasonic 24 volt 9ah battery pack. Emoto Ridge comes with a 2 year electronics warranty on the motor, the battery and the controller. The manufacturer has an incredible 10 year warranty on the frame leaving many potential buyers confident this bike is built to last.

If you are looking for a folding bike to use in urban setting, this might not be the bike you want. The bike does not fold to a compact enough size and is very heavy to lug around at 48 pounds. This bike was truly designed for offroad mountain biking. The Emoto Ridge comes with the Shimano© Tourney 6-speed Gear Set and TX-51 shifter. The Ridge also uses Tektro disc brakes to stop the bike. One feature you will notice immediately is on long downhills. The ride over rough terrain was noting short of smooth from top to bottom of hill. If you are in the market for a mountain bike, with motor assist, you will be absolutely satisfied with the Emoto Ridge 3.0 folding bike. Although it has a hefty price tag, you will get years of enjoyment from this durable and fun bike.

The Dahon Jack D7 is a unique 7 speed folding bike that is a full 26″ and folds down to 13.3″ x 36.7″ x 30.8″. This folding bike can be folded down in less than 30 seconds for when you need to quickly catch a bus or train. The weight of the bike is 28 pounds, and may be a little difficult for the ladies to lug around or load in and out of the trunk. That being said, this bike accommodates many different riding styles and can easily become your favorite bicycle ever.

The bike is retailing at around $700, but you are practically getting two bikes in one here. The Jack is capable of being a traditional urban bike, handling the city streets and taking tight turns on a dime. Where this bicycle kicks into another gear is, its ability to handle all the obstacles the road can throw at it with its Schwalbe Big Apple tires. With the Kevlar anti-puncture lining and more suspension you can off-road with no issues.  Like traditional mountain bikes, you will be flying all over the bumps and imperfections of off-road travel at lightning speed. The Jack’s strong frame can withstand the shock and bouncing of the off the beaten path with little difficulty.

Dahon created the Jack D7 in three sizes, small, medium and large. The Jack can also handle riders from five feet to six and a half feet tall. With adjustable handlebars and stem, it can easily handle just about any riders style. The seven speeds allows you the flexibility to ride normal terrain or extreme hills with no difficulty. One of the features many riders love is the hidden bike pump that is actually built into the seat.  This will come in handy on those days when you’ve just left the trail, are heading for the streets and your tires need a little more air.  Despite the bikes light weight it is a very durable folding bike. 

The beefy 7005 aluminum frame gives the bike some additional weight, but it also gives you the flexibility to get a little tough with this bike. It can handle the bumps and imperfections of the road unlike many light weight folding bikes. Durability is the key with the Jack, it feels like a strong bike as well as looks like one too. You would expect this rugged bike to be uncomfortable as a trade off of the strength, but you will be surprised how comfortable this bicycle is. Although the bike can handle all terrains, it comes with a price. The tires are much bigger, and that means when you fold it down it is not as small as many compact folding bikes. It is a little heavy to carry around, but its a small price to pay since you are getting a very durable bike that will last for many years to come.

If you’ve ever traveled to a new city in the US or in another country, then you’ve probably thought at one time or another during your trip how wonderful it would be to have a nice bike to get around and see the sites.  In some places, there may not be any reliable companies that will rent their bike to you.  In other locales, there may be bike rental companies but the problem is they are either too expensive or their bikes are in poor condition and are meant for non discriminating tourists.  Well, there is a newly launched service that connects people who want to rent bikes with people who have a bike to rent.  Yes, its peer to peer sharing of bikes.  Peer to peer networks have been setup for people who want to rent their homes, their cars, and even their pets, so why not bikes? We think its a great idea whose time has come.  The company who launched this peer to peer network is appropriately called Spinlister.  Simply go to their website and you have the option of listing your bike for rent or searching for available bikes in your area based on zip code.  They may even have some cool folding bikes for rent. The next time you are in a new area and want to rent a bike, check these guys out!  They may even have some cool folding bikes for rent.

The Curve D3 has three speeds, which is perfect for urban riding or short distances. If you are using the bike to commute to work or for a trip to the park, you will appreciate the additional features that this folding bike has to make the trip more of a pleasure for the rider. The Curve D3 is equipped with a standard bike rack, for your groceries, suitcase or gym bag. If you run into any trouble on your trek, the bike has a built in bike pump to get you back on the road quickly.

I can not say enough about the ease in folding this particular bike. The folding time is under 15 seconds, and when the bike is completely folded it will fit in an 13.3″ x 26.1″ x 25″ space, small enough to fit in a trunk, under your desk or along your seat on the train or bus. The reviews on this bike have made this one of Dahon’s most popular folding bike. You can get the Curve D3 is one of three appealing colors; blush pink, cloud white and fire red.

Dahon has incorporated their patented V-Clamp frame hinge design to give the rider a strong, durable, and easy to operate bicycle. The Curve D3 uses Schwalbe Big Apple tires, to give you a comfortable ride. Whether you are short or tall, the Dahon technology allows the rider to adjust the bike to fit your height. My favorite thing about the Curve D3 is it features a body with an ergonomically curved design that makes it so simple to carry. You can tell once you lift the bike up, that it is made sturdy, and will be able to handle whatever the road has to offer.

The most popular feature of the bike according to the reviews, is the internalized 3-level gear. Because the gear is enclosed, the gear is unlikely to come off when storing. The gear is also weatherproof and will last longer not being exposed to the elements. The bike also has a bipedal stand, allowing you to do any maintenance effortlessly, while the bike is upright and the rear tire elevated to allow the wheel to spin.

I really love this bike, but a word of warning, the Curve is an urban utility bike. This Dahin Curve D3 is definitely meant more for the sidewalk than the road. That being said, this bike packs a lot into its small frame. With the enclosed gear, and the bike rack, tire pump and hinge design, you will be getting a very durable folding bike that provide years of riding pleasure in the city. The bike can be stored almost anywhere, and because it can be snapped together in seconds, you could go from road, to bus, to road, to work with little or no interruptions.

The Shimano Metallic Alloy folding bike is the perfect bike if you live in the busy city. This bike can fold down to 38″x14″x29″ in just under 10 seconds. The ride of this bike is amazingly smooth, in part to the Kenda 20″ tires. They absorb many of the roadís imperfections and the smaller wheels allow you better cornering and handling on the busy streets. If you have to take mass transit on your trek, you can fold the Shimano 20″ bike quickly, and then carry it on the bus or train without being a burden to any other riders. Once you get back on the road you can unfold it in seconds and be at your destination in no time at all. 

You could be carrying your briefcase in one hand and your Shimano bike in the other as you go to your work station, put it behind your desk and start your day. The convenience of this amazingly inexpensive folding bike far outweighs any of the cons of this bike. For example, you may experience some difficulty with the adjustments needed on the fenders, headset and the tires. If you are not mechanically inclined you may steer away from this type of folding bike. However, in defense of the bike, once you make simple adjustments once or twice, you will be a pro with this metallic alloy folding bike.

The bike is a steal in the $450-$500 price range. You are getting a very good quality bike with a 20″ alloy folding frame, a steel crown fork, and patented Shimano shifters and gear. This folding bike can handle a rider up to 200 lbs., and a height of 5’3″- 6’0″. If you are slightly bigger than 6″, the bike does come with the ability to adjust to an amazing 6″2″ rider height. The brake levers are very comfortable 3 finger type, that are the more popular, and most comfortable. The overall design of the 20″ Shimano Metallic Alloy folding bike is built from the ground up with the rider in mind, not for turning heads.

Again, this bike does have a few things that many new riders may find unfavorable. The bike does not handle high speed very well. So if you are looking to go racing in the mountains or through the countryside, this isn’t the bike for you. Additionally, the bike weighs 34 lbs., and that is very heavy in a folding bike, especially for the ladies to lift in and out of the car everyday.

If you are looking for a bike to help you save money commuting back and forth to work, or just to have some leisure fun on the weekends, than this is the perfect bike for you. The Shimano brand screams quality, and with the overall design, alloy frame, fork, and shifters, you are getting a real quality folding bike. The bike can handle a variety of riders, and will become an instant favorite of yours in no time.

Dahon Bikes has been in the industry for decades, revolutionizing the bicycle world with it’s first folding bike back in 1982. The companies motto then, and today, has always been trying to convince more and more people to use environmentally friendly forms of transportation. They have stuck to their motto by creating some of the world’s most amazing and affordable folding bicycles. The Los Angeles based headquarters stated that Dahon folding bikes are currently being sold in over 30 countries. The bikes are assembled in China, Taiwan, Czech Republic and Macua with the bike parts being sourced from the leading parts manufacturers in the world. They don’t just talk the talk, over seven hundred of Dahon’s worldwide employees travel to work by bicycle or some form of eco-friendly transportation.

Dahon has created some of the world’s most popular folding bikes, from the D7 series, the D3 series and the P8 series. The products have a very long history of durability, because of all the quality components that make up the Dahon folding bikes. They took control of this industry by showing the world how a folding bike can not only fold up in seconds, but it can be a quality, dependable mode of transportation for many urban dwellers worldwide. With bike’s being folded small enough to fit in your trunk, closet and under your desk at work, Dahon became the industry leader in the niche.

With any good company though, the competition becomes more and more intense as the years go by. Dahon has not been immune to the increasing popularity of it’s fiercest competitors. The industry has realized that the folding bike market is here to stay, and with the increase of eco-friendly products the bike market has taken notice. With so much attention on global warming and high emissions burning holes in the ozone layer, the folding bike market has capitalized on the need for transportation that is user friendly and planet friendly too.

One of the folding bike companies taking huge strides towards reducing Dahon’s grip over this market is Mobic Bikes. Through innovative marketing strategies and a low price point, Mobic has been increasing in popularity over the years and Dahon has taken notice. Mobic bikes incorporate the daily lifestyles of commuters, students, and casual riders, and have maximized the mobility aspect in the design of all their folding bikes. They have been innovators in the production of the latest light weight folding bikes that are easy to ride and easy on your pocket. With attention on the planet and the small amount of space each of us seems to have lately, the Mobic line has focused on making all their bikes fold to the smallest possible size, to not intrude on your everyday living. With everyone carrying cell phones with them, Mobic has adapted the same philosophy in that everyone should be able to carry their mode of transportation with them too. It is that focus on detail that has Mobic skyrocketing to the forefront of this highly competitive industry.

One other bicycle manufacturer to keep an eye on is Montague.  What makes Montague unique is that they design and manufacture full sized folding bikes.  They even make full sized folding mountain bikes which are used by the US Army.  They do have some of the most incredible folding bikes available, like the Boston, Crosstown and Fit series. All of these models began with attention to the rider experience. Their philosophy is that you should never have to sacrifice any crucial components of a bike that was designed to fold into your trunk. Montague has focused on making sure all of their bikes can be folded in less than 20 seconds. No tools are ever needed for the Montague rider, simply pop off the tire, hit the quick release and you bike is folded.

It is clear to the bicycle industry and to the makers at Dahon, their lionshare of this market is getting smaller by the year. As the competition focus on improving rider experience, this industry has the potential to create some newer folding bikes that can only further enhance the overall enjoyment of the folding bike riding experience.

What the Montague Paratrooper has, that it’s competition lacks, is rugged, solid construction from the frame to the pedals. You can rest assured that when you are cruising down the mountain at 20 mph, there is no chance that you will snap off one of the pedals from extreme pedaling and force from bouncing around. The pedals are made from double cage aluminum, ensuring that they will be able to handle the roughest terrain.  Its the bike of choice for the US Military, but if weight is an issue this may not be the bike for you as it weighs in at 29lbs.

Once you find the perfect spot in the woods to take your Paratrooper folding mountain bike, you will love the ease at which you can fold and unfold the bike. The bike can fit in a carry bag, at a incredible 36″ x 30″ x 12″, and unfold in under 30 seconds to full riding position without the use of any tools. You simply turn one quick lever when you are done riding, and you can fit the Paratrooper into a 3′ x 3′ pack. For the extreme rider, the ability to fit this durable folding bike in a pack that small, means you are able to strap the pack to the side of your LAV, or even have it dropped from a plane for the real extremist.

The Montague Paratrooper is equipped with a front suspension with a 24 speed EZ Fire Plus shifters. The double cage, heavy-duty aluminum pedals and front disc brake gives the rider incredible control over some of the roughest terrain. This bike is truly for the extreme riding experience. The 24 speeds allow you to ride comfortably regardless of any terrain you may encounter. In addition to the durability of the bike, it comes with the Montague Folding Integrated Technology (F.I.T.), which preserves the structural integrity of the bike after folding. The strength of this bike will not be compromised because the frame does not bend, the unique design allows the bike to fold around the frame, that ensures that there will be no weak, wobbly hinges that can overtime appear in lower end folding bikes used for off road riding.

The Montague Paratrooper folding mountain bike is definitely for the extreme rider looking for a quality bike that can handle all the road can give it. The bike does not pull any punches, it is made to be tough, and at the same time it has many, if not more of the advanced features that many high-end folding bikes have. From the unique folding design, to the durable components and small folding capacity, you will find this folding bike to be everything you need in a true mountain bike. In addition to all the unique parts on this bike, each one can be serviced at your local bike shop for added convenience to you.

Specifications:

The folding time on the Crosstown is about 20 seconds and weighs about 27 pounds, which allows most riders the ability to lift it in and out of the car with just one hand. One of my favorite things about the Montague Crosstown Speed 7 is the fact you do not need any tools. One of the new features on the Crosstown is the Octagon stem, it allows you to raise and lower the height of the seat with the push of a button. No need to carry a small tool bag, this seat adjusts with a simple click. The bike comes with a 17″, 19″ and a 21″ frame, and with the seat adjustability, this folding bike will fit just about any size person comfortably.

With a price tag around $700, the Montague Crosstown 7 Speed folding bike has some amazing features that make this a great value. The bike has the all new CLIXô Wheel Release System, which allows the user to flip the quick release lever and the bike folds to 36″x28″x12″ in seconds. The bike claims to be the strongest folding bike on earth, and that claim is backed by the fact that the unique design eliminates the breaking of the frame when folding down. This is called the Folding Integrated Technology (F.I.T.) and was based on the designs used for downhill bikes with full suspension.  The US Military has contracts with Montague to purchase their folding bikes which is a strong sign of approval that these bikes are tough.

One thing I noticed immediately was the smooth ride of the Crosstown 7 Speed, the 700c wheels give a much better ride than bikes with 16″ – 24″ wheels. The 700c wheels offer you a more comfortable ride whether your drive is full of potholes or a bumpy trail through the woods. You can adjust the height of the handlebar too, to enhance the overall comfort of your ride depending on the conditions. Steering will remain engaged as you make the adjustments.

The Montague Crosstown 7 speed folding bike is a great bike for the price. Many women may find the 27 pounds a little much to lift in and out of the car. If the bike seems a little heavy for you, then walking along side the bike for long distances will become a bother too because it may feel a little uncomfortable to control it when walking next to it. If you can handle the weight of the bike, this bike is one of the better folding bikes, design wise, you will find. The seat adjustment and leveling effect from the handlebarís make this bike a pleasurable ride no matter how tall you are or what conditions you are driving on. The best feature in my opinion has to be the way the frame clicks closed and doesnít weaken the strength of the frame. You won’t go wrong purchasing this 7speed folding bike.

Specifications: