We can all agree that bikes are a very cheap and convenient means of transportation. The standard bike, however, might be particularly challenging to maneuver if you live in a small apartment or take the train to work. So, it would be best if you thought about getting a more practical bike, so your life does not get any more complicated. This is where the folding bikes come at hand.
As the name itself suggests, the folding bikes differ from all the others because of one feature—they fold. These folding bikes can easily fit under your desk, making them ideal if you have limited storage space. Additionally, they are incredibly convenient to bring on the train, even during rush hour.
In this article, you will find a list of the best affordable folding bike available, along with descriptions of each model’s key features, pros, and cons in an effort to assist the decision-making process. In addition, we will give you some tips on how to find the best affordable quality folding bike and what aspects to consider before you make your purchase.
7 Best Affordable Folding Bikes
Researching each folding bike’s benefits, drawbacks, affordability, and practicality can be quite the hassle. Fortunately for you, we went through the trouble, so you don’t have to. Below you will find a list of the eight best affordable folding bikes, along with tips on what to focus on when buying a folding bike.
Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike
Source: Amazon.com
For the beginner folding-bike user who wants to reduce traffic times and has limited storage space, this Schwinn folding bike is a no-brainer with its 20-inch wheels, intuitive components, quick assembly, and economical pricing. The packaging of the Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike is ideal.
There is flexible padding between the delicate parts, and you must remove it out of the box and unfold it before use. The pedals need to be screwed on and tightened with a wrench, which is not provided in the package. Making your adjustments takes only a few minutes. The right pedal is foldable and allows easy storage because it doesn’t stick out. The handlebars cannot be altered. A spring holds the hinge that the bike uses to fold; therefore, it’s crucial to push the spring up, so the bike is bolted in correctly. Without the spring, the bike won’t assemble completely.
Key Features
The main features of the Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike are:
- Color: Black
- Style: 7 speed
- Wheel size: 20 inches
- Size: Adult
- Fits riders 56 to 74 inches tall
- The 7-speed twist shifter provides a smoother gear change
Pros
- Easily adjustable
- High quality and easy to maintain
- Classic style
- Great tires that allow you to ride on any surface
Cons
- A bit heavy for a foldable bike
- The seat can be uncomfortable
- The maximum weight limit is 230 lbs
SoloRock 20″ 7 Speed Steel Folding Bike – Wonder
Source: Amazon.com
The SoloRock 20″ 7 Speed Steel Folding Bike – Wonder is light and portable thanks to the aluminum handle and handle post. An innovative top tube folder with additional reinforcement makes it quite strong. Additionally, it has a unique seat tube sleeve for secure, non-slip clamping of the seat post. Thanks to the addition of a magnet holder, the bike’s two halves also have no-scratch protection for their parts
Key Features
The main features of the SoloRock 20″ 7 Speed Steel Folding Bike – Wonder are:
- Frame material: aluminum, steel
- Wheel size: 20 Inches
- Number of speeds: 7
- Color: matt carmine
- Age range: adult
- Included components: bell
Pros
- Great quality
- Very secure
- High weight capacity
- Affordable
- Easily adjustable seat and handlebars
Cons
- A bit heavy
- The seat can be uncomfortable
ZiZZO Campo 20-inch Folding Bike
Source: Amazon.com
This is a 20-inch model with seven speeds, making it highly adaptable and usable on uphill, downhill, or level roads with equal ease. Perhaps the most crucial feature of this bike is the aluminum frame which makes it incredibly portable and simple to store.
This model is a wise choice if you’re looking for your first folding bike. It is perfect for short trips that do not require long periods of carrying and can be stored pretty much anywhere.
Key Features
The main features of the ZiZZO Campo 20-inch Folding Bike are:
- Frame: aluminum
- Age Range: adult
- Wheel Size: 20 Inches
- Color: black
- Speed: 7
- Folded size: H-27″ L-31″ W-12.5.
Pros
- 1. Extremely light
- 2. Folds up well
- 3. Smooth riding conditions
- 4. Easy to assemble
Cons
- Long journeys in the seat are not comfortable.
- It is heavy if you have to carry it for a long distance.
ZiZZO Forte Heavy Duty 29 lb Folding Bike
Source: Amazon.com
The Zizzo Forte Heavy Duty Aluminum Folding Bike weighs about 29 pounds and has a height-adjustable handlebar stem and seat. The Forte is the only 20″ foldable bike with a 300 lb weight capability thanks to its heavy-duty aluminum frame and strong welded gussets.
After unpacking, it is ready to use, so the setup is quick and simple. With some practice, the folding and unfolding process will be very easy. But remember, after unfolding, you must install the seat post and, if necessary, inflate the tires.
Key Features
The main features of the ZiZZO Forte Heavy Duty 29 lb Folding Bike are:
- Number of Speeds: 7
- Frame Size: 20″
- Color: Black
- Age Range: Adult
- Wheel Size: 20 Inches
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Pros
- Easy assemble
- Comfortable handlebar grips and seat
- High weight capacity
- Weighs only 29.5lbs
Cons
- Can be expensive
ZiZZO Ferro 20-inch 29 lbs Light Weight Folding Bike
Source: Amazon.com
If you’re on a tight budget, the ZiZZO EuroMini Ferro 20″ Lightweight Folding Bike might be the choice for you. Both for commuting to work or college and for relaxed days out, it’s a delightful bike to ride. It’s really quick and easy to fold and unfold, making transportation on subways a breeze. It also folds down extremely compact, so storing it will not be one of your concerns.
Key Features
The main features of the ZiZZO Ferro 20-inch 29 lbs Light Weight Folding Bike are:
- Frame size: 20 inches
- Age range: adult
- Wheel size: 20 Inches
- Number of speeds: 7
- Color: red
Pros
- Good price
- High-tensile steel frame that is lightweight and simple to fold and unfold
- Aluminum rims with an adjustable stem and seat post
- Ideal for biking trails or commuting
Cons
- No carry case
- No carry rack
IDS Home unYOUsual U Transformer
Source: Amazon.com
If you want to buy your first folding bike, the IDS Home unYOUsual U Transformer could be a perfect choice. It has an aluminum frame, which makes it pretty lightweight, and you can easily carry it up and down the stair.
The folding process can seem tricky initially, but remember that you simply need to push up on the spring pin, so it disengages from the bottom hole in the front frame, and you are good to go.
Key Features
The main features of the DS Home unYOUsual U Transformer Bike are:
- Frame Size: 20 inches
- Wheel Size: 20 inches
- Number of Speeds: 6
- Age Range: adult
- Color: black
Pros
- Great quality
- Lightweight
- Easily portable
- Putting it together is pretty easy
Cons
- The seat is not comfortable for longer rides.
IDS Home unYOUsual U Transformer 20″ Folding City Bike
Source: Amazon.com
The IDS Folding City Bike is quite the basic bicycle. Although it has an amazing appearance, the design prioritizes functionality and usefulness over aesthetics. It is intended to be used for commuting in cities or as a way to exercise more. Additionally, it is pretty simple to fold and stow away almost anywhere. It is also a relatively lightweight bike, weighing in at just 32 lbs., so carrying it with you won’t be an issue, especially when traveling with other means of transport.
Key Features
The main features of the DS Home unYOUsual U Transformer 20″ Folding City Bike are:
- 20-inch folding bike made for commuting and working out
- Shimano derailleur and 6-speed shifter
- Front and rear semi-alloy V brakes
- WANDA 20″ x 1.75 tires
- Front handle stem that is easily removed
- PVC black bell and alloy cap in silver
- Simple to assemble and use
- Weight: 0.09 Pounds
- Fits riders 5 to 6’3 ft tall
Pros
- Affordable
- Good looking
- Easily folds and stores
- Rides nicely
- Comfortable seat
- Super-smooth gears
- Adjustable handlebars and seat
Cons
- Not as light as some folding bikes
- Weak chain guard
What to Look For When Buying a Folding Bike
Folding bikes are currently available from various brands due to their popularity. Although each has advantages and disadvantages, as seen above, the decision-making process is always influenced by one’s own convenience. A folding bike that is the perfect fit for one person might not be so for the others. Consequently, considerations of weight, height, and weight capacity, as well as the folded size of the bike, should be part of the decision-making process.
Weight
The main idea of a folding bike is for it to be easy to carry. As a result, it makes sense that you would want the bike to be light if you are going to be getting on and off of trains. To achieve the appropriate weight, you need to choose a more lightweight frame material or use higher-quality components.
But, while the weight might decrease with using such materials, the cost, on the other hand, will increase. The cheapest folding bikes are made of steel. The average-priced folding bikes use aluminum, whereas the expensive ones use carbon or titanium parts. The first alternative is perfectly acceptable if all you need is for your bike to fit in a corner when not in use. However, every pound counts if you have to go up and down the stairs.
Weight and height capacity
Check the height capacity of your bike if you wish to ride comfortably. Before making a purchase, make sure to verify the bike’s weight capacity because you want it to be able to support you. This is especially crucial if you intend to carry gear or other items on your bike because they may cause it to become heavier.
Although bikes can fit people who are taller than their stated maximum height, you might not feel comfortable riding a bike that is either too little or too big for you.
Folded size
A foldable bike’s greatest advantage is how little space it takes up. If you have a significant place you plan on placing your bike, we recommend you check the folded size twice to ensure the bike will be as compact as you desire. This way, you will avoid any unpleasant surprises.
The Bottom Line
In today’s hectic world, buying a folding bike can make your life easier. Due to its numerous beneficial characteristics, like its ability to fold, its light weight, and the fact that it will not take any of your space, you will be able to avoid the chaotic traffic and move it anywhere you need.
Even though there are many options available, analyzing the advantages and disadvantages can help you decide which foldable bike is ideal for you.
