5 Best Folding Mountain Bikes – Review and Buying Guide

Portable bikes are great! Especially when you have a storage issue. Read on to find some top options for foldable mountain bikes that you can buy today!
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Mountain bikes are the largest bicycles in size as compared to road, hybrid, and other types of bicycles. This is because of their large wheel sizes. If you look at it, mountain bikes do also have larger built. Their handlebars are wider and they typically have a taller frame. 

Now imagine storing this type of a giant in a limited space. Possible? I don’t think so. But wait, this does not mean that you have to give up on your dreams of owning a mountain bike. Is there an alternative? I am glad you asked! You can get folding mountain bikes.

I have listed some of the top-reviewed folding mountain bike models. In the list, you will find both inexpensive and high-tier options. Let’s start.

5 Best Folding Mountain Bikes

Best FeatureBikePrice/$
Best OverallMontague Paratrooper1,195.00
Best Built Eurobike G7299.00
Best SuspensionXSPEC 26"283.99
Best FoldingMontague Urban949.00
Best ControlOpeak Ebike1,899.00

Important Notice: All the prices mentioned are subject to change.

1. Montague Paratrooper Folding Mountain Bike- Editor’s Choice 

Price: MSRP $1,195.00

Montague Paratrooper Folding Bike
Montague Paratrooper Folding Bike

Features

  • Frame: 6061 aluminum alloy
  • Drivetrain: 24-speed Shimano
  • Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes
  • Suspension: Coil spring fork with 80mm of travel
  • Wheels: 26-inch aluminum alloy with double-wall rims
  • Tires: Kenda K-Shield
  • Folding Dimensions: 36″ x 12″ x 24″
  • Weight: 33 pounds

The house of Montague is known for making durable and rugged mountain bikes. Some users believe the Paratrooper might be their best foldable mountain bike yet. The 24-speed gear system gives power that will allow you to hike trails and climb. 

The front suspension system of the bike is there to protect you from bumps on the road. You can also carry some cargo with you as the panniers are installed for that.

I tested it myself and I was able to fold the bike within 20 seconds! That’s quick. However, a hydraulic disc brake system is preferred with this type of powerful bike. 

Advantages

  • The construction is strong and durable
  • It only takes a few seconds to fold
  • Many users like the 24-speed gear system

Disadvantages

  • It has a basic braking system 
  • It has a limited availability 
Editor's Choice: The Montague Paratrooper folds in seconds and the 24-speed gear system gives a lot of power to the user.

Read our guide to understand the differences between hardtail and full suspension mountain bikes and choose the right one for you.


2. Eurobike G7

Price: MSRP $299.00

Eurobike G7
Eurobike G7

Features

  • Frame: Allow Steel 
  • Drivetrain: 21-speed
  • Brakes: Dual disc brake
  • Suspension: Full suspension 
  • Wheels: 27.5 Inch 3 Spoke Wheel
  • Tires: Anti-skid tire
  • Folding Dimensions: 47 x 30 x 12 inches
  • Weight: 38-40 pounds

If you are limited by budget, then the Eurobike G7 Folding Mountain Bike can be an option to consider.  This bike might feel slow and sluggish but it is very strong.

 You might have trouble carrying it but it absorbs the bumps and vibrations on the road effectively. All of this combined with a 21-speed gear-shifting system gives you enough power to tackle challenging tracks. The bike comprises a great breaking system that users will find reliable.

The compact design of the bike is fine, it fits into a car really well though. You also might have to spend some time assembling the bike when it comes, it took me around 30 seconds. 

Advantages:

  • Many users find it affordable 
  • The bike offers a decent speed system 

Disadvantages:

  • Plastic pedals might need an upgrade
  • The bike is heavy 
Why I Like It: The Eurobike G7 is one of the best inexpensive options to go for. You will like the extra power and protection from the front and rear suspension system!

Check out our list of the best mountain bikes under $500 and find the perfect bike for your budget.

3. XSPEC 26″ 21-Speed Shimano Folding Mountain Bike

Price: MSRP $283.99

Xspec 26
Xspec 26

 

Features

  • Frame: Steel
  • Drivetrain: 21-speed Shimano drivetrain
  • Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes
  • Suspension: Coil spring suspension fork with 80mm of travel
  • Wheels: 26-inch aluminum 
  • Tires: Kenda K-Shield
  • Folding Dimensions: 36″ x 12″ x 24″
  • Weight: 42 pounds

The XSPEC 26  does not come cheap, it offers so much in such a small compact package. 

It is made from high-tensile steel that is powerful enough to take on rough mountain tracks. I tried this bike on the rocky tracks of Idaho and to be honest, I did enjoy the ride. It has a single folding mechanism. This is very easy to use. Unfolding the bike is also user-friendly. Just use the hinge, and down it goes. There is also a lot of room for upgrades and customization.

Advantages:

  • It has a front and rear suspension system 
  • The bike has a lot of room for customization

Disadvantages:

  • The bike comes with heavy wheels
  • You might need to upgrade the disc brakes 
Why I Like It: XSPEC 26 delivers an amazing power show. From the frame to the customization options, it is user-friendly.

Check out our top picks for the best mountain bikes for hunting and get ready for your next adventure.

4. Montague Urban Folding Hybrid Bike

Price: MSRP $949

Urban Is A Folding Bike
Urban Is A Folding Bike

Features

  • Frame: Aluminum Frame 
  • Drivetrain: 21-speed Shimano
  • Brakes: Formula mechanical disc brakes
  • Suspension: Rigid fork
  • Wheels: 700c aluminum alloy
  • Tires: Kenda K-Shield tires with 35mm width
  • Folding Dimensions: 36″ x 28″ x 12″
  • Weight: 29 pounds 

It folds down to this small bike that still punches hard, you can customize it all you want. One of the best features of this bike is that it comes in three different frame sizes so that everyone can enjoy the bike. I was also impressed with the semi-knobbed tires.

The front and rear fenders of the bike are a good add-on to protect the bike from damage. Users have most positively reviewed the ultra-plush vibration-dampening seat of the bike. 

Advantages:

  • It has multiple folding points 
  • The rear and front fenders come pre-installed. 

Disadvantages:

  • The bike is expensive for some users
  • It is not the best option for trail riding
Why I Like It: The multiple folding points make the bike an attractive option!

Explore our step-by-step guide to learn how to install bike tires.

5. Opeak Ebike Foldable Electric Bike

Price: $1,899.00

Opeak Ebike Foldable Electric Bike
Opeak Ebike Foldable Electric Bike

Features

  • Frame: Aluminum Aloy 
  • Motor: 750W high-speed brushless motor
  • Battery: 48V 12AH removable lithium-ion battery
  • Drivetrain: 8-speed Shimano
  • Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
  • Suspension: Front suspension fork with 80mm of travel
  • Wheels: 26-inch aluminum alloy
  • Tires: 4.0-inch fat tires
  • Folding Dimensions: 36 x 12 x 24 inches
  • Charge Time: 6 hours
  • Weight: 70 pounds

What’s impressive about the bike is its construction. It has a 12AH removable 48V e-bike battery with a 750W motor that enhances its durability and performance. 

On top of this, in order to handle all sorts of terrain, the bike is installed with wide knobby tires. It allows throttle as well as pedal assist. As the seat tube does not extend back to the rear fork, there is only the spring-loaded rear suspension between the top tube and rear triangle. This allows the users to enjoy the full vibration-dampening prowess of the bike.

Advantages:

  • It provides the electric power some users might need
  • It has a cruise control mode
  • It has a color LCD screen that displays information correctly

Disadvantages:

  • Plastic pedals are not durable
  • Wheel hubs also have a mediocre quality

Why I Like It: I liked the performance and shock absorption abilities of this bike as compared to the other electric bikes I tried out. It is also one of the lightest folding bikes in our inventory. Plus, you get electric assistance too!

Find the perfect mountain bikes for beginners with our list of top picks.

Folding Mountain Bikes Buying Guide- 5 Things To Know

If this is your first time getting foldable bikes, then you need to know what to look out for. Although most folding mountain bikes have a similar construction, you need to know what makes them unique and different from each other. 

1. Know The Frame Material

When looking for the best folding mountain bike, the frame material and size are going to matter a lot. Choose the frame size that is compatible with your own height and weight, you don’t want to go for a size that is bigger and smaller than yourself.

Frame material on the other hand will affect the weight and performance of the bike. Getting the lightest folding bike is not easy at all. Aluminum alloy is the most common material. It is light and folds easily. The reinforcement of the bike also becomes sturdy this way. Then we have the steel, which is durable and sturdy.

The last alternative is carbon fiber, which is expensive and is also the lightest material. But that also makes it weak compared to the aluminum alloy frames.

2. Explore The Gearing System

The gearing system is also important when looking for a folding mountain bike. There should be a perfect combination of both high and low gear. High gears will let you pedal downhill easily and smoothly without any kind of problems. Low gears on the other hand are vital for climbing hills. 

One of the best things about mountain bikes is that they have a combination of both high and low gears which makes them best for any kind of terrain.

3. Is A Suspension System A Must?

A powerful suspension system allows you to have all the fun. These suspension systems allow the bike to absorb all the vibrations and disturbances. People with lower back pain might want to invest in a powerful rear suspension. I recommend it because it protects the rider from any kind of injury.

Use our mountain bike frame size chart to find the perfect fit for your next ride.

4. Know The Foldable Dimensions

The foldable dimensions of a mountain bike impact the overall compactness of its structure. Honestly, that is their whole appeal, how compact they are. This is not just limited to a folding mountain bike, a folding electric bike also should have total compactness.

Make sure that your bike can fit into the trunk of your car or even the train/bus. The compactness should be compatible with what you are planning to put the bike in.

5. What About Different Wheel Sizes?

We told you the difference between full-size and compact folding mountain bikes at the start. Wheel sizes will impact the size of your bike. A bigger wheel size means a bigger bike. Now this decision falls to you whether you want a big or small mountain bike for yourself.

With larger wheels, you will also be able to travel long distances without any kind of problems.

Explore our bike tire size chart to find the right size tire for your bike

5 Advantages Of A Folding Mountain Bike

Foldable mountain bikes are famous among cyclists because they are easy to break down. Once they are broken down, thanks to the folding mechanism, you will be able to carry them with you. This does not put a limit on your adventures as you can carry your favorite mountain bike to wherever you want. 

1. They Save Up A Lot of Space

The first advantage that you would get to enjoy from folding bikes is that they are extremely easy to store. You can just break them down and store them wherever you want. This saves you a lot of space in the long run, plus you can get different accessories with ease and store them with the bike.

This advantage is quite beneficial for people who live in small apartments where there is no storage space. Comparatively, these bikes take very less space than the traditional bikes that you would come across.

2. They Are Easy To Transport

Many people take their bikes to work or even for a normal commute. If there is constricted space in your parking then the folding mountain bikes would become a blessing for you as you can just fold them in half. Apart from this, you can always fold them and take them with you, this means if you are traveling on a bus or a train.

Using A Folding Bike
Using A Folding Bike

3. They Are A Fun To Ride 

These types of bikes never put a stop to your fun activities. There are sometimes restrictions when using mountain bikes on trails. The biggest concern is carrying them or going from one place to the other. With these bikes which can be folded in half, you can hike any kind of trail, ride on hills, and carry them wherever you want. Go nuts with these bikes!

4. They Are Somewhat Theft Proofed

If you have a concern that your bike will be stolen, the chances of folding bicycles being stolen are very slim. First of all, these bikes can be easily carried, and stealing them becomes a total pain when they are either folded or locked.

Use our mountain bike size chart to find the right size bike for you.

5. They Have A Good Resale Value 

Having a traditional bike has many advantages, but there are disadvantages as well. One of the biggest drawbacks is how quickly they depreciate. Did you know that traditional bikes without any unique features lose half of their value in a year? That’s crazy!

Folding bikes on the other hand have a higher price tag than other bikes. They depreciate very slowly. This means that you can sell them at a good value later on, even for a profit if you are lucky.

3 Different Types Of Folding Mountain Bikes

 Here are the different types of folding mountain bikes that you will come across:

  • Half/Horizontal
  • Vertical
  • Compact and Full Size
Type Description Unique Features
Half/Horizontal Folds in half horizontally Quick-release hinges, unique center hinge
Vertical Folds vertically Quick-release hinges on the seat post and handlebar
Compact and Full Size Compact: Wheel size 16-20 inches, Full-size: 26-inch wheels Quick-release hinges fold in half for storage

FAQs

Are Folding Bikes Worth It?

Folding Bikes are absolutely worth it because they offer the ability to have portable adventures. They are also very easy to store when you have limited storage space.

Can Folding Bikes Go Uphill?

Folding Mountain Bikes are equipped with a range of different gears that allows them to climb hills.

Are Folding Mountain Bikes Cheap?

Yes, they are relatively cheap. You can get a folding mountain bike for as low as $200.

Recap

Folding Mountain Bikes are great because they allow you to have countless adventures without worrying about space. You can store them in minimal spaces. They are built differently but that does not mean there is any compromise on quality going on here.  

Keeping in mind the buying guide factors that I discussed above, you can find a folding mountain bike that best suits your needs. So are you ready to buy a folding mountain bike? Let me know in the comment section if you need any help!

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Should you have any questions or require further clarification on the topic, please feel free to connect with our expert author Rhodes Perry by leaving a comment below. We value your engagement and are here to assist you.

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Rhodes Perry

Rhodes Perry

Rhodes is a writer, social justice advocate, and passionate cyclist. He primarily spends his time in the saddle commuting or riding multi-day, self-supported tours, and volunteers time wrenching at his local bike coop.

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1 thought on “5 Best Folding Mountain Bikes – Review and Buying Guide”

  1. Great review! I’m looking to buy a folding mountain bike soon, so this guide is very helpful in narrowing down my options. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

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