Hi,

I've been looking into folding bikes so much and I've gotten myself in such a muddle now that I really would appreciate some help from you experienced folks!

I'm not a serious cyclist, I like to take my bike out 3 times a week and generally do 20/30 miles each time, although I would like to tackle some 60-100 mile charity events in the future.

I'm getting a new car that I can't fit a bike rack/roof rack to, so this is why I thought about going down the folding bike route where I can fairly easily get it into the back of the car with the seats down without the hassle of trying to manoeuvre a full size bike in there.

My price range is around £500, although I would consider a a bit more than this if it is from Evans cycles (I get discount from there)
I mostly travel on flat/gravel roads, with a few hills on some of the cycle trails I go on.

Some of the bikes I have been looking at are Tern Joe and Bickerton Docklands, but I really have no idea what's best for the money and what will provide a comfortable ride, I have looked at the smaller wheel folding bikes but it looks like the riding position would be uncomfortable for long journeys??

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Not that I would ever argue against anybody getting a folder -- I have two and I love them both -- but you can often fit a regular sized bike inside a car, even if you can't fit a rack on the car. A friend fits his Bianchi into a Fiat 500 (admittedly with both wheels off), and I used the trunk of a regular sedan for a regular bike for years (front wheel off). We now own a Honda Fit, which fits one bike with both wheels on, or two with front wheels off, but that's a different story.

Back to the folder, and comfort is going to be the main thing here, especially if you're looking to those 60-100 mile charity events. More expensive bikes like Bike Fridays are an exception to the small-wheel/long-distance/still-comfortable conundrum, but that's going to be way outside your price range. I'll let others speak to the advantages/disadvantages of the Tern or the Bickerton

Agreed. I do have a folding bike, but on most rides where I need to use a car to get to the start I just take the wheels off my regular bike and drop it in the trunk (usually take both wheels off so there's no need to bother folding the rear car seat). Takes about as long as it does for me to fold a Brompton.

If you can buy a Dahon Speed p8 with a steel frame I don't think you will go far wrong..Good strong bike with a wide spread of gears and quite good on light trails..or a Bike Friday Tikit would also be a good buy..simple 8 speed one..Did have one and wished I had never sold it..

See if you can find a Dahon Dash (discontinued). Since you are primarily wanting the fold for a car, and not trains or transit, you will be more comfortable on longer rides with something that more approximates a non-folding bike. Also, I don't know the cost but you can S&S couplers fitted on a regular bike. Finally, can you take advantage of the bike to work scheme to give yourself some additional funding room?

last time I looked the S&S were as much money as a good folding bike ! I might be wrong , but you will need to pay a frame builder to install them, than repaint etc etc ...


Dahon Dash ... careful in the US Dahon sold most of them as unfoldable and only a few with the folding mechanism ... big difference in size


I would suggest a Tern Node D 8 with its 24 inch wheels its a good riding bike and can do 100 milers pretty comfortable.

Being where they are made ... Your £500 can Get you a Brompton, Used , refurbished a bit

or a New Dahon Imported from their Chinese factory.

Distance rides take time, seek out the saddle your Back side likes since you will be sitting on it for Hours

I happen to like Ergon grips better than round ones , I have them on my Brompton M3L

Bike Friday will cost more than Your £500 budget, But they are the only one made in several frame sizes.
[1 at a time, in Oregon] You have a series of component menus to select, too..

The others Including Brompton make 1 frame , though B has the option of 4 different handlebar masts
and adjusts the Bike, a Bit, to fit a variety of people .

if it don't fold, it ain't a Dash; it's a Hammerhead.

This topic seems to be getting off track..the guy wants advice about a folding bike that will fit in his car and that he can take out for 20 or 30 mile rides..and the occasional 100 mile charity ride..I said a Dahon Speed P8 would be good and a BF Tikit..please do not get a Brompton..great for sticking in your car but hard work for 30 mile bike rides and 100 mile rides...I have a Brompton but would prefer 20 inch folder for anything over a few miles..Had a Tikit also..great ,great little bike..fold size is much bigger than a Brommie but the ride is fabulous...The Dahons that have 16 or 18 speeds would also be a good choice as would the Tern 24 inch wheel bike..already mentioned..

I own a TernJoeP24, and I have a Dahon Speed P8. The TernJoeP24 isn't an easy fit in a vehicle, as some might think. The Speed P8 is an easy fit.

As for long distance rides, the TernJoeP24 is easier to go the distance straight out of the box. With a better saddle, and a few other upgrades (if desired), the Dahon Speed P8 is just as good. Well, not as good on hills (8 speeds vs 24 speeds), but doable.

Now, has the OP considered a Downtube folding bike? Solid specs, excellent price, and a warranty that works. Plus, the owner is a forum member and answers all questions directly.

Thanks for all the help everyone, I went to a few bike stores (independent stores, Evans, halfords etc) and tried out a lot of the folding bikes mentioned, I really liked the Dahon but in the end I actually went for something completely different following the advice a few of you gave about removing wheels etc.

I ended up getting a specialized vita in Evans which seemed really comfortable and the right size for me at a decent price, it does the job i need it to and it has quick release wheels so I can easily and quickly fit it into my car, tbh I hadn't even considered removing the wheels off a full size bike until it was mentioned!!

Cheers for all the help, it's taken me ages to decide on a bike to buy and I'm actually relieved the ordeal of trying to find the right one is finally over! Haha

The most important thing is that you found a bike that suits your needs. Enjoy!!!

A good choice of bike..and probably able to cope with a wide variety of cycling..quick on the road, can cope with bridle paths ,gravel tracks..etc..and even a bit of touring..

When removing the rear wheel, you can use a "dummy/sleeping hub" to keep the chain in the right position:

Dummy hub, chain tensioner, chain rest for mountain or road bike by AntoSine - Thingiverse