16-inch folding bikes are less common than their 20-inch folding bike counterparts, but that doesn’t make them any less desirable for keen cyclists and commuters who are looking for a great way to travel around.
Still, knowing where to look for the best 16-inch folding bikes is tricky. The classic Brompton is the obvious choice, but there are plenty of other folding bikes available that are amazing, too.
The smaller the bike the more compact and lightweight it will be, which is an important thing to consider if your commute involves cycling, climbing onto a train platform, getting on a train, and navigating a busy train station.
For commuters, and other cyclists looking for a bike to get them to and through urban areas, you might want the smaller size, 16-inch folding bike to make things easier for you, so checking the size is important to make sure you get exactly what you want.
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In fact, classic Brompton bikes are all fine examples of the smaller and lighter 16-inch folding bikes and they’re one of the giants in the folding bike industry. And when 16-inch bikes are made really well, like Bromptons are, then a lot of the drawbacks are often accounted for and corrected because of the quality of the bike.
1. Brompton
So, if you’re looking for one of the best 16-inch folding bikes around, then Bromptons are an obvious choice. In fact, we’ve covered Bromptons a few times on this blog so you might already know a lot about them. If you don’t though, here’s a quick overview of what makes them so amazing.
To start with, they’re made of proprietary parts. That means Brompton custom makes each part for the bike, right down to the nuts and bolts, so you know you’re getting a perfectly constructed, high-quality bike every time.
They’re also compact, smooth, and quick to ride, so you’re ready for any commuting situation.
Sure, they’re pricey, but Brompton is a name you can trust in the folding bike industry, and these bikes last for YEARS, so they’re always an investment worth making.
But as great as Bromptons are, there are other 16-inch folding bikes out there that are incredible, so just focussing on Bromptons is a disservice to the other ones available…
Bromptons are amazing, but they aren’t the only folding bikes available. Below are 3 “Brompton clones’ that can give these classic bikes a run for their money. They are called ‘clones’ because they have a strong resemblance to Brompton bikes, in fact, in some cases, you cannot tell the difference.
You’ll need to do some further research to decide which 16-inch folding bike is right for you, but below is a good starting point so you know which ones are worth looking into further.
2. Litepro
There are plenty of Litepro bikes to look into, but all of them are great options. Litepro manufactures Brompton clones, so you get Brompton of somewhat lower quality for much less.
Sure, they can be a little unstable compared to more expensive models, but they’re by no means un-rideable and you’ll still have an enjoyable time with a Litepro.
They have excellent folding mechanisms that mean you can fold and unfold the bike quickly, and their aluminum alloy frames make them lightweight enough for your commute. Litepro offers their bikes in different colors too, which means you can find one that suits you.
3. 3Sixty
3Sixty makes ‘Brompton clone’ bikes as well and whilst yes, they very have similar features, you can definitely tell you’re riding a 3Sixty, not a Brompton.
With that said, they’re still compact bikes when folded and offer an amazingly smooth ride.
They’re pricier than its ‘clone brothers’ on the list, but still reasonably priced to buy brand new.
If you were choosing between a second-hand older Brompton model and a brand new 3Sixty, well, the quality of these bikes and the longevity of their parts make a good case for choosing one over a Brompton…
4. Mobot Royale
Mobot Royale is also a ‘Brompton clone’ bike. They offer a lot, but for us, their main appeal is the seamless transition from folded to unfolded and back again.
Mobot Royale was actually very smart about the way they approached the market – rather than trying to be the best at EVERYTHING, they became the best at one thing – and that’s making their bike incredibly user-friendly for the average commuter and the various transports they face.
Those seamless transitions aren’t all they offer, of course, but it certainly is a major draw. However, you do hear reports of wear and tear is a problem on these bikes, especially for the brake pads and tires wear out quickly. Replacing them is cheap enough, but the extra cost can be a nuisance nonetheless.
5. HUMMINGBIRD
Of all the bikes so far, HUMMINGBIRD single-speed bikes are the lightest by a country mile, weighing in at approximately 6.9kg(c. 15lbs). Some 16-inch bikes on this list are double that weight.
It can be folded down and unfolded again in around 5 seconds, and you’ve got a bike that’s great for commuting.
Some customers will prefer a multi-speed commuter bike as it allows you some more variety as you face different scenarios en route, but besides that, this HUMMINGBIRD option is a great one.
6. Dahon Qix D3
The max rider weight of this bike is 85kg. That can be a little limiting, and that will put many people off. However, there’s no denying the quality of the Dahon Qix D3.
The 16-inch lightweight wheels help give this bike a total weight of 9.7kg (21.3lbs), and the folding mechanism is excellent, folding into a neat little package that’s easy to take around with you.
The ‘Dalloy aluminum frame‘ is lightweight and durable too, so despite its small size, you know it’s a sturdy bike that can handle a lot.
7. Citizen Tokyo
Citizen Tokyo bikes are excellent options, and when you factor in initial cost, replacement parts, and maintenance over an average bike lifespan, it’s probably the most affordable option of the lot.
And for those looking for multi-speed bikes, Citizen Tokyo has you covered, so you have all the fun and variety this brings.
But they are a little on the heavy side, so for those facing longer commutes, this option might not be the best. Unless, of course, you’re planning on doing strength workouts with your cardio…
8. Bike Friday The pakiT 2022
And finally, we have the Bike Friday pakiT 2022 bike, offering up a wide gear ratio and perhaps the most exciting customizable options available on any folding bike on the market today.
Want a backpack for it all to fit into? No problem. Need H Bars instead of Flat handlebars for longer rides? They have you covered. Making this bike your own is the most exciting thing about it.
Still, there are drawbacks as there are with any bike and the customization might lead you to build the PERFECT bike for one particular route you take, but that won’t necessarily help you if you ever want to try something new. It’s something to consider at least.
Some words on 20 inch folding bikes
If you’re looking for a folding bike, then 20-inch folding bikes are much more common than 16-inch bikes.
The folding mechanisms on 20-inch bikes are often less efficient than on 16-inch bikes because of the bigger tires, meaning they often fold to bigger sizes.
Because 20-inch bikes have bigger tires, everything else about them is less compact, so carrying them from place to place can be tiresome compared to 16-inch counterparts.
Whilst 20 inch tires may provide more stability and a smoother ride generally, they change direction much slower.
Final thoughts
Now that you know a little more about multiple 16-inch folding bike options and their different appeals, you can go away and do a little more research. 16-inch folding bikes are amazing and the perfect bit of kit for any commuter, but finding the perfect model for you is important.
Both 20 and 16-inch folding bikes have their pros and cons, but ultimately you need to do your research to decide which one of those is important for you.
Take your time, do your research, and we’re sure you’ll find a 16 inch folding bike that’ll last you for years to come!
