Folding bikes make transportation fun and easy. These fully-featured bicycles give you the ability to transition effortlessly into other modes of transportation, whether they’re cars, trains, or even planes.
Once you’re at your destination, you can fold your bike for easy storage, keeping you safe from both theft and the elements. When you’re done, simply unfold your bike and you’re good to go back out on the road.
But what type of folding bike should you buy? Here’s a quick rundown on several of the best 20-inch folding bikes on the market today.
All of these bikes have 20″ wheels, meaning they’re slightly less compact than 16″ folding bikes, but they provide more stable rides at higher speeds and can handle bumps and dirt a bit better.
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We’ll discuss the pros and cons of these options so you can narrow down your search and find a 20″ folding bike that suits your riding style and budget.
1. DAHON MARINER D8
The Mariner D8 is very much the Goldilocks option of the 20-inch folding bike world. It’s squarely in the middle of the pack when it comes to both price and features, but its robust default options and solid construction ensure that it’s excellent value for that price.
At 27.7 lbs, it’s not the lightest bike, but the 8-speed gearing and included fenders and carrying racks add a decent amount to that weight. Like most other 20″ bikes, it folds in half lengthwise and has a collapsible seat post, making it fairly small when folded up, but not quite as small as a Brompton.
The Mariner D8 usually isn’t the best bike on an unlimited budget, and it’s definitely not the cheapest option on this list.
It is, however, the default standard to which you should compare. If you’re paying more than you would for a D8, make sure that the bike you’re getting does something specific that the D8 does not, and make sure that that feature is worth the price difference.
If you don’t have any specific ride considerations and you’re willing to spend a little bit more on quality and accessories, the Dahon Mariner D8 should be your first choice.
2. B’TWIN TILT 500 FOLDING BIKE
A solid budget option, the B’Twin Tilt 500 offers a great riding experience for someone who wants to try out a folding bike for the first time.
While it’s a fair bit cheaper than the Dahon Mariner D8, it’s also slightly heavier, coming in at 28.7 lbs. One pound might not seem like a lot until you consider the Tilt 500’s narrower gearing (7-speed vs the D8’s 8) and lack of a rear carrying rack.
If you’re not going to ride a lot, the B’TWIN Tilt 500 remains a perfectly serviceable option. It’s got the same folding scheme as most other 20″ bikes, it handles absolutely fine, and the lack of a single gear is usually not a big deal for most riders.
If you plan to commute on your folding bike or take longer trips, however, the addition of extra accessories and lower weight from the Mariner D8 might warrant the extra expenditure.
If you like this bike, but you want to add some features or you think you won’t use some of them, you can check the TILT model 100, 120, and 900.
3. Raleigh Stowaway
A British bike, the Raleigh Stowaway is quite comparable to the Mariner D8. It’s a 31 lb bike with a 7-speed rear derailleur, an aluminum frame, and several included accessories like a rear cargo rack.
While it’s a bit heavier, it’s unclear how much of this weight is from bulkier accessories and how much is the frame itself.
The biggest factors to consider with the Stowaway are cost and availability.
If the Stowaway is cheaper and easier to get than a D8 in your area, it’s close enough that you can safely choose it with no regrets. Similarly, if the D8 is cheaper and easier to get than the Stowaway, you should probably just go with the D8 instead.
4. Tern BYB S11
A high-end option, the Tern BYB S11 is an ultra-modern take on the 20″ bike. While other 20-inch folding bikes accept that you’re giving up size when folded to make your ride more comfortable, the BYB S11 does not.
It’s designed to be smaller than other 20″ bikes by a whopping 30%, giving you additional options in terms of storage and transportation. It’s not the lightest bike, at 28 lbs, but part of that weight comes from the rear fender with extra wheels that let you roll the bike when it’s folded.
An 11-speed transmission, premium wheels, and a full complement of accessories (like a bell and a luggage mount) round out the package and make the BYB S11 a brilliant option for the city commuter.
The bottom line here? It’s small. Seriously. If you’re going to use the folding part of your bike a lot and you’ve got the budget, the BYB S11 should be a seriously tempting option. The 20″ wheels will help your rides feel fantastic, while the bike’s small frame will make it easy to transport and store.
5. Zizzo 2022 Campo
Comparable to the B’TWIN Tilt 500 above, the Zizzo 2022 Campo is a 29 lb 7 speed folding 20″ bike with a fairly scant helping of accessories.
Again, the lack of a cargo rack (or even fenders to fight off mud) makes the weight on this bike a lot higher than it might seem. That said, the Campo is pleasant to ride, folds into a fairly typical 20″ bike package, and is fantastically affordable.
Just like the Stowaway above, consider price and availability when comparing the Campo and the Tilt 500. Whichever bike is cheaper and easier to get in your area is likely the better choice.
6. Bike Friday Touring Folding Bikes
Bike Friday sells bikes a bit differently than other manufacturers, giving their customers a wide range of customizable options for each bike they sell.
Starting at a bit under the cost of a BYB S11, these bikes start at about 24 lbs and can go from there as you add accessories all the way up to 38lbs (that extra weight gets you an electric assist motor and 9-speeds)
It’s worth noting that this means you’re saving a decent amount of weight from the start, making a stripped-down Bike Friday tourer an amazing option for the weight-conscious city traveler. The options are really what make these bikes incredible, however.
You can add things like disc brakes, wide gear ranges (18 speeds on a folding bike is quite rare), and a small electronic motor to make pedaling easier over long trips. Again, these bikes are pricey, but it’s definitely worth taking a look at the builder to see what options are available.
The downside to Bike Friday is cost. While their bikes are of excellent quality, they’re not cheap. They start at about twice the cost of a Mariner D8 in round numbers and can quickly get even more expensive as you customize the bike.
It’s still great value for your money, but if you’re not planning on spending a lot of time in the saddle, you might want to go with a cheaper option for now and upgrade in a few years if you’re still riding.
Even if you think you can’t afford one, you should absolutely check out some of the options that Bike Friday has on their bikes. Depending on your use case, you might find that they’ve got a model that’s catered for your specific body type, riding style, or intended bicycle use.
Having a bike that’s tailor-made to your preferences is incredible, and Bike Friday can make it happen!
7. Vello Alfine 11
A 28.4 lb folding bike with 11 speeds and incredible aesthetics, the Vello Alfine 11 is a bit on the pricier end.
Disc brakes, a belt drive instead of a standard chain, and full assembly before delivery help justify the cost, while the bicycle itself delivers an incredibly smooth ride for a 20″ folding bike.
The bike also folds in a very unconventional way, making it more similar to a Brompton in folded size than many of the other options on this list. Unlike a Brompton, however, you won’t find any handy luggage wheels or protection for your fancy belt drive.
The Alfine 11 is very much a high-end option for someone who wants the nicest ride possible. If you’re looking for an extra nice folding bike, consider this alongside the BYB S11 and the options from Bike Friday.
The Vello Alfine 11’s gearing, drive, and brakes will help make your ride a bit smoother and snappier as you conquer your city in style.
