BEST FOR: ALL-ROUND USE

RIDGEBACK ATTACHE

£450

This is Ridgeback’s best folder. It has an aluminium frame, light enough to be easily manoeuvrable but strong enough for a solid ride, and felt reassuringly stable. The 20in wheels made it faster than a Brompton and more comfortable for long distances, helped by seven gears. Luggage racks on some fold-ups tend to push your bag forward so that they brush your heels, but the design of this rack minimises the problem. There are some handy touches: a magnet between the wheels holds them together when the bike is folded, and the seat post is marked in inch-wide steps so you can easily find the right position. Verdict: strong, solid frame and 20in wheels make this a secure, speedy ride.

www.ridgeback.co.uk

BEST FOR: SHORT COMMUTES

BROMPTON S2L

£580

Brompton has been making this folding bike for 32 years, and like all classic designs it still works brilliantly. Constructed out of cromoly steel, which is lightweight and strong, the S2L weighs 24lb, which is less than most. It comes with flat handlebars, two gears (ample for most three to five-mile commutes), a small amount of rear suspension, excellent brakes and mudguards. A great range of pannier bags is available. The Brompton runs on 16in wheels, but its long wheelbase keeps it stable at speed. It’s a doddle to fold (15 seconds) and becomes small enough to tuck under a desk. Small wonder it continues to sell well. Verdict: ideal companion for railways and short commuter runs.

www.brompton.co.uk

BEST FOR: LONGER RIDES

GIANT HALFWAY

£375

The seven-gear Halfway has 20in wheels, making it comfortable for longer rides. A large chrome clamp holds the bike in its riding position, ensuring a quick fold. The essential design feature is a box-shaped (rather than tubular) aluminium frame, which makes the bike feel solid and sturdy. The monofork (on one side only) makes for a flat fold and easy cleaning. Verdict: a fold-up that feels almost as solid as a regular bike.

www.giant-bicycles.com

BEST FOR: COMPACTNESS

MOBIKY GENIUS

£500

Rather like a pushchair, the Genius’s clever folding mechanism allows for almost instantaneous conversion from collapsed to fully rideable form. It weighs 30lb but, since the design allows it to be wheeled around while folded, this is not a big problem. Along with the Brompton, it’s the best bike for taking on trains. Verdict: robust, rail-friendly head-turner.

www.my-mobiky.co.uk

BEST FOR: VALUE

PINNACLE JOURNEY 1.0

£299

This budget model, though cheap, has 20in wheels, mudguards and a luggage rack – in fact the best luggage rack on test. To ride, it’s a touch wobbly, and some cost-cutting is evident. Also, there are only three gears so it’s best for journeys on the flat. Other components are unexceptional, yet the Journey still represents solid value and looks good. Verdict: great basic folder – average ride but good styling.

www.pinnacle-bikes.co.uk

BEST FOR: LIGHTNESS

DAHON MU SL

£900

This model is all about speed. Weighing just 19lb, it is one of the lightest bikes around and was the nippiest bike on test, with a comfortable, upright riding position. Its 20in wheels and nine gears also increased performance, but you pay a steep price and it lacks a luggage rack, so you’ll need a backpack. Verdict: super-nimble but super-priced.

www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN YOU BUY

- Smaller wheels mean a more compact package but tend to yield less speed.

- For commuting, mudguards and a basket or luggage rack are worthwhile extras.

- A key benefit is security – you can take the bike indoors when it’s folded.

- Don’t go cheap: a solid joint in the middle of the bike is crucial for a good ride, and a poor one is a bad investment. The models here pass that basic quality test.

- Folding bikes tend to be heavier than regular ones: optimists will see that this means you’ll get fitter faster.

- Folding mechanisms vary – try them in the shop before you buy.

- If the only thing you don’t like is the saddle, it’s easy to change.

Prices are the best found online

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