Navigating the streets of London has always been a challenge—whether it's weaving through bustling crowds, avoiding packed public transport, or finding parking for a car.
The rise of folding bikes offers a stylish and convenient solution for those who value both functionality and design. They provide a faster alternative to traditional options while improving air quality and reducing congestion. Their compact design makes them ideal for city dwellers, offering both practicality and sophistication.
We asked a busy London commuter to share his journey testing different folding bikes—from the renowned Brompton to the practical Dahon, high-performance Tern Verge, and our own Prodrive Folding Bike—to see which one excels in city life.
Here's what he found, and why Prodrive was his top pick for seamless commuting;
Brompton: The Icon of British Design
First on my list was the Brompton C Line, an iconic model from Brompton’s range and a symbol of British cycling innovation. The C Line is designed to be compact and durable, a perfect city bike for London commuters who need a reliable and easy-to-carry bike. I opted for the C Line Explore version, which features a 6-speed gear system, making it versatile enough to handle the varied terrains of London, from flat streets to the hilly inclines of areas like Primrose Hill.
The folding mechanism of the C Line is as efficient as ever, collapsing into a neat, portable size in under 20 seconds with some practice. The folded dimensions are incredibly compact, allowing me to carry it effortlessly onto the Tube or store it under my desk at work. The ride quality was smooth and stable, even on cobblestone streets or through the often bumpy roads of East London. However, at around 11.3 kg, the C Line Explore is slightly heavier than some of its competitors, making it more noticeable when carrying it for longer periods.
Brompton’s classic British craftsmanship is evident throughout the bike, and its timeless design ensures it fits seamlessly into the aesthetic of urban commuting. For those who prioritise a balance between tradition, portability, and durability, the Brompton C Line remains an excellent choice. However, I still found myself wondering if I could find a lighter alternative to suit my specific needs.
Dahon Mariner: The Practical Choice
Next, I tested the Dahon Mariner, another popular folding bike praised for its practicality and affordability. As a brand, Dahon has been a staple in the folding bike industry for decades, offering robust and reliable models at more affordable price points than some of its competitors.
The Dahon Mariner is particularly well-suited for those who are looking for a bike to take on longer rides outside of the city. It features a 7-speed Shimano gear system, which gave me a comfortable range for both flat streets and hilly rides through Hampstead. The Mariner’s fold is quick and easy, though I found the folded size a bit bulkier than some of the other bikes I tested.
At 12.6 kg, the Dahon Mariner is slightly heavier than the Brompton, which was noticeable when carrying it through busy stations. While it offered a reliable and smooth ride, the weight and bulkier folded size made it less ideal for the highly mobile London commuter who is constantly on the go. However, for weekend rides or slightly longer commutes, the Mariner is a solid and practical choice.
Tern Verge: Speed and Performance
For those seeking a folding bike with performance at the forefront, the Tern Verge seemed to be the answer. Tern is known for its high-performance folding bikes, and the Verge series is designed for speed and efficiency, ideal for cyclists who want to go fast while still having the convenience of a foldable design.
I tested the Tern Verge P10, which is packed with a 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. This bike is built for serious cyclists who want the flexibility to fold but don’t want to compromise on performance. Riding the Verge P10 around London was a joy—it was fast, responsive, and incredibly smooth even on some of the less-than-ideal road surfaces.
However, the Tern Verge is on the larger side for a folding bike, and while it does fold down, it is not as compact as a Brompton or Prodrive. At 11.7 kg, it’s not the heaviest, but it’s also not the lightest bike I tested. The performance-focused design makes the Verge ideal for riders who prioritise speed over portability, making it less suited for commuters who need to regularly fold and carry their bike.
Prodrive Folding Bike: The Lightweight Champion
Finally, I turned my attention to the Prodrive Folding Bike, which piqued my interest due to its claim of being the world’s lightest folding bike. Weighing in at just 6.9 kg, the Prodrive Folding Bike is a marvel of modern engineering, crafted from carbon fibre to provide strength without added weight. I knew from the moment I picked it up that this bike would be hard to beat.
The Prodrive Folding Bike isn’t just lightweight; it also features a sleek and minimalist design that feels modern and luxurious. I tested the single-speed version, which was perfect for short, flat commutes through Central London. It also comes in multi-speed and electric versions, catering to a wide range of needs.
On the road, the Prodrive felt incredibly agile, making it ideal for weaving through traffic and navigating crowded streets. The simplicity of the single-speed version meant there was less maintenance required, and the bike’s carbon frame absorbed much of the shock from uneven road surfaces, making for a surprisingly smooth ride.
One of the standout features of the Prodrive Folding Bike is its folding mechanism - the process is incredibly quick and easy (in around 5 seconds!). Once folded, it is small enough to tuck away under a desk or in a compact apartment, making it a great option for urban dwellers.
What truly sets the Prodrive apart, however, is its weight. At just 6.9 kg, carrying the bike felt effortless, even after a long day. Whether I was heading up the escalators in the Tube station or storing it in my flat, the weight made all the difference in terms of convenience and practicality.
The Decision-Making Process
After testing these four brands, each one brought something unique to the table. The Brompton stood out for its compact fold and British heritage, making it a staple for London commuters. The Dahon Mariner offered a reliable, affordable, and well-rounded option for longer rides, while the Tern Verge catered to performance-focused cyclists who want speed and efficiency. However, the Prodrive Folding Bike emerged as my top choice for its unparalleled lightness, sleek design, and modern feel.
Exploring Beyond London
One of the unexpected perks of owning a folding bike was the ability to take it with me on trips outside the city. With the Prodrive Folding Bike’s lightweight frame, it became easy to fold and bring along on train journeys, allowing me to explore scenic areas like the Surrey Hills or Richmond Park on weekends. This flexibility turned cycling from a purely utilitarian mode of transport into a hobby that I could enjoy beyond the city limits.
Conclusion: Prodrive Takes the Crown
After testing Brompton, Dahon, Tern, and Prodrive, my top pick is undoubtedly the Prodrive Folding Bike. Its lightweight design, modern aesthetics, and practicality make it the perfect choice for urban commuters who value both style and function. While the other bikes each offer their own strengths—whether it’s Brompton’s compact fold, Dahon’s affordability, or Tern’s performance—the Prodrive Folding Bike excels by being the lightest and sleekest folding bike on the market, making it the ideal solution for navigating the fast-paced life of a Londoner.
If you’re in the market for a foldable bike and want something that effortlessly combines luxury, innovation, and convenience, I highly recommend the Prodrive Folding Bike. It’s more than just a bike—it’s a lifestyle upgrade that will transform the way you experience the city.
References:
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Brompton Bikes. C Line Explore. Brompton Folding Bikes.
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Dahon Folding Bikes. Dahon Mariner. Bikes.
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Tern Bicycles.Tern Verge P10. Bikes.
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