The 15 Best Folding Mountain Bikes for The Money in 2022

Are folding mountain bikes any good? You get to enjoy its all-terrain performance while saving up space inside your home. Read this to find the best one for 2021.

The reputation of mountain bikes is reliable when it comes to off-road and paved road surfaces. For the health and nature enthusiast, MTBs provide sufficient power to climb and slide on downhill terrains. You can also use this bike on your urban trails to efficiently be used for your all-around commuting.

Meanwhile, if you live in a small house or apartment, you want to save up on your storage space. For you to enjoy both off-road trails and space-saving benefits, a folding mountain bike 2021 is your best shot.

If you are looking for more traditional affordable mountain bikes, here is the list of top 15 best mountain bikes under $300 that you take a glance at.

In my article, I am going to help you find the best budget folding mountain bike today. I also included a guide for the essential features you need to look into. Enjoy reading!

What are The Best Folding Mountain Bikes?

There are several lightweight folding bikes in the market, and the many options can add to your confusion. Some of the known brands include Xspec,cyrusher, Montague, and more. Below are the first top ten folding mountain bikes on my list. Hopefully, you can find the right one in my rundown list. 

Best Overall: Montague Paratrooper Folding Mountain Bike

A standard folding mountain bike with good pedals, derailleur, shifters, suspension, and disc brakes for its all-terrain performance.

Runner Up: Cyrusher FR100 Folding Mountain Bike

It allows a seamless transition from a one-speed setting to another. Space-saver and fastener clamps work well in securing your bike in a folded position.

Good for Commuting: Xspec 26” Folding Mountain Bike

It is easy to assemble with a sturdy and stable frame for touring around the city.

Good for Beginners: Stowabike V2 Folding Mountain Bike

It has a friendly design and features for beginners. Likewise, the braking system is impressive.

Good for Endurance: Montague 27-speed Paratrooper Folding Mountain Bike

It has responsive shifters and derailleurs to adapt your extreme outdoor fun. Its lightweight bike frame promotes both stability and ease of maneuver.

Good for Portability: Camp 21-speed Folding Mountain Bike

Upon folding this mountain bike, it forms a very compact design. Its mechanical disc brakes work flawlessly as well.

Good for Budget: Eurobike TSM G7 Folding Mountain Bike

For an affordable price, this foldable MTB is an excellent choice for your offroad and on-road rides.

Good for Easy Assembling: Kingttu KTG6 Folding Mountain Bike

It has a friendly and easy-to-follow instructions manual. Likewise, almost 85% of its parts are pre-assembled.

Good for Precise Shifting: NJ508 21-speed Folding Mountain Bike

Its Shimano TZ-30 and TZ-50 are exceptional entry-level gear sets that provide a precise transition from one gear combination to another. 

Good for Entry-level: Small Rabbit 21-speed Folding Mountain Bike

A proper full-suspension foldable MTB for entry-level. Standard shifters and derailleurs for smooth speed setting adjustment.

All Folding Mountain Bikes – Comparison Chart

I have made this summarized comparison chart for my top 10 best folding mountain bike 2021. Through this, you will have a smoother way of comparing models and their features. It will significantly help in your decision-making:

Top 15 Best Folding Mountain Bikes Reviews in 2022

This is the main course of my article for this topic. I have highlighted the best features, benefits, and setbacks for each folding mountain bike on my list. After reading this portion, you will have a better understanding of the value of each bike model.

Best Overall: Montague Paratrooper Folding Mountain Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Sturdy pedals made from aluminum
• Mudguard
• Rack stand
• Mechanical disc brakes
• Strong suspension

Looking at its structure and frame, this Montague Paratrooper MTB has what it takes to be your most dependable bike for action. Its folding mechanism works smoothly where its folded position can maintain securely.

In terms of safety, you can rely on its front fork suspension and disc brakes. Its braking system provides sufficient stopping power for your quick stopovers. Meanwhile, there are fewer vibrations when heading on rough terrains with its hardtail suspension.

Moreover, the saddle has enough padding to comfort your butt and lower back from off-road trails. The main setback for this is its aluminum pedal, which you can later upgrade in the future.

Runner Up: Cyrusher FR100 Folding Mountain Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Quick-release clamp for its folding feature
• Mechanical disc brakes
• Shimano shifters and derailleur
• Compact design

This folding mountain bike comes at 90% pre-assembled already, thus, less time for you to complete its structure. Its mechanical disc brakes work hand-in-hand with its 24-speed setting. The gear shifting is smooth and precise.

You would also love its fastener clamps, which tightly secures its folded orientation. Likewise, it has a quick-release function, for you to quickly unfold and use this bike. Moreover, its rubber tires are knobby enough to tackle dry and wet off-road terrains.

Best for Commuting: Xspec 26” Folding Mountain Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Standard V-rim brakes
• 26” diamond wheels and 22.5” flat handlebar
• 48T chainring
• Kickstand

Besides its space-saving feature, you would love how this mountain bike eases your daily commuting needs. This folding mountain bike from Xspec got my respect for the best commuting folding MTB.

It has a stylish urban design where its knobby tires can efficiently roll on paved and off-road terrains. When you want to save nature and fuel, this MTB is your best shot. Moreover, its sprockets, cassettes, shifters, and derailleurs are impressively durable for the price.

Best for Beginners: Stowabike V2 Folding Mountain Bike

Product Link: https://fave.co/3LNeCi9

Product specs

Key features

• Wanda tires 26”
• Rim V-brakes F/R
• Shimano gears, shifters, and derailleurs
• NECO WP-391 (pedals)

If you are an amateur for off-road cycling or cycling itself, then this foldable MTB can be your best partner. It has the reputation of an off-road bike that you can seamlessly use in your around town trailing.

Its foldable bike frame is robust and highly resilient to moisture and dents. In terms of safety, you have a strong V-brakes at the front and rear tires. By pulling on one finger, the brake quickly reacts and bites on the wheels.

Meanwhile, its dual suspension and saddle impressively guarantee your comfort despite the bumpy road surfaces.

Best for Endurance: Montague 27-speed Paratrooper Folding Mountain Bike

Product Link: https://www.montaguebikes.com/product/paratrooper-pro/

Product specs

Key features

• Mudguard and rack stand
• 20-sec folding duration
• Mechanical disc brake
• Lock-on/off suspension

This foldable mountain bike from Montague has a fantastic military design and performance. Its direct connect folding feature works as expected. It is a suitable choice because you won’t have the hassle of exerting too much effort in folding your bike. Likewise, its fastener clamps work well in keeping its folded shape.

In terms of functionality, I also like the mudguard and rack stand. You can attach a basket at the back to carry your stuff while going to work or on your trailing adventure.

Its front fork shock-absorbing system sufficiently eases the tension from the wheels going to all parts of your bike. Moreover, the tread patterns in its wheels provide reliable traction on off-road and concrete roads.

Best for Portability: Camp 21-speed Folding Mountain Bike

Product Link: https://fave.co/3MGVWAx

Product specs

Key features

• Shimano 7 (rear) cassettes RD-TZ50
• Shimano 3 (front) sprockets FD-TZ30
• Mechanical disc brake made from quality alloy and aluminum
• Double-wall CNC wheel rims
• 26” front suspension

This foldable mountain bike from Camp is my best bet for portability. Upon folding, you save so much space from its original design. Likewise, you can detach its handlebar for more comfortable carrying.

In terms of performance, it has right entry-level Shimano gears and shifters. The chainring precisely moves from one cassette or sprocket to another. There is a slight delay in the front sprocket, yet it works as expected.

Meanwhile, both wheels have the mechanical disc brakes, thus, more consistency with its braking power. Aside from that, disc brakes require less maintenance because it lasts longer.

Best for Budget: Eurobike TSM G7 Folding Mountain Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Mechanical disc brakes F/R
• Aluminum solid rims
• Durable steel frame
• Padded saddle

For a 26” or 27” mountain bike, its price is highly reasonable and affordable. Although no accessories are included in this model, its overall performance as a foldable mountain bike is impressive. You can quickly and precisely shift from one-speed setting to another. Likewise, its chainring is durable for rough terrains.

You can rely on its braking power to stop your ride when you need it to be. It is highly attributed to its mechanical disc brakes. Moreover, an aggressive biting grip can be felt from the tread blocks on its rubber tires.

Best for Easy Assembling: Kingttu KTG6 Folding Mountain Bike

Product specs

Key features

• 3-spoke wheels
• Durable and precise gears, shifters, and derailleurs
• The stable steel bike frame

If you have fewer skills in building or engineering, then this foldable mountain bike from Kingttu is your best choice. It comes at 85% pre-assembled, and almost every part can be seamlessly attached using household tools. Apart from that, its instruction manual is straightforward to understand.  

It has a compact structure which becomes smaller upon folding. Its off-road features allow you to enjoy rough roads and paved surfaces in the city. There is much comfort as well for this model, thanks to its padded saddle with leather insulation. The grip handle has patterns that promote better gripping and maneuver.

Best for Precise Shifting: NJ508 21-speed Folding Mountain Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Shimano EF500 F/R shifters and derailleurs
• Mechanical disc brakes F/R
• 3-spoke Mag wheels
• 108 chainring

This folding mountain bike is attached to one of the affordable and reliable Shimano gear sets in the market for an affordable price. Working from one gear combination to another is essential, especially when you are trailing up and down terrains.

Inline, its mechanical disc brakes can support your all-around off-road and on-road touring. The brake pads and lever are durable enough to instill even wearing. Moreover, it requires less force for folding this mountain bike.

Best for Entry-level: Smallrabbit 21-speed Folding Mountain Bike

Product Link: Not Available

Product specs

Key features

• Quick-release clip for unfolding the bike
• 6-spoke wheels
• Reliable and well-built steel frame
• Impressive suspension system

This folding MTB model is an excellent choice for those who want to spend less on their first-time folding mountain bike. It comes at an affordable price without being cheap and flimsy on its parts.

It uses the entry-level Shimano shifters and gears. You can expect durable and precise shifting from this one. Its mechanical disc brakes are pretty strong, whether for prolonged or short-distance braking. Overall, its drivetrain is tough enough to withstand your rough road adventure.

Best for The Price: GTM 26” Folding Mountain Bike

Product Link: https://www.walmart.com/ip/GTM-26-Folding-Mountain-Bike-7-Speed-Bicycle-Shimano-Hybrid-Suspension-Black/120649301

Product specs

Key features

• Linear brake system
• Durable kickstand
• 26” stainless steel frame
• Reflectorized pedals

There are plenty of excellent features from this affordable folding mountain bike. In terms of daily touring, it can efficiently work as your commuter mountain bike as well. Its rubber tires can effectively tract on paved and off-road surfaces.

Its kickstand is pretty resilient to shocks and corrosion because it is made from durable alloy. Meanwhile, its riser handlebar is very useful in promoting stability and maneuver when descending downhill. Likewise, its drivetrain and cranks all work harmoniously to be responsive in all types of terrains.

Best for for Teenager Boy: Uublik 26” Folding Mountain Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Shimano derailleurs F/R EF500
• Linear brake system made from solid alloy
• Tough and aggressive all-terrain rubber tires

This is a 21-speed folding mountain bike that has impressive performance for urban and suburban touring. Its Shimano derailleurs are higher than the entry-level ones, thus, faster and more precise transition.

For a more robust and safe trail, you can depend on its front and rear suspension system. Overall, it is a cost-efficient folding mountain bike for an affordable price. Moreover, its mechanical Tolan disc brakes work seamlessly for long and short-distance stopping.

Best for Small Budget: Max4out Folding Mountain Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Powerful mechanical disc brakes F/R
• Dual suspension system
• Easy to adjust seat post
• Knobby and rigid rubber tires and wheel rims

It has what it takes to assist your off-road escapade. Its dual suspension mechanism is highly responsive and robust in absorbing all shocks in your ride. When you need to make a quick stop or long-distance stopping, its mechanical disc brakes work well.

Meanwhile, there is sufficient tread blocks and toughness in its rubber tires to provide aggressive traction in your off-road trails. Moreover, this bike model is priced reasonably that is light on your budget.

Best for Heavy Cruiser: Omeng ATV Folding Mountain Bike

Product specs

Key features

• The highly resilient coating on the bike frame
• Fatter rubber tire 4.”
• Flat handlebar
• Robust and robust dual suspension

When you want something unique and attractive, the fatter tires of this folding mountain bike is your best shot. Its 4″ rubber tire is not just decoration, because it dramatically helps maintain a stable ride.

Besides its fat tires, you would also admire its responsive and durable suspension system. It works hand-in-hand with its suspension. Moreover, its flat handlebar improves your maneuver on all kinds of terrain.

Best for Teens: HIKING BK Folding Mountain Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Rigid and anti-corrosion Aluminum alloy frame
• Pull-up v-brake mechanism F/R
• Quick-release adjustment on seat post height
• Padded saddle

This is another superb candidate for your commuter bike needs. It is a folding mountain bike that can easily tackle paved and rough road surfaces—no need to worry about tension and shocks because it has a robust dual suspension.

Its gear shifting is reliable and will help you climb steep uphill and downhill slopes. You would also like its grip handle and saddle. It is comfortable and prevents slippage due to sweat. Its V-brake system works well, yet it is better to make an upgrade in the future.

Folding Mountain Bikes for The Money Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right MTB?

In this section, I will discuss the essential features you need to look into for your quality folding mountain bike. Read and understand each factor to have a solid grip on your decision.

Efficient Folding System

Considering you are planning to buy a folding bike, make sure to check on its folding system. Check for the pivots or hinge point of the bike model. Some foldable mountain bikes feature a quick-release mechanism and clip fastener in their folding order.

Nonetheless, you need to practice proper maintenance and lubrication to ensure it is easily folded.

Braking System

The most efficient and affordable brake mechanism for most bikes is the mechanical disc brakes. It provides more consistent and robust brake power compared to linear rim v-brakes. However, if you have enough budget in the future, you can always go for hydraulic disc brakes.

The Drivetrain

Regardless of the bike model and brand, securing your drivetrain is durable and efficient ensures your utmost performance. In that case, you have to look into the gears, cranks, and chainring of your foldable mountain bike.

So far, entry-level Shimano gear sets are the best choice for this matter. It comes at a reasonable and budget-friendly price without compromising quality. The chainring must be solid enough not to break that easily.

Meanwhile, the shifters and derailleurs must effectively guide the chainring as it transfers from one sprocket to another.

The material of the Bike Frame

The most popular material for your bike frame is stainless steel and aluminum. The former is heavier but sharp and resilient to natural elements. Meanwhile, the latter is lightweight and durable as well. Aluminum has better resilience against corrosion, yet at a higher price than steel.

Comfort

For this matter, you need to look into the saddle, suspension, and grip handle of your folding mountain bike. For the seat, the usual covering is synthetic or full-grain leather. There is enough padding on the saddle to ease the tension in your lower back and butt.

For the grip handle, it is mostly rubberized in texture with granular patterns to enhance gripping. Meanwhile, other bikes have their grip handle insulated with synthetic leather.

Frequently Asked Questions

I also have included these common questions for additional information about affordable and quality folding mountain bikes 2021. 

Is it reasonable to buy folding mountain bikes?

It is wise to invest in a foldable mountain bike, especially if you live in a city where bike parking spaces are just a few. You get to enjoy the all-terrain feature of MTB while easing your problem with storage space.

Which are better, smaller or larger wheels for your folding mountain bikes?

For this scenario, personal preference is your top priority, especially for space. Meanwhile, smaller wheels are more comfortable to accelerate and require less force in speeding up. In contrast, larger wheels need more power in pedaling to go faster. Larger wheels are suitable for long rides, and farther distance traveled.

Are folding mountain bikes capable of climbing uphill?

This one depends on your leg power and number of gear combinations. If you choose a fixed-gear foldable MTB, it has a lesser chance of conquering steep uphill terrains. Better choose those with 18 to 24-speed settings.

Are folding mountain bikes capable of going for long distances?

These kinds of bikes can tackle long rides, yet some brands have built a strong reputation. Montague folding mountain bikes are one of the go-to choices for long trips because of its durability and stability.

Which is better, folding mountain bikes or the standard-size MTBs?

There are no solid bases for this because it depends on your usage, purpose, and budget. Most standard-sized mountain bikes come at a higher upfront cost while taking up larger spaces.

If you want something portable and affordable, buying a folding mountain bike is a wise choice. It has lesser power than the regular MTBs, yet it works well for your all-touring escapade.

My Top Pick

Now, you have finally reached the last part of my article. For me, my top pick for this article is the Montague Paratrooper Folding Mountain Bike. I like this because its frame is solid, and its overall features are capable of doing long rides.

In terms of traction and power, it is impressively high. You can choose either the 24 or 27-speed Montague folding mountain bike. Its shifters and derailleurs can efficiently transfer your speed setting from various levels when you need it to be.

Nonetheless, the final decision will still rest upon you. After reading my article, I hope you have a great time and better judgment. If your friends, relatives, or colleagues find this useful, kindly share it with them.

Thank you!