Compare Birdy, Brompton, Dahon, Bike Friday, and Tern — side by side. Prices, fold types, ride quality, and the honest truth about each brand.
Each brand takes a fundamentally different approach to folding bikes.
$2,200 – $4,500+
German-engineered, Taiwanese-built. The only folding bike with true full suspension — front and rear. Best ride quality in the folding world.
$1,500 – $3,500+
Iconic British design. The most compact fold in existence. The go-to for city commuters who need to take their bike on trains, into offices, or under desks.
$400 – $3,000
World's largest folding bike manufacturer. Unmatched range — from entry-level commuters to high-end performance folders. Best value per dollar.
$1,200 – $5,000+
Hand-built in Oregon, USA. Every frame custom-made to your measurements. Chromoly steel ride feel. Packs into a standard suitcase for airline travel.
$600 – $3,500+
Versatile, modern folders with the best accessory ecosystem. Strong e-bike lineup. Great for riders who want one bike to do everything.
Head-to-head numbers that actually matter when choosing.
| Spec | Birdy | Brompton | Dahon | Bike Friday | Tern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $2,200–$4,500 | $1,500–$3,500 | $400–$3,000 | $1,200–$5,000 | $600–$3,500 |
| Wheel Size | 18" (355mm) | 16" (349mm) | 16"–20" | 16"–20" | 20"–26" |
| Weight | 10.9–12.5 kg | 10.5–13 kg | 10–14 kg | 9–12 kg | 10.5–14 kg |
| Gears | 9–22 speed | 2–12 speed | 1–30 speed | Custom | 1–27 speed |
| Frame Material | Aluminum 6061 | Steel / Titanium | Aluminum / Steel | Chromoly Steel | Aluminum |
| Suspension | Front + Rear (full) | Rear elastomer only | None (most models) | None (steel flex) | None (most models) |
| Folded Size | 75 × 39 × 60 cm | 58.5 × 56.5 × 27 cm | Varies by model | Packs in suitcase | Varies by model |
| Fold Time | ~20 seconds | ~15 seconds | ~15–30 seconds | ~3–5 minutes | ~10–20 seconds |
| Max Rider Weight | 110 kg | 110 kg | 105–120 kg | 110–125 kg | 105–120 kg |
| Made In | Taiwan | London, UK | China | Oregon, USA | Taiwan |
| Warranty | 5 years (frame) | 7 years (frame) | 5 years (frame) | Lifetime (frame) | 10 years (frame) |
Different riders, different answers. Find your match.
Pick: Brompton
The smallest folded package that tucks under a desk. Nothing beats Brompton's fold size and carrying convenience for train + bike commutes.
Pick: Birdy
Full suspension makes folding bikes ride like full-size road bikes. It's the driver's choice for rough pavement and cobblestone.
Pick: Dahon
Dahon's Mariner D8 II ($949) got Wirecutter's top pick. Entry-level models start at $400. Best bang for your buck.
Pick: Bike Friday
Packs into a standard 62-inch airline suitcase. Custom geometry means it fits you perfectly out of the box.
Pick: Tern
Tern's Vektron and HSD are the most refined folding e-bikes. Bosch motors, massive cargo capacity.
Pick: Birdy GV Plus
Off-road tires and upgraded brakes — a folding bike that handles light trail duty and gravel paths.
Read our in-depth brand reviews and head-to-head comparisons.
Full breakdown of ride quality, fold, price, and which premium folder wins.
Read Comparison →Every Birdy model explained — URB, EVO, GV Plus, R20, UD20, STD, Touring.
View Lineup →In-depth review of Brompton's best-selling model — specs, ride test, and verdict.
Read Review →Dahon Mariner D8 II — Wirecutter's top pick. Half the price of premium folders.
Read Review →Answer a few questions and we'll match you with the right folding bike.
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