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If you’re a cyclist who loves to escape traffic and enjoy the countryside, mountain biking is great.
But what if you don’t have space to store a mountain bike (MTB) in your apartment or carry it in your car? After all, MTBs are pretty beefy bikes.
A folding mountain bike is the answer. In this article, we’ll show you a selection of great folding MTBs, including the Xspec 26″ 21-Speed Folding Mountain Bike. This tops our list for its well-rounded specification and build quality.
We’ll help you find the best folding mountain bike for you based on various criteria.
Top Picks:
- Xspec 26″ 21-Speed Folding Mountain Bike (Best Overall)
- Eurobike G7 21-Speed Folding 27.5” Mountain Bike (Runner-Up)
- Montague Paratrooper 26” Folding Hardtail Mountain Bike (Best Hardtail)
- Eurobike G4 26” Folding Full-Suspension Mountain Bike (Best Full Suspension)
- Hahoo Folding 26” Mountain Bike (Best Budget)
Top 15 Best Folding Mountain Bikes Reviewed
Below is our selection of 15 folding MTBs for you to consider. Beyond this varied list, we tell you what features to look for when choosing your ideal foldable mountain bike.
1. Xspec 26″ 21-Speed Folding Mountain Bike (best overall)
- Frame Material: High-Tensile Steel
- No of Gears: 21 (3×7)
- Suspension: Dual / Full
- Weight: 42 lbs. (Approx.)
We’re placing the Xspec 26″ 21-Speed Folding Mountain Bike at the top of our list for its high-quality frame and generous specification. A set of dependable 21-speed Shimano gears is not the least of the attractions, as well as mechanical disc brakes.
The disc brakes are good to have and allow you to stop the bike confidently without having to worry about rapid downhill speed.
Front and rear shock absorbers help to smooth out bumps on the trail, as do the 26” x 1.95” tires. The tires sit on strong double-wall rims, which help the 32H wheels stay sturdy and true.
This is a folding bike with a notably secure latch, too, which is always reassuring. Among the downsides are the heavy weight and some decidedly upgradeable features like cheap pedals.
What We Like
- Frame – strong steel frame.
- Multi-features – fenders, kickstand, disc brakes.
- Wheels – sturdy double-wall 32H wheels.
- Latch – reassuringly secure.
What We Don’t Like
- Weight – a tad heavier than some rival products (partly because of disc brakes).
- Pedals – foldable, but low-quality.
2. Eurobike G7 21-Speed Folding 27.5” Mountain Bike (runner-up)
- Frame Material: High-Tensile Steel
- No of Gears: 21 (3×7)
- Suspension: Dual / Full
- Weight: 40 lbs. (Approx.)
Hot on the heels of the aptly named Xspec is the Eurobike G7 Folding 27.5” Mountain Bike. This is a good pick because, despite the bigger wheel size, this bike folds down into a respectably compact size and is sturdily built.
The Eurobike G7 has Shimano Tourney front and rear derailleurs. These control 21 selectable gears via triple 24/34/42 chainrings at the front and a 7-speed rear freewheel.
You’ll enjoy a smooth ride on this bike, thanks to its effective front and rear “full” suspension and wide 1.95” tires. The G7 is delivered mostly assembled, so you’ll soon be out on your inaugural ride.
One drawback with this bike is the light-duty tires. They’re not ideal for rough MTB surfaces, so you might like to upgrade those before trying any testing terrain.
What We Like
- Frame – strong steel frame.
- Gears – Shimano derailleurs and a wide 21-speed gear range.
- Assembly – delivered mostly assembled.
What We Don’t Like
- Tires – not the most robust tires.
3. Montague Paratrooper 26” Folding Hardtail Mountain Bike (best hardtail)
- Frame Material: 6061 Aluminum
- No of Gears: 24 (3×8)
- Suspension: Front
- Weight: 32 lbs. (Approx.)
Truth be told, a folding hardtail is a rare bike, but the Montague Paratrooper 26” Folding Mountain Bike would be a contender even if it weren’t. This top-branded MTB boasts a superb lightweight aluminum frame and wide-ranging Shimano gears.
As a hardtail, the Paratrooper is efficient on the road as well as the trail, maybe with a tweak of tire choice. The mentioned gear range has 42/32/22t triple chainrings up front and 11-30t sprockets at the rear. That includes some ultra-low gears for climbing.
Stopping power comes courtesy of mechanical disc brakes. The sturdy 32H wheels have double-wall rims for lightness and strength. These are loaded with Kenda 26” x 2.10” tires, which help deliver a comfortable ride.
An unusual benefit is the Paratrooper’s rear rack, which doubles as a stand. Downsides? Well, it isn’t especially cheap if you’re on a budget.
There are also upgraded Pro and Elite version of the Paratrooper.
What We Like
- Frame – lightweight aluminum.
- Gears – wide gear range for flat trails and climbs.
- Rack – cargo rack doubles as a stand.
What We Don’t Like
- Price – an investment.
4. Eurobike G4 26” Folding Full-Suspension Mountain Bike (best full suspension)
- Frame Material: Steel
- No of Gears: 21 (3×7)
- Suspension: Dual / Full
- Weight: 38 lbs.
We’re giving the Eurobike G4 26” Folding MTB our best full suspension award because its shock absorption is surprisingly good at the price.
The G4 folds to a decently compact size. A flip side of this is that the bike doesn’t suit tall people when unfolded, so anyone much over 5’ 9” should look elsewhere.
You get Shimano Tourney front and rear derailleurs on this bike and a choice of 21 gears to help you over varied terrain.
Some components are cheaper than Shimano, like the Prowheel crank, but these are functional. The main penalty is more weight, which also comes from the steel frame.
Overall, this is a fun bike with a compliant ride and an attractive price tag.
What We Like
- Suspension – a decently plush ride.
- Gears – reliable Shimano derailleurs & shifters.
- Compact – folds fairly small.
What We Don’t Like
- Height – not for tall riders.
5. Columba SP26S Folding 26” Rigid MTB (best rigid)
- Frame Material: Steel
- No of Gears: 18 (3×6)
- Suspension: None
- Weight: 33 lbs.
Although the manufacturer assiduously avoids calling it an MTB, the Columba SP26S Folding 26” Bike is like an early-generation rigid mountain bike. As such, it’s best suited to riding pavement and light trails (avoid rough surfaces).
Lack of suspension on the SP26S helps make this the lightest of our more inexpensive bikes. It’s also one of the most efficient to ride on the road.
The Columba SP26S still has that familiar MTB shape and wide gear range. Its 26” wheels are fitted with moderately slick Kenda tires, which suit its intended purpose.
Since nearly all folding MTBs are full suspension, this bike also folds up smaller than most (38″x14″x29″). A point against the Columba is the inefficacy of its kickstand.
What We Like
- Lightweight – lack of suspension cuts weight.
- Slicks – a smooth and compliant ride on pavement.
- Fold – a thin fold.
- Road star – rigid design means efficient power transfer on pavement.
What We Don’t Like
- Kickstand – bike topples over too easily.
6. Montague Paratrooper Highline Folding 27.5” Hardtail MTB (best 27.5”)
- Frame Material: 6061 Aluminum
- No of Gears: 20 (2×10)
- Suspension: Front
- Weight: 29 lbs. (Approx.)
If you’re seeking a folding MTB with big, smooth-rolling wheels, the Montague Paratrooper Highline is as good as you’ll find. It also happens to be the lightest bike on our list, thanks to an aluminum frame and two chainrings instead of three.
The Paratrooper Highline comes with 38/24t chainrings at the front and an 11-36t rear cassette. Such a wide gear range can cope with most terrain, including steep and challenging inclines.
This bike has a mixed groupset comprising Shimano, Microshift, Suntour, and Tektro components. It’s also equipped with hydraulic disc brakes rather than the usual mechanical ones for exceptional stopping power.
Aided by 27.5” x 2.10” Kenda Kadre tires, a Rockshox front suspension fork helps deliver a smooth ride. The adjustable fork has 100mm of travel plus lockout.
You might consider the asking price a problem for a foldable bike, but this Montague range is widely venerated.
What We Like
- Roll – 27.5” wheels roll more smoothly over obstacles.
- Components – high-quality parts.
- Weight – lighter than any other folding MTB bar one.
- Brakes – hydraulic disc brakes.
What We Don’t Like
- Expense – you’ll have to want it.
7. Vivi 350W Full-Suspension Folding Electric Mountain Bike (best electric)
- Frame Material: Steel
- No of Gears: 21 (3×7)
- Suspension: Dual / Full
- Weight: 64 lbs.
Although there are folding eMTBs available with bigger motors, the Vivi 350W Full-Suspension Folding Mountain Bike offers great value for money with its stylish looks, 50-mile max range, and choice of three operating modes.
It’s in the easiest pedal-assist mode you’ll extract the biggest range, but you can also travel up to 25 miles on full throttle (no pedaling). Of course, you can ride indefinitely in “normal bike” mode, but this promises to be tiring on a 64-pound machine.
You’ll enjoy a smooth ride on a variety of terrains on this Vivi e-bike. It’s as suited to commuting on pavement as it is gliding along forest trails. This is partly because of electric assistance, but you also have 21 gears to help you pedal smoothly.
What We Like
- Price – attractively priced for a versatile e-MTB.
- Range – up to 50 miles in pedal-assist mode.
- Motor – high-quality brushless 350W motor.
What We Don’t Like
- Weight – a tad heavy even for an e-bike.
Read more: The best folding e-bikes under $1000
8. SDU SDREAM X750S 750W Folding 20” Electric Bike (best fat bike)
- Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy
- No of Gears: 7
- Suspension: Dual / Full
- Weight: 86.8 lbs.
A fat bike is a mountain bike with extreme tires. In the case of the SDU SDREAM X750S 750W Folding 20” Electric Bike, those 4” wide tires let you ride on sand, snow, or mud with ease.
Yes, this full-suspension bike is also an e-bike, but folding fat bikes without a motor are hard to find. In any case, this e-MTB goes off-road with ease and offers up to 50 miles of range on its 48V 15Ah Battery and 750W geared motor.
The SDU SDREAM X750S boasts a top speed of 28 mph in pedal-assist mode and 20 mph in throttle mode. It looks distinctive, too, with its hydro-formed aluminum alloy frame.
Fun and super-comfy to ride on pavement or trails, the main downside of the SDU SDREAM X750S is its whopping 86.8 lbs. weight.
What We Like
- Fat – ride on sand, snow, mud, gravel, or pavement.
- Range – up to 50 miles per charge.
- Powerful – 750W motor is great for bigger riders.
What We Don’t Like
- Poundage – weighs over 1.5x a large sack of potatoes.
9. Max4out Folding 26” Full Suspension Mountain Bike (best for fast folding)
- Frame Material: Steel
- No of Gears: 21 (3×7)
- Suspension: Dual / Full
- Weight: 39.24 lbs.
A bike that catches the eye with its distinctive six-spoke wheels and bright color is the Max4out Folding 26” Full Suspension Mountain Bike.
Despite its competitive price, this bike comes equipped with front and rear disc brakes for reliable stopping and 21 gears for riding over various terrains. The 26” wheels are fitted with wide all-terrain MTB tires.
Not least among this bike’s virtues is that it folds up easily so you can quickly pack it into the trunk of your vehicle. It’s also a bike that can accommodate riders up to 6’ (or slightly taller) and up to 330 lbs. in weight.
A downside is the hard-to-follow assembly instructions for anyone that’s not used to putting bikes together. The bike comes 85% assembled.
What We Like
- Folding – folds up quickly and easily.
- Disc – disc brakes for confident stopping.
- Capacity – supports big & tall riders.
What We Don’t Like
- Assembly – instructions not clear for first-time bike builders.
10. Geleisen Folding 26” 350W Electric MTB (best for commuting)
- Frame Material: Steel
- No of Gears: 21 (3×7)
- Suspension: Dual / Full
- Weight: 55 lbs.
On the basis that e-bikes are a great choice for commutes, we suggest the Geleisen Folding 26” 350W Electric MTB for your rides to work. This reliable e-MTB will make your bike commutes as easy-going as you like. It offers terrific value, too.
This bike has up to 40 miles of range in pedal-assist mode, which covers typical commuting distances. The motor will assist your pedaling up to a speed of 20 mph. If you want an effortless ride, you can also ride 25 miles max in throttle mode.
The Geleisen includes handy extras like a headlight, fenders, and a water bottle cage.
A downside (again) to this bike is the instructions, which aren’t easy to interpret if you haven’t assembled bikes before.
What We Like
- Value – excellent bike for the money.
- Choices – commute without pedaling or get a workout.
- Range – 40-mile range ample for most commutes.
What We Don’t Like
- Instructions – hard to follow if you’re not familiar with bike assembly.
11. Yeasion 1000W Fat Tire Electric Mountain Bike (best for heavy riders)
- Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy
- No of Gears: 7 (Shimano)
- Suspension: Dual / Full
- Weight: 72.95 lbs.
The Yeasion 1000W Fat Tire Electric Mountain Bike may not look like a conventional mountain bike, but it has front and rear suspension and 4” tires that can ride most surfaces. That includes regular MTB trails as well as sand or snow.
An advantage of the “stocky” 20” tires is that they can carry a lot of weight. This bike can support riders up to 440 lbs. Bigger riders also benefit from the 1000W motor.
Thanks to a large capacity Panasonic 48V/14Ah battery, the Yeasion bike has a maximum range of 60-70 miles in low pedal-assist (PAS) mode. You also get full throttle mode and regular pedaling mode.
You won’t find much to dislike about the Yeasion except possibly the price tag.
What We Like
- Construction – well-made bike.
- Capacity – supports riders up to 440 lbs.
- Range – ride up to 70 miles in PAS mode.
What We Don’t Like
- Price – may be more than some want to pay for a folding bike.
12. Montague Paratrooper Express 26” Hardtail Folding MTB (best for tall riders)
- Frame Material: 6061 Aluminum
- No of Gears: 18 (3×6)
- Suspension: Front
- Weight: 32 lbs.
We dip into the Montague Paratrooper range again to source a folding MTB for tall riders. Cyclists up to 6’ 4” tall can ride the superb Montague Paratrooper Express Hardtail Folding MTB if they pick the 20” frame from a choice of three sizes.
All Montague Paratrooper bikes are hardtails, which helps keep their weight down. The attractively priced Paratrooper Express weighs a decently light 32 pounds, for instance.
For gears, you have 42/34/24 SR Suntour chainrings up front and a 14-28t rear cassette. This gear selection doesn’t extend as low as other Paratrooper folding MTBs, but you still have easy gears for climbing.
What We Like
- Construction – beautifully made.
- Tall – suits riders up to 6’ 4” tall.
- Lightweight – reasonably light at 32 lbs.
What We Don’t Like
- Cassette – gear range is a little narrow for an MTB.
13. Eurobike G20 Folding 20” Mountain Bike (best for kids)
- Frame Material: Steel
- No of Gears: 18 (3×6)
- Suspension: Dual / Full
- Weight: 36 lbs.
Suitable for many children of 10-14 years in age is the Eurobike G20 Folding 20” Mountain Bike. This sturdy steel bike fits any child or adult between 4’ 8” and 5’3” in height, but it still has all the usual MTB trimmings.
The bike has a distinctive camouflage finish and includes mechanical disc brakes for assured stopping and a choice of 18 Shimano derailleur gears.
Easily foldable within about 10 seconds, this is a great kid’s bike to squeeze into a full car on family breaks. It’s not light for its size, but that’s due to the strong steel frame it’s built around.
What We Like
- Robust – solid build quality.
- Easy – folds quickly for transport.
- Disc – reliable stopping power.
What We Don’t Like
- Weight – heavy for its size (like most folding MTBs).
14. Columba RJ26A Full Suspension Folding 26” Mountain Bike (best value)
- Frame Material: Steel
- No of Gears: 18 (3×6)
- Suspension: Dual / Full
- Weight: 34 lbs.
There are many folding MTBs cheaper than this one, but the Columba Full Suspension Folding 26” Mountain Bike is a nicely made machine that offers excellent value for money. It’s lightweight, too, compared to many rival products.
The cause of the Columba’s lightness is partly the lack of disc brakes. It has V-brakes instead, which still give you ample stopping power.
One significant reason to like this bike is the sense of integrity that emanates from the vendor. The marketing is upfront and cautious (e.g., note the 200 lbs. maximum capacity) and customer service is responsive.
This dual-suspension bike is ideal for riding trails or pavement and has 26” x 1.75” tires that could go either way with their medium-thick tread.
What We Like
- Lightweight – lighter than many rival products.
- Service – a trustworthy vendor.
- Suspension – absorbs bumps on light to moderate trails.
What We Don’t Like
- Capacity – this isn’t a bike for heavy riders.
15. Hahoo Folding 26” Mountain Bike (best budget)
- Frame Material: Steel
- No of Gears: 21 (3×7)
- Suspension: Dual / Full
- Weight: 39.6 lbs.
You’ll struggle to find a cheaper foldable MTB than the Hahoo Folding 26” Mountain Bike, and yet it’s perfectly rideable as long as you observe the weight and height limits. It suits anyone under 200 lbs. and between 5’3” to 5’9” in height.
A surprise at this price point is the inclusion of mechanical disc brakes. You also get Shimano Tourney front and rear derailleurs and Shimano shifters. The 21 speeds give you plenty of versatility in tackling various terrains.
This is a bike that’s fine for riding on a variety of modestly bumpy or smooth surfaces such as clay, light gravel, stone, or pavement. It’s not a bike for hurtling over gnarly roots or immovable rocks on.
What We Like
- Price – as affordable as new bikes come.
- Brakes – disc brakes for dependable stopping in all weathers.
- Gears – Shimano Tourney derailleurs & 21-speed gears.
What We Don’t Like
- Limitations – not for heavy riders or rough trails.
Read more: Budget folding bikes reviewed
Why Ride A Foldable Mountain Bike?
Folding mountain bikes are go-anywhere bikes that you can squeeze inside a car for outdoor adventures. You can ride them on trails or roads with equal ease and go exploring anywhere you like.
You don’t get the same level of freedom with regular folding bikes, as their wheels are small, and the frames and forks typically lack suspension. All of this will create a bumpy ride if you attempt to go off-road.
A foldable mountain bike gives you more freedom than a standard folding bike at the expense of some compactness in the folded size.
Folding mountain bikes are great for commutes across various surfaces, too.
It’s also easier to carry folding mountain bikes onto trains. Their handlebars fold flat, whereas the wide handlebar of a non-folding MTB can create problems on a busy train.
You wouldn’t choose most folding MTBs for rapid riding on technical off-road courses. But they’re a grand choice for coasting along scenic trails or going on multi-terrain jaunts.
Useful Features For A Folding Mountain Bike
What features are worth studying when shopping for a folding MTB? We’ll cover the main points below.
Frame Material
The majority of folding mountain bikes (possibly all) are made of either steel or aluminum.
Steel is a strong metal that is not brittle like aluminum, hence it usually bends before it breaks. This is a good thing, not least because it makes steel a more repairable material than aluminum.
A downside of steel, aside from its potential to rust, is that it’s heavy. Some types of steel, like Chromoly, are stronger, and therefore can be used to make thinner and lighter frames. However, you’re unlikely to find these in a folding MTB.
Most of the folding steel MTBs on the market are made from high-tensile or high-carbon steel, and that will add to the bike’s weight. Nearly all the bikes among our reviews are made from this robust steel.
By its nature, steel is a compliant material that is quite likely to deliver a comfortable ride on a bike, though this varies according to design. In a full-suspension mountain bike, wide tires and shock absorbers also help with ride quality.
Aluminum frames are lighter than most steel bike frames. They have a reputation for being less comfortable than steel, though this is increasingly not the case owing to advanced manufacturing techniques in the modern age.
To summarize:
- Steel: heavy, strong, formable, compliant, liable to rust when metal is exposed, and durable – has an indefinite lifespan when used normally.
- Aluminum: lightweight, less strong (hence more material is used), brittle, less durable – constantly wears down and has a definite lifespan.
A lightweight mountain bike is advantageous for climbing hills. Perhaps more importantly for an MTB, it will accelerate faster and feel more agile.
Steel is more commonly used in mountain bikes than in modern road bikes because of the punishing nature of their use. Its strength and compliance are useful qualities.
Video: Steel vs. Aluminum Bike Frames
Wheels & Tires
In a folding mountain bike, you’re limited to either 26” or 27.5” wheels. Usually, it’s the former. There is no such thing to our knowledge as a folding 29er.
A strong wheel usually has a double-wall rim and numerous spokes. In any MTB, you’re looking at 32 or 36 conventional spokes (written as 32H or 36H).
An MTB-style bike that’s only intended for use on light trails may have fewer spokes.
Fat bikes are often considered a type of MTB, though opinions vary on this. You can ride them off-road and over virtually any surface with their 4” to 5” tires. The wheels may be as small as 20”, and this makes them super-strong.
If you’re a heavy rider looking for an MTB-style ride, it’s usually a fat bike that will have the biggest capacity. In folding bikes, most fat bikes are also electric bikes.
Read more: Foldable bikes for heavier riders
Tire Treads
Ideally, you need tires with a tread that suits your intended use. Some MTBs have slick or semi-slick tires, which makes them ideal for pavement and smooth trails. You need knobby tires for better traction on rougher surfaces.
Of course, tires are not a reason to reject a bike that you otherwise like. You can always change them. Most cheap to mid-range bikes come with tires of mediocre quality anyway, so they’re often ripe for upgrading.
Brakes
You’ll find either disc brakes or V-brakes (a form of rim brake) on a folding MTB. Disc brakes are theoretically stronger and more dependable in wet weather. V-brakes are easy to maintain and help keep the weight of the bike down.
Gearing
Naturally, the more gears you have, the more versatile the bike becomes. In a mountain bike, gearing always errs towards the low side, as you need low gears to climb steep inclines on rough surfaces.
A typical configuration in folding MTBs is triple chainrings at the front and a 7-speed Shimano freewheel at the rear. This is an inexpensive way to provide a wide gear range, though the three chainrings add to the bike’s weight by a few ounces.
Folding Electric Mountain Bikes (eMTBs)
There isn’t a huge variation in folding eMTB features, except in the size of the motor, the battery capacity, and the frame design. Heavier riders benefit from bigger motors and a battery with more capacity, especially over hilly terrain.
Usually, you’ll get a choice of three or five pedal-assist levels, a full-throttle mode (U.S. bikes), and the ‘regular bike’ mode. Some e-bikes are so heavy that you wouldn’t want to be pedaling too far without assistance. But folding eMTBs are fun!
Folding MTBs: FAQs
Below are some questions commonly asked about folding MTBs.
Are Folding Bikes Good For Long Rides?
Folding bikes are as good for long rides as non-folding bikes. The marginal extra weight of many folding MTBs may make a trivial difference to the distance covered. But nothing stops you from riding as far or for as long as you would on a regular mountain bike.
Are Folding Mountain Bikes Good For Trail Riding And Off-Road?
You can ride folding mountain bikes off-road and on trails just like you would with a regular mountain bike. Some models might be better suited to light trails only and not all will have the same suspension quality as high-end MTBs.
Are Cheap Folding Bikes Worth It?
That depends on your aims. A cheap folding mountain bike is not intended for shredding technical MTB courses at competitive speeds, though some may be capable of that. If your aim is scenic leisure rides on moderate trails, they’re worth considering.
Do Folding MTBs Break Easily?
Folding MTBs will not break easily. Though it’s not unheard of for folding bikes to break or shear at the joint, this is pretty unlikely with the solid steel MTBs in question. Weight is the main downside of these industrial-strength bikes, rather than fragility.
Final Words
Looking back over our reviewed folding MTBs, the Xspec 26″ 21-Speed Folding Mountain Bike is at the top of our list for its robust manufacturing and strong all-around specification.
The Eurobike G7 Folding 27.5” Mountain Bike is a good MTB to consider if you want a smooth-rolling bike that’s almost ready to ride right out of the box. This is one of a series of durable, affordable bikes from Eurobike with different wheel sizes.
In third place is the high-class Montague Paratrooper 26” Folding Hardtail Mountain Bike, which is built around a beautiful 6061 aluminum frame and part of an esteemed range of bikes. Hardtails make great commuter bikes, too!
We hope this article helps you in your hunt for the perfect folding MTB.
Read more: The best folding bikes overall
