The folding technique of mountain bikes is a patented military design and it was initially used to develop full-sized folding bikes for the US Marines and paratroopers for strategic use.

A folding mountain bike is a bit expensive when compared to a non-folding mountain bike. Despite the price-factor, purchasing a foldable bike will be advantageous in every respect. Actually, the manufacturers of folding mountain bicycles have not compromised with the sturdiness or toughness of the bikes in making them foldable (and hence portable).

As regards choices, these days you simply have plenty of choices with manufacturers like Airnimal, Montague launching a great many models that allow easy, convenient loading and unloading. Select from among the many lightweight yet tough bikes, choosing as per your requirement.

Following beneath are descriptions of some top foldable mountain bikes available in the market:

Hummer

Montague-made Hummer is a high-tech folding mountain bike. The Hummer bicycle, designed after full-sized military bikes, has normal wheels with knobby tires and hence it can be used on any terrain. It takes around 30 seconds to fold a Hummer and the folded bicycle measures just 36inches x 28inches x 12inches. The folding is accomplished without the use of tools.

The Hummer is essentially lightweight yet it is perfectly tough and durable. Other plus-points of this bicycle are Shimano precision index shifters for a quick gear change, 24 speed Shimano drive train and a front suspension with a front disk brake.

Paratrooper Mountain Bike

The market-leaders have launched yet another folding mountain bike, the Paratrooper Mountain Bike. A very tough bike, the Paratrooper folds and unfolds in less than 30 seconds. This superb braking power and excellent engineering behind this Montague bike makes it unparalleled for rugged terrains. Montague also markets important accessories like foldable pedals and carrying cases , both hard and soft cases.

Airnimal Rhino

Airnimal Rhino, Airnimals first officially launched off-road bike is a folding mountain bike. Its 20inch wheels and front and rear suspension make it perfect for all terrains.

Giatex Stretching Bike

The Giatex Stretching Bike is based on a new folding concept. In this case, it is not the frame that folds from the middle, rather the steering column and the rear part that are folded down. The folded bike measures about 37 inches.

Bike Fridays

Bike Fridays made by Green Gear Cycling Inc. are revolutionary finds because they are collapsible bikes rather than foldable. The assembling and disassembling takes time, but the new bikes are, performance wise, excellent.

The folding technique of mountain bikes is a patented military design and it was initially used to develop full-sized folding bikes for the US Marines and paratroopers for strategic use.

A folding mountain bike is a bit expensive when compared to a non-folding mountain bike. Despite the price-factor, purchasing a foldable bike will be advantageous in every respect. Actually, the manufacturers of folding mountain bicycles have not compromised with the sturdiness or toughness of the bikes in making them foldable (and hence portable).

As regards choices, these days you simply have plenty of choices with manufacturers like Airnimal, Montague launching a great many models that allow easy, convenient loading and unloading. Select from among the many lightweight yet tough bikes, choosing as per your requirement.

Following beneath are descriptions of some top foldable mountain bikes available in the market:

Hummer

Montague-made Hummer is a high-tech folding mountain bike. The Hummer bicycle, designed after full-sized military bikes, has normal wheels with knobby tires and hence it can be used on any terrain. It takes around 30 seconds to fold a Hummer and the folded bicycle measures just 36″ x 28″ x 12″. The folding is accomplished without the use of tools.

The Hummer is essentially lightweight yet it is perfectly tough and durable. Other plus-points of this bicycle are â?? Shimano precision index shifters for a quick gear change, 24-speed Shimano drive train and a front suspension with a front disk brake.

Paratrooper Mountain Bike

The market-leaders have launched yet another folding mountain bike, the Paratrooper Mountain Bike. A very tough bike, the Paratrooper folds and unfolds in less than 30 seconds. This superb braking power and excellent engineering behind this Montague bike makes it unparalleled for rugged terrains. Montague also markets important accessories like foldable pedals and carrying cases – both hard and soft cases.

Airnimal Rhino

Airnimal Rhino, Airnimalâ??s first officially launched â??off-roadâ?? bike is a folding mountain bike. Its 20â? wheels and front and rear suspension make it perfect for all terrains.

Giatex Stretching Bike

The Giatex Stretching Bike is based on a new folding concept. In this case, it is not the frame that folds from the middle, rather the steering column and the rear part that are folded down. The folded bike measures about 37 inches.

Bike Fridays

Bike Fridays made by Green Gear Cycling Inc. are revolutionary finds because they are collapsible bikes rather than foldable. The assembling and disassembling takes time, but the new bikes are, performance wise, excellent.

No wonder that these days many people are choosing to travel on their lightweight folding bicycles instead of using cars and motorbikes.

Specialty

Made from lightweight Aluminum, the different folding bike models are not inferior to regular bikes in terms of performance and durability. Lightweight folding bicycle models of different sizes and styles are available in the market. You will need to select one fit for your requirement and style of riding.

Electricity-driven folding bikes have also been launched by some manufacturers and if you are one of those reluctant bicycle-riders, you can simply whiz around on them.

Pricing

As far as prices are concerned, you can surely strike good, cheap deals if you shop around, doing a little bargaining. Shopping online provides you the opportunity of checking the prices being offered by different dealers in a matter of moments.

Following below are some super-performance lightweight folding bicycle models:

Airframe Folding Bicycle

Befitting its nomenclature, the Airframe folding bicycle with its high-grade alloy frame (if not as weightless as air) weighs just 23.2 lbs. Designed by Graham Herbert, this commuter bikes unique scissor action enables you to fold the bike into a very compact size (110 x 46 x 31cm), making it easy for you to carry and store the bike. Other features of the Airframe bike include an adjustable handlebar/saddle heights, folding pedals, puncture resistant Schwalbe marathon tires and 4 or 8 speed Shimano Nexus hub. Free carry-bag / Pannier bag is also being offered with the Airframe bike.

Dahon Speed D7 Folding Bicycle

The Dahon Speed D7 weighing only 27.1 lbs. is a popular portable bike (it folds to 33×64x81 cm in just 15 seconds). The hand-welded frame of the bicycle is one of the stiffest frames. The Dahon Neos rear derailleur of the bike gives it superior ground clearance and so the bike will not snag on the ground even when you go past sharp bends.

Dawes Kingpin Folding Bike

Dawes Kingpin, made by the market-leaders Dahon, is another lightweight bike weighing around 30 lbs. The bike has two folding pedals and Six Speed Shimano Tourney gears. A great looking bike, it is an ideal means of transportation for commuters, campers and even caravaners. There is a provision for free of cost delivery within the bounds of UK.

Mezzo i4 Folding Bike

Weighing 25 lbs., Mezzo i4 folding bike is yet another extremely lightweight folding bike. With its automatic self-locking catches, the bike folds in just a few seconds and the hinge-free mainframe gives you smooth, effortless ride. Other specifications of the bike include alloy-made frame and pedals, Mezzo 16×1 3/8 tires (with Kevlar puncture protection) and Stainless Steel Silver spokes.