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Wired's rider took four 2014 models out, testing each over a two-week period. Ease of fold, weight, ride quality and price were assessed, as well as suitability for commuting and how they fared in heavy traffic.
The IFmove has the same clever swing-fold mechanism as the STRiDA.
It's a chunky, smooth ride with nicely responsive disc brakes.
The use of a nine-speed SRAM derailleur, makes it the most conventional-feeling model on test. It's easy to fold, but to get it to its smallest size you have to unscrew the narrow handlebars, which takes time. And despite the price, reflectors, lights and mudguards aren't included. £1,599
Folded dimensions: 97cm x 27cm x 50cm
Gears: 9
Weight: 11.5kg
Time to open/close: 20 secs
7/10
Tern has equipped the Verge Duo with a pump stashed in the seat post, a dual Allen key in the handlebars and a built-in rear light.
Its automatic gear hub is a nice touch, too. Wide handlebars made it feel safe in heavy traffic, but after a few hours on the road, the side effects of riding a budget option began to show -- the magnets fell off and a reflector rattled loose. Its N-fold mechanism is no-frills but pretty effective. £450
Folded dimensions: 36cm x 79cm x 72cm
Gears: 2
Weight: 11.3kg
Time to open/close: 11 secs
6/10
The STRiDA's steep shape positions the rider in an upright position, with the centre of gravity above the handlebars -- not ideal when an emergency swerve is called for. The fold mechanism is innovative but impractical: the crossbar unfolded on to Wired's foot and the bike unravelled while crossing the station concourse.
Its bulky fold-down size means it doesn't fit into the train's luggage rack. £999
Folded dimensions: 115cm x 51cm x 23cm
Weight: 13kg
Gears: 3
Time to open/close: 14 secs
4/10
By far the most-spotted folder out there, the Brompton is a comfy ride that handles hills and sudden manoeuvres with ease. Its folding system, whereby the rear wheel tucks snugly under the frame, makes it the smallest model to stow, but the fold sequence can get a bit mangled when collapsing it in a rush. Still, it does the job, as long as you don't mind its popularity coming with a whiff of conformity -- it's the folding-bike equivalent of a Volvo. £890
Folded dimensions: 56cm x 54cm x 26cm
Gears: 2
Weight: 10.9kg
Time to open/close: 18 secs
8/10
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
