Brompton C Line Explore
The Brompton C Line Explore is the benchmark for ultimate compactness and everyday convenience, prized for its industry-leading fold and exceptionally small packed size that beats most small-wheel rivals. While it commands a premium price compared with Dahon and Giant, its superior engineering and ride-pack balance make it the top choice when absolute portability and long-term resale value matter most. For buyers focused on the smallest, most travel-ready folding package, Brompton outshines Tern's more aggressive aluminum designs and Montague's full‑size approach.
Ultra-compact fold
Nimble city handling
Ultra-compact fold
Nimble city handling
Review Summary
"Users praise its exceptional build quality, compact fold and comfortable urban ride, but note the high price and that it's heavier than some aluminum competitors."
Classic London flair
Small 16-inch wheels and an extremely compact fold ideal for tight storage.
Classic London flair
Small 16-inch wheels and an extremely compact fold ideal for tight storage.
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Brompton C Line Explore is the benchmark for ultimate compactness and everyday convenience, prized for its industry-leading fold and exceptionally small packed size that beats most small-wheel rivals. While it commands a premium price compared with Dahon and Giant, its superior engineering and ride-pack balance make it the top choice when absolute portability and long-term resale value matter most. For buyers focused on the smallest, most travel-ready folding package, Brompton outshines Tern's more aggressive aluminum designs and Montague's full‑size approach.
Ultra-compact fold
Nimble city handling
Classic London flair
Small 16-inch wheels and an extremely compact fold ideal for tight storage.
Rapid one-minute fold with stable ride geometry tailored to urban commuting.
Ultra-compact fold
Nimble city handling
Classic London flair
Small 16-inch wheels and an extremely compact fold ideal for tight storage.
Rapid one-minute fold with stable ride geometry tailored to urban commuting.
$2800-3500 CAD
Dahon K3 Plus
The Dahon K3 Plus stands out as a value-oriented light folder that prioritizes simplicity and low weight for commuters who want an affordable, easy-to-stow small-wheel bike. It undercuts Brompton and Tern on price while offering a straightforward, reliable three-speed setup that keeps maintenance and overall cost down. Compared with Montague's heavy-duty full-size folding bike and Giant's mid-range commuter, the K3 Plus is the cost-effective pick for buyers who accept a trade-off in compactness for budget and lightness.
Featherlight frame
Fast one-hand fold
Featherlight frame
Fast one-hand fold
Review Summary
"Buyers like its ultra-light, extremely compact design and affordability, though some report a bouncy ride at speed, limited gearing for hills, and a slightly flimsy feel for heavier riders."
Pocket-sized commuter
Very compact and lightweight design that makes carrying and storage easy.
Pocket-sized commuter
Very compact and lightweight design that makes carrying and storage easy.
Time-Saving Convenience
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Eco-Friendly Living
The Dahon K3 Plus stands out as a value-oriented light folder that prioritizes simplicity and low weight for commuters who want an affordable, easy-to-stow small-wheel bike. It undercuts Brompton and Tern on price while offering a straightforward, reliable three-speed setup that keeps maintenance and overall cost down. Compared with Montague's heavy-duty full-size folding bike and Giant's mid-range commuter, the K3 Plus is the cost-effective pick for buyers who accept a trade-off in compactness for budget and lightness.
Featherlight frame
Fast one-hand fold
Pocket-sized commuter
Very compact and lightweight design that makes carrying and storage easy.
Simple 3-speed gearing suitable for short commutes and city streets.
Featherlight frame
Fast one-hand fold
Pocket-sized commuter
Very compact and lightweight design that makes carrying and storage easy.
Simple 3-speed gearing suitable for short commutes and city streets.
$700-1000 CAD
Tern BYB P8
The Tern BYB P8 combines clever folding geometry with a stiff, lightweight aluminum chassis to deliver a fast, rideable small-footprint bike that folds quickly for urban use. It sits between Brompton and Dahon on price and performance—more performance-oriented and stiffer than the K3 Plus, yet usually more affordable and faster to fold than a Brompton—making it a strong technical compromise for riders who want both ride feel and compactness. Its mid-market positioning gives riders a good balance of component quality, rapid foldability, and long-term durability.
Smooth long-wheelbase
Tightest short fold
Smooth long-wheelbase
Tightest short fold
Review Summary
"Owners appreciate the BYB P8's innovative compact fold, solid aluminum construction and lively ride, while some mention its premium price and that it's not the absolute lightest in class."
Cargo-friendly design
Unique rear-folding architecture produces a very small folded footprint.
Cargo-friendly design
Unique rear-folding architecture produces a very small folded footprint.
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
The Tern BYB P8 combines clever folding geometry with a stiff, lightweight aluminum chassis to deliver a fast, rideable small-footprint bike that folds quickly for urban use. It sits between Brompton and Dahon on price and performance—more performance-oriented and stiffer than the K3 Plus, yet usually more affordable and faster to fold than a Brompton—making it a strong technical compromise for riders who want both ride feel and compactness. Its mid-market positioning gives riders a good balance of component quality, rapid foldability, and long-term durability.
Smooth long-wheelbase
Tightest short fold
Cargo-friendly design
Unique rear-folding architecture produces a very small folded footprint.
Stiff aluminum chassis engineered for commuter performance at higher speeds.
Smooth long-wheelbase
Tightest short fold
Cargo-friendly design
Unique rear-folding architecture produces a very small folded footprint.
Stiff aluminum chassis engineered for commuter performance at higher speeds.
$4000-5500 CAD
Montague Paratrooper Express
The Montague Paratrooper Express is unique in this list as a full-size folding aluminum bike designed for rugged performance rather than ultra-compact stowage, offering higher speed, stability, and off-road capability than small-wheel folders. While it is heavier and bulkier folded than the other entries, it provides technical advantages for riders who need full-wheel dynamics and durability—trading compactness for performance that small-wheel bikes like Brompton or Tern cannot match. Financially, it appeals to buyers who want a single bike for both folding transport and serious off-road or fast-road riding, avoiding the need for separate bikes.
Full-size fold
Trail-capable chops
Full-size fold
Trail-capable chops
Review Summary
"Riders commend its full-size bike handling, rugged aluminum frame and ability to tackle rough terrain, but criticize its heavy weight and bulkier folded size compared with traditional small-wheel folders."
Rugged paratrooper vibe
Robust aluminum frame and rugged build aimed at off-road and mixed-terrain use.
Rugged paratrooper vibe
Robust aluminum frame and rugged build aimed at off-road and mixed-terrain use.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Montague Paratrooper Express is unique in this list as a full-size folding aluminum bike designed for rugged performance rather than ultra-compact stowage, offering higher speed, stability, and off-road capability than small-wheel folders. While it is heavier and bulkier folded than the other entries, it provides technical advantages for riders who need full-wheel dynamics and durability—trading compactness for performance that small-wheel bikes like Brompton or Tern cannot match. Financially, it appeals to buyers who want a single bike for both folding transport and serious off-road or fast-road riding, avoiding the need for separate bikes.
Full-size fold
Trail-capable chops
Rugged paratrooper vibe
Robust aluminum frame and rugged build aimed at off-road and mixed-terrain use.
Full-size wheel performance with a quick folding hinge for transport and storage.
Full-size fold
Trail-capable chops
Rugged paratrooper vibe
Robust aluminum frame and rugged build aimed at off-road and mixed-terrain use.
Full-size wheel performance with a quick folding hinge for transport and storage.
$1200-1800 CAD
Giant Expressway 2
The Giant Expressway 2 is a practical, aluminum-framed small-wheel commuter that delivers solid value with dependable components and a user-friendly fold that targets everyday urban riders. It typically sits below Brompton and Tern on price while offering stiffer, more conventional handling than ultra-light Dahon models, making it a sensible mid-range choice for commuters who want a durable, economical folder. Compared to the specialty-focused Montague, Giant prioritizes lightweight urban convenience and straightforward ownership costs.
Rapid urban sprint
Tool-free fold
Rapid urban sprint
Tool-free fold
Review Summary
"Reviewers find the Expressway 2 a good-value, stable 20-inch folder for commuting with reliable components, while noting it's not as compact or lightweight as high-end folders and the components are basic."
Sleek alloy frame
Small-wheel design and a straightforward fold that balances portability and ride comfort.
Sleek alloy frame
Small-wheel design and a straightforward fold that balances portability and ride comfort.
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Giant Expressway 2 is a practical, aluminum-framed small-wheel commuter that delivers solid value with dependable components and a user-friendly fold that targets everyday urban riders. It typically sits below Brompton and Tern on price while offering stiffer, more conventional handling than ultra-light Dahon models, making it a sensible mid-range choice for commuters who want a durable, economical folder. Compared to the specialty-focused Montague, Giant prioritizes lightweight urban convenience and straightforward ownership costs.
Rapid urban sprint
Tool-free fold
Sleek alloy frame
Small-wheel design and a straightforward fold that balances portability and ride comfort.
Aluminum frame that provides a lightweight yet affordable option for daily riders.
Rapid urban sprint
Tool-free fold
Sleek alloy frame
Small-wheel design and a straightforward fold that balances portability and ride comfort.
Aluminum frame that provides a lightweight yet affordable option for daily riders.
$800-1300 CAD