Lightest Folding Bikes

When lightweight matters most

Weight affects folding bike usability primarily when carrying:

• Daily stairs: 2+ floors without lift makes every kilogram significant
• Platform changes: Multi-level stations with stairs between platforms
• Bus boarding: Frequent lifting onto buses
• Long station walks: Carrying through large stations
• Physical limitations: Age, injuries, or strength affecting carrying ability
• Frequent transitions: Multiple fold/carry cycles per journey

Weight matters less for: predominantly cycling, car boot transport, ground-level storage, infrequent carrying.

Lightest folding bikes available

Lightest overall: Brompton T Line

Weight: 7.45kg | Price: £3,500-4,500 | Gearing: 4-speed

Full titanium construction (frame, fork, seatpost, rear triangle) achieves remarkable sub-8kg weight while maintaining Brompton's compact fold. Uses same fold mechanism as heavier Bromptons.

Pros:

• Exceptionally light (7.45kg actual weight)
• Easy carrying up multiple floors
• Same compact fold as other Bromptons (58.5 x 56.5 x 27cm)
• Stands upright and rolls when folded
• Premium titanium construction
• Brompton build quality and reliability

Cons:

• Very expensive (£3,500-4,500)
• Only 4-speed (limited for hilly areas)
• Titanium more flexible than steel (different ride feel)
• Overkill unless weight truly critical

Best for: Daily multi-floor carrying, weight as top priority, premium budget acceptable, minimal gearing sufficient

Best lightweight value: Hummingbird

Weight: 6.9kg | Price: £3,500-4,000 | Gearing: Single speed or hub

Carbon fibre frame achieves class-leading low weight. Single-speed or 3-speed hub options. Very compact fold.

Pros:

• Lightest production folder (6.9kg)
• Carbon fibre construction
• Compact fold
• Unique design

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Single speed or limited gearing only
• Smaller company (service network considerations)
• Carbon requires careful handling
• Does not roll when folded

Best for: Flat terrain, ultimate weight priority, single-speed acceptable, premium budget

Best lightweight with gearing: Brompton P Line

Weight: 10.3kg | Price: £2,800-3,400 | Gearing: 12-speed

Titanium rear frame and steel front provides good balance between weight reduction and functionality. Maintains 12-speed gearing for varied terrain.

Pros:

• Light at 10.3kg
• 12-speed handles hilly terrain
• Same compact fold as other Bromptons
• Stands upright and rolls when folded
• Better value than T Line
• UK service network

Cons:

• Still expensive
• Heavier than T Line or Hummingbird
• Complex gearing requires maintenance

Best for: Hilly commutes, weight important but gearing needed, premium budget, balanced priorities

Best lightweight 20-inch: Tern Verge X11

Weight: 10.4kg | Price: £2,200-2,500 | Gearing: 11-speed

Premium aluminium construction with 20-inch wheels. Good balance of low weight and ride comfort.

Pros:

• Light for 20-inch wheels (10.4kg)
• Comfortable ride quality
• 11-speed Shimano gearing
• Quality construction
• More affordable than Brompton titanium models

Cons:

• Larger fold than Brompton (73 x 86 x 43cm)
• Does not stand or roll when folded
• Limited UK availability
• Still expensive

Best for: Comfort priority, occasional carrying, moderate weight important, 20-inch wheel preference

Budget lightweight: Dahon Vybe D7

Weight: 11.3kg | Price: £400-550 | Gearing: 7-speed

The lightest folder at accessible pricing. Aluminium construction keeps weight reasonable for budget category.

Pros:

• Light for price (11.3kg at £400-550)
• 20-inch wheels comfortable
• 7-speed adequate for moderate terrain
• Affordable entry point

Cons:

• Basic build quality
• Not truly lightweight (just under 12kg)
• Larger fold
• Does not stand or roll folded

Best for: Budget conscious, testing lightweight concept, occasional carrying, moderate expectations

Read full Dahon Vybe D7 review

Lightweight folder comparison

Understanding weight trade-offs

Weight vs price

Each kilogram saved costs approximately £400-800 at premium level:

• Brompton C Line: 11.6kg, £1,700-1,900 (baseline)
• Brompton P Line: 10.3kg, £2,800-3,400 (save 1.3kg, cost +£1,100)
• Brompton T Line: 7.45kg, £3,500-4,500 (save 4.15kg, cost +£1,800-2,600)

Calculate value against daily carrying needs: upper-floor flat without lift justifies premium; weekly ground-level use does not.

Weight vs comfort

Ultra-light bikes may compromise comfort:

• 16-inch wheels (lighter) less comfortable than 20-inch (heavier) for longer rides
• Lighter frames may be more flexible (affects handling)
• Minimal gearing (lighter) limits terrain capability

Balance weight against ride quality for your actual distances and terrain.

Weight vs durability

Quality lightweight bikes are durable:

• Titanium is both light and very strong
• Quality carbon fibre is durable (but requires careful handling)
• Premium aluminium alloys provide strength with low weight

Budget lightweight bikes may sacrifice build quality for low weight. Verify frame warranty and construction quality.

Weight vs features

Ultra-light bikes often sacrifice features:

• Limited gearing (Brompton T Line: 4-speed, Hummingbird: single-speed)
• No mudguards (add weight)
• No rack (add weight)
• Minimal accessories

Adding practical accessories increases weight. Factor accessories into final weight calculations.

Reducing weight on existing folders

If you own a folder, these modifications reduce weight:

Effective modifications (200g+ saved)

• Lighter tyres: Save 200-400g (both wheels). Schwalbe Marathon Racer or Kojak for Brompton.
• Remove rack: Save 300-500g if not needed. Simple bolt removal.
• Titanium seatpost: Save 100-250g. Cost £60-120.
• Remove mudguards: Save 300-400g (not recommended UK weather).

Minor modifications (under 200g)

• Lighter pedals: 50-100g
• Lighter saddle: 50-150g (may reduce comfort)
• Remove reflectors: 50-80g (ensure lights adequate)
• Lighter grips: 20-50g

Realistic expectations

Total achievable: 500-1,000g through bolt-on modifications. Significant reduction (2kg+) requires frame material change (effectively new bike). Cost of modifications may approach cost difference to lighter model.

Who benefits most from lightweight folders

High benefit (justify premium lightweight):

• Daily 2+ floors without lift
• Multiple platform stairs twice daily
• Physical limitations affecting carrying
• Frequent bus boarding
• Long station walks carrying bike daily

Moderate benefit (standard weight adequate):

• Occasional upper floor carrying
• Single flight stairs regularly
• Occasional platform changes
• Moderate carrying distances

Low benefit (weight less important):

• Ground-level storage
• Car boot transport primarily
• Predominantly cycling (minimal carrying)
• Lifts available

Final recommendations

For ultimate lightweight: Brompton T Line (7.45kg) unmatched in combining low weight with compact fold and quality. Expensive but transformative for daily multi-floor carrying.

For balanced lightweight: Brompton P Line (10.3kg) provides good weight reduction plus 12-speed gearing. Better value than T Line for most users needing functional gearing.

For budget lightweight: Dahon Vybe D7 (11.3kg) lightest at accessible pricing. Adequate for occasional carrying.

For comfort with low weight: Tern Verge X11 (10.4kg) if 20-inch wheels priority and fold size less critical.

Related: Weight guide | Commuter folders | Comparison tool