Citizen
Citizen bikes offers some of the most budget-friendly options when it comes to folding bikes. They are also quite easy to fold up and reasonably lightweight and Citizen offers several models designed for different sized people and different length rides. The Miami Citizen is a steel framed, 6-speed folding bike with 20" wheels that actually looks like a bicycle. It rides smoothly and priced at under $200, it falls into the bargain area among green transportation alternatives. Models range in price from about $170 to $300.
http://www.citizenbike.com/
Bike Friday
Offering one of the largest variety of models from basic commuters like the Pocket Companion ($1,000) to mountain touring bikes like the Pocket Expedition ($1,200) to even tandem bikes like the Family Traveler ($1,600-$2,000), Bike Friday has launched fully into the high end of the folding bike market. Available in sizes for different sized riders, these bikes are pricier than some brands on the marked, but ride well and fold easily.
http://www.bikefriday.com
Dahon
A manufacturer of traditional non-folding bikes, Dahon has launched a new line of folding bikes ranging from minute, easy-pedaling commuters to full sized, 26" wheeled folding cruiser bikes. With models available from $550 to about $1,000, Dahon bikes fall solidly into the mid-range price wise. Some of the best looking folding bikes, Dahon has embraced the time factor to folding with most models taking less than 15 seconds.
http://www.dahon.com
Strida
Developed originally in England, Strida has abandoned the classic bike geometry in favor of small size and simplicity. The basic triangle design on this steel frame creates a bike that is only 22 pounds. The small wheels are not as stable as some of those on bigger model bikes, but the greaseless Kevlar belt drive train is exceedingly tidy and claims to last for up to 50,000 miles. Available from $400 to $700, the Strida is a good choice if small is what you're after.
http://www.strida.us
A-Bike
Even though it's unavailable in America at the present time (2009), the truly revolutionary design approach of the British A-Bike shouts to be recognized. Folding into the smallest space of any of the bikes noted here, or perhaps anywhere, and available in Britain for 200 pounds, this little commuter bike features 15cm tires that are probably better suited to in-line skates than a bicycle, but on the other hand, this bike weighs less than 13lbs and really raises the bar for rethinking of commuter travel and travel in the city. The small wheels make the bike considerably less stable than it's larger counterparts, but it is a playful and unique bike that may inspire more revolutionary design to come.
http://www.a-bike.co.uk
