Living or traveling in your RV allows you to break free and enjoy the outdoor life. However, your RV can’t go everywhere.
This is why you need a reliable and compact bike that can fit in the smaller space of a RV, while allowing you to explore outdoor terrains or even help you explore the city.
In this article, we’ll compare some of the best choices available so you can find the right pick. We’ll also highlight a few points that you need to take into consideration while shopping for the best bikes for RVing.
Best Bikes for RVing
Check out these options and explore the wilderness on our reliable bike. Here are our top choices.
1. Top Choice: Brompton Folding Bicycle
Experience the top of the line performance when you choose to invest in this foldable bike. It’s the perfect choice for a leisurely freestyle ride thanks to the M-type handlebar and 6 gears so you can pick the most suitable speed for the road and trails you’re exploring.
Brompton offers the most practical bikes for RVing because when folded, the bike becomes impressively small and easy to move around.
You can roll it around when folded as it weights 28 pounds, so if you’ve added the luggage-like wheel attachments, you don’t even need to pick it up off the floor!
This company kept its original design but made a few tweaks to improve the user’s experience: One of the biggest improvements is the M-style handlebar that provides more control especially when you’re going fast. The new gear shifter comes with a visual indicator and there’s an integrated bell.
Once you’re done having fun on your bike, you can easily fold it in a few seconds. In addition to the 6-speed model, there’s a 3-speed model that suits beginners.
Upgrading your Brompton is easy as the company offers many versitile accessories including a smartphone holder and a mini pump. Moreover, you can use these extras to improve your experience:
- Lights
- Attachable Bags
- Wheel Attachment for folding and pulling like luggage
- Electric Kit that shows MPH and battery charge info
Pros
- Great Design
- Smooth Ride
- Incredibly Compact
- Folds small enough to bring onto a commuter bus or train
- Folds in no time so you can have fun
Cons
- Expensive compared to other folding bike models
2. Dahon Folding Bike
At a lower price, Dahon offers several models of folding bikes that you can browse and check.
Backed by 35 years of experience, these compact and practical bikes are you go-to option whenever you want to scope out the city or enjoy nature without breaking the bank.
The SUV D6 model weighs 31 pounds and features an aluminum frame that allows you to maneuver and race, It features an aluminum D-shaped handle post for better control.
At a higher price, the IOS D9 weighs 30 pounds and provides maximum stability up or downhill. This bike features a sturdy frame with anodized gold trim so it looks and feels exceptional.
All models feature responsive folding frames that fold in a matter of seconds so they’re suitable for avid riders and first-timers. They’re built to carry up to 100 or 105 Kgs.
Between these two options, there’s several models available so you can find the right one for you.
These bikes are slightly heavier than the ones you can get from Brompton and they don’t fold as compact, but for the price point, they’re a great option.
Pros
- Several models available so you can choose what best suits you
- Sturdy aluminum frame that holds fast
- Adjustable handle post
- Stable rides up and downhill
Cons
- May not suitable for heavier riders
- They don’t fold very compact
3. EuroMini Zizzo
Check out these lightweight folding bikes that you can keep in your RV, take on a bus or the train! The EuroMini bikes are designed for active outdoor enthusiasts who need a robust yet lightweight bike that they can move around easily.
The Urbano model comes with Shimano 8-speed gearing and V-style brakes for commuting and recreational rides. The LX lightweight aluminum frame and multi-terrain wheels won’t disappoint you whereever you choose to go. It weighs 24 pounds so it’s lighter than most other models.
This bike comes with Kenda Kommuter tires that provide the best and safest ride.
Using it is comfortable thanks to the wide seat that you can use for long periods without feeling any strain or discomfort.
If you need a lighter model, you can check out the Liberte bike that weighs just 23 pounds. It comes with quick-release wheels and a hollow style bottom bracket.
The wheels are puncture-resistant so you can ride safely on different terrains.
Moreover, all the components are rust-resistant so it’s an excellent choice for someone who likes to spend time on the beach.
These bikes come with no fenders or rack, but they’re suitable for riders who look for affordable models that hold fast. They lack some extra features that you can find in Brompton bikes, but they won’t disappoint you if you’re looking for a lightweight option.
Pros
- Lightweight and affordable folding bikes
- Shimano 8-speed gearing
- Stable and puncture-resistant tires
- Rust-resistant compnents on some models
Cons
- Basic bikes with few accessories
- No fenders or racks
4. Xspec 26″ 21-Speed Folding Mountain Bike
While most folding bikes lack this feature, the Xspec bike comes with front and rear suspension. This means that it’s extremely stable and provides the smoothest rides on all terrains for the best outdoor experience.
The frame folds in 10 to 15 seconds so it’s an excellent choice for off-raod trips.
It’s more affordable that other folding bikes so it’s a great choice if you’re on a tight budget. The tires are slightly thicker but they won’t affect the bike’s performance.
If you’re looking for a lightweight bike, then this might not be the right one for you. It weighs around 41 pounds so moving it around isn’t the easiest task.
The seat isn’t as comfortable as other more expensive models but it won’t disappoint if you want to go off-road while RVing.
At a lower price, you can check out the 20″ model. It comes with a 7-speed shifter and an adjustable seat that suits different heights. It folds easily and can be sotred anywhere due to its compact size. It features durable wheels that will last on all terrains.
Pros
- Durable folding bike
- Several models available
- Adjustable seats
- Sturdy wheels that can withstand various terrains
Cons
- Heavyweight bicycle
- Seat isn’t very wide or comfortable
5. Schwinn Loop Folding Bike
Enjoy better maneuverability with this lightweight bike. Weighing in at 33 pounds, it won’t weight you down and folds easily. It features a 7-speed shifter that allows you to go uphill easily. It also comes with a post-guard, rear, and front fenders that keep your clothes clean.
It comes with a rear rack so you can carry this bike comfortably. The 2-” wheels are stable on all terrains so you can commute and enjoy you leisure time. Moreover, there’s a durable nylon bag that you can use to store your bike after use.
The Hinge model is another option from Schwinn. It’s as lightweight as the Loop model and can be used to freeriding.
Folding the Schwinn models has a learning curve to it so it’s not the easiest task for a first-timer.
These models are rather bulky so they’re not suitable for lightweight riders or people who have a tight storage space.
Moreover, some of the components like the pedals and fenders smash together when you fold the bike.
Pros
- Better maneuverability on several terrains
- 7-speed shifters
- Nylon bag for storage
- Front and back fenders protect your clothes
Cons
- Folding the bike isn’t easy
- Feels rather bulky when folded
How to Choose the Best Folding Bike for RVing
Folding bikes are practical because you can pack them easily in your RV.
There are several models that cater to the needs of all people so you can always find models that suit everyone in our family.
Here are some features to think about while shopping for the best folding bike for RVing.
Weight
Most of these bikes are designed to suit a maximum weight of around 220 or 250 pounds, so they won’t suit heavier riders because their frames are meant to be foldable and lightweight.
However, thinking about the weight of the bike is a major concern.
A heavyweight bike is difficult to move around and won’t be the best option.
But know that lightweight models are usually more expensive.
Folding Meachanism
You should make sure that the folding mechanism is easy to master. This means that you can use your bike and fold it back into a compact size in a few seconds.
After folding the bike, you must make sure that it doesn’t feel bulky.
Available space in RVs is at a premium, so you need to make sure that your bike is compact enough to fit and is easy to move around.
Speeds
The ability to choose between speeds means that you can use your bike to successfully and safely whether you’re going uphill or downhill.
These versatile bikes are designed to be stable so you can enjoy a safe ride regardless of the terrain you’re exploring.
Go for a reliable shifter that you can easily control for maximum safety. Some models are complicated so they will better suit more experienced users.
Extra Features
Although folding bikes are meant to be simple, some of them have extra features that would make your ride more enjoyable. These include having an adjustable seat and fenders that would protect your clothes from dirt.
The names on our list come from reliable brands (and some personal experience trying out various models to best suit our full-time RV living needs), so you can add a few accessories to improve the condition of your bike.
Wrap Up
The best bikes for RVing are compact, practical and reliable.
There are several good models on the market but after analyzing their features we choose the Brompton Folding Bicycle as our top choice.
There are other models available from this brand, so you can easily find one that suits you.
If this model is out of your budget range, you can check out the other impressive names on our list. They’re all well-made and perfectly designed to cater to your mobile lifestyle.
