Bicycles

Ultra X might be the world's lightest (non-weird) folding bike

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The 18.75 lb (8.5 kg) Ultra-X is made largely from carbon fiber
The 18.75 lb (8.5 kg) Ultra-X is made largely from carbon fiber
It can reportedly be folded down and locked together within seven seconds, and then wheeled around like a shipping dolly on its now-side-by-side wheels

Given that their design incorporates hinges and locking mechanisms, folding bikes aren't necessarily synonymous with light weight. Allen Sports' new Ultra X, however, tips the scales at just 18.75 lb (8.5 kg). The carbon fiber commuter may just be the world's lightest folding bike ... or at least, the lightest one that looks relatively normal.

Along with its frame, the Ultra X also sports a carbon fiber fork, seat post, handlebar, stem, rims, crankset and saddle(!). It also features 20 x 1-1/8-inch tires, and an SRAM X9 20-speed drivetrain (with a Shimano front derailleur).

It can reportedly be folded down and locked together within seven seconds, and then wheeled around like a shipping dolly on its now-side-by-side wheels.

It can reportedly be folded down and locked together within seven seconds, and then wheeled around like a shipping dolly on its now-side-by-side wheels

All that carbon fiber will cost ya, though. If you want an Ultra X of your own, be prepared to shell out US$4,999.

The next-lightest "conventional" folding bike we could find is a titanium Brompton, although claimed weights for it are more around 20 lb (9 kg). The A-Bike, on the other hand, reportedly weighs just 12 lb (5.4 kg), although it has tiny scooter-like wheels and an aesthetic that not everyone may appreciate.

Source: Allen Sports

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5 comments
LikelyLad
Another bike...another stupid price.
Bart Venneman
Here Ben, I've done some research for you:
https://www.bikefriday.com/bicycles/road/1422
Bike Friday Super Pro, 16.5 pounds claimed.
You're welcome!
Bart
Freyr Gunnar
> The A-Bike, on the other hand, reportedly weighs just 12 lb (5.4 kg), although it has tiny scooter-like wheels and an aesthetic that not everyone may appreciate.
Not just that: It's just unridable. Took it for a spin in the neighbordhood and returned it right away. Nice design, but that's it.
When it comes to unusual design, the Strida is a much better option.
Glen Aldridge
Xootr has been making a relatively normal looking bike for years with the Swift & at 23lbs. also rides like a normal bike. Tern has been making a few models that look normal, are high quality and cost 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of the Ultra X. Yes, you may compromise 5 lbs. or so in weight but I'll save the $3,000. price difference thank you. Also, for a folding bike that is light as well as very cool looking check out the SRS Racer. Not all folding bikes look like circus clown bikes. http://www.srs-bike.com/englsih-racer-1.html
Germano Pecoraro Designer
Like many other projects of folding bikes, the frame at the hinge is scarcely resistant