Btwin Tilt 500 (20 inch folding bike) review

Full review

The Btwin Tilt 500 is the sensible starting point if you are not sure folding bikes suit you. Decathlon lists an aluminium frame, seven gears, V-brakes and 20 inch wheels with 1.75 inch tyres, and it comes with mudguards, a kickstand and a chainguard, so you can ride it in the rain without buying anything else. At 12.9 kg it is about the same weight as the Dahon and Tern 20 inch bikes in this comparison.

The folded package is the compromise. Decathlon gives 78 x 66 x 44 cm, which is roomier than a Brompton and will not slip into the smallest lockers or under every desk. It folds in about 15 seconds, which is fine for a train platform but not as quick as the best of the rest.

The parts are entry-level, so expect to adjust the gears and brakes occasionally and to upgrade tyres or pedals if you ride it every day. A pannier rack is sold separately.

For short train commutes, occasional use and a flat in a city, it is the best value here. Because Decathlon is also where you buy it, spares and servicing are easy to arrange. If you ride daily over long distances or climb big hills, the Dahon and Tern bikes below are better built.