Unfortunately, this deal has expired 11 August 2023.
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107°
Posted 2 August 2023
Compass 'Northern' Folding Bike - 6 speed Shimano Gears, 20" Wheel size - with code
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Random1234 Super Poster
Joined in 2017
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About this deal
This deal is expired. Here are some options that might interest you:
Reduced from £350 to £170, get extra 20% discount using code JDO-DOFE-ADU to get Compass 'Northern' Folding Bike-Blue for £136
At 16Kg, it is not the lightest folding bike, but it is probably cheapest at £136
The Compass Northern Folding Bike is simple to set up or pack away, and a pleasure to ride. The hi-tensile frame has a low step-over bar, making mount and dismount easy, whilst the 6 speed Shimano gearset will help you to cope with the ups and downs of your ride. It folds down to a very manageable size, which is perfect for stashing in your car boot or caravan.
Key features
At 16Kg, it is not the lightest folding bike, but it is probably cheapest at £136
The Compass Northern Folding Bike is simple to set up or pack away, and a pleasure to ride. The hi-tensile frame has a low step-over bar, making mount and dismount easy, whilst the 6 speed Shimano gearset will help you to cope with the ups and downs of your ride. It folds down to a very manageable size, which is perfect for stashing in your car boot or caravan.
Key features
- High quality steel frame
- 6 speed Shimano gears
- Includes carry rack and full mudguards
- Wheel size: 20"
- Weight: 16kg
More details at Community Updates
24 Comments
sorted byFor this price it's less bad but it's not going to be a great bike - heavy, doesn't fold all that small and cheap gears.
I'm in two minds whether this is a budget bike or a BSO (a Bicycle SHaped Object that isn't fit for purpose). On one hand the spec is similar to Decathlon's Tilt 120 for £280, on the other the review with the slipping seatpost that can't be fixed suggests it's a BSO. Personally I'd avoid this and consider a Decathlon Tilt or a - even better - Halfords Carrera Intercity. Alternatively look for a secondhand Dahon or Dart. There's no need to spend Brompton money (they start at about £900) to get a folding bike for occasional use unless you need it to fold small enough to be allowed on a bus or train as hand-luggage.
A used Dahon for between £65 and £120 has been my choice five times now and I don't regret it at all. The most expensive one was better than new: unmarked and properly set up then better tyres fitted and clearly not used. The cheapest one has plenty of paint chips but has been properly maintained with an annual professional service. Excellent bikes.
A quite google shopping search shows very limited selection of low cost folding bikes nowadays. Amazon seems to be swamped with the same bike at various price points and looks like a possibly uncertified Chinese model. Argos do a basic aluminium folding bike but not sure of its price now.
It feels like second hand is the way to go to get a decent folding bike at a low price.
The big issue for me with this folding bike is the fixed height stem and handlebars making getting a good bike fit more awkward. I personally don't have such an issue with the weight as these are low geared anyway due to the wheel size. You'd have to be pretty weak not to be able to get such a bike up a hill and it's likely the reason you couldn't do it is you are riding so slow you lose your balance. Yes this is 16kg but the aluminium models are 12-14kg sometimes more. I don't see steel as a deal breaker it's going to be stronger and more robust and resist fatigue much better over the years and they flex more for comfort as the tubes are thinner than aluminium tubes typically.
I'm looking for a foldie but total newbie about it. I found some options that appeal to me for various reasons: from features that stand out, overall look, price, brand etc.. I'm open minded but ideally want something that will last a few years doing regular short distances. I would appreciate it if anyone can give me some advice on the below?
1. ebay.co.uk/itm…499
2. outlet.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/bik…ack
3. raleigh.co.uk/gb/…ke/
4. amazon.co.uk/gp/…c=1
If anyone has any other suggestions, I'd appreciate it.
Worth a look at Decathlon and Halfords Carrera* range. Stay away from Halfords cheaper offerings like the Apollo range.
* Road.cc were really impressed by the disc brake version of the Carrera City. There are a couple of slightly cheaper models that use the same frame.
road.cc/con…787
why it's so cheap ?
imagine cheap tyre makes for a car, a cheap tyre won’t last as long and may take 10meters more to stop a car in the wet
evanscycles.com/bra…403
On that bike I saved a kilo by removing the amazingly heavy rack, and the kickstand which was ally and so not too bad. I might refit the kickstand at some point as it's surprisingly annoying leaning it against things since it doesn't have a top tube. I fitted a normal saddle instead of the stupid fat padded one it came with.
Mine rides surprisingly well, I've done a 35 mile round trip on it with no real bother, only slight annoyance is that with a 14-28 screw on freewheel I can get up any hill but then spin out at anything over 20mph coming down the other side. The actual shifting is perfect though, very positive.
I've had all sorts of fun jaunts on it as well, I stick it in the boot of the car when we go on football away days and go exploring whatever town we're in before kick off! I particularly enjoyed taking it through the Tyne cycle tunnel before a league cup game at Newcastle. (edited)
fuji-ta.com/bic…lay
I think a few years ago their sales peaked at over 20 million complete bikes in one year plus an unknown number of frames and forks were produced for assembly plants around the world. They are the real manufacturer behind so many US and European brands.