Change Bike Folding Mountain Bike Review – Is this the ultimate folding bike?

This week we have an in-depth review from Sam who has been testing the Change Bike folding mountain bike DF-812 Trail Pro. Looking forward to the Change Bike Folding Mountain Bike Review – Is this the ultimate folding bike?

Introduction to Sam

When I was first approached to test and review the Change Bike folding MTB I jumped at the chance. I love mountain bikes and mountain biking and have done for 30 years. Ever since getting my first MTB, a Raleigh Mustang! Its fair to say I have owned, ridden and raced a lot of mountain bikes, but I have never owned a folding bike. In fact, my only time spent on a folding bike is borrowing my Dad’s folding electric shopping bike to pop to the shop. My knowledge of folding bikes stretches to being aware of the popular Brompton brand, and seeing them on campsites and trains. This was going to be very interesting.

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Folding Mountain Bike frame design

Firstly, lets discuss the folding aspect. The frame has a unique folding system with two quick releases on the seat tube, undo these and the frame folds completely in half. Take the front wheel out, again with a quick release mechanism, and this then attaches to a discreet fixing on the seat stay. The pedals also have a quick release mechanism for easy removal. Then simply pop it into the supplied holdall and into the boot of your car, or on the train etc. This is how the bike was delivered to me, and within a matter of seconds it was assembled and ready to ride.

In the interests of full disclosure, I did not fully test the capabilities of the folding aspect of the bike. During the period that I had the Change Bike, England was in a lockdown with restrictions on travel, so I did not want to make any unnecessary car journeys. The bike was delivered and collected in a folded state. So, I can certainly say that it is very quick and simple to collapse and takes up very little room in the boot of any car. 

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Testing the Change Bike MTB

I decided to base my review on how the Change Bike functioned as a hardtail mountain bike. The handling, feel and durability. The review was from January through to March, and after a particularly wet winter. The conditions were going to be ideal for putting the bike through its paces. 

I am fortunate enough to live close to lots of different terrain. Every weekend I rode a different route and encountered single track, axle deep mud, fast downhills, steep drop offs, long tree – rooted hills, big rocky descents. Basically everything you can imagine. Meeting up with a friend for one ride, socially distanced of course, and he immediately commented on the bike, yes I’m fine thanks mate. He said that it was a good looking bike with high quality components but he was most interested in how the folding mechanism affected the ride quality.

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After a 2 hour ride following my around the local trails with tight switchbacks and a few big jumps he had his answer. It handled just as well as his purpose built high end hardtail XC racer. 

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Long Distance rides on the Change Bike DF-812

After a few weeks on my local trails I decided to go further afield for a big ride as I wanted to test it on some really rough stuff. I have cycled over the hills of the Purbecks many times. It’s a great place to ride and always tough due to the distance and elevation gain. At the end of 80km and 1000m elevation in the bag. I stood at the top of Nine Barrow Down, a particularly steep, fast and very rocky downhill and thought to myself, right, I’m going down this on a folding bicycle.

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At the bottom I had a big smile on my face as I had just set my fastest time down here. The bike and rider were in one piece and I was having a lot of fun. Normally being this muddy, cold and tired would make me want to head home but I was in no rush today. 

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Summary of Change Bike folding mountain bike review

So in conclusion, this is a great hardtail mountain bike that has the added bonus that you can quickly fold it up and pop it in your car. If you are short on space at home, do not want to get a bike rack, or commute but can only justify one bike, then you should seriously consider the Change Bike.

It has multiple bottle cage mounts so is great for bike packing. You could take it on a train quite easily and disappear off for the weekend. It is comparable to similar priced hardtail bikes in terms of specification and weight and dealt with everything I threw at it. I was sad to see it go, but maybe we will be reunited one day. 

Video Review of the Change Bike Folding MTB

Best Price for the Change Bike Folding Mountain Bike

Buy the Change bike Folding Mountain Bike DF-812 Trail Pro for £1,799.00

Specification of the Change Bike Folding MTB

Full spec of the Change Bike Folding MTB DF-812 Trail Pro.

About the Author

Sam Twitchen

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