Origin 8 Folding Bike Review

Reviewed by Gwendal Castellan

$380.99 USD

origin-8.com

The Origin 8 has an aluminum frame and comes with a seven-speed derailleur with twist grip shifting, fenders, a rear-mount carrier and Kenda Kwest tires.

Dimensions: 32 inches long x 26 inches high

Weight: 29 pounds (13.15 kilograms)

Wheel size: 20 inches

Pros

The fold is quick and very similar to the other 20-inch wheel folding bikes, but with a much lower price tag. It comes standard with a rear rack and fenders.

Cons

Brake cables and shifter cables cascade rather haphazardly around the handlebars. They could stand to be bundled together in some way to avoid getting them caught on other parts of the bike when folding and unfolding. There are no latches or magnets to keep the bike folded, so carrying the bike when folded requires the use of a strap or a bag to prevent it from easily swinging open.

Ideal Rider

The Origin 8 satisfies the basic requirements of a folding bike. It folds reasonably fast, and into a small enough package that it is easy to stow away. For the budget-conscious cyclist, this could be a great find.

Overall

Although the frame is aluminum, many of the components are steel and add more weight, such as the seat post, the head post and the rack. The folding latches work well, but are bulkier and less ergonomic than the more expensive 20-inch models tested. The bike was stable and comfortable to ride with the gearing sufficient to handle most hills. Folded, the Origin 8 must be disassembled and the wheels removed to fit into an airline bag.