Bicycles from Cycle Heaven of York, North Yorkshire

A cycling legend, the British made Brompton sets the standards for folding bikes. Often imitated, but never bettered in our opinion. The clever bit is the characteristic "flip" of its back wheel under the frame, for both parking and folding. This allows for the inclusion of rear suspension, and thus high-pressure tyres. The net result is a bike that folds better and faster than anything else on the market. Low weight, a short wheelbase, small wheels and light steering also make it a very quick and agile machine.

Though many of our customers do serious mileage on them, the Brompton is best suited to the city where property values put a premium on space its folded footprint is negligible; where traffic congestion reduces average speeds to less than 15mph, its light handling and fast acceleration gives it a decided advantage; versatility allows it to integrate with bus, train and taxi.

It is above all a supremely practical utility bike and has an excellent luggage carrying system.

If your cycling needs are for shorter frequent trips such as commuting and shopping; if you need to fold frequently (some commuters will have to fold it 8 times a day); if you want to wear conventional clothing - the Brompton has a low crossbar and a chain that sits inside the fold... then get a Brompton.