United Trifold: Size Comparison with 20 Inch Bike

As always, it is interesting and informative to compare the sizes of different folding bikes. I did a similar comparison previously with the Tyrell IVE, Dahon and Brompton. The folded size depends on the folding method (bifold or trifold), the wheel size (16 inch or 20 inch) and also other frame designs.

Today, I will compare the United Trifold on 16 inch 349 wheels, with the Fnhon DB12 on 20 inch 451 wheels. I expect the Fnhon to have a larger folded size, due to the bifold which is not as compact as the trifold method. The larger 451 wheels will also contribute to a larger folded size.

There are various pros and cons to having a larger wheel, which I will not elaborate here. Each has their own place and purpose, and are good at different things.

United Trifold, previous converted to a lightweight single speed drivetrain.

Bottom bracket to ground distance is about 284 mm, which is similar to most 20 inch bikes, but higher compared to road bikes.

The United Trifold has a much longer wheelbase than the 20 inch Fnhon.

Comparing the handlebar area of the United Trifold vs the one on the Fnhon.

Handlebar height is about the same. The United Trifold is using the Fnhon handlepost which is 3 cm shorter than the stock handlepost.

United Trifold as folded. There are many areas that stick out, this will be studied in more detail in future posts.

Aligning the front of the bikes for size comparison.

For the United Trifold, the most forward point is the tire, while for the Fnhon, it is the frame joint.

The Fnhon is longer than the United Trifold as expected, due to the bifold design and larger 451 wheels. However, the United Trifold has a handlebar and saddle that sticks out as well.

The height is almost the same, with the Fnhon being just a little bit taller.

Aligning the left side of the bikes, the bike width can be compared.

The folded width is almost the same, if both are using non-folding pedals as shown. However, if folding  or detachable pedals are used, the Fnhon will be wider, as the most outward point becomes the rear derailleur.

Overall view of the folded bikes

In conclusion, when folded, the height is almost the same. The United Trifold is also shorter, although the saddle and handlebar sticks out awkwardly at the rear. Width would be the same with fixed pedals, while the United Trifold will be narrower if both bikes use folding/detachable pedals instead.

A Brompton would be more compact than the United Trifold, as the folding design is more refined, with no awkward points sticking out from the folded package. This will be compared in another post.

The United Trifold does fold smaller than a 20 inch bifold with 451 wheels, but not by a large amount.