The Bastille is a folding bicycle designed by French designer Gilles Henry. A New Atlas report published October 6, 2023, describes a fold that takes a claimed five to 10 seconds while retaining 27.5-inch wheels. That timing is a reported claim, not an independently verified test.
How does the Bastille fold?
New Atlas reporter Ben Coxworth described a sequence that starts with two levers: one on the down tube and one on the handlebar stem. The rider then folds the bike’s frame and components inward until the wheels sit beside one another.
- Flip the lever on the down tube and the lever on the stem.
- Fold the down tube at its central hinge.
- Move the stem and handlebars aside.
- Fold the seat post back and fold the pedals.
- Fold the seat stays and chain stays inward with the rear wheel, bringing it alongside the front wheel.
The report says the folded bicycle can be rolled by hand. The five-to-10-second folding time is the article’s description of a claimed performance; it does not establish how quickly every rider can fold it.
What do the large wheels mean for the folded package?
The Bastille’s reported 27.5-inch wheels are its defining contrast with folding bikes that use smaller wheels. New Atlas reported folded dimensions of 82 × 37 × 91 cm and a weight of 15 kg. These are specifications reported in the October 2023 article, not measurements independently verified here.
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Those figures describe a substantial folded package rather than a compactness guarantee: whether it fits a particular storage space or is convenient to carry depends on the space and the person handling it. The report says it can be rolled when folded, but provides no independent ride, handling, durability, or portability assessment.
What equipment did the 2023 report list?
New Atlas described an aluminum frame with a carbon fiber fork and listed these components:
Rank #2
- Lightweight frame; Folds in seconds and is easy to carry so you never need to leave it outside
- 7 speeds and grip style shifter
- Easy folding adjustable aluminum alloy stem
- Resin Folding pedals, Wider Comfortable Saddle and Magnet Catcher to hold folded frame securely together.
- Folded size: H-27" L-31" W-12.5. Weight: 31.0 lb (Lightweight)
- Sturmey Archer three-speed rear hub transmission
- Gates Carbon belt drive
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Continental Urban puncture-resistant tires
- Spanninga dynamo-powered front and rear lights
These are specifications attributed to the October 6, 2023 article; they have not been independently confirmed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you buy the Bastille now?
The New Atlas article said the Bastille was available for preorder in France with a 10% deposit, listed an eventual price of €2,590, and expected shipping in mid-2024. That shipping date has passed. Those historical terms do not establish current availability, price, or sales regions, and the article is not evidence of a current listing.
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Rank #3
- 🚲【Quick-Fold & Go Design】Effortlessly folds compact for storage and transport. Sets up in seconds–ride almost immediately after unboxing!
- 🚲【7-Speed Smooth Shifting】Pre-adjusted 7-speed gears handle various terrains easily. Minimal setup required–ready for your ride.
- 🚲【Reliable Dual C-Brakes】Factory-installed dual C-brakes provide confident stopping power. No brake assembly needed-safe and ready.
- 🚲【Ready-to-Use Accessories】Includes fender, rear rack, basket and so on! Most accessories attach quickly with basic tools included.
- 🚲【Perfect Fit for All】Adjustable design suits men and women. Simple, tool-free unfolding gets you riding fast.
For the original report and its attributed specifications, see New Atlas’s October 6, 2023 article about the Bastille.
Quick Recap
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- FOLDABILITY & ADJUSTABILITY: This foldable bike features a quick-release clamp that allows you to fold the bike quickly, which is easier to fold and stow in a corner of your apartment or your car trunk taking it with you anywhere. In addition, with a quick-adjust seat post clamp, you make easy adjustments seat to the right height
- PROFESSIONAL 21-SPEED SHIFTING SYSTEM: Using professional's front and rear derailleurs and trigger lever, this mountain bike can easier to adapt to different terrain with quick, precise gear changes. All-terrain tires can conquer gravel paths, dirt paths, and rocky roads
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- COMFORTABLE RIDING EXPERIENCE: Lightweight aluminum alloy wheels with specially designed spokes can better reduce wind resistance during riding. The lock-out suspension fork handles bumps and dips for a smoother-feeling ride
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE: The 26-inch bike arrives with 85% assembled. You only need to assemble the handle, cushion, front wheel and pedal, adjust the brake and gear to complete the assembly. Please contact me if you encounter any problem that cannot be solved
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- PROFESSIONAL 21-SPEED SHIFTING SYSTEM: Equip premium front and rear derailleurs and trigger lever, our mountain bike can be easier and more precise to change the gear with only pressing the button. The powerful mechanical dual disc brakes provide a stronger braking effect and a more sensitive braking response.
- COMFORTABLE CYCLING EXPERIENCE: The shock absorbers and lock-out suspension fork provide a double shock effect for a smoother-feeling ride. With an adjustable seat and an ergonomic cushion, our bike can better meet different ages people
- SPECIAL LOOK: The three-impeller design makes this 26-inch mountain bike more cool and unique from other bikes. The premium high-carbon steel material combined with excellent welding technology for unmatched durability
- EASY TO FOLD&ASSEMBLE: With a quick release clip, the foldable mountain bike can be easier and faster to fold as well as the compact design can support you carry it everywhere. The bike is 85% assembled so you just need to install the handlebars, front wheel, saddle, and pedals as directed by the instructions
- FOR MULTIPLE PURPOSES: Made of non-slip and explosion-proof materials, our tires can easily conquer gravel paths, dirt paths, and rocky roads as well as this bike also is used on rainy days. Any problem please feel free to tell us by email
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