There is no better time to consider commuting by bike; avert the tube strike with deals on our top-rated commuter and folding bikes

A cyclist passing by a London Underground station

(Image credit: Getty Images/OGULCAN AKSOY)

published 8 September 2025

Working patterns have changed considerably in recent years, which, from the outside, makes it seem like London Underground tube strikes have less impact than they used to. However, there has been a recent push by firms globally, not just in London, for a return to the office. Earlier in the year, London-based retailer John Lewis shifted its policy back towards traditional models, prescribing three days a week from a store, office or supplier and others have followed suit.

The latest tube strike, announced last week and starting this last weekend, has already had a significant impact, causing chaos for football, rugby and cycling fans heading to Cardiff for the Tour of Britain finale. It even led to cancellations of major stadium gigs by Coldplay and Post Malone.

I don't think we need to reiterate the benefits of commuting by bike to everyone again, but I will highlight the main one. People who commute by bicycle are less stressed and are more prepared to work. There is rarely a more stressful time than experiencing commuting delays, whether on a train or in your car. All of which are very much more likely this week as industrial action continues to disrupt.

The Brompton C-Line is hands down the best folding bike design. Its compact size, low weight and easy fold make it not just an iconic design but one that is a joy to use day in day out. It is also incredibly rare to get such a significant discount on a Brompton. As I mentioned, the design is timeless, and with very few viable competitors, Brompton rarely feels the need to push too hard. Thats why this deal from Tredz couldn't be better timed with people facing the tube strike chaos. The featured deal is for the 6-speed variant of the C-Line, equipped with 'Low' handlebars. However, there are also deals on the 12-speed 'explore' and all the handlebar variations across both models.

Maybe you don't need your bike to fold, or you don't want to put in any more effort than you already expect to in avoiding the strikes. That is where the Whyte RHeO 3 comes in, its light, fast and punchy electric hub motor makes it an absolute joy to ride. The Whyte is much more than just one of our best electric bikes; it's also a great bike for getting off-road and exploring, as Hannah found when she put the Whyte RHeO 3 through its paces last year. With 20% off at Leisure Lakes Bikes, this could be a bike that helps you make the change to become a more regular bike commuter. You can also snag a discount on the Step Thru frame variant at Leisure Lakes.

I understand that making a big bike investment just to avoid a tube strike may not be what you want to spend your money on right now, especially as you don't see yourself continuing the habit, or there is just no denying that times are tough for many of us right now. In which case, look no further than the ELOPS City Single Speed 500. It's only a small 10% discount, but it's also only £299.99 to start with. Which, let's face it, is probably less than most people's weekly commuting costs in and out of the capital. I have already checked, and Decathlon has stock available in Surrey Quays, Wandsworth, Crawley, Milton Keynes, and Cambridge, which you can collect today.

We loved the Boardman HYB 8.8 when we tested it, awarding it 4.5 stars out of 5. It's a bike that is just very pleasurable to ride and one that offers exceptional value, meaning it has been awarded not just one of the best women's hybrid bikes but also one of our best hybrid bikes full stop. With 20% off right now at Halfords, it could be the bike to change the way you commute for good and spend some quality time with the family on the weekend.

Perhaps you have been considering investing in one of the best budget road bikes for a while, but haven't found the proper excuse. The Cannondale CAAD Optimo is an excellent budget platform for getting into road cycling and will undoubtedly get you into the city at a good pace. Its budget price comes from bucking the trend of moving over to disc brakes and sticking with caliper brakes. Honestly, we applaud Cannondale for this. A good, even inexpensive set of calipers is as effective as a mechanical disc brake, and they offer a much simpler design and easier maintenance for new cyclists. The Optimo is also part of a significant heritage, with Cannondale having made some of the best aluminium road bikes in the last 20 years.

All the deals above are understandably focused here in the UK for those faced with the chaos of the London tube strikes. However, if there is anything here that takes your fancy check out the deals in your region below:

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Like many, Matt began his bicycle industry journey on the spanners at his local bike shop. After spending his youth mountain biking, he was inspired to embrace gravel during his tenure with Evans Cycles' in-house brands, Pinnacle and Hoy Bikes. Recognising the evolving industry, Matt eagerly seized the chance to become an E-bike designer, winning several awards with the E-bike brand Cairn Cycles.

These days, Matt is likely to have a toddler sitting shotgun or off the beaten track somewhere on the South Downs.

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