Old 07-16-07, 11:33 AM
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pm124
Car free since 1995
 
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: NYC
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Bikes: M5 Carbon High Racer, Trek Emonda SL6

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1.) I've been browsing threads and it seems that air-travel with a folding bike isn't really feasible considering luggage size and weight restrictions. Can anyone actually say that they have managed to really travel easily with a folding bike through an airport in the states? (easily is defined by not having to take the bike apart, argue with the baggage people, pay additional fees, or leave everything but the bike at home)

Yes, my Birdy only requires the wheels and one pedal to be removed in order for it to fit in a 29" suitcase. A Brompton or a Curve should be even easier.

2.) I'm used to 700C wheels. How much will the ride degrade on 20 or 16 inch wheeled bikes?

On a good folder? Not at all. On a crappy folder? A fair amount. I much prefer my Birdy over comparably equipped road bikes (Shimano 105/Ultegra), and wouldn't want to do a century on anything else. I found the Mu SL to ride a bit hard with the same tires (Schwalbe Stelvios). 70 miles on that sucker and I was dust. The one Bike Friday I tried also produced a very good ride...something like a road bike.

3.) Please recommend specific bikes. I'm budgeting about $400 including setup, delivery, and accessories. A bit more than $400 is OK if you don't think I can meet my needs for that
My Needs:
-Has to look good enough that a 26 year old woman would not mind being seen on it .
-Must include rack, fenders, and some sort of chainguard
-Must have high-quality tires with some sort of flat protection, I don't want to have to spend $70 replacing junk stock tires
-Must be decent quality
-Will be ridden on bike paths and slowish streets with only a handful of easy hills.
-Must fit in the trunk of a compact car (ford escort)
-Should be easy to get parts/service at any LBS
-I'm a fan of suspension seatposts, but not a deal-breaker
-I'm guessing that any stock saddle will stink, but a decent saddle would be a plus

If you aren't flying with it, get a well used Swift or Bike Friday. If you are flying with it, a Birdy. There is a Birdy on eBay now (no relation) that has ironically been partially consumed by a bird. It looks to be a 1990s era 21 speed, which is light but does not have luggage capacity like modern ones. I think the older ones have various other problems, such as rattles. Probably the Swift and Bike Friday will also have trouble fitting in the trunk of your car.

4.) Let me know if you think I should get a folder at all, or just buy a $350 comfort/recreational bike for her to ride. I'd get gift points for that anyhow.[/quote]
If you are flying with it, you don't want a full size comfort bike. If you are putting it in your car, it depends on your desire to have racks.

Incidentally, it sounds like you are planning on making off with this bike yourself. If it's really just for her, the Dahon Curve D3 is probably the ideal bike. But if it's for you, you probably want something nicer. I'm just saying!
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