Commuting - Cruiser vs Foldable - Open to alternatives

Hi,
I´m new to this forum, new to commuting, actually I´m new to biking.. haven´t been on wheels for more than a half an hour in almost 15 years.

So I´m thinking on getting me a bike to go to work. Is not a long ride, but it´s very Urban with lots of cars and stop lights every block (I´m In Barcelona)
I want something comfortable for my back and easy to ride.
Of course it has to be cheap, as the bike might be sleeping outside and bike theft is very common around here.
Also keep in mind I´m 1'83 m height and I weight 110 kg...

I´ve been searching and my two main options are a Beachcruiser and a foldable.

Here are the Pros and Cons I find on each model.

FOLDABLE pros:
- Won´t have to sleep outside.
- I can also take into the office.

FOLDABLE cons:
- I think they might be too small for my size and weight.
- I´m afraid I might feel awkward, goofy and/or uncomfortable, and stop riding pretty soon.
- Good ones are expensive

CRUISER PROS:
- Big and comfortable (I´ve been on my friend's a few times and I like how they feel)
- I like the looks and "sturdyness".
- I can buy a good used one pretty cheap.


CRUISER CONS:
- Might be a little too big to maneuver on busy streets.
- Will have to sleep outside. So I´ll have to spend about half the price of the bike on locks, without guarantees of it not being stolen.


So, it´s clear I like the cruiser better, so basically it all comes down to the security of the bike, vs if a cheap foldable can handle my weight and height. (I can´t afford a Brompton. My budget is about 200 euros)

What do you suggest between these two?
Any third option?

Thanks

110 kilos is really pushing it for a folder, IMO, and probably over the official specs for a Dahon (230lbs which is < 105kg). I'm < 90kg without my backpack and such and it feels like I shouldn't weigh much more.

Cheaper folders are probably not up to your weight on rough roads. The smaller wheels are also somewhat of a challenge on uneven pavement. My wife bought a Daihon folder during cancer recovery and I gave it a little try from time to time. I was 110kg then and would not consider it for daily use. Also, when folded and placed in its sack, it is really heavy and not really all that portable. Maybe a used mtb with suitable tires would be a good choice? Can you find space for a ceiling hook in your living space???

Thanks for your answers.

Ok so it seems that I was right on the foldables not being the best for my heavy load.

Now the space problem is not just my apartment. I´m sure I could find a corner to put the bike.
But I live in a 3rd floor on a 100+ year old building without elevator and very (VERY) claustrophobic stairs..
So having to carry up and down the bike will surely put me off riding in a couple of days.

I think I might just go the Cruiser way. I really like the looks, and I want to "cruise" as comfortable as possible..
I can get a good used one for about 130 euros, steel frame, 7 gears (pretty flat around here anyway).
If this bike can´t handle my weight then I don´t know what will.

The only thing stopping me right now is that I will have to spend about 70Euros on locks, and even then I have no guarantee.. I´v read there are about 100 bikes stolen daily in this city.

My suggestion is to buy a used bike, whatever type becomes available at a good price, and use it for a while. That way you can see what works for you and what doesn't.

I ride a cruiser a lot in crowded, tight streets (beach area). I'm very comfortable on the cruiser. I think it depends on what you're used to.

Yes, a used cruiser became available at a good price.
I guess I´ll stop giving it second thoughts and just buy it.

About what I´m used to.. well I´m used to walking and riding the metro..
So I suppose I´ll get used to cruisers when I get this one.

I have an Electra Townie and a KHS Cappuccino folder. I'm 255 lbs and often carry a 30 lb backpack load. You're a lightweight! At first I was worried about the weight capacity of the folder (I don't think KHS specs it) but it's holding up fine. Of course, our weight reduces whatever margin there is, no getting around that. The rule of thumb I'd use is, look for a heavy folder. Any of them that are optimized to reduce weight probably do it by reducing the ultimate load capacity.

I like the KHS folder better than the Townie. The Townie felt more comfortable at first, but if I had it to do over, I'd get a Cannondale comfort bike or something similar. Completely upright riding posture just isn't efficient. I though I'd like it better than I do.

Well thanx everyone for your answers, but I will not be commuting to work, since I have no job.
I just got a nice "Letting me go" letter.
I was hired two months ago, and the project was cancelled. :mad:

I was itching to get on a bike, and I hate looking for a job...

:mad: :mad:

I feel like a kid that is told there will be no Xmas this year.

Some days one should not get out of bed.

With all that time you should find yourself a nice light road bike. An older style one with rack and fender fittings will also double as a utility bike. It will save you money on transport and keep you in shape.