Hi all! New here and new to the field of cycling enthusiasts and I need some quick help.

I'm wondering which folding bike to buy. It would mainly be for medium-short distances and/or leisure and I've checked out the Strida3 and Dahon Speed D7 and they both look so good! I like that the Strida folds up quickly and is greaseless but in the end, I'm not so sure which may be the better ride.

I have 300 to 500 to spend and I'm mainly looking for a somewhat small, lightweight foldable ride. Comfort, stability and speed are also important. Any suggestions would be very helpful!

And before I forget: 5ft 8", 140 pounds

Also what are good brands of bike helmets and locks?

I'm also wondering if there are any resources (websites?) for bike care/maintenance?

I know you guys are probably flooded with newb questions but this will help me out a bunch! I appreciate any info anyone can give me :)

You're in luck! This Saturday (if you're free) you'll have a chance to check out a multitude of brands and models.

http://www.times-up.org/foldsup.php

There's a ride at 2PM (bring a regular bike if you like, and no, it's not an endurance event.), and the festival is at 4. Show up for both, or just the main event.

If you can hold out on making up your mind for another few days, you can get firsthand experience on a whole bunch of models, even try out ones which are out of your price range.

Good luck with your purchase :)

Hmm, tough call there.... ;) I think it depends on how much you think you'll ride. The Strida uses smaller wheels and only has one gear, so I suspect that it won't be much fun on a ride longer than 10 miles or if you hit any hills. The Strida requires less maintenance (good) but if it does have a problem will be more difficult to fix (bad).

The Dahon will be a little more versatile, as it has 7 gears and more standard parts. I'm the same height as you and a little heavier, and I ride a Dahon Mariner (which is basically the same as a Speed D7). I've found it to be a very comfortable fit, even at the end of 65+ mile rides.

I'd do a test ride if you can, and allocate a little cash for the extras, like:
- a helmet (I like the Bell helmets)
- a pump with a gauge on it
- front and back lights (don't ride at night without 'em)
- a spare inner tube
- a tire lever (preferably the Crank Brothers one)
- a wedge, to go under your seat (to hold the spare tube, your keys etc)
- a water cage/bottle (I use one made by TwoFish)

Locks are all about the same quality, but bike theft is pretty bad in Manhattan. You'll be better off taking advantage of the fold, and keep the bike with you whenever possible....

My first folder is a Dahon Boardwalk (single speed) S1 converted to a 3 speed. I am not as tall or heavy as you but I stll have to have a bike that has mostly standard parts and behaves like a proper bike for possible long distances rides without using another vehicle in a multi modal sense. It works well for the terrain I ride in. The only thing that the Speed 7 and my Boardwalk needs for someone of larger height is a telescoping stem (and maybe a telescoping seatpost too). These have a 2 piece metal post with a QR latch in the center. This would greatly add to your comfort and control of the bike if you decide to go Dahon route. They are available as an add-on extra (or maybe you could get your dealer to throw it in as part of the purchase?). I cannot comment on the Strida since I never even seen one.

As for accessories, it is easy to go overboard on them. I always ask myself "do I really need this?" before purchase. Then I tend to travel light when I am out as I do not like to depend too much on public transit or others when I am out riding. I find I very rarely need most of the things recommended to buy. And it really adds weight to a bike. That is what you don't need in a folding bike. But your experiece will be different from mine. So choose carefully and for your needs.

Hi,

I just wrote on our experience shopping for a folder. You will see it in a thread on looking for a folder under $1000. (Sorry, I am not sure how to link another article with a thread)

Regarding bike maintenance, you have to read Sheldon Brown's website.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

Jim Langley's website is helpful too.

http://www.jimlangley.net/index.html

-Geof

I was able to buy a new unopened Dahon Boardwalk 7 speed for 200 USD. A very impulsive purchase on my part but I did some research and didn't want the bike to sell out either! It should arrive in 2 weeks at most I think.

I'm now worried that I might not enjoy my ride as much as I'm hoping or thinking right now.

thanks for all the links and advice everybody :). Is there anything else I should know from here on?

Strida:
Strida may not be selling in the US, check web site. A belt covered with crud will still leave a mark. Strida uses plastic gears that wear out comparitively quickly. Strida has one gear and is not meant for long rides.

chains:
Use chain wax instead of oil and you will cut down on stains. Chain wax has to be applied more often, is more expensive.

Consider Xooter swift.

In general smaller wheels behave differently than larger. Much stiffer ride, more vibrations, less comfort, but stronger and less maintenance.


bike helmets and locks?

Depends on the accident you intend to have. If you get hit in the face only a full face helmet will work.

I suggest a U + a cable lock, and take your seat with you when you chain it. Buy a downtube as it is cheap and will not hurt if stolen.

see if there is a bicycle maintenance course near you. In NYC bicycle habitat.

Strida's available (somewhat) in the US, and I believe that I've seen it advertised in several NYC stores. If you decide to go this route, you may want to join Transalt, because (last I saw) Strida gave out add-on kits for free to registered members. (think it may have included fenders, rack?)

Whoops, you already made your choice. Well, nevermind the Strida.... good luck with your bike when it arrives! Be sure to post pics

Oy! I just got back home and checked my email to find out that my order was cancelled; the seller couldn't accept my payment for some strange reason.

I plan on getting a plain helmet, maybe two locks (I'll just fold up and go if I need to get inside buildings) and/or a downtube (I still have to read more into all of this!).

I will probably purchase the Dahon Speed D7 in a couple of weeks; I'll go to some stores in the city and check them out after my finals. The Xooter Swift is definitely my ideal bike but it's waay out of my price range! I'll keep it in mind for the future though!

Does anyone else have experiences with Dahon Speed D7/mariner?

Can't thank everyone enough for the great advice!

I will be http://www.times-up.org/foldsup.php event with my dahon jack if anyone wants to test ride let me know. I have 3 folders now and am looking forward to meeting people in the city that have a common interest. See you there!

I will probably purchase the Dahon Speed D7 in a couple of weeks; I'll go to some stores in the city and check them out after my finals. The Xooter Swift is definitely my ideal bike but it's waay out of my price range! I'll keep it in mind for the future though!

Does anyone else have experiences with Dahon Speed D7/mariner? -miniboie

The Speed 7 is the basic model from Dahon, replacing it's extremely popular Boardwalk this year in North America's model line up. The Mariner D7 (I am assuming you are refering to the 20" model) is a few dollars more, but has some more rust resistant parts offered on that model. It is also a basic model. These bikes are an excellent choice for the new person entering the world of folders. They could be a launching pad to even better bikes in the future as your knowledge, needs, and desires grow for the Swift and other high end folders. You will gain confidence as you live with your new bike, experience first hand it's strengths and weaknesses, and even customize it to your liking if you so wish.

Let us know how you are getting on with your new bike just as soon as you can!

. . .The Mariner D7 (I am assuming you are refering to the 20" model) is a few dollars more, but has some more rust resistant parts offered on that model. . .

As I recall, it came out that the only part on the Mariner that was more rust resistant than the Boardwalk or other models was the chain. Different colored paint job, but otherwise identical to the Boardwalk. I agree that both it and the Speed D7 are good entry level folders, if you don't mind the fixed height handlebars.

My Dahon Speed D7 arrived yesterday!

I had it sent to my family business and after ripping open the box and having some of my biker hobbyist friends check it out, everything seems to be okay. I'm getting a check up today though at an actual bike shop.

I struggled a bit carrying and folding the Speed D7, I'm a really puny and weak dude (Trying to get fitter this summer!) and folding time and method is really bad for me right now but I hope everything gets easier soon!

No pics yet, I don't have a digital cam :(

thanks everybody!

Congrats! You'll get the hang of the folding in no time. Let us know what you think after the first ride!

I expect that NYC bike shops have more familiarity with folders than those around here but still, you might want to encourage them to check out the hinges for proper adjustment. Perhaps carry in the manual and ask for help understand that section on adjusting the hinges ... kinda gets the mechanic to read the manual without insuting him/her. Just a thought.