Hey guys and gals, I just found this forum and it looks great. I couldn't find a "newbie" thread for folders so I figured I would start one.



I live in Illinois, where there are no hills and I am interested in a bike thats portable(means I dont need too many gears). I will ride it in the rain and snow.

Where do I start my research? I don't really know the names of companies or review sites or anything that will get me started.

What should I look for? Where should I look for it?

Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

Some web pages to get you started:

http://www.foldsoc.co.uk/ (check the links on "choosing a folder" and "test reports")
http://tinyurl.com/7e52x The negative review of Merc has gotten a lot of negative comment on this forum. Other than that, not much to argue with, except that some info may be outdated.

http://tinyurl.com/sxjfj Brompton is a major folding bicycle maker. They offer their own list of different brands.

Some web pages for different brands of folders. There are other brands worth considering, but I'd suggest starting by looking at these.

Dahon:http://dahon.com/
Downtube:http://downtube.com/catalog/
Brompton:http://www.bromptonbicycle.co.uk/
Bike Friday:http://bikefriday.com/
Xootr/Swift: http://xootr.com/xootr/swift/bikes.shtml

I'm not making any other recommendations at this point. A lot depends on how you want to ride, how you plan to use the folding function, how much you're willing to spend, etc.

good start

tell us what you would like... how much money you want to spend ...are you gonna use the bike as a commuter ( ride.... fold for train ..unfold ride to work , fold and stow and than reversed in the evening... or do you want to carry the folded bike in your car and make small trips from the trunk of your car ...

etc

Thor

I'd suggest buying a Downtube (any flavor) or a cheap Dahon (like a Boardwalk with derailleur). Ride either one of these for a 6 months to a year and then buy what you might like better. That way if you don't like a folder you haven't lost much money. Either of these bike would be a great beginner option and they will set you back around $300.

If you need something with a smaller folded size then you'll have to look to either a Merc or Brompton which will be at least twice as much if you buy new.

You will find as many opinions here as there are types of bikes. It is really difficult to find a "bad" folder unless you buy some off-brand nobody has heard of here. Additionally most of them will work well for you if you are not too tall or too short. If you are 5'3"=6'3" you shouldn't have any difficulty finding a bike that will fit you well.

Thanks for the quick responses! I will be using it to ride to work and to school once school starts.


edit-I am rethinking the need for a folder. I might go a different route

thanks anyways

Check out Chop's site (http://www.long-john.com/pagefoldlinks.htm) it has THE most comprehensive list of folding bike resources. I'd also Add Strida (http://www.strida.com/) to the low cost list $300, and second Brompton (http://www.bromptonbicycle.co.uk/) in the higher cost $600+ list. These 2 choices are particularly good if you need to take your bike on public transport, or where space is tight. I have been alternating my commute into London for several years on these and they have been perfect.

I'd suggest talking to your local Bike shop. Tell them what you want to do, how much you have to spend, then listen. :D

See AtoB (http://www.atob.org.uk/sitemap.htm)
Small wheel bikes dont work so well in snow.
Why do you need a folder? They can be used for compact storage at home or work, travel by car/air or daily commutes using bike/transit system combinations. The rideability/foldability varies widely so you need to chose which.
Bromprons are the best foldable bikes. Bike Fridays and Moultons are the best ridable takedown bikes but not quick folders. In between are a range of machines such as Dahons which ride OK and fold OK.

Where in Illinois are you? It is easier to recommend an LBS if we know where you are.
Kenal0

You could get a cheap used steel frame bike that was top notch in it's day and make it portable (and expensive) by hacking it. Sandsmachine.com

If storage is a problem a good cheap used bike can be chained outside without you crying too much if it is stolen.