Folding Bikes - First folder: Swift, Downtube, or other?

Hello,
This will be my first post after scouring the pages of this very informative forum. I am looking for advice regarding my first purchase of a folder. My details are as follows: 6'3" 185lbs. with 34" inseam. I live and work in south Orange County, California where the terrain is fairly hilly, but there isn't much "weather" to contend with. I'm looking for a bike to use on my commute as well as for fun riding with the kids, etc. I live only seven miles from work and currently ride the bus having (finally) kicked the car habit a little while ago. Right now I walk a fairly flat mile to the bus stop and get dropped off just a couple blocks from the office. I thought about getting a full sized bike as the bus has a bike rack, but sometimes it's full, and I don't want to be stuck in the position of having to wait for another bus as they only run every 45 minutes. At this point I don't really want to ride all the way to work either as it's pretty much up hill all the way (except for a big down at the end). I do plan on riding home as much as possible as there is only the one big hill to contend with. I've called the Orange County Transportation Authority and they told me folding bikes are allowed on buses as long as they aren't "in the way" and with what I've learned here and around the 'net I'm sure a folder will work for me. I've kind of narrowed my choices down to the Swift and the Downtube based on the affordability and reported good quality of both, not to mention the liberal 30 day return policy. If any of you have recommendations I would tremendously appreciate them.

As I can see it the advantage of the Swift is in better fit for my size, stiffer frame, great hill climbing and more of a big bike feel. The DT advantages seem to be in price and smaller fold. Thank you so much for any help you can give me on this matter.

Erik

One of the Downtube 20" bikes has a higher seat tube than the others and would be better for tall riders. I think the full suspension model. But others will probably be able to verify.

I only rode the Swift twice. It does fold quick but it isn't a compact fold.

My advice: If you are going to stick with multi-modal commuting--and doing it often--stick with the more compact fold. Otherwise, go with the Swift.

By the way, don't forget the cost of accessories.

-G

I've kind of narrowed my choices down to the Swift and the Downtube based on the affordability and reported good quality of both, not to mention the liberal 30 day return policy. If any of you have recommendations I would tremendously appreciate them.


If you are serious about focusing on the multimode transportation aspect, and maybe the occasional ride with the kids, then it's all about the fold. I know, I know, you've narrowed it down already, but going down to one of the folders with 16 inch wheels would make for a more compact folded package. There are 16 inch entries from Dahon, Downtube, Brompton, ...

I've only had any real experience with the Brompton line. They fold wonderfully small and ride well enough for your needs.

Speedo

If you are serious about focusing on the multimode transportation aspect ... then it's all about the fold. ... going down to one of the folders with 16 inch wheels would make for a more compact folded package. ...

I second that, assuming the saddle height works for you. That's going to be the crucial factor.

I second that, assuming the saddle height works for you. That's going to be the crucial factor.

+1. Fortunately both the Brompton and Dahon models have a telescoping seatpost option. I have a 36" inseam and the telescoping seatpost on the Brompton worked for me.

I've narrowed, but by no means have decided :)

I hadn't really considered the 16" wheels because of the hills around here. I suppose my question is how do these guys handle hills? Thanks for the suggestions.

Erik

I hadn't really considered the 16" wheels because of the hills around here. I suppose my question is how do these guys handle hills? Bikes with 16" wheels are geared quite low, so that's not a problem. The Mini and the Curve both have rather short wheelbases; is that the problem you refer to? I would prefer a longer wheelbase, but the Mini rides okay.

I've narrowed, but by no means have decided :)

I hadn't really considered the 16" wheels because of the hills around here. I suppose my question is how do these guys handle hills?

As rhm indicates, bikes with 16" wheels will naturally have lowish gear development. Have you had a chance to ride any of these bikes? Seeing pictures, or seeing another person ride a folding bike, you mostly are struck by the fact that the bike looks "funny". Looking "funny" you assume that it will ride "funny". I've been told, by people who should know better, that my folder won't climb hills well because (insert some silly reason here.). It is worth your while to go out and ride some sample folders. Even if they aren't among your target bikes it will give you a better sense of what is, and what is not, different about a folder.

Speedo

Another thing to consider is how the bike stay together once folded (while climbing a bus, pushing it under your desk, whatever).

I suggest 16" wheels as well. Dahon or Downtube Mini (not necessarily in any order) and if your budget allows you, a Brompton.

Be aware that the Brompton is a very adictive bike, consider by some a "way of life". Some people ride them for 1200km, so it can't be a really bad ride (:) )

Good luck on your choice. Please come back and let us know what you end up with.

Hello,
This will be my first post after scouring the pages of this very informative forum. I am looking for advice regarding my first purchase of a folder. My details are as follows: 6'3" 185lbs. with 34" inseam. I live and work in south Orange County, California where the terrain is fairly hilly, but there isn't much "weather" to contend with. I'm looking for a bike to use on my commute as well as for fun riding with the kids, etc. I live only seven miles from work and currently ride the bus having (finally) kicked the car habit a little while ago. Right now I walk a fairly flat mile to the bus stop and get dropped off just a couple blocks from the office.

I've called the Orange County Transportation Authority and they told me folding bikes are allowed on buses as long as they aren't "in the way" and with what I've learned here and around the 'net I'm sure a folder will work for me.

I guess your initial journey will be riding one mile then boad the bus. In most cases, I would leave the bike on the rack unless there is a spot inside the bus you can put it. Have you searched on the bus where you intend to park your folder? I hope it's not the middle isle where everyone walks!

If there is an empty spot in those buses, any folder 16' or 20' inch will work. Since you have hills and over 6' feet tall, I would seriously look at getting a 20' inch folder. The lower gears are a must when it comes to hills unless you're a strong rider.

I doubt you'll be able to fit the bike between your legs or underneath the seat which is why the size matters when it comes to the bus. I happen to think the back of the bus is the only place you can be but if they are packed, you might have a hard time getting there. I would also get a bag to cover the bike because the bus driver may not know the rules. I would also be hesitant on lifting the bike on overhead racks because they could fall on someone.

Thanks for all of the helpful info. After considering the comments and doing a bit more research (including bring my tape measure on the bus this morning and measuring the under seat area) I went ahead and ordered the Downtube Mini. It should fit pretty well under the seat and usually the bus isn't very crowded. My hill concerns have been put to ease from reading over the DT Mini review thread. I'll probably get one of the high handlebars to compensate for my height. Can't wait for delivery and I'll post my impressions after arrival and use. Thanks again to this community.

Erik

And of course, pictures!

Imagine my delight Friday evening as we got home and my wife said "There's a box on the porch. It must by your bike." I unpacked the Downtube Mini Saturday morning and within a short while I was outside riding up and down the street with the kids. Sunday after church I went with my girls for an "adventure" on the bike path near our house. I didn't really get to test speed much as my four year old doesn't go very fast :) This morning I rode to the bus stop and had the bike folded and bagged all in about 8 minutes. Walking takes about 20 minutes. I had no problem keeping the bike between my knees on the bus. It was completely out of the way (good advice on getting the 16" wheels). The few blocks to work at the end of the line was a breeze and it probably took me longer to fold the carry bag back up than it did to finish the ride. So far my thoughts are:

I really like this bike! It's fun to ride, but points out some room for improvement in my strength and conditioning (lots of room). The bumps are noticeable and my rear end is not that used to a bike seat. At 6'3" I'm a little over the recommended height for the mini. It's not too bad, but I think I'll invest in some different handlebars to increase my reach. I'm sure I will benefit from getting the bike fine tuned at my LBS, but I don't want to give the bike up for any amount of time! On our bike trail there are some steep little entranceways to the road and I started to pull wheelies a couple of times. I'm sure I can get used to the balance and avoid this in the future.

So far I'm quite pleased. Time will tell, but I'm optimistic that this bike will serve me well. My biggest problem is that my 13 year old son is seriously eyeballing my new ride :) I'll post pics when I can. Thanks again for all of the folks who responded and everyone on this site for helping me make this decision. And thanks to Yan at Downtube for answering loads of questions and offering up plenty of advice without ever being the "pushy salesman".

Erik

Buy your 13 y/o son a DT 20" and you'll have both wheel sizes to compare. Endless fun.

That thought has certainly crossed my mind :)

That thought has certainly crossed my mind :)

Erik, congrats. My 10,12 and 14 year olds all think my 16" DaHon looks like a clown bike. At least I don't have to worry about them riding it.