Really cheap folding bike--opinions?

[swwhite]

I am looking for a foding bicycle to use for some situations that happen only a few times a year, like times I have to take the car in for repairs and continue on to work by some other means. I found this site on the internet...

http://www.rvtoyoutlet.com/c-fun-stuff-002?gclid=CNXA2brtnY4CFSQ9IgodrC04UQ

...that is offering folding bikes for what seems like almost too little money. Although, I suppose they could be selling off inventory before winter.

I am wondering if anyone has any opinions about or knowledge of them. Would I be asking for trouble if I purchased a folding bicycle that cost so little money?

Thank you.

[JugglerDave]

Each one I click through says "backordered until Nov 1 2007". I guess that's when they get the 1 container off the ship with 50 of each bike.

I think the TOY in the url gives it away. Many of these cheap bikes are almost "aluminum foil in the shape of a bike".

Are they OK for a couple 2-mile rides around the neighborhood in a year? Possibly. But possibly it may come out of adjustment, brakes rubbing, gears not shifting, and needing $50-100 in tuneup and parts before it's really rideable.

[mulleady]

I am looking for a foding bicycle to use for some situations that happen only a few times a year, like times I have to take the car in for repairs and continue on to work by some other means.


How far would your occasional ride be to work? Do you really need a folding bike? You would be better off getting a full size budget bike for your $100 in my opinion, it's bound to be a better ride. Invariably folders below a certain price such as $200 tend to be absolute rubbish.

[thebikeguy]

Depending on how small you need it to fold to,you can find those AutoMini(folding bikes from Executive.Produced in the 70s)fairly cheap(under $50).They tend to ride more like a normal bike because of the longer wheelbase(some are Sturmey Archer 3speed equipped).A bit heavier than these newer models but at a fraction of the price.A little too bulky(folded) to carry onto a bus or train but fits in the trunk of a small car fine.Here's a pic of mine.I got it for nothing.The wheels are off of a kids bmx that I pulled out of a dumpster.
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s148/thebikeguyCCM/automini1.jpg

[willzz]

you should stay clear of those cheap no name brand folder..
they are just like the dept. store low end bikes..
i've tried a couple.. and had to sell them for real cheap to get rid of them..
also the fold is not good ..cuz they can't copy..due to patents..

[folder fanatic]

I am looking for a foding bicycle to use for some situations that happen only a few times a year, like times I have to take the car in for repairs and continue on to work by some other means. I found this site on the internet...

http://www.rvtoyoutlet.com/c-fun-stuff-002?gclid=CNXA2brtnY4CFSQ9IgodrC04UQ

...that is offering folding bikes for what seems like almost too little money. Although, I suppose they could be selling off inventory before winter.

I am wondering if anyone has any opinions about or knowledge of them. Would I be asking for trouble if I purchased a folding bicycle that cost so little money?

Thank you.

I would suggest that you focus more on features, brand reputation, and construction rather than how cheap it is. I have a series of inexpensive models featured on my web sites. Chack them out. They have been giving me years of good dependable service after I remedied the problesm that new bikes sometimes develop before their first tune-ups. Buying from a good reputable real time or on- line store that services what it sells makes all the difference even for a bike that might be only used a few times a year. You might be suprised like I was, the bikes might be used far more often than origiinally intended at purchase. Concentrate on this direction.

[NJfolder]

I bought a cheap folder and had a few initial problems with it, but it is riding fine now. I had to have it tuned up when it arrived (which you should do with any bike), but then both tires went flat because whoever assembled it didn't assemble the rubber things that go around the inside of the tire where the spokes are, so the spokes punctured the tubes. Then, also because of faulty assembly, the last 2 gears don't work and my LBS wasn't able to fix it. I've had some trouble with the back brakes rubbing as well. So even though I didn't spend much on the bike initially, I did end up putting about $90 into it after it arrived in order to make it rideable, so I didn't get that much of a deal. On the positive side, I still spent less than I would have if I had bought a folder from one of the major brands. I've taken my folder on mountain bike trails and all sorts of terrain and it's held up well. It's so convenient having a bike that I can just fold up and put in the back of my small car.

Having said this, the next time I buy a folder, I probably will buy from either Downtube or Dahon because I assume I'd get customer service and refunds if things didn't work correctly out of the box. I would also expect better quality.