best folding bike for under U$300?

[ChiapasFixed]

my friend Peter is looking to get a folding bike to commute to work in Mexico City (about 10 miles each way, big hills). His budget is 300 united states dollars, what do you folks recommend?

[GreenGrasshoppr]

probably a used bicycle...

[invisiblehand]

used bike and carry a big lock.

[Dahon.Steve]

my friend Peter is looking to get a folding bike to commute to work in Mexico City (about 10 miles each way, big hills). His budget is 300 united states dollars, what do you folks recommend?

A folding bike to commute 10 miles? Will he be using it in conjunction with a bus or train? If he doesn't have to fold the bike, why bother getting a folder?

[ChiapasFixed]

he will also use the bike to go on the subway, buses, ocasional taxi. mexico city is a very big place (30 million+), so folding is important if you want to be able to get to faraway places and be able to use your bike. 10 miles is just the distance from his home (he actually rents form me) to his workplace.
maybe 300 buck is unrealistic for a good folder? it seems to me like he should be able to find something.

[DVC45]

Downtube!
-------------------->

[duke_of_hazard]

I paid $320 for my Dahon D7. I commute with it 12 miles each way. I have put on 500 miles on it, and have no complaints!

[invisiblehand]

maybe 300 buck is unrealistic for a good folder? it seems to me like he should be able to find something.

Depends on whether the $300 is a hard constraint or not. For instance, can he spend $320 on a Downtube? Does the $300 include accessories and such?

[folder fanatic]

Nothing too fancy and limit the bling look and I think he will do fine anywhere.

[WorldPax]

A stolen Bike Friday.

[geo8rge]

Single speed, Dahon. My guess is your friend might not miss the extra gears. How young and fit is the individual?

http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm/Outdoor-and-RV-Accessories/Outdoor-Store/Bikes--Accessories/DAHON-Folding-Bikes/skunum=18015

or maybe

http://www.amazon.com/Kent-Ultra-Magnesium-Compact-Folding/dp/B000H6G146

Kent seems to have a no name parts package. search forum for past discussions.

[vik]

Single speed, Dahon. My guess is your friend might not miss the extra gears. How hilly is it? How young and fit is the individual?

my friend Peter is looking to get a folding bike to commute to work in Mexico City (about 10 miles each way, big hills).

You should be able to get a used Dahon (http://www.dahon.com/) for under $300 and a Downtube (http://www.downtube.com/) as well. In a big city a used bike may be better as it will attract less attention.

[Foldable Two]

Amazon has a number of makes that would meet your price point. However, the used bike idea (better bikes to boot - might be a good one.

[jerryt]

I'm totally ignorant of folders but I'm shopping for one in this price range. Does anyone have any experience or opinions about the KHS folders. I believe there are 2 of them offered this year and shown at this website
http://khsbicycles.com/09_folding_specialty_series_08.htm

[folder fanatic]

You should be able to get a used Dahon (http://www.dahon.com/) for under $300 and a Downtube (http://www.downtube.com/) as well. In a big city a used bike may be better as it will attract less attention.

Not here in Los Angeles, Vik. People are so desperate for anything in rideable condition (not top level, but just able to ride around on), they will walk off or attempt to steal anything with wheels on it. I have to give up the last of my old purchased used bike (http://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/338611633/in/set-72157594461421431/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/world-of-folding-bicycles/338611633/in/set-72157594461421431/)) and go exclusively to my folding bikes now. And even then, there is no garentee of not being bothered by the desperate hoard here.