Folding Bikes - Opinions on these folders?

Hi all. Brand new to this and only just getting used to the lingo.

Any user reviews or opinions on the following three cheapy folders (especially the "Yeah" models)? Which do you feel has the better engineering / quality?


http://www.bicyclestore.com.au/files/master/ProductDetailImages/d_4934.jpg
"Yeah" YPYA410 - $395
http://www.bicyclestore.com.au/Yeah-YPYA410-14-Single-Speed-Alluminium-Folding-Bike-pr-22712.html


http://www.bicyclestore.com.au/files/master/ProductDetailImages/d_3131.jpg
"Yeah" HT010 - $355
http://www.bicyclestore.com.au/Yeah-HT010-Folding-Bike-20--pr-21624.html


http://www.bicyclestore.com.au/files/master/ProductDetailImages/d_4548.jpg
Dahon-Eco - $455
http://www.bicyclestore.com.au/Dahon-Eco-Folding-20-Bike-pr-22446.html


Failing all that - can anyone suggest a sub $500 (better yet, sub $400) folder available in Australia? Ideally, I'd like something with at least 2 or 3 gears, as I would intend this thing to be my main bike. Doesn't need to be wheelable when folded (thought that would be very, very nice: oh if the Strida's were cheaper :(, but the more compact the better.

I can't speak to the quality of Yeah bikes, but the three bikes you've posted are very different from each other & which you choose would depend on what you wanted to do with them. The first two appear to be single speeds. Also, the first has tiny wheels - maybe an odd 14", if I'm reading the description correctly.

So, what do you want to do with your bike?

I wonder if that first one is really 14". Looks more like the standard 16". If so, then tyre choices are good. I'm not sure how freely 14" tyres are available. It might be a good idea to call the shop and enquire about the tyre sidewall size markings to make sure. It is a mighty cute bike for sure. Spend a bit on it and convert it to 3 speed and you have a Dahon Curve (see below) for much less.

Like the other Yeah products, they are made at the same factory as regular Dahons, and in fact are marketed in China under the Dahon name. The frames are roughly the same quality as the Dahons. Crucially, the steering riser is the older style Dahon which is made from steel and has a much safer and robust folding locking mechanism than the Dahons. I have a Yeah which is closely based on the Dahon Helios but with the better steel steerer. It came with rock bottom componentry which I have upgraded to a much higher quality level, and my wife toured Tasmania on it (see linky in sig).

That first one seems based on the Dahon Curve (which is a 3 speed model) but with slightly simpler straight main tubes.

You need to first spell out what your aims for the bike are before we can make a recommendation.

Oh, and welcome to the folder subforum! We are a friendly bunch.

jur from Melbourne

Hi guys and thanks for the welcome Basically looking to use it to travel from home to city, then onto train.
Maybe occasionally go for a longer ride. May tote a bag on it upto 5kg

Nothing over 10-15km at *most* (the longer ride I alluded to above) and most likely under that (2-3km).

Beyond that, my main interest is getting one of these onto and off of buses discretely. Trains are usually no
problem, but buses may be. So need something that can bundle up into the size of a large backback or so.

Just read your post a bit better. It seems you want a few gears and want this bike to be your main one. Well unless you can tinker and upgrade, I would steer clear of the first 14" one (having looked again I think it may be 14" after all).

The Dahon Eco seems the best choice of the lot. It has the identical componentry my Wife's Yeah came with, including the steel steerer with safer lock.

Hi guys and thanks for the welcome Basically looking to use it to travel from home to city, then onto train.
Maybe occasionally go for a longer ride. May tote a bag on it upto 5kg

Nothing over 10-15km at *most* (the longer ride I alluded to above) and most likely under that (2-3km).

Beyond that, my main interest is getting one of these onto and off of buses discretely. Trains are usually no
problem, but buses may be. So need something that can bundle up into the size of a large backback or so.

You could also look at the 16" Yeah. It would fold smaller than the Eco.

http://www.bicyclestore.com.au/files/master/ProductDetailImages/d_4935.jpg

http://www.bicyclestore.com.au/files/master/ProductDetailImages/d_3131.jpg
"Yeah" HT010 - $355
http://www.bicyclestore.com.au/Yeah-HT010-Folding-Bike-20--pr-21624.html



This bike is identical to my 2005 Dahon Single-Speed, with exception of some the black parts that are silver on mine.

It is a great bike for flat rides - I've done 20 miles on mine - but I also have a Bike Friday NWT for longer and hillier rides. I use the my Dahon to go to the store because I don't mind locking it to the bike rack.

Must say though, I have gone to foam hand grips, short bar ends, 1.75" Tioga Pool Comp tires and a Thudbuster seat post (added after the first picture was taken) to increase comfort.

Any comments on this (Shimano metro) - for some reason the search function isn't working here today


http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-SHIMANO-METRO-FOLDING-BICYCLE-BIKE-20-6-GEAR_W0QQitemZ220189708567QQihZ012QQcategoryZ2904QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Where is the 16" Yeah available I haven't seen it on ebay

PS I meant available is the 16" yeah available in the US?

I would go with the dahon eco it will probably be lighter and will be made of better materials if you want single speed look into getting a Dahon boardwalk check into camping world they have an online store and sometimes run specials on folders.

The problem with cheapy bikes is the hubs & BB. They need to be overhauled more often and are damaged more easily. see parktools.com for details.

When you buy one you might educate yourself about wheels. Look over eBay and other sites for used wheels with high quality hubs.

The fenders on the first bike do not seem like they will work