Folding Bikes - BF Pocket Rocket vs. Dahon Speed Pro TT

Hello--I am in the market for a folding bike that I can take with me to the airport when I travel for work or vacation. I am a pretty strong cyclist, so I am looking for a bike which most mimics a normal road bike. Because I live in the Idaho Panhandle, it is difficult, if not impossible, for me to test ride a folder since there are not any LBS's within the general region which do not carry them in stock. This means I will probably have to purchase it on a wing and a prayer.

My primary needs on this bike are adjustability (since I would be purchasing sight unseen), compactibility to avoid airline surcharges, speed, and stiffness since I am on the bigger side (6'1, 200). My budget is around the $1000-$1200 mark. It seems that my best bets are the BF Pocket Rocket and the Dahon Speed Pro TT. Any pros or cons on either?

Hello--I am in the market for a folding bike that I can take with me to the airport when I travel for work or vacation. I am a pretty strong cyclist, so I am looking for a bike which most mimics a normal road bike. Because I live in the Idaho Panhandle, it is difficult, if not impossible, for me to test ride a folder since there are not any LBS's within the general region which do not carry them in stock. This means I will probably have to purchase it on a wing and a prayer.

My primary needs on this bike are adjustability (since I would be purchasing sight unseen), compactibility to avoid airline surcharges, speed, and stiffness since I am on the bigger side (6'1, 200). My budget is around the $1000-$1200 mark. It seems that my best bets are the BF Pocket Rocket and the Dahon Speed Pro TT. Any pros or cons on either?

I am a roadie also and bought a 20004 SpeedPro thinking it would be my "portable" roadie bike. I like the range of the DualDrive gears, and the hubs were good. It's a nice bike, but the problem is that it is heavy. Mine weighed in around 28 lbs.

I ended up selling it and buying a limited edition Dahon Helios (16.6lbs) :D.

You're not talking about this model (http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/01/review-limited.html), are you?

Just got a Pocket Rocket myself. The base model is OK, a bit heavy (steel frame), but very upgradable.

That's what I did. Currently have it setup w/ SRAM Rival and Capreo 9spd. I'm pretty happy with it.

You can see some pics here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=6186922&postcount=847).

Thought I recognized the Columbia River Bike Way in the one picture.

So, you got the $999. Basic 16-speed model? Looks like a pretty good deal.

I would go with the BF line of bikes. Even though I own three Dahons and love them, the are not made for large people.

Thought I recognized the Columbia River Bike Way in the one picture.

So, you got the $999. Basic 16-speed model? Looks like a pretty good deal.

I also bought the pocket rocket. But after upgrades the price was more like 2K. I basically upgraded the base model to a 105 componentry and a chris king headset. And right now I'm actually using it as my MAIN road bike. I sold my litespeed about a month ago. The upside of the BF is that the fit is fantastic. It feels and acts like a real road bike. The downside is the weight. I don't really notice it, but I'm just riding a wee bit slower.