Folding Bikes - What about this bike?

Hi all,

I am from the island nation of Singapore and folding bikes here are really rare as the population generally relies on MTBs for biking around, with a sizable section of cyclists riding roadies.

Being a student, I am quite limited in my budget and the likes of Brompton, Bike Friday and Ori bikes stay in the realms of my dreams.

I have only about USD 200-300 to spend on a foldable bike that is :

Reliable
Safe
Able to be upgraded in the future
Somewhat quality components for the price
Generally pleasant aesthetics


I know this is somewhat of a demanding list for so low a budget, but I do not have much access to money and would really like every cent to be well-spent. Due to the severe rarity of foldable riders in my country, there is almost no second-hand option.

I have listed a few locally available bikes that are in my budget.

Onipax 1600 16"
Price: USD256 or SGD350

Specs : http://www.onipax.com.tw/1601.htm

DLT Newton ( Dahon Licensed Technology ) 16"
Price : USD256 or SGD 350

Specs : http://www.speedmatrixdepot.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=popup_specifications&pID=235

Monotine JH2017 20"
Price : USD350 or SGD490

Specs : Unknown but dealer stated " Aluminium Folding Bike, Lite weight with Shimano® 6 Speed "

I really like the looks of the Monotine but it is generally out of my budget. Also, I would prefer a 20" but again most quality bikes in my budget range is of the 16" variety.

What are your suggestions?

And what about a Downtube? Forum users are very happy with Downtube bicycles and they are produced in your neighbor Malasya. Am I right boys ?!

If it's hilly in your area, I would rule out the 2nd one. Looks to be single gear.

If it's hilly in your area, I would rule out the 2nd one. Looks to be single gear.


Absolutely second that, any of the 6 gear options are much better.

Re. the Downtube it's currently made in China but marketed and distributed in the US. Some 2007 stock is sold in the UK. I do not believe shipping to Singapore would be economic, correct me if I'm wrong.

I like the Onipax. I believe its 7 speed Shimano Tourney which isn't bad. Taiwanese made bikes are normally good quality and it looks a neat folder for the money.

Hi all,

I am from the island nation of Singapore and folding bikes here are really rare as the population generally relies on MTBs for biking around, with a sizable section of cyclists riding roadies.

Being a student, I am quite limited in my budget and the likes of Brompton, Bike Friday and Ori bikes stay in the realms of my dreams.

...
What are your suggestions?

The girls & boys here are on your doorstep & are very helpful & friendly:

http://stridasingapore.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=e078cff2ca62807bf82e770d1e3c40bf&

Their groups have several makes of bicycle, & I'm sure they'd know of a suitable bicycle for your needs.

HTH.

If it's hilly in your area, I would rule out the 2nd one. Looks to be single gear.

Unfortunately (from my point of view), it's not hilly at all in Singapore.

However, if the OP decides to head to Malaysia with the folder.... :)

Much thanks for the valued input so far. I like the Onipax but am not sure of the locking mechanism as very little is known about it. Stridasingapore has great knowledge on Foldables but as I have found out, it is generally on Bromptons,Bike Fridays and Stridas which still remains elusive in terms of budgeting issues. Bromptons cost SGD1200 and above over here, which is around USD880.

Value for money bikes such as Downtube are sadly not available in my country :(. Really like the Downtube 8H!

i don't see any downtube in singapore..i've friends using onipax and they're having positive comments about it..the model R1..i think my friend paid SGD1000+ for it..maybe different models..but they look cool..have a look at the dahon easy 6+..20' 6 speed..more that enough for commuting..

The parrot reminds me a bit of the Hon solo( I really liked that concept).The best value appears to be the first bicycle.

@James H Haury: I really do like the Hon Solo concept too! Looks really sweet and vintage-y.

I have confirmed that the first bike, the Onipax 1600 is indeed sporting a Shimano Tourney. Also it has quite quality components for the price. Looks like I'll have to trek down for a test-ride.

I have searched the forums for information regarding 16" vs 20" wheels and have found out that it does not make much of difference, though the 20" wheels do indeed make a marked improvement in handling of bad road surfaces. However, being in largely urban Singapore, such surfaces are of a minority.

However, I do intend to have a comfortable and safe ride. 20" or 16" in this case?

. Some 2007 (Downtube) stock is sold in the UK.

In the next week or two (dependant upon me sorting out the pages) there will also be the current Mini and 8 speed hub gear no suspension models available in the UK. Keep checking www.velochocolate.co.uk

.....Stridasingapore has great knowledge on Foldables but as I have found out, it is generally on Bromptons,Bike Fridays and Stridas which still remains elusive in terms of budgeting issues. Bromptons cost SGD1200 and above over here, which is around USD880.

Value for money bikes such as Downtube are sadly not available in my country :(. Really like the Downtube 8H!

Well, can you not get a student discount rail ticket to a nearby country where you can buy quality bikes somewhat more cheaply than in Singapore? ;-)

I just rode the Newton you mentioned during my lunch break. Gave it a spin and it is surprisingly very pleasant. I think it has something to do with the steel. The ride is very smooth and easy, despite being a single speed. Slopes will probably pose a problem.

If you can find a Dahon Easy 6+ it goes for SGD450. No stock anymore though. That is a nice 20-inch bike to ride, 6-speeds and aluminium, comes with rack and fenders. Very good value for money.

I am tempted to get that Newton (with the Hon Solo colours) and add a Sturmey Archer 3-speed hub later hahaha!

As for 16-inch vs 20-inch, the latter has a slight advantage for longer rides, and the former is a little twitchier in handling. Both are fine for short rides. 16-inch bikes benefit from getting Big Apple-style fat tires though, as smaller wheels transmit more of the road bumpiness.

You may also wanna wait for this Aeon Shadow 6. Similar to a Helios in frame, with 6 speeds, SGD399.

If you like, you can also get the single speed 16-inch Newton and add a 3-speed Shimano or Sturmey Archer hub for not a lot of money. It'll be like a budget Dahon Curve D3.

There is always this bike http://jz88.com/jz88-blog/

edit:whoops just checked the price it's 3 times your budget!