Help a soon to be folding bike rider!

[DAHH]

Hi everyone, sorry if this post is similar to others but I couldn't find it

I'm 6 foot, 185 pounds

commuting in atlanta around 4 miles a day and even less if I get on Marta (buses and trains) which I'll do a few days a week. Through mostly urban streets, but some have hills.

I'll be riding to work at Grady, a hospital that is not in a very nice area, so I am thinking that a folding biike might be a better idea since leaving the bike outside isn't an option.

I'm looking to get the best bike possible. I have a 300$ gift card to amazon so if I got a bike on amazon I could spend a bit more, but my budget is around $500 but could go a little more if necessary.

I'm really not even sure where/what features I should be looking for to have a comfortable and practical commute. Any help would be much appreciated.

[SesameCrunch]

I'm the same height and weight as you. I highly recommend the Downtube Mini for your circumstance.

It's very solid, very comfy, under $500, folds small. For a 4 mile commute, you'll have lots of fun with it.

Do a search on this Forum under Downtube Mini and you'll see tons of reviews and info.

[Dynocoaster]

This is a good bike on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Dahon-Speed-7-speed-Folding-Bike-20-Blue/dp/B0018M9H80/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1211464706&sr=1-2

[DAHH]

This is a good bike on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Dahon-Speed-7-speed-Folding-Bike-20-Blue/dp/B0018M9H80/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1211464706&sr=1-2

Anyone have any thoughts on the difference between the Dahon Vitesse D7HG and the Dahon Speed D7? It looks like the Vitesse has internal gears....what is the advantage of that? also if Anyone 6 foot or taller ride either of these bikes I'd appreciate any riding-comfort comparisons. Thanks.

[snafu21]

I got a Speed D7 and I'm 6'. Fits ok. Don't know about the Vitesse, but the D7 is an excellent bike. About the only upgrade you'll 'need' are Big Apple tires, which give the bike a great ride and an element of suspension. Seven gears on the twist grip are ok. Folding is easy, takes about 30 secs or so, bike is relatively heavy at 11 Kg, whatever that is in American. Bike tough enough for packed dirt paths. It fits easily in almost any car if you need to move it around. Ok on trains and buses if you don't have to carry it too far.

Love mine - also have a more expensive fast road bike, but the D7 is good enough for me to want to keep it. Dérailleur system just no problem. I don't know whether I'd spring for a hub gear, but it's your call.

Rear rack and fenders make it a great daily ride.