wumpuslord
06-01-08, 07:15 PM
It has been a long time since I've owned a bike, but I'm looking for a folder for my work commute (about 6 blocks from parking to the building) and around campus between the parking lot and some of the labs (about a mile) without feeling like a dumbass driving 1 mile from one parking lot to the other and back. :lol: and lastly for taking with me when I fly for work to ride around the hotels (they usually only shuttle you 3 miles out, and the mall is always 3.1 miles out)
Anyway, I've been looking at Dahon, Downtube, Citizen, and Giant Halfway between 16" and 20" models.
Basically what I've looked at comes down to this:
16"
Dahon Curve D3 - Nice, small, but only 3 speed, and I don't think it has suspensions? (FYI I live in New Orleans, we refer to our potholes as tank traps)
Downtube mini 2009 - Really small, doesn't look like it has fenders, a rear rack, or a kick stand (how hard is it to get these added from the LBS, this is the correct acronym right?)
Citizen Tokyo - eh, it's cheap? I have the feeling this is a knock off of the dahon, eh, it's cheap? Anyone heard of these? No folding pedals and made of steel =(
20"
Dahon Speed D7
Downtube 2009 FS - Nice, but again no fenders, rack, kickstand etc, how hard is it to add this? And it comes in orange!
Downtube 2009 HS - Has the fenders, rack, etc stuff but I keep wondering if the rear suspension would be important.
Giant Halfway - The guy at the LBS doesn't care for the dahons, but likes this one (only model they carry in stock)
My main concerns are quality / less maint is better, compactness I'd really like to be able to pack it in a suitcase or one of those hard case padded containers and not be charged rediculous oversize fees, and the rack in the back would be nice when I have to transport stuff to my car from work (nothing in excess of 35lbs or so)
I'm about 6'1" 170lbs in terms of how the bike fits.
Can anyone give me some feedback about your personal experiences / recommendations on these bikes? Thanks in advance!
Anyway, I've been looking at Dahon, Downtube, Citizen, and Giant Halfway between 16" and 20" models.
Basically what I've looked at comes down to this:
16"
Dahon Curve D3 - Nice, small, but only 3 speed, and I don't think it has suspensions? (FYI I live in New Orleans, we refer to our potholes as tank traps)
Downtube mini 2009 - Really small, doesn't look like it has fenders, a rear rack, or a kick stand (how hard is it to get these added from the LBS, this is the correct acronym right?)
Citizen Tokyo - eh, it's cheap? I have the feeling this is a knock off of the dahon, eh, it's cheap? Anyone heard of these? No folding pedals and made of steel =(
20"
Dahon Speed D7
Downtube 2009 FS - Nice, but again no fenders, rack, kickstand etc, how hard is it to add this? And it comes in orange!
Downtube 2009 HS - Has the fenders, rack, etc stuff but I keep wondering if the rear suspension would be important.
Giant Halfway - The guy at the LBS doesn't care for the dahons, but likes this one (only model they carry in stock)
My main concerns are quality / less maint is better, compactness I'd really like to be able to pack it in a suitcase or one of those hard case padded containers and not be charged rediculous oversize fees, and the rack in the back would be nice when I have to transport stuff to my car from work (nothing in excess of 35lbs or so)
I'm about 6'1" 170lbs in terms of how the bike fits.
Can anyone give me some feedback about your personal experiences / recommendations on these bikes? Thanks in advance!