Framebuilders - Worksman Folding Bike FMB for a newbie?

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jogo76
06-14-08, 10:04 PM
I've been looking at folding bikes for a few weeks. I would like a cheap bike that I can fit in the trunk of my car. I don't need a bike to commute, just would like the convenience of having one handy when I'm out and about. (I live in Austin but am not a regular biker.)

Found a Worksman Single Speed Folding Bike by Worksman Cycles on craigslist. CHEAP, only $75. Any ideas about the quality of this bike? I can probably handle the single speed as this isn't going to be a bike for long treks. It has kickback brakes which might be bothersome. I'm going to "test ride" this bike on Monday. What should I look for in this ride to determine if this bike is good for me? (I'm 5'7", 160 lbs.)

Thanks for your help.

Steve

jogo76
06-14-08, 10:13 PM
My bad, not sure how this was posted in this forum.
StephenH
06-14-08, 10:26 PM
Maybe a mod can move it to the Folder Forum.

What to look for: Reasonable fit for your size. And, once folded, how easy is it to lift to trunk level. I think one reason it is cheap is that it isn't light.

I've got a couple of Worksman bikes, not the folder, though. Quality is okay, but they tend to be low-tech items, more in line with balloon-tire-Schwinns than with multispeed road bikes. If that's what you want, they're fine.

As to the single speed- I think of Austin as "hilly". If it's reasonably flat where you'll be riding, fine. If it's hilly, the single speed will be hard to deal with- and the less fit you are, or the less used to riding the bike, the more it will bother you.