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View Full Version : Smal Budget, New to Folding Bikes, Need advice, same old same old!




3arthb3nd3r
06-20-08, 06:00 PM
Hello, I'm new on the site.
My story is, I just got a job (all uphill!), and am going to college next year so I decided to look into modes of transportation that don't cost thousands of dollars, then $4 every 20 miles. Electric scooters have to be registered (and insured) and don't fair in the rain, and skateboarding is hopeless so I looked into bikes. I don't have one of my own as i grew out of my last one and it's now my sisters -- I use my stepdad's at the moment but i can't take it to school.
All my friends at my college say that bike parts get stolen frequently, as there are bikes without seats much of the time on campus. I thought a folding bike would be good because 1. who wants to steal a small pile of bike parts that's been locked up, and 2. I can take it into buildings with me and into my dorm, if need be. The city is withing 15 minutes' walking distance (Ohioans measure distance in minutes :P) so that's not an awful ride, and cars aren't necessity on campus.

I need help picking out a folding bike. I don't really want to spend more than $300, as I said, I'll be a poor college kid next year and haven't started work yet.
So far, i've seriously looked at three models:

The Kent UltraLite
http://ridethisbike.com/products/Kent/folding-bike-Ultralite-6.htm

DownTube IX
http://www.downtube.com/product534.html

Citizen Miami
http://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.asp?product_category_id=1&product_id=1

Can you tell me from experience how these bikes hold up? Or, if there are any other folders (or regular bikes, for that matter. I don't know anything about bikes at all!) please suggest them to me! I want something that will hold up in all weather decently, something relatively light, and something that won't be harder to pedal and might be relatively comfortable. I tried looking for myself, but I have no idea where to start and you seem like pros on here!
Thank you so much!

Iain
06-20-08, 07:13 PM
I would not recommend the Kent folder I got one for my grandaughter and she did not like it. It sits in the attic, she prefers the Dahon.

Foldable Two
06-20-08, 08:23 PM
There are three Dahons in your price range.

Take a look at the Camping World web site:
http://tinyurl.com/655efv

If things are flat around campus, the single speed will work just fine. (I use one to ride to the store and I am 65.) Otherwise the Yeah Bike or the 7-speed will be a good choice.

There is a Camping World just South of Akron.

Dynocoaster
06-20-08, 09:38 PM
I would go with Downtube

folder fanatic
06-21-08, 08:54 AM
There are three Dahons in your price range.

Take a look at the Camping World web site:
http://tinyurl.com/655efv

If things are flat around campus, the single speed will work just fine. (I use one to ride to the store and I am 65.) Otherwise the Yeah Bike or the 7-speed will be a good choice.

There is a Camping World just South of Akron.

Agreed about the Boardwalk S1 (single speed). The only bad thing about single speeds are that you might have to walk it up the hill! And the 2008 model is out now as far as I know.