Folding Bikes - what bike?

hi,

im new to these forums and for my first post/question is what foldable bike should i buy for around £200. I recently bought a old bickerton and this has got me interseted in foldable bikes, althought i like my bickerton i would like a newer foldable bike which is....

more stable,
goes up hills better (hilly where i live),
has more than 3 gears,
reasonably light,
durable,
folds up small,

if you could give me a list of bikes and also some pictures it would be a big help

thanks :thumb:

You could start here

http://www.foldingcyclist.com/folding-bike-buyers-guide.html

The bike you describe doesn't really exist. Especially not for 200.

well not really really light, not heavy enuf not 2 carry reasonably light if u know wat i mean, also i live in wales quite hilly lol

Would you consider second-hand bikes? A lot of folders get sold in great condition after not-much use (changing commuting circumstances being a common reason to sell on) so bargains can be had. If so you may be able to get a good deal on something like a 6-speed brompton or a mid-range Dahon (or re-badged Raleigh dahon). If it's hilly then standard folders are usually pretty good, as the gearing issues inherent with smaller wheels is usually at the top end rather than the granny gear end.

thanks for the help, and yes i would consider second hand bikes, could you give me a list of some that would be in me price range plz

thanks

I suggest looking up ebay or gumtree for any used bikes for sale.

--sam

thanks ive just looked on gumtree yesturday and ive found a dahon curve d3 for just £119 ans a mezzo for £250 would you advise me to get one?

thanks again :)

Either bike would be great. If you can, give both a test ride and make your decision based on that. I wish my local searches would turn up bikes like that.

--sam

I ride a D3 for a bike/train commute and I'm very happy with it.

The only failing of the bike is that the handlebar post only goes so high until it gets a little wobbly. I'm 5'7' and it's fine for me. How tall are you?

Edit:


has more than 3 gears

Are you aware that the D3 is a 3-speed? There's a 7-speed version of the curve. the 2009 models will be coming out soon, you might find an older model used.

i am shorter than u so i should be fine with it, i am also aware that it has 3 gears but im thinking of converting it to a geared up version how much would you advise me 2 get?

thanks again for the advice :)

A Dahon Curve SL has a 8 speed internal hub.

would a dahon curve sl be in a £200 price range?

No sorry didnt see your limit. I would get the Curve on Gumtree , that is a deal.

kk thanks for the advice :) hopefully i will like the bike (if i buy) :)

They are 349 pounds new so for 119 pounds you can always get your money back if you didnt like it.

yeah i guess that is a up-side about it but at the moment the seller isnt answering his phone :(

If it doesn't work out with the curve, the Mezzo also seems quite nice. Check out mezzobikes.com for details.

--sam

thanks again :)

althought the mezzo is still a bit out of my price range i might be able 2 stretch that far somehow :/

hi,

im new to these forums and for my first post/question is what foldable bike should i buy for around £200. I recently bought a old bickerton and this has got me interseted in foldable bikes, althought i like my bickerton i would like a newer foldable bike which is....

more stable,
goes up hills better (hilly where i live),
has more than 3 gears,
reasonably light,
durable,
folds up small,

if you could give me a list of bikes and also some pictures it would be a big help

thanks :thumb:

You can grab yourself a veritable bargain on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Downtube-IXFS-Folding-Bicycle-White-9sp-w-suspension_W0QQitemZ280242244395QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item280242244395&_trkparms=72%3A12|39%3A1|65%3A12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

This is also an easily upgradeable bike and you can add mudguards (fenders as or friends over the pond say!). See my thread:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=433020

and:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=388889&highlight=fs+downtube

the man still isnt answering his phone about the dahon maybe i should look somewhere else :( seen as i cant afford the mezzo unless i sell some things :(