Folding Bikes - Cheap man looking for a cheap folder

Ok I know you get what you pay for- I said it so you don't have to-
BUT I am in a economical bind at the moment and am going to get a different job soon.
I'm in Philly by the Rocky steps- and am going to pedal my butt down to pens landing- 5/6 Miles away to work then back the same length or wherever I'm going after. I want a folding bike- it has to have fenders and would like a rear rack- multiple gears and would like a chain guard or atleast a lip over/around by the front "cog" and a kickstand would be nice too.
I weigh 180+ lbs. and am 6'3" - Not sure if 20" wheels are needed or not- I know they are recommended.
Now here is the part where everyone (myself included) will roll their eyes at- I only want to spend about 100 american buckaroonies to maybe 150 but really need to keep it closer to 100. I know it's a real stretch but that's what I'm working with right now and the longer I go w/o buying the freakin thing the more I have to spend in gas!:cry:
I know about www.citizenbike.com and zport folders but am not too sure if they are gonna fall apart on me. I also know that most good folders are 300+ $ usually. Should I avoid 16" wheel bikes? Is this an impossible mission? S.O.S. everyone! :)

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/743540891.html
This would be cool.

thanks- I've been checking c-list but missed this one- seems to be too many things to replace or needs to be replaced- I know I'm trying to suck blood from a stone kinda but I have faith- anyone else?

This one meets a lot of your requirements on paper, The Remix. As long as you know "you get what you pay for," this might be worth checking out:

Schwinn S2280 7 speed folding bike:

http://www.outlettrail.com/schwinn-loop-folding-bike.html


Otherwise, I think Dynocoaster has the right idea -- you can get a decent Dahon, used, for $150, maybe less; OTOH, if time is of the essence, something new (and in stock) seems like your best bet. Good luck to you!

thanks golden foldie- I'll considder it- is the rvtoyoutles folding bike crap? any other suggestions by anyone else? lock n roll bikes is the rvtoyoutlet.com bike http://www.rvtoyoutlet.com/p-RVXDF2004.html

Do you have Camping World in PA? They have some of the Dahon "Yeah" type bikes. They're typically a little heavy at around 33 lbs, but nice and cheap. And altogether decent in quality. Really the only other options are either a crappy dangerous no-name, or a used bike on craigslist.

no we don't have them- good price if you are a member- Non member is 169 plus 32 for shipping then tax- so I'm gettin over 200 right there- sorry guys- It is the cheap man thread :) it is good to keep an eye on though- looks good too. more time I'm looking the more I spend in gas- I know- anyone have any info or opinion on 16" or 20" if it's a nono for me since I'm 6'3"?

Ok I know you get what you pay for- I said it so you don't have to-
BUT I am in a economical bind at the moment and am going to get a different job soon.
I'm in Philly by the Rocky steps- and am going to pedal my butt down to pens landing- 5/6 Miles away to work then back the same length or wherever I'm going after. I want a folding bike- it has to have fenders and would like a rear rack- multiple gears and would like a chain guard or atleast a lip over/around by the front "cog" and a kickstand would be nice too.
I weigh 180+ lbs. and am 6'3" - Not sure if 20" wheels are needed or not- I know they are recommended.
Now here is the part where everyone (myself included) will roll their eyes at- I only want to spend about 100 american buckaroonies to maybe 150 but really need to keep it closer to 100. I know it's a real stretch but that's what I'm working with right now and the longer I go w/o buying the freakin thing the more I have to spend in gas!:cry:
I know about www.citizenbike.com (http://www.citizenbike.com) and zport folders but am not too sure if they are gonna fall apart on me. I also know that most good folders are 300+ $ usually. Should I avoid 16" wheel bikes? Is this an impossible mission? S.O.S. everyone! :)

I doubt the Citizen bike would fall apart, they seem OK, just very heavy but one would serve a purpose for now until you can upgrade.

Champagne taste, beer money. Options are pretty much what others have posted.

Good luck.

...anyone have any info or opinion on 16" or 20" if it's a nono for me since I'm 6'3"?

The wheel size doesn't matter too much in this question. In principle both 16" or 20" will be possible. But it may well be that a bike in question is too small because of not enough seat-stem or bar-stem adjustability.

It seems you want to do serious commuting to work each working day, so you need a reliable sturdy bike, not something that was made for "yacht owners for Sundaydrive to ice-creme-parlor". For the given $100-150 budget, I seriously recommend to look more in the $150 area and buy an (steel) second hand folder. When a used folder is on offer you can ask people here at which danger spots to look at. Good luck!

Hello Somnatash how's the new mean machine?

I'm very curious to know how you find the Pantour hub as well! :D

This is a steal and in your backyard but you are going to have to take a crowbar to that wallet.:) The Downtube 8HN for $299 in Bensalem,Pa. It will be worth it in long run, I speak from experience, and yes I have one that will be delivered tomorrow.

Why do you need a folding bike for? If you don't have to board a bus or train, then any bike should do. Even used folding bikes come at a premium but regular size bikes can be bought for a song.

I think in some urban areas Folders are selling at a premium
sure you can get a cheap one but the one's I've found are that it's been
beat to hell and neglected, definitely not rideable without some parts replacement.
I've found a new Zport folding bike in Chinatown for $138 but I've heard this
bike may need some gearing work as it's too low, not to mention the 18inch
non stardard wheels. But it's $138, that's 2 tanks of gas for an SUV or 10 Cosmos in NYC.
tip not included.
and if you need a bag for it, go to Ikea and use their giant shopping bag.

Ok I know you get what you pay for- I said it so you don't have to-
BUT I am in a economical bind at the moment and am going to get a different job soon.
I'm in Philly by the Rocky steps- and am going to pedal my butt down to pens landing- 5/6 Miles away to work then back the same length or wherever I'm going after. I want a folding bike- it has to have fenders and would like a rear rack- multiple gears and would like a chain guard or atleast a lip over/around by the front "cog" and a kickstand would be nice too.
I weigh 180+ lbs. and am 6'3" - Not sure if 20" wheels are needed or not- I know they are recommended.
Now here is the part where everyone (myself included) will roll their eyes at- I only want to spend about 100 american buckaroonies to maybe 150 but really need to keep it closer to 100. I know it's a real stretch but that's what I'm working with right now and the longer I go w/o buying the freakin thing the more I have to spend in gas!:cry:
I know about www.citizenbike.com and zport folders but am not too sure if they are gonna fall apart on me. I also know that most good folders are 300+ $ usually. Should I avoid 16" wheel bikes? Is this an impossible mission? S.O.S. everyone! :)

See if you can find one of the Strida knock-offs on eBay for that amount.

Thanks guys- I need a folder cause I don't want a bike rack for my car- my girlfriend is a DJ so if I have to go to where she is after work I can just pop it in the trunk or back- plus space is an issue @ home and I don't feel safe parking my bike outside of work for a long time (I work in a restaurant)-
The Stridas from what reviews I have seen hurt your nuts and slip all around cause of the small wheels- I am thinking about the zport- but does ANYONE know anything about the folders on rvtoyoutlet.com? Those look good too.
It is going to take me a while to get a bike- I know this and it sucks- just found out my schedule for this up coming week and it's pretty weak :( so money I could have used to get a bike now goes to food and gas n such - I know this seems pretty stupid to you guys here- but I'm in a rough money jam and is one of the reasons I want to get a bike- more I put off- the more I speng in gas- the more weak my schedule is- the less I make- so I'm trying to change jobs too. Grrrrr!

...
The Stridas from what reviews I have seen hurt your nuts and slip all around cause of the small wheels....

Not in my experience. The belt does slip a little, but it's not a problem.

You asked about
... the rvtoyoutlet.com bike http://www.rvtoyoutlet.com/p-RVXDF2004.html

Hard to say. If you can get the seat up high enough, you may be able to get by with this... for a while.... We're really not snobs here, but people who know about bikes tend to avoid the really cheap ones. My opinion is that a $300 downtube is a way better deal than any bike you can buy new for $150. If you're locked in to that budget, keep looking for a used one.

I hear ya on how commutation costs can cut into one's budget.
when I was on welfare to work, I walked instead of using the fare money given.
I'd wish more buildings are bicycle friendly. the smaller one's are but not the
large one's where one has to go through a x-ray scan on yourself and your belongings.
(airport style)
Do you see any commuters riding on folders on your route? living in the big apple
I usually see the expensive folders. I ride a $125 Gekko and it gets bad reviews
but I'm happy with it. I'm surprised the components are not that bad.
alloy rims, alloy cranks 52/13, U-brakes fr and Rr. and quick fold for us middle aged guys
bordering on a coronary. whether the bike is $100 or $300+ it's still made in one place..

the gekko looks weird but i'd ride it for a bit - only no fenders/whatever you all call them-

I found this review on it also (tell me if you found this to be true)
Gekko *From £150
We're too kind - one star is extremely generous. A good idea, but poorly executed in China, resulting in a cumbersome, heavy, over-priced folder with tiny wheels, and the rolling resistance of damp putty. We wouldn't ride this machine if it was the last bicycle on earth. Seriously, we would walk instead.
We have one road-test of the Gekko - see A to B Back Numbers (http://www.atob.org.uk/back_numbers.html)
For prices and stockists, see UK Price Tag (http://www.atob.org.uk/price_tag.html)Absolutely no redeeming features
http://www.atob.org.uk/Buyers%27_Guide.html

"The top speed of the bike without pumping the pedals like a jackrabbit in heat, is about 6-8 MPH"

This summer I'm using the Gekko to go to concerts in the parks, piers and Governors Island.
I can fold it up and get on with enjoying the show, not worrying about locking the bike.
it's about as intrusive as those folding chairs everyone brings out to the lawn.
I'm also teaching my nephews how ride on it.
and, if there's another transit strike, I'm ready. Taking it on the ferry is cool, too.
To be honest, I'm in the same boat money wise in looking for a folding bike and
was seriously going to buy the Zport locally if I couldn't find a used Dahon Boardwalk S1.
There are others here who bought some inexpensive folders but they never seem to
give a follow up report or they talk of upgrading to another folder.
I've neither have the cash nor the room for another bicycle.

TiberiusBTkirk- what about for my 10Mile commute each day- what do you think? and I'm 6'3" about 190lbs

That's true, I had to learn to slow down my cadence going from a road bike
to a tiny 12in wheeler. I only use it for five miles top on MUP going at a leisurely 5mph.
but I see other riders going the same speed as me.
Heavy? I guess that's all relative. I'm from the era if the bike is under 30lbs it's considered
light.
In our price range, it's hard to find a new reliable bicycle. all I can say is keep your eyes and
ears open for deals, CL, Goodwill, Garage sales and Pawn shops. and garbage day, I walked by
3 bikes thrown out next to the garbage yesterday. (it was the holiday so garbage had yet to
be picked up)

hmm- yeah- been checkin CL 2x a day- plus keep checking other webpages - 5mph- is that an avg speed? not sure(see signature below) would like to zip if I wanna. but I also can't be super picky- just want to have something for a little while- then upgrade- after the summe or something.

At 6'3" I would not look at those small bikes. You'll find them unridable.

yeah size is also another strike aagainst me :( citizen is lookin like it or zport but still scoping out other options-

The problem of size is not with your height, it's the size of your wallet.

No-one has mentioned a Raleigh Twenty...

With a new seat post they can accommodate people over 6 feet, have fenders, a chain guard, kickstand, and 3 speeds. You can sometimes pick them up quite cheaply in good working order and few bikes (folding or not) are any tougher.

The problem of size is not with your height, it's the size of your wallet.

^ thus the thread title- but nice stab...

Raleigh Twenty- I'll look at em thanks-
I know you guys wanna kill me or atleast stop seeing more post in this thread by me. sorry :o

^ thus the thread title- but nice stab...

Raleigh Twenty- I'll look at em thanks-
I know you guys wanna kill me or atleast stop seeing more post in this thread by me. sorry :o

Naah, we're just trying to help! Some call it 'tough love.'

You know, since you're in Philly, I suggest you go to some yard sales. Or are they called Porch Sales in Philly? Borrow a bike, or go on foot and buy the first ridable bike you see, up to about $10; now ride that up and down the streets on both trash day and weekend mornings, until you find a folding bike for sale or left out with the trash. Church rummage sales are good too. Pick up a Raleigh Twenty if you can; it's also known as a Shopper or a Folder; and they come with a bunch of different brand names, such as Phillips. But you know, see what you see, and if it looks like it'll fit you, pick it up.

West Philly --University City-- has great porch sales every weekend, I know from personal experience. Other neighborhoods, I dunno, but worth a try. It's a big town, I'm sure you'll find something!

^ thus the thread title- but nice stab...

Raleigh Twenty- I'll look at em thanks-
I know you guys wanna kill me or atleast stop seeing more post in this thread by me. sorry :o

Actually I found this post very educational. I thought everyone wanted mid range folders for entry level pricing ( entry level is $300 ). Obviously I was wrong.

I enjoy upgrading bikes ( as I do ever year ), however I will try to get some lower cost alternatives in 12-18 months. FYI prices in China are skyrocketing, I have had 5% price increases every 6 months for 2 years and just got hit with a 12-14% increase. I doubt the cheap new folders will be as cheap in the future, however I will try to add something like our 2005 front suspension model.

FYI I would not recommend a cheap new folder given your size requirement. An older steel frame folder would be your best bet.

Thanks,
Yan

I saw a Raleigh 20 on CL for $299 and it still needed some replacement parts
mainly the tires which looked all dry and splitting. But I live in NYC
and see people selling their used Folders close to new prices.
Mr. Remix, I know where you're coming from. I can't just drop $500 on an item.
it would take me a few months to save up that much so I know your $150 budget
as that was mine.
Keep looking, there's always someone moving. Someone gave me a name of a used
bicycle place in PA where ny'ers go to find cheap bikes to replace a bike that was stolen.
(we have a lot of bike thefts here) I can't seem to find the e-mail at the moment.

edit, another good thing about folders is if I move or become homeless
I don't need a large storage rental, I could rent a smaller size box.
I lost 2 great bikes because I couldn't afford to pay the storage fees,
I hope someone is enjoying my Richard Sachs and Gary Fisher Montare.
That's another place to look for stuff, Storage warehouse auction sales.

Yan, thanks for posting. I really appreciate you taking notice of this thread.

I am glad you are looking for lower cost alternatives in the next 12-18 months (to add in to line-up, not replace a line). Unfortunately, $300 to me isn't quite entry level. I do understand you get what you paid for, and it's hard to make excellent quality bike for anything less than $300. I know the current downtube lineups are an excellent value, in fact, a steal at the price/quality spectrum, however, some of us would like to get into folding bikes sooner rather than later (having to save up for it). That's why we look at the lower cost bikes.

I know that upgrading adds more cost to the bike as well as production rate increases, so it's fair that bike prices increases. I also know this makes for a better quality bike and a more plesant riding experience. But as that happens, as price slightly increases over time, some of us are left to look at other choices / brands, not because we don't want a downtube

Please don't take this as asking you to lower the price of the downtubes, I am definitely not saying that, recognizing the excellent value it already is of the current line-up. But like you say, if you can add something else to the line-up at a lower price (and understandly lower quality, but yet a safe bike to ride), I think it can help many of us starting into this world of folding bikes much more quickly, and allow us to want to save in the future to upgrade to a better quality, better component bike.

Thanks,
Great3

Remix, if you look for a Raleigh 20 or similar bike, you shouldn't have to pay more than $100 for it. If someone is asking for more than that, it better be in damned good condition. I've seen some folks attempt to charge in excess of $200 for a rusted piece of junk just because it's a "classic". Keep in mind the bike is 30+ years old and shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg.

--sam

Folks can and do spend huge amounts of coin on their Raleigh Twentys but that is not something you have to do...

If you have a nice 20 I'd consider it essential to swap the front wheel for an alloy to improve the braking and if you are taller than six feet, the steel post will need to be replaced with a longer alloy one.

I paid $40.00 each for my Phillip's Twentys and they were in very nice shape... they needed the usual tuning up, lubing, and re-greasing.

Since I have some skills I modified them both...one got a dual drive, new wheels, and some lighter bits and now lives with a friend while the other is a fixed gear conversion that I could never part with.

Despite the mods, this bike has not cost me an arm and a leg and the bang for the buck ratio is off the scale...being able to do all the work myself and having great access to parts at our co-op has helped with that.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/forrest08new2.jpg

Sixty Fiver's example is better than anything I wrote above. Nice bike, SF.

--sam

true but I don't think he's going to sell it to Mr. Remix for $150
nothing wrong with that, of course. but whatever.

Did you check out the Peugoet?

There's what look's to be a Dahon piccolo in NY's CL for $185.
don't know if that's a good price for you but that would be in my ballpark as the max.
you could get on the chinatown bus to pick it up.

Remix, I appreciate the concern about keeping to your budget; however, if you keep putting off purchasing a bike due to not finding anything around $150 and keep shelling out money for gas, you may in the end spend more for the $150 bicycle one month from now than you would have for the $300 bicycle today, and you'd have a worse bicycle to boot.

Since theft is a concern, an economical alternative to a folder may be, as others have suggested, getting a really cheap non-folding beater bike that's no one's gonna steal via CL or a yard sale.

Remix, I appreciate the concern about keeping to your budget; however, if you keep putting off purchasing a bike due to not finding anything around $150 and keep shelling out money for gas, you may in the end spend more for the $150 bicycle one month from now than you would have for the $300 bicycle today, and you'd have a worse bicycle to boot.

Since theft is a concern, an economical alternative to a folder may be, as others have suggested, getting a really cheap non-folding beater bike that's no one's gonna steal via CL or a yard sale.

I do understand this- I am in a bad $ situation- right now- many factors involved- so I have said and realize that the longer I wait the longer I have to spend more on Gas (not to mentions the new brakes I just had to buy and change out the tail lights for close to $400 (yes I know I could have bought a bike but wait for it...) when I took it into my guy for an inspection that was already 7 days past due. See I know I'm a sad case- stupid case and somethin to shake your heads at but that's how it is at the moment. Could have been 600$+ but got the guy to have a blind eye to a set of tires I will have to replace on my car. I need the car for my girlfriend's work and winter- otherwise I'd not have bought one again back in September last year. My girl is a DJ so equipment needs to be hauled- She has a bum hip/leg AND I have the restaurant job and roadie for her aswell (promotions also).

So you see it's really not as easy as one would think- my schedule has really sucked the last couple of weeks. SO... next week is supposed to be really busy which means more money but that's when a butt load of bills are due after a couple of weeks of real bad weeks (incomewise).

Great3 -thanks for your post- I think you have put into words what I have been badly babbling for awhile now. Nothing wrong with putting a "folding staring out" bike for new comers that would like to see if they are either serious enough about getting more into folders or just want to get one that doesn't fall apart for their intro th the folder world and then when they have the money or decide they lie it ad want to add more bikes or replace their "intro" bike then they can trade up/buy a serious folder. With this it might also help more people get into the market and give more people options to jump right in to the hobby/sport/life of biking with a folder. I don't think it should be something you should have to save up for to initially get into- look at mountain bikes- you can get one at a discount place like walmart or something for $80 give or take and a cruiser for $100. It doesn't really cost that much more to MAKE a folder right? If you can get something to start out in regular to classic style riding and not have to save up for it that much, why be it so for folding bikes then?

Yan- thank you (and all of you for that matter) for your postings- you are helping and I'll probably be the longest browser/preshopper on the board- :lol:

thanks guys- back to google/yahoo for cheap folders and craigslist.com/bikes in Philly :rolleyes:

PS- alot od old mobikane (pretty sure I spelled that wrong) and twenties I see on CL here are 150 the cheapest! With then saying they need a few to a bunch of things replaced! They think they are "classic" people know that others are getting more broke and sick of gas prices here in philly (all over) and think they can get away with calling rust- "Classic Rust) :roflmao2: :crash:

[I got an excuse for everything! :twitchy: ]

true but I don't think he's going to sell it to Mr. Remix for $150
nothing wrong with that, of course. but whatever.

I won't be selling this bike... when the sciatica gets really bad (like today) it's sometimes the only bike I can get a leg over, the fixed gear compensates for a leg that sometimes does not run at 100%, and that brooks is better pain relief than a bottle of painkillers.

Anyways...

Just as folders are enjoying renewed popularity, the old R20's are also getting more attention and interest and this has increased their prices a fair bit in some markets.

With that being said... they can still be found for pretty good prices if you are patient and willing to look and you don't have to convert yours into a fixed gear with a flip flop hub, run Nitto bars and a Stronglight crank, and redo the wheels and brakes.

But it is pretty nice... :D

I log a lot of miles and when I can't walk I can usually ride and this little bike was a godsend earlier in the year as it kept me rolling.

Sixty Fiver (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=101819)- nice to know that a r20 would help me out when I reach my "PRIME" :) also I did see an old 20 for 50bucks but I waited 1 day (had to go to work after I saw it up on CList- tried to get intouch with her 3X - no response- if you do put something up- be curtious and atleast let people know you sold it or what.

Sixty Fiver (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=101819)- nice to know that a r20 would help me out when I reach my "PRIME" :) also I did see an old 20 for 50bucks but I waited 1 day (had to go to work after I saw it up on CList- tried to get intouch with her 3X - no response- if you do put something up- be curtious and atleast let people know you sold it or what.


Hopefully that works out. I just got an interesting option, we had a dealer down the street from our shop 1800-Hitch-it on Frankford Ave at the City Line. They have a 2008 9 silver it didn't sell after many many months in the shop. They want me to take it back. I'd rather unload it for $199 as is with no warranty ( it is brand new and was adjusted ). email me if your interested.

FYI at 6'3" you will be too tall for it, but I think you will be too tall for most of the bikes in your budget.

Thanks,
Yan

I know that upgrading adds more cost to the bike as well as production rate increases, so it's fair that bike prices increases. I also know this makes for a better quality bike and a more plesant riding experience. But as that happens, as price slightly increases over time, some of us are left to look at other choices / brands, not because we don't want a downtube

Please don't take this as asking you to lower the price of the downtubes, I am definitely not saying that, recognizing the excellent value it already is of the current line-up. But like you say, if you can add something else to the line-up at a lower price (and understandly lower quality, but yet a safe bike to ride), I think it can help many of us starting into this world of folding bikes much more quickly, and allow us to want to save in the future to upgrade to a better quality, better component bike.

Thanks,
Great3

FYI when I said price increases I did not mean upcharges for better components. Price increases means higher cost for the same exact bike. Prices in China have been increasing at a very fast pace. I have swallowed many of the increases, however if it continues at the current rate our bikes will become much more expensive ( as will the competition ).

I never assumed anyone asked me to lower prices. I have been enlightened...there is a need for quality sub $200 folder. I will try to do it. However I will never put out crap like the current sub $200 market. ( hence it will be hard with high inflation )

Thanks,
Yan

That's a very generous offer Yan.
next time I'm getting a $400 focus group, I'm visiting you in PA.
Would a single speed folder cost more to make than a multi-speed?
The dahon S1 is right at the $200 line, well $219 here by me.

That's a very generous offer Yan.
next time I'm getting a $400 focus group, I'm visiting you in PA.
Would a single speed folder cost more to make than a multi-speed?
The dahon S1 is right at the $200 line, well $219 here by me.

I'm hardly ever in PA. A single speed wold be much cheaper, however I am not sure that I would be comfortable with that option. I fear many would buy it because it is cheap and it could ruin people's knees in hilly areas ( or very windy areas ). I have to be happy with the bikes we put out.....we want to help people, not hurt them long term.

Thanks,
Yan

I never assumed anyone asked me to lower prices. I have been enlightened...there is a need for quality sub $200 folder. I will try to do it. However I will never put out crap like the current sub $200 market. ( hence it will be hard with high inflation )

Thanks,
Yan

Yan, again, thanks for you post. I agree with you, if going sub $200 folder means putting out crap, don't do it, its not worth it. But if a quality sub $200 folder can be done, that would be great. I understand it will be hard to do with the higher inflation, and I appreciate you even trying.






I'm hardly ever in PA. A single speed wold be much cheaper, however I am not sure that I would be comfortable with that option. I fear many would buy it because it is cheap and it could ruin people's knees in hilly areas ( or very windy areas ). I have to be happy with the bikes we put out.....we want to help people, not hurt them long term.

Thanks,
Yan

Regarding the single speed, I am with you too Yan on this. In fact, I brought the dahon boardwalk s1 single speed from performance bike for only $165 a month ago, because it was cheap. I liked the bike a lot, it was definitely quality, however, I couldn't live with the single speed like I thought I did. I wanted to keep it since it was such a cheap quality folder, but in the end, I ended up returning it. This is a case in point of people wanting to get into folding bike but not knowing exactly what they need. I made that mistake already.

At the end, I concluded I needed to spend $300-$400 to get what I really wanted/needed, basically increase my budget by double, but I am sure the price budget increase will be well worth it compare to the knee injury that would probably come later on when killing it with a single speed.

In fact, I just had knee surgery less than 2 weeks ago with ACL and cartiledge replacement, so I am out of biking action for a several months. But than again, I only ride for recreational enjoyment, the most being about 9 miles around the lake. But I do miss it sorely.

Thanks,
Great3

How about a 3 speed hub and a 8HN frame? Could it be done in the $250 range?

thanks yan- I ran into a roadblock- car stuff messed me up and now I have to wait again to get something- bills other expenses coming up and my schedule sucking the past couple weeks- man- trying to get a new job- Yan- how come you don't put any fenders on the bikes you sell?