Folding Bikes - Newbie needing opinion on folders.

Hi all.

So I'm considering buying a foldable bike for the coming school year. (This will be my first bike purchase). I won't need it for the commute to school (since my school and my apartment are right next to the metro). But, I need a bike for grocery shopping, etc. over the weekend. These places will be at most 2 - 3 miles from my apartment. I have a college student budget around $300 ( but I'm willing to spend a little more for a bike that will last longer). I would like a foldable bike that can carry the extra weight of groceries (and would also appreciate any recommendations for panniers for the bike). The area I live in is rather flat - though there are pretty badly constructed side walks.

I am 125 lbs and 5'4''.

I have been considering:

The Downtube 9 Silver - $329 ( Though I know it's a little over my budget).
http://www.downtube.com/product534.html

Dahon Boardwalk.

Which foldable bikes would you recommend for a good price?

Thank you for your suggestions! :)

In case you missed it, in the main downtube thread: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=122760&page=69

Today is the 3 year anniversary of this post, our first in bikeforums. I want to thank everyone that helped make it one of the biggest threads in the folding bike section. To help more people get on board we have created a $30 coupon for our website. Coupon code is "3" and will expire in 7 days, it is only valid for online orders.
Once again I wanted to Thank everyone for their support!
Yan

Perhaps that will help with your budget a little bit. Good Luck.

Great3

Downtube is about the cheapest multi speed bike you will get. You might consider a single speed Dahon. Beyond that all there is is used, are you a mechanic?

That's depends also where do you live, last year I bought a NEXT 6 speed folder, paid $150 canadians from Walmart., has everything you are looking for: racks, fenders and good price, for occasional usage like yours should be OK.


Regards

Where are you located?

thanks for the suggestions! I've been looking at the Downtube thread. It's soo long!

I'm not a mechanic of any sorts. :(. currently I don't have a lot of the tools either.

I go to school in Houston. It's relatively flat. So I think I should be fine with a single speed bike?

I've read that with the small wheels and position of the pedals on the foldable bikes, it's harder to use panniers with them? And also, there have been a few problems with the Dahon Boardwalk before?

I would rather have a reliable bike that would last - that I would not have too many problems with. Though I will be mostly using the bike weekly, I will be using the bike for at least two years. and bc I'm not too handy - I wouldn't want a bike that breaks down to easily.

Downtube Mini would be perfect for you except for the lack of a rack option. The Downtube 9 you are looking at is a reliable bikeand will give you a really nice ride. I'd opt for gearing rather than single speed anyday. I honestly think single speed is a budget option or something for enthusiasts.

These panniers would suit your shopping needs:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-WATERPROOF-BICYCLE-PANNIERS-BIKE-PACK-SHOPPING-BAGS_W0QQitemZ170240195016QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item170240195016&_trksid=p3286.m14.l1318