Folding Bikes - Analysis Paralysis! Help Please.

Looks like I need a new folder. I know all the details of the available bikes, but I find that I'm having a hard time coming to a decision. I have the dreaded analysis paralysis. I come here seeking help.


I'm 6', 230 lbs. I'm in decent shape, but I will be losing some weight. For now I need a bike that can handle that weight.
I also need a bike that can handle multi-modal commuting and multiple fold/unfolds in a given day.
I have no preference between 16" or 20". Folded size is nice, but not important.
I'm not a roadie or tourer. I mostly do some casual riding with my wife when I'm not commuting.
My easy budget is $500. My "this could hurt a bit" budget is $1000.


Thanks for your help in this trying time. ;)
--sam

How small do you need it to fold? The Swift I've been riding for about a month suits your requirements, but it's not a teeny-folding bike. More a fit-in-a-car-trunk kind of thing.

Looks like I need a new folder. I know all the details of the available bikes, but I find that I'm having a hard time coming to a decision. I have the dreaded analysis paralysis....
Have you, despite the specs in your head said "bäh, not that one" to a special folder?

I say Downtube Mini 2009!

How small do you need it to fold? The Swift I've been riding for about a month suits your requirements, but it's not a teeny-folding bike. More a fit-in-a-car-trunk kind of thing.

I do need to ride on the subway during rush hour sometimes. I think the folded size of the Swift might be too big for this.


Have you, despite the specs in your head said "bäh, not that one" to a special folder?

I haven't ruled out anything out. One concern I have is the maximum rider weight that many folders have. I'm above the maximum weight of most of the available folders and I wonder if it will cause problems.


I say Downtube Mini 2009!

The Mini isn't designed for people of my weight. Max weight is 215 lbs. I weigh 230, plus I also use a backpack for an additional 10 lbs. I've seen Sammyboy's pictures of his weighed down Mini, but I have doubts about the bike handling that kind of load on a regular basis.

I do need to ride on the subway during rush hour sometimes. I think the folded size of the Swift might be too big for this.

I would take it on the subway during rush hour if I had to, but it wouldn't be my favorite thing to do.

On the subway ... then I guess you can get a tikit. Just make sure you tell them your weight requirements.

I would agree - that Lalato may be at the boundary of what is doable not just on a mini, maybe, but on a 16" wheeler, weightwise. I speak from experience here, after having worked with a merc (bromclone) for a while now and still not being sure that I am not just to heavy for it..... And even multimode aint easy if you have to carry the thing, as I do from one side of a huge rail station to another to get a connecting train.

A mini might be different, but I wouldn't buy without trying, to be sure. I had a downtube half suspension, though, on 20", and that was absolutely fine at a similar loading. But the dilemma then is the fold. Try a birdy, secondhand ?

What I am also wondering is whether to renovate two old sized clunkers, and ride one to the station at the start of the journey and keep one at the station at the other, locked, and if they get stolen they get stolen, kind of thing....

I would take it on the subway during rush hour if I had to, but it wouldn't be my favorite thing to do.

Here in Chicago they won't even let on the platform unless the bike is folded. The concern with the Swift is that the folded package is so large that they'll just balk at having me on the platform and I'll have to wait until after 6pm to ride the trains. It would make me late to some things. That's not the end of the world, but certainly not my preference.


On the subway ... then I guess you can get a tikit. Just make sure you tell them your weight requirements.

The Tikit is definitely under consideration. The problem is that a Tikit with what I would want is in the painful to my wallet zone. If it ends up being THE bike that I should get above all others, then I would probably find a way to scrape together the cash, but it won't be pretty.


A mini might be different, but I wouldn't buy without trying, to be sure. I had a downtube half suspension, though, on 20", and that was absolutely fine at a similar loading. But the dilemma then is the fold. Try a birdy, secondhand ?

What I am also wondering is whether to renovate two old sized clunkers, and ride one to the station at the start of the journey and keep one at the station at the other, locked, and if they get stolen they get stolen, kind of thing....

A second hand birdy would be awesome, but finding one is the real problem there. I've scoured the interwebs to no avail. A second hand large Tikit would be great too. I've seen a few, but only on craigslist where the seller wanted only local pickup. Oh well.

I too have considered just getting two junker bikes as you describe, Gus. The main concern there isn't so much whether one gets stolen... it's what do you do when you arrive at the station and your bike is gone? Walking is always an option, but certainly nowhere near as fun as riding. ;)

--sam

Here in Chicago they won't even let on the platform unless the bike is folded. The concern with the Swift is that the folded package is so large that they'll just balk at having me on the platform and I'll have to wait until after 6pm to ride the trains. It would make me late to some things. That's not the end of the world, but certainly not my preference.

Yeah. Too bad; the Swift sounds good for everything else you needed.

The reinforced Tikit somebody suggested could do what you need, but my unsolicited advice is that you make sure to ride one first.

Yeah. Too bad; the Swift sounds good for everything else you needed.

The reinforced Tikit somebody suggested could do what you need, but my unsolicited advice is that you make sure to ride one first.

Yeah... if the Swift folded a little smaller, it would be perfect. I'm going to finally test ride a Tikit this week, probably tomorrow.

--sam

Yeah... if the Swift folded a little smaller, it would be perfect. I'm going to finally test ride a Tikit this week, probably tomorrow.

--sam

Make sure the Tikit you test ride has the newer style stem and cable system (unless you test ride a Model T version). You can tell the difference by looking at the cables. The newer style has one thicker cable, while the older one has two parallel cables.

I test rode a Tikit, but they only had the old style stem and cable system. It was definitely flexy and loose. The rest of the bike, however, rode extremely well. Way, way better than my Giant Halfway.

In looking at the Bike Friday Tikit... I think that for me, the Model T might be better. The simpler design means you never have to worry about that cable going wonky on you.

I also had a chance to test ride a Brompton M3L. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I found the ride to be good. The gearing is surprisingly pretty wide for a 3 speed bike. The ride is a little bouncy though, and I'm not sure I like that. I would also need the taller seat post as the standard one felt way too short.

I would say between the two bikes it's a virtual tie... Both bikes seem well put together (except the old style stem on the Tikit). They both ride well overall (with the Brompton having the bouncy issue which is honestly minor for me).

I declined to ride a Birdy as it was well beyond my price range. I also declined to ride a Dahon Curve as I am above the weight limit. They had a Mu SL which I now wish I would have taken for spin, but I can do that some other time I guess. They didn't have any other Dahons on display or I would have test rode one for sure.

All in all, I would definitely buy a bike from Rapid Transit... and if I decide on one of the ones they carry, they'll definitely get the sale. Very friendly... and knowledgeable. The bonus is that if you buy $1000+ bike from them you get 2 years of service for free.

Wish I had a chance to see a Swift in person to really judge how big the folded size is. It appears enormous in pictures, but it's really hard to judge it. Would be nice to find a pic of a folded Swift with a folded Dahon or other 20" folder.

Anyway... the most important thing to note is that I'm driving to work these last few weeks... and it really bites! :(

--sam

I do need to ride on the subway during rush hour sometimes.
I do trust this isn't on the third rail... Oh I guess with rubber tyres you'd be ok. Most people wait for the train before heading off down the tunnels! :)

Oh I guess with rubber tyres you'd be ok

The lycra-clad bodies scattered through the New York subway system bear mute testimony to two facts:

1. Modern tires are made of synthetic rubber, which conducts electricity.
2. New Yorkers don't read the Thursday Science Times as much as they used to.

Wish I had a chance to see a Swift in person to really judge how big the folded size is. It appears enormous in pictures, but it's really hard to judge it.

I have a Swift and a tape measure, if you need something besides the published specs.

What size Tikit did you ride?

What size Tikit did you ride?

It was a Large. Other than the steering flex, it felt really good. I could tell that if the steering flex issue were fixed, it would actually ride better than the Brompton (with or without the bouncy effect).

The only thing I didn't like about the Large Tikit is that when folded, it wouldn't sit properly on its peg. It just fell over. I wonder if newer models have a slightly longer peg/stand for it as that was pretty annoying.

The Bike Friday didn't have any accessories and felt slightly lighter than the Brompton (also sans accessories), despite being the "Large".


=noteon]I have a Swift and a tape measure, if you need something besides the published specs.

I didn't find published specs. I'll look again... I guess I must have missed them.

--sam

I have to say the Tikit is a fine bike. However for multi-mode commuting the Brompton is very hard to beat. I've had one for 3 months now and think it is a fantastic bike. The only issue is is price but it does pay back over time in my case as I save a bit on ym train fare each day if travelling off-peak and a lot of money if travelling peak. My job is flexible but requires me to travel regularly into central London by train and then I use the Brompton for anything from 6-8 miles depending on the day. It also goes everywhere with me socially too. Because of its excellent fold and small footprint, people never object to it or find it invasive. I've also found it to be a durable bike and a more than capable ride. Actually it's very agile in an urban environment!

The 6 speed is by far the best for all-round use. If budget is an issue then the Downtube Mini is pretty unbeatable at its pricing point. Just get velcro straps or a bungee cord to keep it latched together.

The 6 speed is by far the best for all-round use. If budget is an issue then the Downtube Mini is pretty unbeatable at its pricing point. Just get velcro straps or a bungee cord to keep it latched together.

Sadly, the Mini is not rated for my weight otherwise I might have snapped one up already. It has received a lot of good reviews from people I have come to trust on these boards.

I think the Brompton is definitely a great bike, but the price of the six speed is somewhat prohibitive. I might be able to get a no-frills Model T Tikit or Brompton M3L past the wife, but beyond that it would start getting into some rough country.

That said, now that I've test ridden both bikes I feel a bit more comfortable buying a used one. I could have snapped up a Brompton a while ago, but didn't feel good about buying another bike without testing first.

My preference right now, however, is to buy a new bike... and the Tikit and Brompton are definitely in the lead. I'll be test riding a couple of Dahons this weekend and we'll see how they compare.

Thanks for all the suggestions folks.

--sam

I didn't find published specs. I'll look again... I guess I must have missed them.

No, I can't find them either. I just assumed there would be some.

I'll measure the bike once my three-year-olds are in bed. The measuring tape is an object of great value until then.

Xootr Swift folded dimensions attached.

This is with the handlebars detached, which I usually don't bother doing.

The measurements are very simple. If you want me to measure something specific, let me know.

Thanks, noteon. Those pics are great. :)

--sam

...I would say between the two bikes it's a virtual tie... Both bikes seem well put together (except the old style stem on the Tikit). They both ride well overall (with the Brompton having the bouncy issue which is honestly minor for me).
--sam

Hi Sam,
there is a most simple way to modify the Brompton to not be bouncy. For your weight its probably just that the brompton elastomer is slightly too soft. Just swap the suspension rubber for a harder one. You can use the Birdy elastomers for example. All Birdy elastomers are a tad harder than the brompton-rubber. Ask Littlepixel, he swapped the rubber for the hardest - the green. I now use the red one. The softest, I believe still less bouncy than the black brompton rubber is the yellow one.

Some find the m-bar too flexible. If that is the case you can go with the s-bar which is stiffer but which will lead to a more aerodynamic posture if you need the longer seatpost.

It was a Large. Other than the steering flex, it felt really good. I could tell that if the steering flex issue were fixed, it would actually ride better than the Brompton (with or without the bouncy effect).

The only thing I didn't like about the Large Tikit is that when folded, it wouldn't sit properly on its peg. It just fell over. I wonder if newer models have a slightly longer peg/stand for it as that was pretty annoying.

The Bike Friday didn't have any accessories and felt slightly lighter than the Brompton (also sans accessories), despite being the "Large".

Along the lines of Sam's suggestion about getting a model T instead of tikit to ride, does the model T have a stiffer handlebar/handlebar post than the tikit to ride (either versions)?

The Tikit is a great bike but its a budget blower for the op. The Downtube Mini 2009 with the handlebars now folding inside has to be a frontline contender. It offers the advantage of being within budget, compact fold for multi-mode commutes, and a very nice 8 speed SA hub gearing system. Remember the hub gears are excellent when you have to stop at lights and move to lower gears while stationary. They also offer lower maintenance in the long-term and have a very nice shift when adjusted.

Along the lines of Sam's suggestion about getting a model T instead of tikit to ride, does the model T have a stiffer handlebar/handlebar post than the tikit to ride (either versions)?

The flex appeared to be coming from slack in the hyperfold cable. The Model T removes that completely. You tighten the handlebar manually.

The Tikit is a great bike but its a budget blower for the op. The Downtube Mini 2009 with the handlebars now folding inside has to be a frontline contender. It offers the advantage of being within budget, compact fold for multi-mode commutes, and a very nice 8 speed SA hub gearing system. Remember the hub gears are excellent when you have to stop at lights and move to lower gears while stationary. They also offer lower maintenance in the long-term and have a very nice shift when adjusted.

I agree 100% except for the fact that the Mini is not rated for a rider of my weight. That might be fine for the occasional pootle. I don't want to rely on that for a bike that must get me to work and back. If something happens due to my weight stressing the bike I'll be late for work... and out of a bike as well.

Hi Sam,
there is a most simple way to modify the Brompton to not be bouncy. For your weight its probably just that the brompton elastomer is slightly too soft. Just swap the suspension rubber for a harder one. You can use the Birdy elastomers for example. All Birdy elastomers are a tad harder than the brompton-rubber. Ask Littlepixel, he swapped the rubber for the hardest - the green. I now use the red one. The softest, I believe still less bouncy than the black brompton rubber is the yellow one.

Some find the m-bar too flexible. If that is the case you can go with the s-bar which is stiffer but which will lead to a more aerodynamic posture if you need the longer seatpost.

Thanks for the tips. I'll keep that in mind. :)

--sam

Monday afternoon I test rode a Dahon Mu P8 and a Dahon Speed D7 at Champaign Cycle in my little town. Of the two, I'd give the nod to the Mu. Definitely a nice ride and boy was it light. Though that might have had more do with the fact that the Speed had rack and fenders.

The downside there is that the store just became a Dahon dealer a couple of months ago and they couldn't explain to me how to fold the bikes. I knew the handlebars fold in the center, but I couldn't get the magnets to connect. They couldn't do it either... and then showed me an odd way to fold that didn't put the handlebars down the middle. Let's just say that they didn't quite inspire confidence in their ability to provide good service on the folding bike. I should have taken the side trip to Thor's which is only 2 hours away if I really wanted to get the lowdown on Dahons.

Yesterday, I went back to Rapid Transit in Chicago and test rode another Tikit with the new thicker cable. The handlebar flex was still there, though not as bad. Again, the bike rode well otherwise, but it would be nice to try it out without the flex. They didn't have a Model T to test so I tried out a Birdy.

The suspension on the Birdy is amazing. It was like riding in a limo over bumps. You could barely feel them. It was the gray model with 24 speeds... and is far out of my price range. But it was nice to see what Birdy is all about, and if money were no object, I would probably go for one. I can definitely see the appeal there.

So... here are the bikes that are in contention for me...

Dahon Mu series (if fenders can be added easily)
Brompton M3L (can't afford more than that, somnatash's suggestion of changing the elastomer seems good)
Bike Friday Tikit Model T (I just can't trust the cable system)

I think I might also consider a Downtube model. My main concern is that while I'm technically inclined, I don't really know that much about fixing and maintaining bikes. Today, I'm hoping to check out some bikes at another shop just to see what I can find out there.

Thanks for all the help folks.
--sam

I thought that the folding process for 20" Dahons changed at some point whereby the handlebar post went outside the fold instead of inside. For instance, I seem to recall that the Speed Pro handlebar post goes to the outside rather than the inside like the plain-jane Speed. I think it is the justification for J. Gaerlan's modifications to the plain-jane Speed.

All the pictures on the Dahon site show the bikes with the handlebars between the wheels. It seemed like the problem was the brake levers. There is a quick release that allows you to twist the handlebars to change the position of the levers. I wonder if you need to do that in order to get the magnets to connect. If so, that's a bit too much fiddling for my taste.

--sam

On some models you have to jack the handlebars up so that when folded, the bars sit below the front wheel axle, then the magnets can connect. My Yeah is like that.

On some models you have to jack the handlebars up so that when folded, the bars sit below the front wheel axle, then the magnets can connect. My Yeah is like that.

I actually tried raising and lowering the handlebar height to see if it made a difference. At one point I was pretty close to making the connection, but it still wasn't enough. I'm sure it's quite simple, but I couldn't figure it out that day. I should note that I had just returned home from a games convention where I had played a metric ton of boardgames and miniatures games. My brain was pretty fried on Monday.

--sam

Just a few comments on the Tikit:

- the heavier weight capacity Tikit will be stiffer than the one you tested
- I'm not sure there is any difference between a properly tensioned hyper-fold Tikit and the Model T in terms of stiffness [has anyone tried both on recent model Tikits?]
- I haven't heard of a single case where the hyper-fold cable has broken so I don't think it's much of a weakness, having said that I also don't think the hyper-fold is essential although I do like it quite a bit
- the older versions of the Tikit could be made to stand up with more stability when folded by adjusting a bolt in the folding mechanism. I found the current version of the Tikit to stand up much better without adjustment.
- if you get a rear rack for the Tikit it's uber stable when folded and you have a convenient place to carry items you don't want to have to hold or carry on your body while riding
- keep in mind the Tikit is very adjustable with normal bike parts to fine tune the fit and get you the bars/controls you like most

Ultimately though I'd buy the bike that meets the technical demands of your commute and puts the biggest smile on your face.

Thanks for the info, vik. I think it's very possible that the hyperfold cable was not properly tightened on the bike I test rode. I think flex is probably the wrong word to use here. It's more like the latch isn't tight enough so there is a bit of wiggle room there. It's not a big problem when spinning, but if I stand up or go up a hill, it's very noticeable.

--sam

I would take it on the subway during rush hour if I had to, but it wouldn't be my favorite thing to do.

I've taken the swift on Boston's MBTA during rushhour... right past several T employees. Not so much as a batted eye.

I've taken the swift on Boston's MBTA during rushhour... right past several T employees. Not so much as a batted eye.

In New *$&%in' York, it's not the employees I'd be concerned about.

In New *$&%in' York, it's not the employees I'd be concerned about.

Yet another reason to stay in this New England backwater:rolleyes:

Most people wait for the train before heading off down the tunnels! :)

Not around here they don't. The cops recently shot to death a mad man running through the subway tunnels and I don't think it will be long before I lose my head to chase the same fate. :)


So... here are the bikes that are in contention for me...

Dahon Mu series (if fenders can be added easily)
Brompton M3L (can't afford more than that, somnatash's suggestion of changing the elastomer seems good)
Bike Friday Tikit Model T (I just can't trust the cable system)

I personally would never consider a model T tikit as, to me, the fast fold is the main reason to consider a tikit.

The Brompton is, well, the Brompton: almost anyone can recognize it has some great qualities, but at the price they go for it better be the perfect match for your needs and I doubt there are very many people for which it really is. It's not the smallest, it's not the best riding, it's not the best fitting, it's not the lightest, it's not the most comfortable, it's not the stiffest, it doesn't have the most speeds, it's not the easiest to maintain, and it's not the most ergonomic while folded, but it offers an unprecedented compromise of these qualities so if you really need to balance all these qualities equally every single day then the Brompton is your bike. I just think that most folks would better benefit from something smaller on some days and bigger on others, something with less gears for short rides and something with more gears for long rides, something more ergonomic for the shops and something more standard to grind away over the long winter, etc, etc.

Since you're my "I roll my partially folded bike on the platform" buddy I don't see why you would go for the Brompton. You don't mind the large fold, so why not the Mu?

I personally would never consider a model T tikit as, to me, the fast fold is the main reason to consider a tikit.

The Model T Tikit fold is still faster than any similar 16"/20" folding bike and I'd add the fact you can get the Tikit in three sizes is an advantage for most people not to mention the way it rides and that you can roll it fully folded.

I agree though for the $150 up charge I'd get the hyper-fold version.

I actually tried raising and lowering the handlebar height to see if it made a difference. At one point I was pretty close to making the connection, but it still wasn't enough. I'm sure it's quite simple, but I couldn't figure it out that day.
--sam

To get the magnets to connect on a Dahon you have to both raise the handlebar and twist the handlebar so the brake levers are facing down. (This is my understanding based on my Curve.)

I think most people ride with the handlebars as high as they will go anyway (I do and I'm only 5'6") so it's not as fiddly as one might think. I just twist the handlebars to get the brake levers down and then fold the stem directly. That will allow the magnets to connect.

Good luck with your selection!

On my Vitesse I can fold with the handlebars fully down (as I like to ride) and I don't have to rotate the bars. It's simple, just 3 motions.

Since you're my "I roll my partially folded bike on the platform" buddy I don't see why you would go for the Brompton. You don't mind the large fold, so why not the Mu?


Check this out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUfSJ1sG--c

if the link above does not work, do a search by entering this in
"Walking with Brompton"

That was a Brompton with a rack and the quad wheels. If you put one of the Brompton bags on it and push it the otherway, it turns into a cart.

Since you're my "I roll my partially folded bike on the platform" buddy I don't see why you would go for the Brompton. You don't mind the large fold, so why not the Mu?

The Mu is definitely still in contention... despite my misadventure with trying to get it folded. I'll check the bike out again and see if I can get it to fold properly. My main concern with it is missing a rush hour train while fiddling with the fold.

I know some folks think this isn't a big deal, but I can't count the number of times I've just made the train or just missed it. So if I can figure out how to get it done quickly, with minimum fuss, the Mu would definitely be a good choice for me.

I may just trek down to Thor's store to check out all the various Dahons. He's about 2 hours due south from me.

--sam

To get the magnets to connect on a Dahon you have to both raise the handlebar and twist the handlebar so the brake levers are facing down. (This is my understanding based on my Curve.)

I think most people ride with the handlebars as high as they will go anyway (I do and I'm only 5'6") so it's not as fiddly as one might think. I just twist the handlebars to get the brake levers down and then fold the stem directly. That will allow the magnets to connect.


Thanks for the tip. I'll try that next time I see the Mu.

--sam

Check this out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUfSJ1sG--c

if the link above does not work, do a search by entering this in
"Walking with Brompton"

That was a Brompton with a rack and the quad wheels. If you put one of the Brompton bags on it and push it the otherway, it turns into a cart.

Yeah I've seen it and, in fact, the reason I brought up the partial fold is because Lalato and myself have advocated in many other threads that it's easier to roll a partially folded Mu on its 20" wheels.

As far as using the Brompton as a cart, maybe it's different if you upgrade the roller wheels, but I could hardly even get the ones I've tried to keep from falling over when fully folded (sans unbalanced cargo). In all fairness the Brompton does sit more stably than most folders, but I've yet to try a folding bike that sits stably enough to make an acceptable cart that actually makes it easier to shop than using the bags, baskets/etc typically provided by stores. Of the bikes I've tried Carryme comes closest by hanging regular shopping bags off the back of the seat, but even then I wouldn't depend on it to support the full weight of unbalanced bags without bracing against the risk of tipping over.


The Mu is definitely still in contention... despite my misadventure with trying to get it folded. I'll check the bike out again and see if I can get it to fold properly. My main concern with it is missing a rush hour train while fiddling with the fold.

I know some folks think this isn't a big deal, but I can't count the number of times I've just made the train or just missed it. So if I can figure out how to get it done quickly, with minimum fuss, the Mu would definitely be a good choice for me.

I may just trek down to Thor's store to check out all the various Dahons. He's about 2 hours due south from me.

--sam

Although not all Mus fold the same, in my opinion the Mu SL has one of the easiest folds with just three steps that can be performed in any order. With practice the tikit is probably the fastest, but I think the insensitivity to order makes the Mu SL easier for beginners. The Brompton has a rather fiddly fold, but nothing is worse than the way some Dahons make you rotate the brake levers. I'm guessing Silverexpress smashed his fingers with a Brompton and the Mu you tried requires rotating the brake levers.

I know you're too big (so this is probably off topic), but I can also relate to the benefit of a quick fold and I think the Carryme provides a good compromise in this regard. While the full fold is not as quick as the tikit, or the Strida, or even the Mu, it can be folded into about the size of a Strida as quickly as the Strida can, which is a feature I use quite often. This is how I fold it to put it in my closet, to take in to work, to take in to larger shops (like grocery stores), and to chase down the bus (that is if I spot the free shuttle bus while I'm leaving work then instead of riding home I race it to the stop, quick fold, get on, and then finish folding after I take my seat). The best part is that even the quick folded bike is one of the smallest and most ergonomic folded bikes out there (like I said, as small as the Strida if not a bit smaller and even more ergonomic because it still stands upright just like when fully folded...just a little taller).

Here's an interesting wrinkle... i've been offered a BF Tikit for $850. It's relatively new. The only downsides would be having to upgrade the hyperfold cable... and the bike is pink.

--sam

Here's an interesting wrinkle... i've been offered a BF Tikit for $850. It's relatively new. The only downsides would be having to upgrade the hyperfold cable... and the bike is pink.

--sam

I recently rode a Large tikit at Bikes@Vienna. Although I still can't mash with the knee, I am surprised that flex is an issue with the stem.

With respect to getting an "older" tikit, according to Tim -- the head mechanic -- another interesting upgrade was that the latches holding the bikes together were changed from plastic to steel.

So is the tikit a model "T" or an old "tikit to ride"? From your post, I think model "T".

It's a hyperfold model... so not a Model T. And it's been upgraded to the new stem and cable. That's what makes this an interesting wrinkle. It's a good deal for sure.

--sam