Folding Bikes - Asama folding bike

Hi. This is my first post.

I am at the bike buying stage after 35 years of no bike riding.

I live in an apartment and I do not want my bike stolen and just found out about folding bikes yesterday.
This is ideal for me because we are not allowed to bring our bikes into the apartment building and have to leave it in the bike room. With a folding bike I can carry it up to my apartment where it will be safe.

I am going to look at an Asama folding bike this week and wonder if anyone has any opinions on them.

PS - this will be for recreational use on the weekend to go riding with my husband - if I don't fall off. :-)

Thank you.

Judie - Richmond, BC

Looks like a typical low end Chinese folding bike. You could get better value for money in other brands, but since you're just going to do casual riding on weekends I would guess that the bike is fine for that.

--sam

Hi, Sam. Thanks for your response. It's funny that at $350 it's considered low end because to me that seems like a LOT of money for a bike. I'm already balking at the price! :) Then again, I'm new at this and only want to get some exercise on weekends.

I also saw an Avenir???? folding bike yesterday. Not sure if that's the right name. It was about $250.

But as long as no one has any opinions why NOT to get one I probably will get the Asama. I also am limited in what I can ride since I'm only 4'9"! I like how the folding bikes are easy to lock in place and fold down and adjust the seat.

Judie

Hi Judie - not to spam the thread but I'm in Vancouver BC and am selling my Dahon Curve D3 (only a few months old) because I upgraded to the Curve SL. Feel free to send me a private message if you're interested.

I will pass on the advice my bike-riding boyfriend gave me when I was shocked at the idea of paying more than $300 for a bike.... he asked which was a better investment - a $300 bike I'll hate and never ride or a $500 bike I'll love and ride all the time?

Welcome to the folding bike world, whatever you end up buying!

folding bikes are a niche market and it's rare people will discount their price.
even less in some urban markets.
but like you I too would balk at $350 especially now.
ask yourself honestly, why a folding bike? what will you use it for?
are you comfortable working on your bike?
are you a retiree with an RV or an avid cyclist who wants more than one bicycle
for different purposes and maybe ride over 100 miles a week.
you're going to get the same few brands mentioned on this site because most
are bicycling enthusiasts. you're not going to get a welfare recipient or a fast
food delivery person opine in here. (except for me)

but like you I too would balk at $350 especially now.
ask yourself honestly, why a folding bike? what will you use it for?
are you comfortable working on your bike?
are you a retiree with an RV or an avid cyclist who wants more than one bicycle
for different purposes and maybe ride over 100 miles a week.
you're going to get the same few brands mentioned on this site because most
are bicycling enthusiasts. you're not going to get a welfare recipient or a fast
food delivery person opine in here. (except for me)

Hi, Tiberius. What do you mean "especially now"? And the reason I want a folding bike is for security so I can bring it into my apartment since we are not allowed to wheel bikes into the apartment building. I don't want to leave it in the bike room. I work during the week and only want to ride probably on weekends for enjoyment and recreation and some exercise. I really don't know much about folding bikes except it solves one problem for me, I'm probably not going to be a diehard rider, but I thought I'd get some opinions on folding bikes - like the Asama. Perhaps there are others that are better?

If there are better folding bikes, what makes them better than an Asama?

Thanks.

Judie

you're going to get the same few brands mentioned on this site because most
are bicycling enthusiasts. you're not going to get a welfare recipient or a fast
food delivery person opine in here. (except for me)
Captain Kirk, what planet have you been stranded on all this time? :lol:

That's a generalisation. There's plenty of us on this forum who started off with a budget folder or appreciate the better ones at lower pricing points.

On to an affordable recommendation. Downtube Mini. The Asama is but heavy to carry upstairs and probably overpriced for what it is. The Kent Ultralite might be a good starter folder for you. What height are you?

that comment was in regards to our US economy. I just can't drop $350 on an
item as easily as others.
so the bike won't be a daily commuter? for recreation then any good reliable simple bike would suffice.
even a single speed if you don't mind, sure you won't win any races but for leisurely riding it should
be fine. riding is better than walking anytime, I met an eighty three year old gentleman over the
weekend with a folder. he did his grocery shopping with it.
Ridethisbike mentioned he will be reviewing a 16 inch aluminum framed kent bike soon.
the frame geometry is much better than the magnesium one. and he stated
he hoped to get the 3spd model below $300. don't know if it will make it to the shores
or if it's just his reviewers sample.

http://ridethisbike.com/2008/08/16-aluminum-kent-folding-bikes-coming.html

you won't fall off. I think it's easier to ride slow on a folder than a large wheeler.
just have to get used to the twitchiness but it get's better each day.

that's news to me, sir.
and, I don't think it was a generalization, I qualified my answer
by writing "most".

It might be helpful to know that the Asama is the Kuwahara with a new name (according to my local bike shop). Maybe someone has experience with the Kuwahara?

Hi Judie - not to spam the thread but I'm in Vancouver BC and am selling my Dahon Curve D3 (only a few months old) because I upgraded to the Curve SL. Feel free to send me a private message if you're interested.

I will pass on the advice my bike-riding boyfriend gave me when I was shocked at the idea of paying more than $300 for a bike.... he asked which was a better investment - a $300 bike I'll hate and never ride or a $500 bike I'll love and ride all the time?

Welcome to the folding bike world, whatever you end up buying!


Just wanted to ask how do you find the Curve SL compare to D3 ??? :o

Just wanted to ask how do you find the Curve SL compare to D3 ??? :o

LOVE it... though I'm still in the honeymoon phase (I just got it). It's hard to put my finger on what it is but it just feels better - more comfortable, better gear range... and lighter - carrying it up stairs is definately easier. Don't know if it's $400 - 500 better though - the price gap between the two is kind of nuts. I got the SL used (barely, still had the nubbins on the tires) for a great price. I should note too that it's a 2007 SL so only 5 gears.

I have test ridden the Curve D3 but was really into the SL... test riden the Mu p8 - got a crazy deal on the 2007 though and love it... like you i felt the D3 is very nice but 3 speeds isn't enough in the urban jungle, i live in Toronto so more than 3 speeds is a must if you ride a lot.... the Curve D3 is a super nice folder but it feels very heavy compare to my Mu, the Curve SL is my favorite ! I have test ridden the Mu SL - it was nuts, it's super light (less than 9kg) and rides like a road bike. but i was not willing to pay $1,300 + tax for a bike.

Judie, check online classified ads such as Craigslist.org or Kijiji.com . I see vintage folders in decent shape popping up here and there for not much money. If you're going to ride them lightly they won't be a problem.

I got mine for exactly the same reason, that I wanted something I could carry up into the office instead of locking outside. (I work in a second-floor walkup.) The older bikes tend to be heavier and not quite as compact, but go look at some and see if they do what you need them to do.

Beware of buying anything that hasn't been tuned up, because you may find that it's hard to get parts replaced on some older bikes. But if it's in good shape you might be able to get a golden oldie for very little money.

Hi Judie,
For $350, I would suggest another bike entirely. Check out the bikes here...

http://www.downtube.com

As for the Avenir bike, if I recall correctly those are rebadged Dahons? If so, Dahon is the world leader in folding bikes. They aren't always the best, but they do make a quality product that many folks here would gladly recommend.

If the choice is between the Asama and the Avenir, I would test ride both bikes, but my bias would push me toward the Avenir. If you don't mind buying your bike online, look at the Downtubes.

--sam

that's news to me, sir.
and, I don't think it was a generalization, I qualified my answer
by writing "most".

"you're not going to get a welfare recipient or a fast
food delivery person opinion in here. (except for me) "

That's not a generalisation? :roflmao2:

Enterprise beam Kirk up. :D

Unfortunately to get a Downtube to Canada you have to add the cost of shipping plus about a $50 brokerage fee that UPS charges to get it over the border plus any customs/duty/taxes that get charged at the border. That all adds up to make the Downtube less of a deal. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong on this...)

But yeah - there's usually an interesting assortment of used folding bikes listed on craigslist around here (some are overpriced though, so beware).

Judie some 2008 Downtube Minis are going on ebay.com for around your budget on clearance. I highly recommend this bike.

so are you saying mulladey
that there are welfare/public assistance recipients and foodstamp
recipients flooding this board?
you didn't even get my quote correct.

How bout we get this post back on track and assist the OP with
real experiences and sound advice.

One more question - for the Avenir and Asama - do they have internal hubs? Just something that was pointed out to me as being a good thing to have and I can't tell from the specs on these two whether or not they have this. Thanks.

Judie

One more question - for the Avenir and Asama - do they have internal hubs? Just something that was pointed out to me as being a good thing to have and I can't tell from the specs on these two whether or not they have this. Thanks.

Judie

No, they both look to have 6spd derailleur drivetrains.. not the kiss of death.. should be fine for purpose..

so are you saying mulladey
that there are welfare/public assistance recipients and foodstamp
recipients flooding this board?
you didn't even get my quote correct.

How bout we get this post back on track and assist the OP with
real experiences and sound advice.

Get over it El Captain and stop being so self righteous! I was having a joke! I'm not under command on your starship Sir and feel my advise is perfecly constructive in between :thumb:

Yours sincerely,

Vice Admiral Mulleady of Irish Starfleet Command

PS Yes I've demoted you to Captain from Admiral :D

Hi. This is my first post.

I am at the bike buying stage after 35 years of no bike riding.

I live in an apartment and I do not want my bike stolen and just found out about folding bikes yesterday.
...
PS - this will be for recreational use on the weekend to go riding with my husband ...
Richmond, BC

Judie,
What is the terrain like where you will be riding? It looks to be very hilly on the Google Maps terrain-view (with low-land near the water). If hilly, you will need a bike that has good climbing gears; at the lower end of the folding bike cost range, you find bikes with gearing adequate for moderate inclines but not for steep hills ... especially for someone who has not been on a bike for a long time.

Regards,
T

Hi again Judie.

That's why I recommend the Downtube Mini for your needs.

1) It is lighter and has a compact fold for bringing up the stairs.
2) It has an 8 speed Sturmey Archer hub which shifts very nicely and is quite low maintenance.
3) It is much better 'bang for buck' than the bikes you mentioned.
4) It has a proven record amongst forum users of all income levels who value a compromise between budget and quality. ;)

Hope that helps. As Bruce was saying, the other 2 folders have derailleur based shifters which are perfectly OK but not as good as a hub gearing system if you can get that within your budget range.

Thanks again for the replies, folks. I am going to be riding in Richmond, BC, not in Vancouver. I put down Vancouver as my home city but actually I live in Richmond. It's below sea level and has a dyke all around it. I plan on riding on the dyke which is gravelly/dirt I guess. Anywhere in Richmond is flat as a pancake so I'm ok for that. My biggest problem is going to be being able to stay upright I think. :-)

I have a lot to ponder.

Judie

once was enough mallady.
and get over it is the mantra of the brainless.
and thank you for letting us po folk breathe that rich air.

Unfortunately to get a Downtube to Canada you have to add the cost of shipping plus about a $50 brokerage fee that UPS charges to get it over the border plus any customs/duty/taxes that get charged at the border. That all adds up to make the Downtube less of a deal. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong on this...)



Perhaps Dr Yan could ship it (i.e. the Downtube Mini) c/o a UPS store in Bellingham WA where it could be picked up by the OP?

Regards
T

Wish you all the best Judie and it's wise to spend yoiur money carefully. Please feel free to keep asking about any bike you come across. We will try to answer honestly and objectively not as expensive bike enthusiasts *wink*

You will find the Downtube Mini quite easy to ride but it has to be bought over the Internet but does have a return policy. If you want a safe bet start with something like the Kent Ultralite. It's cheap but a capable introduction. Some of the bikes you were considering would be a heavy lift up the stairs!

It might be helpful to know that the Asama is the Kuwahara with a new name (according to my local bike shop). Maybe someone has experience with the Kuwahara?


If I remember correctly, Kuwahara used to make kick-@ss BMX bikes years back.

About the Asama/Kuwahara folding bike debate. Maybe none of you have ridden one of these. They are a Taiwanese brand who have been manufacturing bikes for other brand names since the 1930s. They finally started to produce their own brand name in 1972. Now they also have factories in Vietnam and elsewhere. They make about 1.5 million bikes a year. Their other brand name bikes had an excellent reputation, as did the BMXs which one fellow did mention. Some of the young post writers who responded to the original question seem to be of the opinion that one Asian brand name is better than another. Maybe Dahon pays a lot for advertising. I happen to know that Asama do not pay to advertise. I happen to like that. If you read Adbusters magazine you might like that approach also. The bikes speak for themselves, not the power of advertising. Asama sell the bikes only to dealers who buy parts and accessories from them. But no one in these postings seems to have ridden both bike brands mentioned, to actually be able to say they've compared them. I've sold various folder brands in Toronto. I thought they were heavy. I bought one from Asama when living on Quadra Island. 30 pounds. List price $329. If you buy in the Fall, it's less. If this person is being told $350, she should try another store. She could also test ride others. I found the 6-speed gear spread on this bike was very good on some very steep hills on a rural island. It folded very easily and could be rolled by using the seat and post as a push handle to get it into places once I was not riding. Then the seat could be dropped all the way down. If you pay much lower than this for a bike you do not get an alloy frame, fenders, a luggage rack and a bell. If you want a lighter bike, spend more. But please don't denigrate one you haven't even seen except on-line.

Thanks for your comments SmokeyD.

I originally bought a folding bike so I could bring it upstairs to our apartment and not have to leave it in the storage room or bike room and perhaps get stolen. The specs are as you describe them. It's certainly easy to fold up.

The only thing I find is that you have to pedal a heck of a lot more due to the small tires. At least, it seems to me that I do. So I have a thought about getting a regular bike next year, one with bigger tires that I'd then have to leave in the bike room. Or, I just might keep riding this one. I'll see how it goes. I'm short so I don't know how much bigger a bike I could get anyway. :) I'm not a power rider and I try to avoid hills. But my husband and daughter are always having to wait for me to catch up to them. haha!

Judie