Folding Bikes - New to Folding bikes?

Sorry if I'm asking to basic of questions.

I was thinking about getting a folding bike.
I know nothing about them.
I would like to get one soon.
My spending limit is only about $100
(yes i know its not much, but i really only need it for 1time, 2 week trip)
Im going on tour with a friends band, and want a bike with me. bringing a full size bike and car rack is to much to ask.

will a be able to find a simple one?
descent speed.
geared/single speed/fixed gear


I really dont know what to look for


those super cheap ones on ebay are they any good?

sorry to bother

hi,

welcome to the folding bike world. one of your best bet is craiglist. i myself was able to get a used (but really decent) citizen tokyo. it has a 16" wheel. and for the price i paid for it, it's a nice folder. also it depends on how tall and how big you are as some folders have limitations. good luck.

vic

I have looked at craigs list, in my area craigs list is nothing for bikes, closest bet for that is Chicago 150miles away.

I have looked at ebay, and seen some for 100

are those crap?

1time, 2 week trip

Rent a bike at the destination.

Or

Buy a Downtube and sell it after the trip.

Any decent used bike, even one you pull out of the trash will require parts and labor, probably more that $100.

its a 2 week trip, new place everyday renting is not an option

buy a Dahon or Downtube and sell it after, you will have a bike you can actually ride and it will still end up costing you only about 100 bucks (even if you have to invest 3 to 5 hundred at first)

How far will you be riding? I have a cheap chinese folder (Kent Ultralite) and any more than 5-6mi on it is pushing it, and anything longer than 10mi is torture (unless, of course, you are at a really slow speed the whole time). If you're gonna be riding longer than the said distances, I'd suggest you get a better bike and then just resell afterwards.

the rides probibly wont be more the 5-6 miles.

I like this Dahon (http://www.dahon.com/intl/muuno.htm)
something like that would be cool. coaster brake

I cant find to just find folding bike Frames. i could manage to build one up i think. I have an old Sturmey Archer AW sitting around that i have been wanting to build up. folder would be great for me.

The Dahon Mu Uno that you listed is a nice single speed but it costs way more than $100!!!!

Your budget is unrealistic seeing as how you've ruled out craigslist. Your next best bet is to hit up eBay but watch out for the insane shipping fees! That $100 bike can turn out be $250 after all is said and done.

Like others have mentioned, you can buy a more expensive folder then immediately turn around and sell it once you're done with your trip. If you price it $75-$100 less then the new price you'll sell it really quickly! So I'd say go that route or hit up eBay. You really don't have any other choices with your $100 budget.

Good luck.

+1

There are bikes at less than $100 (see for example RHM's yellow bike) but you will need some bike skills plus more money to turn such a BLO (Bike Looking Object) into a bike.

I dont have any scratch and dent ones at the moment ..otherwise it would probaly would be worth a visit.;. but than with 100 dlr budget I cannot even order one from Ca as half of it would be eaten up by freight.... where is Morton ?

Thor

.... where is Morton ?

Thor

Illinois. right in the middle

I am nearby to you and may consider buying your new bike for $100 less than you paid.. I would probably want a Dahon D7