Folding Bikes - Folding bikes under $250 for a city high school student?

I take the subway to school every day, but my school would be very convenient to bike to, and I would very much like to if I could. Problem is, my apartment is on the third floor, and even if I could get a full-size bike up and down the three flights of stairs twice a day, there's nowhere to keep it in my apartment. So, it seems like a folding bike would be the natural way to go. As a high school student, I don't exactly have a source of income, so I was hoping to not spend more than $250. I realize that a lot of folding bikes out there for way beyond that, but I already own a regular bike, and much more than $250 would not make sense for me to spend. On the other hand, of course I want something that will be reliable and that I will be willing to ride. I realize that limits my options significantly, but I was hoping that I could get some help finding something. The route to my school is about a quarter of a mile down streets and then a mile and a half down an excellent bike path along a river, so it's not a very challenging route.

Some possibilities I've found:
Citizen Bike's Miami model (http://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.asp?product_category_id=1&product_id=1), for $194. It looks like the kind of thing I'm after, for a good price, but from things I have read on this forum some people seem to think Citizen Bike's products are of questionable quality. Is there anyone who has owned one who can comment?

Another is the Dahon Boardwalk S1 (http://www.shopatron.com/product/part_number=HT010C/412.0), for $209, but it's a single-speed bike. I realize I probably don't really even need gears, but something about that deters me. Should I seriously consider this?

There is also this Victory folding bike on Amazon for $159: http://www.amazon.com/Victory-Model-A09-Folding-Shifting/dp/B001NRU496.

Any other suggestions?

if u are willing to go up another $50...u can get the downtube (great reviews from many users here):

http://www.downtube.com/product546.html

otherwise...look at craigslist for used dahon, downtube folders.

Go with the Dahon Boardwalk. Talk to Thor (brakemiester on this site) at www.thorusa.com (http://www.thorusa.com)
Just bought a bike from him. Easy to get in touch with personally, very much in the know.

second the downtube, and I rode with the owner to boot! No, he's not paying me to say this :) Seriously, I rode his full suspension 8-speed and liked it. It's the $300 dollar one. Also, w/r/t your question about Citizen, the actual people who ride them seem to like them. Don't expect a lightweight bike though, so be prepared to heave 30ish pounds up and down the stairs (or elevator?) of your apt. A used Dahon on Craig's List or Ebay would be good. Something like the D7/Vitesse, or Mariner, you could probably find for your price. Nice thing about Dahons is that they are plentiful and so any repairs needed/upgrades are usually available on video or right here in the mechanics section.

I realize that a lot of folding bikes out there for way beyond that, but I already own a regular bike, and much more than $250 would not make sense for me to spend.

Where do you keep your regular bike? What's wrong with using it?

First, I'd want to know what terrain you'll be riding your bike on. Are there lots of hills? How far is your ride round trip? Are there any rugged patches that you'll be riding over (rough, unpaved roads?)?

If you're riding over relatively flat land on paved roads, then I'd say your best bet is the Dahon Boardwalk. If hills are involved than you'll probably want something with gears, so the Citizen Tokyo or Miami would be a good choice.

Also, you can check on eBay and Craigslist to see if there are any deals on used folders.

Good luck. :)

I think, just from looking at these, that I like the Citizen Bike the most. I suppose I could do the extra $50 for the Downtube, but only if I could really be sure it was worth $105 more than the Citizen Bike.

The Citizen Bike is 32 lbs., which is heavy, but the Downtube and Dahon are only somewhat lighter at 27 lbs. each, so I guess there's not much I can do about that. Wish there was an elevator, but, alas, no.

Also, I think that the Boardwalk (the 2008 model, which is what I was looking at) not only doesn't have gears, but also only has a rear brake -- no handbrakes, which I am used to. As I said, it's a very flat, easy ride to school, so I probably don't really need a geared bike, but that's not necessarily all I'm going to be using this bike for, and besides, if the Citizen Bike is about the same price, I'd rather get one with gears and brakes than without -- unless there is really a problem with the Citizen Bikes. Has anybody here owned one?

I hadn't really thought about getting a used bike, but I could look into it.


Where do you keep your regular bike? What's wrong with using it?
It's at my grandfather's house, not here in the city.

The flying pigeon thread may contain useful information about that bike.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=498126

Also, what about this: http://vilanobikes.com/foldingbikes.html ? Anyone ever heard of this company? $139 seems very cheap...

Also, what about this: http://vilanobikes.com/foldingbikes.html ? Anyone ever heard of this company? $139 seems very cheap...

The poster who started the FlyingPigeon thread (EdWong), I think has one. ' might wanna PM him for his input on that bike. I know He is very fond of his FP, and so as others.
I second the DownTube recomendation, though. I got a used VIII FS and I like it a lot.

Or, wow, this one for $200 from Camping World: http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/adventurer-six-speed-folding-bike/37702 . Presumably it's made for taking along on RV trips, not for city riding, and it weighs 42 pounds, so it would definitely be a pain to get up the stairs, but it looks pretty good and sturdy.

Who makes bikes for Camping World? Is that a Dahon? If so, why is it so cheap?

Or, wow, this one for $200 from Camping World: http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/adventurer-six-speed-folding-bike/37702 . Presumably it's made for taking along on RV trips, not for city riding, and it weighs 42 pounds, so it would definitely be a pain to get up the stairs, but it looks pretty good and sturdy.

Who makes bikes for Camping World? Is that a Dahon? If so, why is it so cheap?
That might be the shipping weight.

That camping world bike is not of the Dahon family. If it is really 42lbs, forget it. Try to stay below 30lbs. And don't allow your wallet to have the last word - if necessary, save up a month or 3 and buy better quality - in the long run you will thank yourself for doing so.

For a few miles you definitely don't need gears - they will just complicate matters and if they are cheap, cause more hassles than they are worth.

And how will you secure your bike at school?

Is there a reason besides my own convenience and trouble with the stairs that I shouldn't go above 30 pounds? I certainly wouldn't relish the prospect of taking that down the stairs in the morning, but I could probably manage it. Of course, if it became something that made me never want to use the bike, then it would obviously be a waste.

Does anyone know anything about that bike, like who makes it? I know Camping World sells Dahon and other bikes that are high quality, which leads me to believe that this one would be also, but I don't know anything about this one.

At school, I could inquire about bringing it inside since it folds, but if I can't I would have to lock it outside during the day. I accept the risk.

The one sure barometer that indicates if a bike is quality, is weight. The worst rubbish that makes it out of China (or anywhere else) has all steel parts which will feel like there is a beached whale tied to the bike (carrying or riding it). And nothing will work nice either. The brakes may be mushy and not have much stopping power after the first week, all the shiny bits will begin rusting the 2nd week, the wheels will be all wobbly as these turn and the bearings will feel rumbly.

One problem is that a bad bike may put you off riding for life, but riding can be such a life-changing experience that it deserves to do it on a nice bike.

Reviews are good - the Flying Pigeon may be low cost but it has some loyal users. Same with the Citizen bikes.

The Boardwalk is inexpensive but at least it comes with the Dahon pedigree.

If you must lock the bike outside, it may be better to get a hold of something that nobody would want to steal.

The Citizen Bike is 32 lbs., which is heavy, but the Downtube and Dahon are only somewhat lighter at 27 lbs. each, so I guess there's not much I can do about that. Wish there was an elevator, but, alas, no.

Flying Pigeon is supposedly lighter too.



Also, I think that the Boardwalk (the 2008 model, which is what I was looking at) not only doesn't have gears, but also only has a rear brake -- no handbrakes, which I am used to. As I said, it's a very flat, easy ride to school, so I probably don't really need a geared bike, but that's not necessarily all I'm going to be using this bike for, and besides, if the Citizen Bike is about the same price, I'd rather get one with gears and brakes than without -- unless there is really a problem with the Citizen Bikes. Has anybody here owned one?

The boardwalk has a front handbrake, you can see it in the picture, and the rear coaster brake will require less maintenance. Also, I think any advantage of cheap derailleur for a few miles will be lost on all the fiddling you'll have to do at home to keep it working.



If you must lock the bike outside, it may be better to get a hold of something that nobody would want to steal.

Plus something that's not easy to vandalize. One good kick will smash one of those cheap derailleurs to pieces. Not to mention that quick release wheels are easier to steal.

Therefore, my official recommendation is for the boardwalk. On sale for $180 at performancebike.com until st patty's day.

I know everyone's said it before, but craigslist craigslist craigslist! I got both my Raleigh Twenties for $150 and am looking at this dahon boardwalk for $50....

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1076787002.html

I don't need it, of course, but oh man....$50?:innocent:

i have a citizen tokyo that i bought used for $100 and love it. for the price it has given me so much fun. there are quite a handful of citizen bike owner here and they all love theirs. in the end it's your choice - whatever you feel like buying go for it. one thing for sure is you're have fun with your folder...

thanks,
vic

I know everyone's said it before, but craigslist craigslist craigslist! I got both my Raleigh Twenties for $150 and am looking at this dahon boardwalk for $50....

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1076787002.html

I don't need it, of course, but oh man....$50?

Who said anything about need? Go for it...its only money. :)

exactly. for that price, even if i have 5 folders, i will still buy it. is that really a dahon - if it is then GO FOR IT.....

Looks like a Dahon Boardwalk.

exactly. for that price, even if i have 5 folders, i will still buy it. is that really a dahon - if it is then GO FOR IT.....

You have no idea how tempted I am! But the fact of the matter is that I already own 6 bikes (!):
1 roadie (in progress)
1 drop bar commuter, fenders, rack and all
1 fixie
1 mountain bike
1 stock Raleigh Twenty
1 hot rod mod Twenty (in progress)

Not only that, but my brother owns two road bikes!
1 John Howard vintage roadie
1 Triathlon bike

I really can't justify having another bike....or can i? ;)


Who said anything about need? Go for it...its only money. :)

I actually thought about this for a while, thinking about all the mods I would do to it. That stem is way too tall (I'm short :notamused:) and simply modding the stem would cost more than the bike itself! Then there's the bottom bracket, cranks, hubs, rims, tires, handlebars.....:twitchy: Not to mention that I already have two projects in progress...

Looks like a Dahon Boardwalk.

Yes, it's a 2006 or newer Dahon Boardwalk S1.

The 2005 is even better, if you can find one, because it has the vertically adjustable handle bar. The 2005 (mine at least) is Red.

I just put up a WANTED post on craigslist for a cheap folder- got a used older model Dahon (not sure of the model think it is from 87 the hub said any how) got an answer in hours!!!
the link is here-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12271882@N08/sets/72157615428843853/

not bad0 I did pay 100 bucks and probably could have talked him down some but been looking for so long- hey I got a dahon for 100 smacks- I"m happy

Craigslist- I'm tellin you

First, you definitely want to take the bike into your apartment. There is no such a thing as a bike so cheap that no one wants to steal it. (Or smash it, or take the handlebars...)

I have no idea how well those 6 speed steel derailleurs hold up or maintain their adjustment. If you go too cheap, you could end up spending more at the bike store unless you are a good do-it-yourself-er. The single speed Dahon is a great way to go if you are in NYC or a flat place. A few pounds doesn't make a difference when hauling the bike, but the way that it folds does. Dahons are held together by magnets, which keeps the package together.

The Citizen is the best looking of the bunch, IMHO, but has very cheap parts.

The Citizen is the best looking of the bunch, IMHO, but has very cheap parts.

yes. you're right about that. even the shimano gear system that they got is the cheapest of the bunch. that's the reason why i am planning on upgrading everything. will let you know the progress.

thanks,
vic

I'd just like to put in a recommendation for the Boardwalk.

Especially for cheap bikes, simpler is better. The singlespeed and coaster-brake setup is bombproof and requires very little maintenance. If your commute is flat you won't have any trouble riding this bike.

I've had my boardwalk for about a year now, and it's by no means a perfect bike. It's not very adjustable or upgradeable, it's not that stiff and none of the parts could be considered high performance.

But it's needed almost no work done, and I've abused it a lot, shipping it in a canvas bag by train and plane from NYC to Santa Fe, Rochester, NY and others. The fold and the ride are very simple. It comes with fenders and a rack, which make it great for carrying loads and riding in all kinds of weather. It's a workhorse.

According to the Dahon website, that bike is discontinued...?

I can find it only by searching for "boardwalk," and I get this: http://www.shopatron.com/product/part_number=HT010C/412.0. It says "This item is discontinued. We will attempt to find one." If I click Add to Cart it says "The item you are ordering has been discontinued by the manufacturer. If ordered we will search our network of retailers for the product at no additional cost. We will continue searching for as long as you wish, although we require confirmation every two weeks that you want to continue searching."

Amazon also seems to have had it but no longer does: http://www.amazon.com/Dahon-Folding-Bike-Boardwalk-S1/dp/B0010OZB5O ("Currently unavailable. We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock.")

I'm sure I can find it elsewhere...https://shop.sunrisecyclery.com/item/45922/... but why would they have discontinued it?

(Edit: Or at makeinu's link, http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=25694&item=30-0898&slitrk=search&slisearch=true)

Its a Dahon thing, they seem to rotate their models quite a lot.... for what its worth, I would go for brands which people here know and recommend eg Dahon Downtube - and also look on craigslist. If you see a specific model, too, eg on Craigslist, and are not sure about it, ask here, people. Weight does matter, even if you think it doesn't, so does having a rack to carry stuff. There is some real good value for money out there...

... but why would they have discontinued it?

Ever notice that Disney movies are discontinued and rereleased every few years? There aren't enough buyers for Dahon to justify selling 15 different models every year. So they alternate models year over year and sometimes change the names/look/specs so used/old discounted stock doesn't eat into current year sales.

The boardwalk was discontinued for '08, but it's back for '09. The catch is that, with Dahon, '09 bikes come closer to the end of '09 than the beginning, but if you can find the '08 bike it's a better deal because it's cheaper. Bikes aren't like electronics where you get more for less every year you wait. With bikes you usually pay more for the same every year you wait; especially for something basic like a singlespeed (no new technology there).


(Edit: Or at makeinu's link, http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=25694&item=30-0898&slitrk=search&slisearch=true)

Coupon code 540 is working for 10% off or see this thread for the latest coupons:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=159840&page=29

Thank you, everyone, for your input and advice. After going to my LBS and riding a couple of the Dahon models they had, I decided to go with the Jack (http://www.dahon.com/us/jack.htm). I bought it there a couple of days ago. There was nothing wrong with the 20-inch wheel ones, but I preferred the idea of a full-size bike that folds. It cost a bit more than I had intended to spend, but I figured it was worth it for something that I will use a lot for many years, hopefully.

glad you were able to get what you really want. you'll have fun with that bike i bet you but you know the protocol in this forum, right ? you need to show us your folder.....

vic

Thank you, everyone, for your input and advice. After going to my LBS and riding a couple of the Dahon models they had, I decided to go with the Jack (http://www.dahon.com/us/jack.htm). I bought it there a couple of days ago. There was nothing wrong with the 20-inch wheel ones, but I preferred the idea of a full-size bike that folds. It cost a bit more than I had intended to spend, but I figured it was worth it for something that I will use a lot for many years, hopefully.

It's worth it. I was looking hard on getting a Cadenza or Jack for a good while now, when I chanced up on this Fuji folder on CL last week.
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa87/DVC45/IMG_0821.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa87/DVC45/IMG_0823.jpg

I'm really enjoying the ride of this full size foldie.

glad you were able to get what you really want. you'll have fun with that bike i bet you but you know the protocol in this forum, right ? you need to show us your folder.....

I did not know that, but I'm happy to oblige:

http://blastobutter42.drivehq.com/Bike/P1020828.JPG
Unfolded, it's pretty much a normal full-size bike.

http://blastobutter42.drivehq.com/Bike/P1020816.JPG
It just folds in the middle. The seat comes out, and the handlebars come off the post with a hex key.

http://blastobutter42.drivehq.com/Bike/P1020832.JPG
So it's still pretty big when folded, but there's just enough space at the foot of my bed for it.

nice bike and nice color, too. thanks for sharing.....

although larger and heavier than their modern counterparts, you could definitely find a vintage folder in working order on ebay or especially criagslist, probably based off of a bianchi or motobecane design, cobranded by another manufacturer (pierce arrow, et al). just picked up a nice pierce arrow rebrand motobecane for $50 on craigslist...there are lots more choices than dahon, downtube, brompton, or an old raleigh twenty... just have to keep looking!

rekall, he already bought one! hehehe. I bought my dahon boardwalk s1 new from an LBS (who ordered it) for about 220 dollars. I got a dahon boardwalk d7 (7 sp) from CL for about 125 (it came with an adjustable handlebar stem).

BoB42, that Jack looks nice! I've never played with full sized folders, but have always been interested. Good choice.

rekall, he already bought one! hehehe. I bought my dahon boardwalk s1 new from an LBS (who ordered it) for about 220 dollars. I got a dahon boardwalk d7 (7 sp) from CL for about 125 (it came with an adjustable handlebar stem).

BoB42, that Jack looks nice! I've never played with full sized folders, but have always been interested. Good choice.

do you have pics fo your boardwalk with adjustable handlebar ? i was able to buy a 6speed but the handlepost is not adjustable. i wonder if i can upgrade it...

thanks,
vic

I can get pics of it, I guess (need to find my camera). The guy that sold me the Boardwalk 7 sp also sold me an adjusting handbar stem as well. I installed it (it involves taking off the hand pads, grinding down the little nipple and sliding it into the new one). It doesn't fold as flat as it did with the original bars, but it hasn't been a problem.

I'll post pics when I can find my camera. Unless you don't mind cell phone pictures :)