Folding Bikes - The Obligatory help me choose post.

Hi folks,
yes this is another one of those I'm new here and need some advise threads, can't have enough of those now can we. But seriously, after lurking the forums and reading up on the threads I really do think it was time that I join up and post the obiglatory help me choose from a thousand models thread. :lol: So here it goes... btw, great forum.

Objective: I'm looking to buy 2 folding bikes for occasional non-seasoned weekend riding
Experience: Entry level, haven't ridden a bike since teen hood. I'm now in mid 40's.
Height #1 is 5',4" and height #2 is 5',5'
Weight #1 is 198 and weight #2 is 250
(sounds like a dating service) lol
Purpose: occasional riding, mostly on weekends through city parks and Ocean side (some small hills, bridges).
Place: New York City (outer boros actually), you have to pay me to go into Manhattan to ride along those thirsty "I want to kill a biker" taxis.
I probably will name the bikes "Presentation" and "Two pocket". :D

A few bikes have caught my eye recently. See attached images.
The 1st one is the Citizen MTA Metrobike (http://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.asp?product_category_id=1&product_id=21)$324.99 with shipping (I can already hear the sighs and boos from some of you).
Although I like their Gotham model, it only comes in Silver unlike the Miami model which comes in teal and aqua. So between the Silver Gotham and the Silver MTA Metrobike, I narrowed it down to the MTA one.

The 2nd bike choice is the Pulse I-on by Kettler (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11320290&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|111|195|58220&N=4018137&Mo=14&pos=4&No=8&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=58220&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC10999-Cat195&topnav=#)that is being sold in Costco for $349.00 with shipping.

the 3rd choice was the Dahon Boardwalk 1 (http://www.amazon.com/DLT-Dahon-Licensed-Technology-Boardwalk/dp/B001UL5MQU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1246938512&sr=8-1) (2009 model year) for $290.43 with tax/shipping.

the 4th choice is the Dahon Eco 3 (http://www.amazon.com/2009-Dahon-Eco-Folding-Bike/dp/B001VXSAYI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1246938512&sr=8-2) for $397.72 with Tax/shipping.

After reading alot of the threads, I get the feeling that most will choose the Dahon. Personnally I like the Citizen one even though some say its cheaper made or cheaper parts. The Pulse is another one I like but I can't find any info on the forum about it and the Dahon ones I've seen in person am I'm really am on the fence over their styling.

Therefore, I would love to hear your opnions.

TS

Dahon Eco it is nice to have the gears, Great network. Check www.thorusa.com, Thor is a great support on the forum.

The distance between the seat and handle bars are quite different on each of those bikes. Your the same height as me, but not in weight. So, I am going to assume you have similar reach. I would choose the Dahon because the citizen bike's (my brother has one) handlepost is too close to me and it makes me sit really up right. I rather like sitting alittle more foward. You can go faster that way. The seat on the Dahon is nicer too so it is easier on your behind after riding some distance.
As for quality, you get what you pay for. I am assuming you want a folding bike because you plan on folding it. So, please take into consideration the folding size. It may not be a big deal now, but it will when you start taking it in and out of your car, especially two folding bikes.

get a downtube 8fh. i just ordered one. my wife has a novara buzz fly by-also a decent pick.
...but the Downtube 8FH has full suspension, 8 spd internal hub for $399.
i'm originally from nyc-staten island, trust me the front and rear suspension will do you good.
just my 2.5 cents

Yes, Downtubes would be even better for your price range.

Hate to have to point this out, but the weight of rider #1 is likely beyond the 220-240 max weight of most folders.

Disregarding weight, I'd choose a bike similar to the Dahon Eco, the Dahon Speed 7 or the Downtube FS.

The city may be flat, but getting up onto bridges usually is not. This is from our experience in Portland, OR. Portland and New York appear similar in that respect. (Note, I do have a single-speed Dahon and have ridden it up to 20 miles on Portland bike paths. I like it, but doubt a beginner would find it a lot of fun for more than a couple of miles. Mine is also modified a bit for comfort and convenience.)

Dynocoaster
Thanks for the link. Yes the Eco is nice but it needs a rack.

Folder4life
Good valid points. Did not really take into account the handle bar to seat distance. Although I doubt I want to go really fast so leaning forward won't be a factor. I do plan on putting a Morgan Cycle back rest (http://www.amazon.com/Morgan-Cycle-Bicycle-Seat-Back/dp/B002BZ1G5K)on at least mine. I also looked at the Downtubes, and besides being expensive, I am not too keen with their looks, but the full suspension is nice.

Foldable Two
As for the weight limit, I know. Of all those I listed the Kettler has the highest at 250 and the lowest is the Downtubes 8fh at 195 lbs. The Dahons and Metrobike are at 230 and 225 lns. Although in all fairness, those weight limits are just the recommended weight limits set by the manufacturer. Over in the Dahon forums a discussion was brought up about weight and Dahon (as well as other manufacturers) set a lower limit for liability purposes. But most of these bikes can hold up to 300 lbs. So long as one doesn't treat them like they are areobatic bikes jumping off curves and pushing the bikes stress levels beyond what they can handle. Besides we don't plan on being that size for long. We are on a daily regimen and are losing weight weekly. But we figure riding bikes not only will help us lose more, but get us get that great feeling of riding bikes like when we were younger.

As it stands right now, if I was going
weight wise, the Kettler is in the lead,
construction/quality wise, the Dahons and Downtubes are in the lead
looks and price wise, the Citizens are in the lead.

Either way I do plan on going to a bike shop and see if I can test ride some of the folders. I know that they won't have any Kettler or Citizens, but at least I can try out the Dahons and maybe a few other brands and how they feel.

Thanks for all those that help. Once I decide and get the bikes I'll post up images and video.

TS