Commuting - Your thoughts on using a single speed folding bike?

Hi folks -

I ran a Search and didn't really come across this topic, so I'd like to ask for your thoughts.

My company is moving to a different location within Philadelphia's downtown, about 1.5 miles from where I get off my train into town. While that distance is certainly walkable, for time reasons I'm looking into the use of a folding bike. The terrain on this ride is all city street pavement, and just about perfectly flat.

I've been looking at the Dahon Boardwalk 1, as it seems well-built and is inexpensive, largely because it's a single-speed coaster brake bicycle. To me, this seems like it would be adequate for such a brief, flat ride - but I'd be interested in any opinions yes/no about my assessemnt. The building move doesn't happen until December, but it looks like Dahon no longer builds the Boardwalk 1, with the three-speed D6 now being their entry level bike. If I'm going to go with the single speed, I'd probably like to get one soon while they're easily found. Thanks -

Frank

For that short a distance over flat terrain, a single speed is certainly adequate. Unless there is some real reason to avoid it though, I think I'd opt for the 3 speed, just to provide a little more utility. What happens if you change jobs in a year and go to work for "Hilltop Inc."?

Paul

Hi folks -
I ran a Search and didn't really come across this topic, so I'd like to ask for your thoughts.
I've been looking at the Dahon Boardwalk 1, as it seems well-built and is inexpensive, largely because it's a single-speed coaster brake bicycle. To me, this seems like it would be adequate for such a brief, flat ride - but I'd be interested in any opinions yes/no about my assessemnt. The building move doesn't happen until December, but it looks like Dahon no longer builds the Boardwalk 1, with the three-speed D6 now being their entry level bike. If I'm going to go with the single speed, I'd probably like to get one soon while they're easily found. Thanks -

Frank

I have two folding bikes by Dahon and would NOT buy the Boardwalk 1. The components are very cheap and I'm glad Dahon finally gave up on this model. You're much better off getting the three speed because there are always some small rolling hills where you'll need the extra gears. The difference in price is minimal.

I purchased a Dahon folding bike with no gears once and my knees were hurting after a short while. There was a huge hill I had to cross and that bike nearly injured my knees permanently. I sold that bike for $40.00 dollars.