Folding Bikes - Must have a folding bike! Know nothing about them!

I've decided I must have a folding bike. I recently moved halfway across the country into a tiny apartment and the big bikes had to be left behind. We literally have no where to store a full-sized bike.

The problem is that I know absolutely nothing about folding bikes and they seem really expensive. I don't have a whole heap of money. I've been looking at the Citizen bikes and my husband seems to think something under $300 is reasonable. I'm mostly curious about wheel size. What is the difference in ridability on a 16" wheel v. 20"? Also, what does a first-time folding bike owner/rider need to know about them?

Thanks!

What kind of riding do you want to do with the folder? That will influence the suggestions for you.

A smaller wheel size generally will mean a "twitchier" ride and maybe slightly rougher going over bumps. However, if you're just riding on smooth road surfaces, the difference is not that great.

In the price range you described, you should be looking at Downtube bikes www.downtube.com. Great value for the price. Solid build for the most part. 30 day return guarantee.

im in the same situation with you before i got my folder. i have a mountain bike from college and now live in an apartment and just have no room. im sure the veterans will give you a more detailed response, but from what i initially gathered, the 20" will ride like a full size bike vs the 16" though the 16" will be more compact on folding and storage. in my case, after checking all the info here, i went for the downtube 9fs for a little over $400. a little bulky due to the full suspension, but worked well with my apartment and storing it inside.

Go retro. Fix up a Raleigh 20. Once you go retro, you'll never go forward.

Check out your local Craigslist for deals.

what do you need to bike to do?
So far it sounds like a 16 or 20" Dahon or Downtube would suit your Budget best and still get a decent bike.

+1 on a bike w/ 20" wheels. You don't need 16" wheels just for storing in your apartment and 20" wheels will be cheaper in the long run (and probably the short run too) due to the compatibility w/ BMX bikes.

I haven't personally tried a Citizen, but I give two thumbs up to a Downtube.

Downtube Nova.

Because I want to see a first hand review. :)

Seriously, though, I think the Nova offers a great value for the $$.

Downtube Nova.

Because I want to see a first hand review. :)

+1

Yes, you must get a Downtube Nove, now! Anything else would be wrong. Buy it now!

+1

Yes, you must get a Downtube Nove, now! Anything else would be wrong. Buy it now!

Hmm! Do I detect a note of sarcasm?

Hmm! Do I detect a note of sarcasm?

No, but we need a review.

Therefore he must buy it!

Seroiusly it look great value for money

Go for sex appeal, practicality is silly. Think Daphne vs Velma.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3869296804_7dfffa6576.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/3869298262_8e9020e032_m.jpg

Thanks, guys! Hadn't heard of the Downtube, so I'll check those out.

I commute eight miles each way via public trans. I'm looking for a bike that I can ride in case the trains aren't running, or that I can take with me and have the option of riding home some days. It's all paved in both directions. (Weight is a consideration, I guess, although I know I can't afford the super-light models.)

After reading a few hundred posts here (not kidding), I think I'm going to go with the Citizen Tokyo for a starter folder. I'm going to sleep on it.

ridethisbike.com has an EZpack folding bike...good for 5 miles +/-

i paid 130 for one.

i usually ride my road bikes to commute. but its 20lbs, 12"wheels and does fine over train tracks.

nice for what ive used it for: quick city riding. folds very small too

If you are going on the bottom dollar route, you might wanna consider this too, http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Loop-7-Speed-Folding-Bike/dp/B000Y2PRTI
If you end up not liking it, I think Amazon pays shipping going back.

After reading a few hundred posts here (not kidding), I think I'm going to go with the Citizen Tokyo for a starter folder. I'm going to sleep on it.

My understanding is that the Tokyo has quite poor gearing and handling, and is very heavy. (see here (http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-410768.html)). If you need inexpensive, reconsider a Downtube. And 16" wheels will do nothing for you: go 20".

I'm going to leap in with the same question as the first responder to the thread.

What kind of riding do you do?

Hard core hammer exercise miles and miles from home?
Easy rides, close to home?
Utility rides to the store to pick up milk?
Commuting to work?

There are a lot of folding bikes and some fill a niche better than others.
Figure out what your riding goals or mission is and then work around that.

John

After reading a few hundred posts here (not kidding), I think I'm going to go with the Citizen Tokyo for a starter folder. I'm going to sleep on it.

sleep on it and make sure that when you wake up citizen tokyo is not by your side. speaking from someone who had a citizen tokyo. although it is nice looking, features are quite limited and once you have it you will think twice on why you bought it. first - it is so slow, secondly - it is heavy, thirdly - components used are so so. getting frustrated with its gearings, i decided to checked CL and found a dahon boardwalk d6 and never looked back. when i test rode the boardwalk i could tell the speed difference right away from my tokyo. bought the boardwalk for only $125 but well worth it........ with respect to citizen tokyo - it brought me to the folding bike world and to this forum....that i will be forever grateful to my tokyo...

I would go for the Downtube Nova. You are unlikely to be able to test ride it ,but it should ride alot like a dahon speed or simular.
This would be an excellent start. You are not likely to be disappointed like you could well end up being with the Citirzen. It is also likely that you will get a good return on the Nova should you sell it.

Since you're new to the folder world, go to some local bike shops and try a few different bikes. Both 16" and 20" are ride-able. With 16", you will get a smaller fold.

So your type of riding will be "multi modal", meaning you are probably going to combine the train with riding some of the distance on the bike. In this case, a 16" wheel bike might be best as it will more more compact, and reduce the chances of bumping into the train passengers when you board it.

If you choose the Tokyo, be sure to take it to a bike shop, and have them give it a complete tune up. This will assure that the bike will function as it needs to.

Another 16" model you should probably look at if you're willing to invest some more money, and still stay below the $300 mark is the Kent Compact Nexus which comes with a 3 speed internal gear hub, and fenders, and a rack just like the Tokyo. This bike appears to be a good candidate for multi modal commuting, and a few pounds lighter than the Tokyo to boot.

Here is the link: http://ridethisbike.com/products/Kent/compact-Nexus-3-speed-folding-bike.htm

This bike is available from other dealers online too, but Larry (the owner of RideThisBike) is very helpful.

Good luck in your search.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

I haven't bought anything yet. I'm not going to go with a 20" bike. After watching numerous videos online with people folding and carrying the 20" models, I'm just not going to do that. I'm short and a small person. I can't lug around something that size.

hmm... I'm actually selling a Citizen Tokyo in very mint condition(the bike probably has been ridden for less than 10 times total, I personally rode it for 4 times) for $100 bucks, but I'm in CT...

The tokyo is pretty good for the price, few things I've noticed when I used it:
- it is a bit heavy for carrying up & down the stairs, if you intend to use it on subway, I'm pretty sure it'll get your heart rate up carrying up & down the stairs unless you have very strong arms.
- the handlebar stem does not seem to be as stiff as those higher quality(priced) folders.
- the low gears are almost too low, I basicallly just left it on the highest gear all the time. but then again I just bought a single speed folder, so that might just be my preference :)
- built quality seems solid, although I have no long term experience with it and I didn't ride it much.
- the cables on it are easy to get tangled up when you unfold the bike, so gotta be careful there.

hope this helps.

edit: oh one more thing, it cannot be rolled when folded.

I haven't bought anything yet. I'm not going to go with a 20" bike. After watching numerous videos online with people folding and carrying the 20" models, I'm just not going to do that. I'm short and a small person. I can't lug around something that size.
I own a Tokyo. On the good side, it does fold a bit smaller than a 20" bike. This is one of the reasons I like my bike - it fits in a very small closet. But it IS heavy, so you may find that the smaller size doesn't help when you carry it. I'm willing to carry mine a block or so, but no further. And I have to agree with what vmaniqui and shinew have said about the gearing - it is too low and too slow. I'm improving that by changing my gears, and will report how that works in a few weeks.

Finally, take seriously edwong3's advice about taking your new bike, whatever you get, to a local bike shop for a check-up and tuning. I wish I'd done that with my Tokyo - would have saved me some trouble and expense.

oh one more thing, it cannot be rolled when folded.
Yes it can, but there isn't a good handle for pushing or pulling. The seatpost is at the wrong angle and so are the handlebars. I'm thinking that a rope or strap tied at the hinge might work - haven't tried it.

one of the benefit of downtube is you can roll it (with the saddle up and stearing with the saddle and using the rear wheel) when it is folded so u don't have to carry it. another consideration for the downtube. but if u still decide to get the citizen anyway, don't come back and cry here and said we didn't warn u.

I haven't bought anything yet. I'm not going to go with a 20" bike. After watching numerous videos online with people folding and carrying the 20" models, I'm just not going to do that. I'm short and a small person. I can't lug around something that size.

Might I sugest then the Choice is now likely between a Brompton,Mezzo,Dahon Curve,Downtube Mini. Or something like a Mobiky or Strada at an outside bet.

The Brompton is possibly the best choice if you find the folding bulk an issue to carry and do not want to wheel the bike like Dahons and Downtubes can. It is also a bike that fits men(and women) bellow 5 foot 8 very well often. It is above the budget you mentioned, but it will resale for the highest percentage of it new value if and when you sell it. ie least long term depreciation, you could also consider the cheaper Brompton "clone" called the Merc,that if fine after spending a little time sorting it, or a Brezzer?..................

Might I sugest then the Choice is now likely between a Brompton,Mezzo,Dahon Curve,Downtube Mini. Or something like a Mobiky or Strada at an outside bet.
.

Ummmm, her budget is $300. I think her only choice is between a Downtube or Dahon.

I haven't bought anything yet. I'm not going to go with a 20" bike. After watching numerous videos online with people folding and carrying the 20" models, I'm just not going to do that. I'm short and a small person. I can't lug around something that size.

You didn't say anything about lugging in your original post. All you said was storing. If you had said you wanted to lug the bike then you would have gotten a different response. :)

Although, honestly I don't know why you're now worried about lugging because if you had a bigger apartment wouldn't you just have taken your regular bikes with you and wrestled them into their parking spots? A 20" folder will get you the same thing, just you can fold it in half at the end so the parking spot is smaller so it's not protruding into the open floor space of your smaller apartment.

Same thing on the subway. It won't be any easier than a regular bike, just take up less space. In fact, unless you compromise on quality nothing in your price range will be easier to lug than a regular bike no matter 16" or 20" wheel.

Ummmm, her budget is $300. I think her only choice is between a Downtube or Dahon.

if the OP is a she then there is a sale going on at performancebike stores on dahon curve d3 for only $399. the only color available is pink. i have frequented the walnut creek store and i still see the pink curve d3 everytime i go there. for $399 you can't beat that price.

Ummmm, her budget is $300. I think her only choice is between a Downtube or Dahon.

The original poster has her heart set on getting a bike with 16 inch wheels, and Dahon doesn't sell one within the allotted budget. Downtube no longer offers the Mini, and no matter, it too would have been over her limit.

She is considering the Citizenbike Tokyo, and I've pointed her to the Kent Nexus 3 Speed as well, both under $300 so she has choices.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

Ummmm, her budget is $300.

So what? This guy had a $500 budget and ended up with a new Brompton ;-)

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=568501&highlight=budget

Kam

one of the benefit of downtube is you can roll it (with the saddle up and stearing with the saddle and using the rear wheel) when it is folded so u don't have to carry it. another consideration for the downtube. but if u still decide to get the citizen anyway, don't come back and cry here and said we didn't warn u.

A video of a guy rolling a 20" bike was what convinced me to go with something smaller. And don't worry, I wouldn't think of bothering anyone.

You didn't say anything about lugging in your original post. All you said was storing. If you had said you wanted to lug the bike then you would have gotten a different response. :)

Although, honestly I don't know why you're now worried about lugging because if you had a bigger apartment wouldn't you just have taken your regular bikes with you and wrestled them into their parking spots? A 20" folder will get you the same thing, just you can fold it in half at the end so the parking spot is smaller so it's not protruding into the open floor space of your smaller apartment.

Same thing on the subway. It won't be any easier than a regular bike, just take up less space. In fact, unless you compromise on quality nothing in your price range will be easier to lug than a regular bike no matter 16" or 20" wheel.
How do you expect me to get it up and down three flights of stairs and into and out of the subway.

It appears I just don't have the money to play in this folder. Forget I asked. edwong3--thank you for your suggestion. I'll also look at the Kent.

How do you expect me to get it up and down three flights of stairs and into and out of the subway.

It appears I just don't have the money to play in this folder. Forget I asked. edwong3--thank you for your suggestion. I'll also look at the Kent.

TXChick - check your local performancebike store. they have a Dahon Curve D3 on sale for $399. i know that you only had 300 budgeted for the bike but this is all worth it to add some more money as the original price is $599. the only downside is you can only choose one color - PINK. ignore what some people are saying - majority of the members here are willing to help and give you an advice or two. i myself has a dahon curve d3 and my wife and daughter like it so much. not to sway you away from buying a tokyo or kent but check the curve first (this has a 16" wheel also)......

thanks,
vic

A video of a guy rolling a 20" bike was what convinced me to go with something smaller...

Don't let "small" deceive u on the weight. The downtube nova weight 24 lbs vs the citizen toyko which weight 29 lbs. Believe me, those 5 lbs difference will make a big difference carrying a bike up 3 flights of stair everday.

How do you expect me to get it up and down three flights of stairs and into and out of the subway.

It appears I just don't have the money to play in this folder. Forget I asked. edwong3--thank you for your suggestion. I'll also look at the Kent.

Same way you would a regular bike. Again, you didn't say you had to leave behind your regular bikes because they'd be too cumbersome to lift up three flights of stairs and into/out of the subway. You said you had to leave them because they'd take up too much space in your small apartment.

Sorry if I'm being a stickler, but the more you learn about folders the more you will realize that there are many many little niggles that are worth being fixed. However, you generally get what you pay for, so unless you're willing to pay more for these features then you're better off getting a bike that doesn't have them or else, price being equal, you'll be getting shorted in the areas you do care about. For example, if you don't pay a premium for a smaller folder that's easier to lug then you're simply going to get poor quality components.

I'm trying to help you find the best bike for you and to do that I need to know which features you need and which features you don't need; So if you need a bike that's easy to carry up and down stairs then you have to say so or you're going to get suggestions for excellent bikes that have sacrificed this feature in order to excel in other areas.

That being said, the Tokyo or the Kent could be good bikes for you depending on how much riding you'd like to do and how reliable you want your bike to be. However, if you plan on doing a lot of riding and/or need a more reliable bike then I concur that stretching your budget for the aforementioned Dahon Curve D3 is recommended. Alternatively I also highly recommend looking for a used bike on nyc craigslist.

How do you expect me to get it up and down three flights of stairs and into and out of the subway.

These are largely functions of weight, not size. If you're taking the bike up and down flights of stairs, you want as light as bike as possible. Which means: not a Citizen Tokyo.

Wheel size doesn't really correlate well to weight. The Kent claims to be light but it's not it's average: about 25 pounds. The Dahon Curve D3 is also average at 25.4 pounds. Quite a number of 20" wheel bikes are lighter than this. For example, the 20" Mu SL (way out of your budget) is 18 pounds.

If Performance Bike really has the Dahon Curve D3 on sale for $400, I would strongly suggest increasing your budget that that amount and buying it.

Alternatively you could hunt for some recently-loved Dahon 20" bikes. I have bought three display-model Dahon Helios P8s (22 pounds) for $375 each and they've been very good bikes for my purposes. I'm willing to bet craigslist NY has some deals. For example, here's a Dahon Helios for $300 (http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/1341559468.html). That is a *good* deal, and a good bike for you, trust me. This Dahon D7 (http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/1351378202.html) (if it *is* a D7) seems to be missing a lot of stuff, like its original rack etc., but it might be a good pick for you. This Dahon Boardwalk (http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/1343778486.html) is way too heavy. These Dahons (http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/bik/1348322505.html) are poor choices.

Go grab the Helios. Light and $300. Can't beat that.

edwong3--thank you for your suggestion. I'll also look at the Kent.

You're quite welcome TXChick! I understand it can be a daunting decision to choose something as simple as a folding bike but as in anything, you have got to be happy with your final choice.

Reasons why I believe the Kent Nexus is a good candidate are, it's relatively light, high value per dollar ($259 DELIVERED), strong handlepost mechanism, Shimano Nexus 3 speed hub is very smooth, and reliable, comes already with a rack, and fenders, albeit they are quite small but it's better than nothing:)

Now one thing to keep in mind is that the Nexus hub that comes with the Kent is the type that has a built in coaster brake which means you apply it using back pressure on the pedals just like the more simple one speed bikes. It does have a front hand brake too.

Good luck, and have fun with your shopping!

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

Now one thing to keep in mind is that the Nexus hub that comes with the Kent is the type that has a built in coaster brake which means you apply it using back pressure on the pedals just like the more simple one speed bikes. It does have a front hand brake too.

Good luck, and have fun with your shopping!

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

I believe there's also a 6-speed, derailleur-driven model that costs $189 (including shipping).

:thumb:

STARTING OVER

I don't know that much about folding bikes (although more now than I did at the beginning) and never gave them much consideration until now. I would like to buy one.

1) I don't have much money and I absolutely need to spend less than $300. At this point in time, that's it. I'm looking for a starter bike, not a Rolls Royce.

2) I do not have bike storage at my apartment--not outside, not in the hall, etc. The bike will have to be tucked behind some furniture somewhere.

3) I am a small person living in a third-floor walkup, with very narrow stairs and a very narrow landing. I will need to carry the bike up and down those stairs and up and down the subway stairs. That is the only time I will be carrying the bike.

4) I will not be riding the bike everyday. I want it for emergencies, like public transportation failure (heaven forbid) and also for having an alternate way of getting home some days--just for pleasure. I might also use it sometimes for an errand if I don't feel like walking.

5) When I do ride the bike, it is unlikely that I'll ever be going more than 10 miles.

TXChick,

We are yet to find a bike that is US$300.00, small once folded, light to climb to the third-floor walkup and easy to be handled by a small person. You will have to give up one of the features.

If you want to give up the budget, I suggest the Strida:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/70/176665981_8e82973f90.jpg

If you want to give up the weight, I suggest any 20" wheeled folder that will fit your budget (Dahon, Downtube, etc...)

http://www.motorhomemagazine.com/images/elements/1770895_wheele_and_gear_downtube.jpg



If you want to give up size, I suggest a cruiser that can be incorporated to your new, modern, urban lifestyle (I have my favorite bike hanging on my wall above my flat screen TV.)
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R8VIinehCps/SjYty36f-bI/AAAAAAAABMw/jCGuLj7Xbu4/s400/bike,azul,decoration,interior,light,blue-161f41f432db1fb9dead8adaccd3e7ba_h.jpg


I tried all the above myself and a few years later (and several thousand dollars wasted) none worked well for me.

Good luck on your final decision.


PS: if you decide that you want the best of all worlds and budget is not an issue, you can always work yourself up to the class, sophistication, reliability and sex appeal of a Brompton. It took me 4 years to get mine, but now I am a happy person :D

http://www.independent.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00053/brompton_53302t.jpg

No, none of these dudes are the real 14R.

Get one of this:

http://www.amazon.com/Kent-Compact-Aluminum-Folding-16-Inch/dp/B001IDTKD6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1251750716&sr=8-1

and get some nicer tires and saddle (if the stock one is uncomfortable).

There you go. Less than $300. If you want to drop more weight, then you can also get a single speed kit.

STARTING OVER

I don't know that much about folding bikes (although more now than I did at the beginning) and never gave them much consideration until now. I would like to buy one.

1) I don't have much money and I absolutely need to spend less than $300. At this point in time, that's it. I'm looking for a starter bike, not a Rolls Royce.

2) I do not have bike storage at my apartment--not outside, not in the hall, etc. The bike will have to be tucked behind some furniture somewhere.

3) I am a small person living in a third-floor walkup, with very narrow stairs and a very narrow landing. I will need to carry the bike up and down those stairs and up and down the subway stairs. That is the only time I will be carrying the bike.

4) I will not be riding the bike everyday. I want it for emergencies, like public transportation failure (heaven forbid) and also for having an alternate way of getting home some days--just for pleasure. I might also use it sometimes for an errand if I don't feel like walking.

5) When I do ride the bike, it is unlikely that I'll ever be going more than 10 miles.


What is the cheapest aluminum Dahon with 20" wheels? Find the answer to that question and then look used.

A video of a guy rolling a 20" bike was what convinced me to go with something smaller. And don't worry, I wouldn't think of bothering anyone.

Will this video I just put up for my Mu Uno change your mind about 20" wheel folders? I'm short too at 5'5 and I find it comfortable. :D http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0aMzZf5wLM
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3875945564_d6bb1fa6fb_o.jpg

I believe there's also a 6-speed, derailleur-driven model that costs $189 (including shipping).

:thumb:

After I posted my last reply to TXChick, I thought about mentioning the 6 speed model since the Citizenbike Tokyo had caught her attention, and this is a similar bike. In fact, ABikeStore has that Kent Compact 16 for only $159, and that includes not only shipping, but a helmet as well!

http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=kent-folding-bike&Category_Code=&Store_Code=abs

I second the recommendation for the new Downtube Nova, or the Citizenbike Gotham if she were interested in a 20" model.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

get a bike that you will enjoy riding, and will not be a royal pain to get up and down the stairs. This will mean you will ride it more, therefore use less pubic transport, get healthier and save lots of money on fares and health care!
ATC, I would talk the hubby in to coughing up the dough for a Brompton... Other options would be the Dahon Curl (not yet released, and also above your budget), or the Strida.
Srsly, if you get an unwieldy 25lb bike that doesn't ride well and gives you a hernia every time you carry it up, after struggling with it for a couple of weeks it will sit behind that piece of furniture loosing air and gathering dust.

After I posted my last reply to TXChick, I thought about mentioning the 6 speed model since the Citizenbike Tokyo had caught her attention, and this is a similar bike. In fact, ABikeStore has that Kent Compact 16 for only $159, and that includes not only shipping, but a helmet as well!

http://www.abikestore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=kent-folding-bike&Category_Code=&Store_Code=abs

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

Considering the OP's budget constraints, I think this is the best candidate.

Srsly, if you get an unwieldy 25lb bike that doesn't ride well and gives you a hernia every time you carry it up, after struggling with it for a couple of weeks it will sit behind that piece of furniture loosing air and gathering dust.

Agreed.