Northeast - Metro-North and folding bikes during peak hours?

Anyone have any real experience with folding bikes on Metro-North trains during peak commuting hours? I know they don't allow regular bikes, but they do say that folding bikes are allowed 24/7. Before I make the investment in a folder I'm just wondering if anyone has any real experience with it.

Folders are allowed 24/7. No bike permit required for folders.

Since you are located in Astoria. Regular bikes are now allowed on for reverse peak direction on most trains. Consult timetable to see which trains do not allow full bikes for reverse peak direction. Bike permit is required.

Check out the commuting and folding bike forums. There's a guy who's taken Metro North with a folder, he lives in New Haven, I can't remember his user name.

I haven't done Metro North with a folding bike, but I have done LIRR (which is basically the same outfit) with both folding bikes and regular, and I take a folding bike on NJTransit every day. I've also taken my folder on Amtrak with good results. On some trains I can put the bike in an overhead rack, on others I can put it between seats; one way or another I can always find space for the bike.

My bike is a Downtube Mini, with 16" wheels, which makes it one of the smallest folders you can get (could get; the don't make 'em anymore). I'm not sure how a 20" folder works on the train; probably okay.

I have a big cordura nylon bag for the bike (included in purchase price); I have taken the bag with me when trying out new modes of transportation, but have not yet had to use the bag once. Haven't even unzipped it to see how it works.

Thanks folks! I was thinking of posting in the folding bike section, but opted for Northeast while betting on geography.

After nearly 15 years I'll be leaving Astoria and moving north. I'll be taking Metro-North and then hopping on my new Brompton... :)