Folding Bikes - What's your experience in riding folders in New York City ?

Do members recommend bringing your own folder to NYC or rent a bike ? What's your impression riding in NYC ?

I'll be in NYC in August and wonder is it worthwhile to bring my folder with me from overseas or rent a bike when I get there ?

I'm interested to hear from your experience.

[ Edit: My sincere apology, guys. I didn't mean to stir things up. Perhaps I should be more specific.

This is my first time traveling overseas with a folder and NYC happen to be the destination, nothing personal, it could be anywhere. I'll DEFINITELY ride in NYC . I wonder if it's easier to rent a full size bike in NYC rather than dealing with custom people and airlines from both side of the countries. And ,perhaps, the local riding etiquette I should be aware of.

I prefer my own folder because of the convenience, no need to return the bike each day and the familiarity of my own bike/seat. ]

Do members recommend bringing your own folder to NYC or rent a bike ? What's your impression riding in NYC ?

I'll be in NYC in August and wonder is it worthwhile to bring my folder with me from overseas or rent a bike when I get there ?

I'm interested to hear from your experience.

Why do you think riding a bicycle in NYC will be any different than riding a bike in say, CA or Missouri? Do you expect the gravity to be stronger here, or the oxygen levels different? The wheels are still round the last time I checked...

Why do you think riding a bicycle in NYC will be any different than riding a bike in say, CA or Missouri? Do you expect the gravity to be stronger here, or the oxygen levels different? The wheels are still round the last time I checked...

^^^^
This is the attitude that gives New Yorkers a reputation for rudeness.
Sheesh!

^^^^
Manners cost nothing. Get some.


:deadhorse:

I have ridden extrnsively in NYC, both on folders and on standard bicycles. wider tires are helpful on streets, any thing on westside bike trail. there are bike lanes on many streets, but some skill is needed. The folder would allow you to take public transportation combines with cycling. Rentals are avalable
at many locations. about $25-$35/hr. NYC has cycling info on the web. Google NYC bicycling.
Hope this helps
Herb

^^^^
This is the attitude that gives New Yorkers a reputation for rudeness.
Sheesh!

Let's go back to the OPs question: "what is your experience of riding a bike in NYC"?

Huh? WTF does that mean? NYC is huge, is broken into 5 boros, and has 8 million people...

Experience, as to what? Driving on the streets, in Central park, etc. A thoughtful person would have asked a more sensible question. My posts like in the Brompton thread are long not because I like wasting people's time, but because I want people on an internet forum to UNDERSTAND what it is that I am asking.

The OP asks multiple questions such as whether it is better rent - rent what? A bike, a folder, recumbant? Did they do ANY research before asking this question? There are a million places in the city to rent a bicylce, but WHAT KIND of bike, for how long, etc.?

Maybe I got on the wrong side of the bed this morning, but many forums don't allow OPs like this one...they need to be more specific and well-thought out. I responded sarcastically because I felt the OP was being perhaps too lazy to research before posting it.

I spent 3 hours reading through the Brompton website, and 2 more on the general WWW yesterday before posting my thread, is 15 minutes of web/google searching too much to ask before coming up with a lame OP like "how is it riding a bicycle in NYC"?

Riding in NYC is great. The cars are trapped in the grid lock so you get to ride around them, taunt them, and generally harass them. There's nothing like banging on some cab driver's hood while cursing him out for cutting you off and then riding off while he remains stuck like a fly on paper. It's the fastest, cheapest way to get around and it's a lot of fun.

People that think we're rude just don't understand the NY culture. Just think of it as a friendly competition to have your opinion counted in the sea of millions. This is the perspective I believe makes NY a cosmopolitan city...the realization of the sheer number of other people there are in the world and what it takes to not be rendered irrelevant by it.

As far as the rental thing, I'm not sure you'll find it convenient as most tourists use the subway or cabs. Plus there's nothing like riding your own bike which you've spent countless hours adjusting to your own body and if your folder is fairly compact it will be a boon to take it inside your hotel, museums...is this trip for business or pleasure?

I have ridden extrnsively in NYC, both on folders and on standard bicycles. wider tires are helpful on streets, any thing on westside bike trail. there are bike lanes on many streets, but some skill is needed. The folder would allow you to take public transportation combines with cycling. Rentals are avalable
at many locations. about $25-$35/hr. NYC has cycling info on the web. Google NYC bicycling.
Hope this helps
Herb

Thanks Herb.

To the OP, wow, what a novel concept, google searching... :rolleyes:

I hear traffic is a good place to practice your trials bike skills.

There are many places to rent bikes in NYC. I think a few even do biking tours. Check out this page:

http://nyccentury.org/bike_rental

As pointed out by others, there are many bike lanes. It's generally safer to stick to them. See the bike lane maps here:

http://www.nycbikemaps.com/
http://www.ridethecity.com/

Unless your bike is equipped with suspensions I'd suggest you to use more durable tires that's not too narrow, such as the Marathon series. The traffic can be crazy at times, but as long as you ride carefully you should be fine. Oh, and try not to bring your bike onto subway cars during rush hours. People would not appreciate that.

Why do you think riding a bicycle in NYC will be any different than riding a bike in say, CA or Missouri? Do you expect the gravity to be stronger here, or the oxygen levels different? The wheels are still round the last time I checked...

Since when are CA and Missouri overseas?

Bring your folder, that's a total no-brainer!

I ride my folding bike 5 miles through Manhattan rush hour traffic every work day, and it's a total blast. The bike is the fastest way to get around, unless you happen to have a direct express subway.

I occasionally ride in Queens or Brooklyn, and I guess I don't like them quite as well. There's something about Manhattan due to the outrageous cost of parking &c that makes ordinary car owners unwilling to drive there; most of the drivers are professional drivers and, therefore, pretty good at it. You have to watch out for the police, though; they are distinctly NOT professional drivers.

let's go back to the ops question: "what is your experience of riding a bike in nyc"?

Huh? Wtf does that mean? Nyc is huge, is broken into 5 boros, and has 8 million people...

Experience, as to what? Driving on the streets, in central park, etc. A thoughtful person would have asked a more sensible question. My posts like in the brompton thread are long not because i like wasting people's time, but because i want people on an internet forum to understand what it is that i am asking.

The op asks multiple questions such as whether it is better rent - rent what? A bike, a folder, recumbant? Did they do any research before asking this question? There are a million places in the city to rent a bicylce, but what kind of bike, for how long, etc.?

Maybe i got on the wrong side of the bed this morning, but many forums don't allow ops like this one...they need to be more specific and well-thought out. I responded sarcastically because i felt the op was being perhaps too lazy to research before posting it.

I spent 3 hours reading through the brompton website, and 2 more on the general www yesterday before posting my thread, is 15 minutes of web/google searching too much to ask before coming up with a lame op like "how is it riding a bicycle in nyc"?

Q E D ......

Thank you for proving my point - again...

My sincere apology, guys. I didn't mean to stir things up. Perhaps I should be more specific.

This is my first time traveling overseas with a folder and NYC happen to be the destination, nothing personal, it could be anywhere. I'll DEFINITELY ride in NYC . I wonder if it's easier to rent a full size bike in NYC rather than dealing with custom people and airlines from both side of the countries. And ,perhaps, the local riding etiquette I should be aware of.

I prefer my own folder because of the convenience, no need to return the bike each day and the familiarity of my own bike/seat.

As pointed out by others, there are many bike lanes. It's generally safer to stick to them.

It is? There's almost no consistency between the various bike lane systems in use and some of them even go the wrong way! I use them if I happen to be riding alongside one, but otherwise I avoid them. The city is chaotic enough and additional confusion does not facilitate safety.


the local riding etiquette I should be aware of.

Don't take any **** from anybody. Live by those words and you'll fit right in! :)

Man, you people crack me up. Y'all would last 5 minutes in this town. :D

bdi121: My recommendation is as follows. If you are going to be anywhere for less than a week, taking a folder on a plane is rarely worth it. Any bike, except a Brompton, will be a PITA to fit into a regulation suitcase; plus it ends up being an extra 50 pounds of kit to get to and from the airport. Even with careful packing your bike is likely to get abused.

If you're going to be in a location for a week or more, and intend to cycle pretty much every day, it's probably worth it.

If you are touring, and your folder is capable of touring, then it's probably worth it.

Bike theft is also a pretty big issue, as it is in many major cities. Whether you bring the folder or rent, make sure you know how to properly secure your bike.

Since NYC is great for walking and public transportation, I'd say rent a bike 2 or 3 days, and use your feet the rest of the time.

Second what Bacciagalupe said.

Chuck: I have to respectfully disagree with your assessment that bike lane "does not facilitate safety." Do a Google search and you'll find numerous research papers proving the positive safety effects of bike lanes. In NYC, the number of cyclist injuries and fatalities have been trending down over the years while the number of bikers trending up. The city's bike lane building efforts just might have something to do with it.

.... Rentals are avalable
at many locations. about $25-$35/hr....


Yipes! You'd be better off buying a used bike than renting one for a couple of hours!

Since NYC is great for walking and public transportation, I'd say rent a bike 2 or 3 days, and use your feet the rest of the time.

Thanks , Bacciagalupe. I'll consider your suggestion seriously. But nothing feels better than riding your own bike though.

prtyich said: "is 15 minutes of web/google searching too much to ask before coming up with a lame OP like "how is it riding a bicycle in NYC"?

The original post asked "What's your experience riding folders in NYC?" It was asking others for opinions, not for you to shoot your sarcasm off. You've had the benefit of a heap of free advice on here from other people, about time you started responding in a like manner. If you have nothing to contribute, other than bile, then don't. You protest too much.

prtyich said: "is 15 minutes of web/google searching too much to ask before coming up with a lame OP like "how is it riding a bicycle in NYC"?

The original post asked "What's your experience riding folders in NYC?" It was asking others for opinions, not for you to shoot your sarcasm off. You've had the benefit of a heap of free advice on here from other people, about time you started responding in a like manner. If you have nothing to contribute, other than bile, then don't. You protest too much.

+1

I would recomend having a laugh "with" people. Its easy to be sarcastic in a negative way.

I ride around Manhattan on both a folder and a road bike. If you have already worked out that bringing the folding bike is within your travel ability, why not? Of course, I don't know what your goal for having a bike is.

Do you just want to get in some riding time while you are here? If so you might be better off renting, though I can't say I have a grasp on rental prices here. It

If you want to get around town on your bike, you might be better off with the public transportation. It is easy, fast, and ubiquitous. As someone who doesn't know NY it will get you lost less and you won't have to worry about securing or carrying your bike. If you insist on getting around NY by bike, bring a nice lock. A folder is great, but not everywhere is happy to let you drag them inside.

your first time overseas and your first time visiting NYC.
sure you can bring your folder, ain't gonna talk you out of it.
will you be alone or with other visitors?
but I'd rather get lost in the subway than on a bicycle in NYC, especially in the outer boroughs or NJ.
leave the folder at home, use that luggage space for all the stuff you'll be bringing back.
the folder is just one more thing to bring. rent a bike, it's cheap, I've checked the Bike And Roll site
it's $39 and up per day and on some days it's free, in 2009. can not find the free schedule for 2010.

prtyich said: "is 15 minutes of web/google searching too much to ask before coming up with a lame OP like "how is it riding a bicycle in NYC"?

The original post asked "What's your experience riding folders in NYC?" It was asking others for opinions, not for you to shoot your sarcasm off. You've had the benefit of a heap of free advice on here from other people, about time you started responding in a like manner. If you have nothing to contribute, other than bile, then don't. You protest too much.

See my post #6: "I spent 3 hours reading through the brompton website, and 2 more on the general www yesterday before posting my thread..."

When I start a thread, I've expended significant effort (see post #6) beforehand to make sure I'm not wasting people's time. Maybe I set my standards and expectations too high, but I'd hope other people would do the same.

Yes, prtyich ... perhaps "your standards are too high" ... that wins 'euphemism of the day' in my book. Or, hmm... perhaps you're simply a bitter tool who likes to spew negativity on the internet to make others feel inferior. All the forums have a few like you with "high standards" - seen it before - nothing new.

The OP had a valid question ...

. . " I'd rather get lost in the subway than on a bicycle in NYC, especially in the outer boroughs or NJ.... "

Perhaps you're right. I travel alone and may be I should plan to get lost , on a bicycle, in the tourist area only. This is my second visit the NYC , love the place .

My plan is to use the bike to lead "my nose" to where the good New Yorker food are or small local breweries for a good beer. You can smell and feel the place better on a bike. Google searches don't tell you about the organic feel of the place.

.." If you insist on getting around NY by bike, bring a nice lock. A folder is great, but not everywhere is happy to let you drag them inside."

Good idea. I'll do that . :)

Yes, prtyich ... perhaps "your standards are too high" ... that wins 'euphemism of the day' in my book. Or, hmm... perhaps you're simply a bitter tool who likes to spew negativity on the internet to make others feel inferior. All the forums have a few like you with "high standards" - seen it before - nothing new.

The OP had a valid question ...

Ok, so I was a bit tough on the guy (or gal?) but c'mon people, do some research before coming in with such an open-ended OP. And at least provide some details about what you're asking...

Ok, so I was a bit tough on the guy (or gal?) but c'mon people, do some research before coming in with such an open-ended OP. And at least provide some details about what you're asking...

not a bit tough but really tough and hard. If this is my first post and you answered my post the same way you answered the OP, I will definitely stay away from this forum. If you think OP's question is open ended the least you can do is to ignore it as there are many open minded and friendly members out here willing to help. The purpose of this forum is to help out our LOST members and not to backlash.....good day to everyone .

Ok, so I was a bit tough on the guy (or gal?) but c'mon people, do some research before coming in with such an open-ended OP. And at least provide some details about what you're asking...

No hard feeling prtyich , we all make mistake. I'll learn to be more specific next time as well.

Maybe prtyich will lend you a bike when you come to NYC.

If you come to London, you can borrow mine.

Maybe prtyich will lend you a bike when you come to NYC.

If you come to London, you can borrow mine.

If you come to Brisbane, Australia , you can borrow mine .... and have hot showers as well. :)

Manhattan resident here. I think the main thing is to assess what is your comfort level with urban riding? Are you the kind of person who sticks to the bike path, or are you comfortable riding with traffic, staying out of the door zone, taking the lane and not being intimidated by yellow cabs passing you with 5cm of clearance?

If you prefer to stay on a protected bike path, I recommend you try the Hudson River Greenway on the West Side of manhattan. It's a great ride. You also should bike through Central Park, and over one of the East river bridges, for the views.

If you're comfortable on city streets, a bike is a great way to get around the city. Most of Manhattan is flat. Get a Kryptonite New York Lock or equivalent, or if your bike is worth some money, keep it with you at all times. No joke.

If you're here for a while, buy a folder on Craigslist for $300 and sell it for $300 when you leave. Renting a bike is just too expensive. Or maybe a friendly BF member has an extra to lend you? (Sorry, I just sold my extra folder)

Good luck!

No hard feeling prtyich , we all make mistake. I'll learn to be more specific next time as well.

Apologies for coming down a bit hard on your thread. The tonality on this forum is almost exclusively polite, and the other forums I participate (mostly political ;) ) aren't, so it carried over here when it shouldn't have... ;(

Maybe prtyich will lend you a bike when you come to NYC.

If you come to London, you can borrow mine.

Welllll....I'm not too keen on lending my bike out - but my wife's, you can take hers all day...plus I'll pay your meal money if you take her with you on a trailer...

New York City is a fine place to ride a bike -- unless you're afraid of traffic and cars. Over the past few years, city planners have been adding more and more bike lanes and bike racks to city streets, which helps cyclists, but also makes non-cyclists aware that bikes are there, and have a right to be there.

As written above, if you're afraid of traffic, there are several nice off-street places to ride.

And if you keep to bike lanes and other bike routes, it's really not so hard to ride on the streets, either. Well, except daytime in midtown, and other busy areas. Then it can be an adventure for the neophyte.

See:
http://www.nycbikemaps.com/

Welllll....I'm not too keen on lending my bike out - but my wife's, you can take hers all day...plus I'll pay your meal money if you take her with you on a trailer...

Hehehe, thanks for the the offer. Besides, you wouldn't want your bike back with the flatulation problem I have , sometimes :) .

[QUOTE=chucky;10834755]..."Riding in NYC is great. The cars are trapped in the grid lock so you get to ride around them, taunt them, and generally harass them. There's nothing like banging on some cab driver's hood while cursing him out for cutting you off and then riding off while he remains stuck like a fly on paper. It's the fastest, cheapest way to get around and it's a lot of fun."....

I'm comfortable with urban riding and prefer to ride leisurely to look around NYC. ..... But I'll do like what chucky is doing, at least once, before flying home though. Taxi drivers around the world aren't the same , surely !?!? .

I LOVE biking in New York - so invigorating and great way to see lots and feel a part of it all. Definitely bike in Central Park - what a great park! And the Hudson River Greenway is great too!

But if you wanna get the best view OF the city I HIGHLY recommend taking your bike on the Path Train (very inexpensive) across the Hudson River to Hoboken, New Jersey. Then, go into the train station which is right next to the Path station exit, walk past the front of all the trains and then past the light-rail trains (just keep walking past all the tracks) and then you'll see a wide paved path leading south. That's the beginning of a FABULOUS waterfront promenade that you can bike all the way through Jersey City to Liberty State Park where it continues along the whole park. All you have to do is just keep following the promenade as it follows the waterfront, and whenever you bump into a building, bike around it (only 2 or 3 places). When you get to the end of the promenade in Jersey City, make a right turn, bike to the Jersey City Medical center, turn left and bike across the footbridge and you'll be in Liberty State Park - turn left and head for the water again! During this whole ride you'll get STUNNING views of lower Manhattan and Jersey City is pretty amazing too now. When you get to Liberty State Park you'll be able to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island - I thought I read that they opened or are going to open Ellis Island to bikes so you might even be able to putz around there too (Ferry service from Liberty State Park). This reminds me of when I visited Paris and my brother, who was living there, took me to see the Eiffel Tower. He took me on the subway and when we got off we were nowhere near the tower. I said to my brother "Where's the Eiffel Tower?" He lead me across the street where suddenly there appeared in front of me an awesome view of it in the short distance, and he said to me, "Jerry - you can't see the Eiffel Tower from the Eiffel Tower!" Hope you enjoy your trip.

I really wonder how many real friends a sarcastic fellow like prty_what_ever has.

my guess is : not many.....

Bring your folder, it's a great way to explore the city!

I really wonder how many real friends a sarcastic fellow like prty_what_ever has.

my guess is : not many.....
He caught a lot of flack over his comments. He saw the error of his ways and apologized. Anybody man enough to apologize in front of everybody is ok in my books.

For the OP: one thing that should be mentioned is that the roads are just in terrible condition after a wet winter, probably more so than in quite some time. This is kind of a throwback to the Koch/Dinkins years, when the surface of the moon was smoother than the average side street in Manhattan... ;(

That HAS to be a factor with any bike a person will rent/buy - what kind of ride do you want? If comfort is primary, then you'll need a bike with full-size wheels and preferably, Big Apple tires. This is the primary reason I did not go with a bike that had Durano tires - they are very fast, but I feared they'd get a flat every 2 blocks. There are streets that are just beyond belief how horrendous, I'm careful when I'm driving my car over them, let alone my Dahon...the Queens side leading into the 59th Street bridge looks like Normandy on 6/6/44.

For the OP: one thing that should be mentioned is that the roads are just in terrible condition after a wet winter, probably more so than in quite some time. This is kind of a throwback to the Koch/Dinkins years, when the surface of the moon was smoother than the average side street in Manhattan... ;(

That HAS to be a factor with any bike a person will rent/buy - what kind of ride do you want? If comfort is primary, then you'll need a bike with full-size wheels and preferably, Big Apple tires. This is the primary reason I did not go with a bike that had Durano tires - they are very fast, but I feared they'd get a flat every 2 blocks. There are streets that are just beyond belief how horrendous, I'm careful when I'm driving my car over them, let alone my Dahon...the Queens side leading into the 59th Street bridge looks like Normandy on 6/6/44.

That's why I see many tourists riding on the sidewalk. OK, maybe they're residents riding
rental bikes, but I'm sure many are tourists. they ride the bikenroll bikes with the rack
advertising and handlebar bag.
I have noticed a lack of pothole repair lately. eventually that pothole will have a traffic cone
over it as warning.
but if you still want to bring your bike in, knock yourself out.
since you edited your response to state you're coming in August, hopefully there's still
the Summer Streets weekend program going . Free bike rentals.

That's why I see many tourists riding on the sidewalk. OK, maybe they're residents riding
rental bikes, but I'm sure many are tourists. they ride the bikenroll bikes with the rack
advertising and handlebar bag.

I'm all for more people biking in NY, but I do get annoyed when i run into waves of tourists riding without regard for (well, probably without knowledge of) the rules. If the OP decides to head to NY with a bike, please be respectful and review the important rules of the road.

I'm all for more people biking in NY, but I do get annoyed when i run into waves of tourists riding without regard for (well, probably without knowledge of) the rules. If the OP decides to head to NY with a bike, please be respectful and review the important rules of the road.

Interesting point, but I'm not sure I can second it.

NYC is an incredibly diverse place, and even the bicyclists fall into clear groups, which you can distinguish by many factors, such as how they ride, why they ride, and even ethnicity:eek: (well, country of origin is probably a better term). A lot of bicycles are used for deliveries of various sorts; but even among them, there are distinct groups including messengers, grocery deliveries, chinese takeout, etc; and you quickly learn to distinguish them by the way they ride.

Tourists, for sure, are a distinct category, and these too you can identify by the way they ride; but that's not a bad thing. It's just part of the landscape.

Of all the cycling constituencies I've seen in NYC, I'd be hard pressed to say which has the most respect for "the rules of the road." Some more than others, I'm sure, but frankly most show very little awareness of any rules at all.

As for taking the bike into buildings, I agree it is a good idea (and good common courtesy) to bring a lock. But even without a lock, I have had trouble in only one place, so far: Brooklyn College. If you want to visit Brooklyn College, you have to have a lock. Everywhere else I've gone, my folder has been cheerfully ignored or silently accommodated.

This was entertaining to read....
I'd definitely recommend bringing your bike with you. Renting a bike is nice for the day if you don't cycle that much, don't care if it's not adjusted, etc. If you've got one, bring it with you. The extra cost you may encounter in the airport will be worth it, especially if you've in the city or a whole month. My boyfriend just moved to NYC-working in midtown and living in the Upper East Side-and I take my folder on the train with me down there. I have a Montague (http://www.bikeforums.net/www.montaguebikes.com) Folding BOSTON (http://www.montaguebikes.com/boston-folding-single-speed-bike.html)-full size single speed with a flip-flop hub and it's never an issue to take it on either the Amtrak or Metro North Trains (you'll become familiar with those once you get to the city and want to get out for the weekend!) and it's great riding around the city. He also rides a fixy to and from work with no problem. I've got a car and drove through the city once...BIG mistake.
My advice? Bring your foldable!!!!

I lived in Manhattan when I was in my 20's. Back then I was an avid roller blader. In the summer I would often rollerblade the 6 mile loop of Central Park, take a break at the band shell, and grab a hot dog at Grey's Papaya at 72nd and Broadway. From there I would hit one of the museums, see a movie, or just sit and watch the people go by. Back then I didn't ride a bike. Now that I am in my 30's (actually just about 40) I have become a cyclist. I often look back and think about what other adventures I would have gotten into had I been into bike riding. Rollerblades are a great way to get around, but have a limitted range due to the wheel size. Had I had a bike, I would have explored the outer Boro of Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx more. If you get a chance, take a ride in central park on a Saturday or Sunday. It's worth it just for the people watching and street performers. Man I miss wasting an afternoon in Central Park! :)

As far as 'letting your nose' lead you to a good place to eat, I recommend doing some research as there are so many places to eat, you want to make sure you hit the ones you really want to try. You could eat at a different restaurant for a week on a single block, if you're in the right place. Anthony Bourdain did a couple shows on Manhatten food and food in the 5 Boro's. They might be a good place to start.

Happy riding

Most of us probably know Bikesnobnyc's entertaining bike blog, but for those who don't...

http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/

He write a lot about the funny and interesting things he comes across while riding in NYC (and elsewhere).

As a NYC resident bike commuter I can say that riding in NYC can be challeging at times. If you're riding in midtown traffic during rush hour it can certainly be tough. But if you're looking to get downtown from midtown Manhattan. The bike path on the west side is great. Riding to the outer boroughs is not as bad as you think, I commute by bike from Queens to downtown manhattan almost everyday. You can bring your folder (you'll see plenty of them in NYC) and there are some parking agarages that will aloow you to park your bke as well. Here;s a list:
http://www.transalt.org/resources/garages