Folding Bikes - a foray into folders (with questions)

Bought my first folding bike today and I am excited.
Its a generic 1990 italian made 20" folder branded as a peugeot in okay condition that I got for $60.
Upon first riding I noticed some issues.
1. Internal 3 speed SA hub is not locking into gears and won't hit first.
2. Has brand new 1 3/4"knobby tires, unfortuantely I need some narrower slicks as its destined for city.
3. Oh the sizes. 20.8 stem, 24.5 bars, its all gotta go.
4. The brakes are a drag, compressionless housing would help but I think new calipers that don't flex will be the best investment.

My solutions.
1. Complete tear down of the hub and cleaing and greasin leaves the bike shifting better but still not hitting first gear, should I focus on the shifter console?
2. I'm thinking of alex r390s any advice? I have never delved into 20" rims but will likely have my wheel guy cut me some spokes so I can build them myself (on the cheap)
3. This is my big worry, I am thinking of using a bmx seatpost (20.8 with 22.4 clamp section) for a threadless style fork extension, then using 22.2->25.4 shims to fit it for a 1inch threadless stem. Sound safe?
4. Tektro BMX sidepulls? This is last on my list as the current brakes work and will certainly get better with new levers and cables.

Any guidance is much appreciated. Pictures up tomorrow when there is sunlight.
(Also very glad I didn't splurge on the NS-22 folder with 22" wheels, and hence more issues)
P.S. extra kudos for cheap fixes, this is just my bad weather/ no clipless pedals bike.
Edit: link to the catalog on jims website
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzerndgo/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/Peugeot_1990_USA_Brochure_Page31_RoundAbout_BikeBoomPeugeot.JPG

I would bet that you shifting issue is either cable adjustment (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/english-3.html) (look about halfway down the page) or possibly the wrong indicator chain. I get my 20" tires from the lowrider guys (http://www.streetlowrider.com/shop/index.html?osCsid=1c3d15e2cfdfb4ca8061d4aca1d82221).

Aaron :)

K.I.S.S

without knowing more specifics its hard for me to give detailed help, but the most important thing i realise about folding bikes is....

You may not need what you want, ride it for a while before you just want to change stuff. Hope this helps!:thumb:

Dbl post

Thannks for the advice. I can get by on rough tires for the time being even though they feel slow and bumpy. I want some drop bars or even just bullhorn bars so I have more than one hand position. The upright bars may be functional but even my short trips in the rain are still 5 miles or so.

As far as adjusting the 3 speed goes, I could get the hub to engage all gears when it was off the bike but using the shifter just won't do it. I have tried the barrel adjuster but it just feels like I am putting more tension on the cable without the chain pulling the hub.
I just can't tell if the problem is in how much the cable is pulling on the chain or how much the chain is releasing from the hub.

Thannks for the advice. I can get by on rough tires for the time being even though they feel slow and bumpy. I want some drop bars or even just bullhorn bars so I have more than one hand position. The upright bars may be functional but even my short trips in the rain are still 5 miles or so.

As far as adjusting the 3 speed goes, I could get the hub to engage all gears when it was off the bike but using the shifter just won't do it. I have tried the barrel adjuster but it just feels like I am putting more tension on the cable without the chain pulling the hub.
I just can't tell if the problem is in how much the cable is pulling on the chain or how much the chain is releasing from the hub.check your shifter cable for any rust. it may shift easier when removed from the bike, but rust will increase friction once the cable housing goes around bends and curves. it may be as simple as removing the cable, cleaning and lubricating, or may need to change the cable/housing.

http://www.utahtrikes.com/PRODINFO-Sturmey_Archer_3_Speed_Wheel_Kit.html


Upgrade to this, I paid about $10 in shipping.

Thannks for the advice. I can get by on rough tires for the time being even though they feel slow and bumpy. I want some drop bars or even just bullhorn bars so I have more than one hand position. The upright bars may be functional but even my short trips in the rain are still 5 miles or so.

As far as adjusting the 3 speed goes, I could get the hub to engage all gears when it was off the bike but using the shifter just won't do it. I have tried the barrel adjuster but it just feels like I am putting more tension on the cable without the chain pulling the hub.
I just can't tell if the problem is in how much the cable is pulling on the chain or how much the chain is releasing from the hub.

Try oiling/greasing the cable and housing, also does the bike flex when you are pedaling? That can do some interesting things to shifting.

Aaron :)