Folding Bikes - Looking for a compact folder

Maybe 20 inch wheels. $300-ish. Multiple gears, an 8 speed is fine I guess, something to climb the hills. City-style road bike. Can't seem to find any such thing with drop bars (so rare...) :/

The only good stuff in that range seems to be a Schwinn (says Google), Dahon seems to have stuff around there that's decent too. Most of that stuff seems to have cruiser handles, and I really, REALLY hate cruiser handles. Upright position kind of sucks.

Any suggestions?

Most folders have flat bars because drops get in the way of the fold. I also hate flat bars and simply add drop bars to my folders myself as I am more about small wheels than the folding. In your price range check out Citizen bikes, I like this one and would probably add drops to it. http://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.asp?product_category_id=1&product_id=24

Most folders have flat bars because drops get in the way of the fold. I also hate flat bars and simply add drop bars to my folders myself as I am more about small wheels than the folding. In your price range check out Citizen bikes, I like this one and would probably add drops to it. http://www.citizenbike.com/catalog.asp?product_category_id=1&product_id=24

Yeah I guess the engineering to add drop bars adds price, and prestige--it's not a common option and the damn things get in the way of everything.

Recently unemployed, driving more, and don't keep my bicycle in my car all the time so I want a grab-and-go that I can drop some Shimano SPD pedals on and have with me.

Maybe a used Speed 8. I have seen them on CL in that price range.

Maybe a used Speed 8. I have seen them on CL in that price range.

Stem folds to the inside. Cannot possibly work with drop bars.

He needs an outside-folder. A tikit, high-end Dahon, other Bike Friday. For $300, I doubt it.

8sp drop bar folder for $300? no way.
It's at least $400 for a 7sp flat bar folder.

if you don't mind it not folding, a bikesdirect nano can be had for $300.