AmyD419

Oh wow. That may be a real option. That's a little more than 2 hours South of me.

invisiblehand

This is the best advice ... test ride and test fold a bunch of bikes.

Take measurements of storage areas at work.

If you're going to carry stuff to and from work, make sure you ask about racks or other alternatives for holding stuff on bikes. See how the bike folds and its size with that rack or whatever. IMO, carrying stuff on your body over longer distances blows compared to putting it on the bike.

In regards to a child seat ...

Since most foldable bikes have low top tubes, it's somewhat harder to support a toddler on a child seat. As a consequence, I recommend a trailer. I wrote a short blip on it below.

The part-time epistemologist: Carrying children on your Bike Friday

ttakata73

I assume criminals would want to steal a bike they can sell easily so bigger wheels might attract more attention.
If they think you are riding a children's bike then maybe the bad people will take more pity on you instead of thinking they want your strange looking bike.
I think anyone would have a hard time selling this.


I agree with most that a folder is best with 16-20" wheels. Bigger than 20" wheels and you have more value with a normal bike and less weight.

linberl

I've noticed, since riding a folder, that with my helmet on people think i am a kid so they are actually nicer. They stop and let me go through intersections where they used to try to hit me on my full sized bike, lol. If you wear a helmet and a jacket (and not a tank top and shorts) they will probably make the same assumptions about you. Maybe keep in mind that most people don't know the value of folding bikes and, since they are not common where you are, probably not a good choice to steal. I ride my bike through some shady parts of Oakland on a regular basis, and while folks sometimes look (at the odd sight), no one ever does anything. I've even had some big tough guys call out (my fav: "watch out the potholes don't eat you"). And, you can go as fast on a folder as a regular bike, so your getaway isn't going to be slower.

AmyD419

Ok, this is probably my favorite comment so far. Don't let the potholes eat yu lol. You make good points, and I am probably overthinking the whole thing. What bike and what child seat is that? It's nice to see it can be done!

zoom26

I'd advise for a 20 incher from a more respectable brand like dahon or tern or even montague. I did see someone post about a durban from costco, if there's none near you walmart also carries them i believe. As some had mentioned, a 24 or 26 incher would not be as compact as to a 16 or 20 incher and sometimes would require you to take out the front wheel to be folded. As for the baby carrier, I have googled and seen some rear baby carriers or trailers. Let us know what your decision is gonna be and good luck!

zoom26

Folding Bike 20" Shimano 6 Speed Bike Fold Storage Silver College School Sports - Walmart.com

this is the link for the durban bike from costco, that is also available at walmart if there's one nearer to you.
and here is a review of a durban here in the forums

https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bi...-7-review.html

just before any serious riding if you're buying from a big box store or online, have them checked out by a LBS first.

linberl

That's a Dahon 20" folder. Very common bike. Extremely well known brand, lots of parts and accessories available afaik.
Read this: Chicargobike: Carrying Kids on Folding Bikes The advantage of a trailer is you can use it for groceries and stuff as well.

badmother

This may- or may not help https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bi...idiculous.html

ThorUSA

would be glad to sample a Node and a couple others as well. Usually plenty of bikes around, Just make appointment early enough so I have time
Thor

DLBroox

I was the OP on that thread and I have to say once I realigned my thinking I've never looked back! Riding smaller wheels as a small woman makes all the difference. I have never liked riding as much as I do now. I adore my Dahon Mu Uno. It's only about 22 pounds and folds pretty tight. When I ride a full size bike with 700c wheels now I feel as if I'm riding in mud!

badmother

I am not small myself (173 cms) but still like the small wheels and feel hauling a huge bike around makes no sence most of the time. Also so easy to throw in the car or keep in the house for safety.

You have a Dahon Curve like me. Great bike too.

sbuntin

`Just a thought, but what sort of facility is your workplace? Any chance of locking up out front, or in a security room or some such? It may be that you'd do better to have a non-folding, nondescript bike that will not attract attention on your commute, if you have any chance of parking it somewhere other than under your desk.

12boy

I definitely second the idea of some trial rides. At one point I thought I wanted a Bike Friday and there was a store that had them to sample. I also rode a Brompton which I knew little about. I loved the brompton and felt awkward on the BF. Nothing wrong with them but the Brompton felt right. So I got it. Recently ordered a Xootr Swift on line from Xootr and I like that a lot also. They are both good for different purposes: the Brompton can carry a lot and folds up very small.The Swift is faster and has a wide gear range. I mention this because all folders are not the same...they are made for different purposes and have different levels of quality in their components. Actually riding one will make a huge difference in picking what works for you . I would carry a 2 year old in a trailer if I had a child to transport, btw, since I think they would be safer. It would be possible to carry the child in a trailer as they grew and got larger as well as all the things we used to need when the kids were small. Also, I feel people are more intrigued and even amused when they see a person on a folder and seem less likely to be aggressive or rude. that has been my experience.