Affordable folder for 4'11" non-cyclist?
 

A friend who is on the short side (4'11") saw my SpeedPro for the first time yesterday. She said how she wishes she had a bike but has nowhere to put it (I've seen their apartment -- it's tight in there). I think she'd want it for riding here and there in the local parks and little else. Maybe some very moderate commuting too, who knows?

I don't know if it will go anywhere, but I promised I'd look into affordable folders. I only checked-out higher-end bikes when I was making my decision, so I'd love some advice from the Hive Mind(TM) of BF folder enthusiasts.

Define affordable? What is her weight does she want more than one gear? If she is within the parameters and can live with a single gear I propose a dahon sweet pea.The wieght is minimal although i personally would like a taller gear( gearing is 48 gear inches )if I was riding one.But as i do not fit the weight and height parameters that is purely an academic consideration.Dahon classic threes are plentiful on e bay and the price is certianly right and the gearing is okay in my estimation but it might be a bit heavy for her.I would look into the new light bromptons if she can afford one but make sure the fit is right first also a New Dahon three speed might fill the bill.I hope this helps .Incidentally, i obviously do not ride enough as I have not flatted in 2 years.Another possibility might be a Breezer itzy if You can find one.if money was of no importance i would recommend a bike friday petite series for travel use.There is another bike ( strida)that folds up like a walking stick with 16 inch wheels that might suit her.It comes in 1 and 3 speed versions with belt drive.I cannot recommend the nexibike as it is quite expensive.What about an 04 presto lite? I read they are still available and a discount might be available.

I am almost 5'2 and I found my dahon speed8 too long for me to ride comfortably. I changed the handlebars and it has been better - but I found the KHS ($329)and the Downtube ($250)folders both to fit my height - reach better and they are both less expensive than the speed8 - also both have had fewer gear slipping chain dropping issues. they are a little heavier- but not significantly in my opinion. They have been more reliable than my bike. I don't know what the boardwalks are like - but someone here will.

I think more than one gear is a good idea, because Manhattan is up and down, and this is not a young person (but not old either). Thanks for the advice so far!

I found that 16" and 20" folders seem to suit the smaller rider without compromising the inherent flexibility of also suiting a wide range of shape, sizes and riding styles of various other individuals. I made a point to purchase sight unseen a simple basic Dahon Boardwalk S1 and modifing it as needed to my individual tastes and needs. Just remember to stick to the basic models of well known bike makers and built up something that will suit you.