wardie

I am flying from Ohio to Sanford/Orlando airport March 5th for daytona Bike Week. My motorcycle and camping reservations are at Holiday Campgrounds on I-95 just north of Daytona. I was thinking of maybe purchasing an inexpensive ($200 or less) folder from Walmart or Target and riding the 40 miles from the airport to Daytona. I figure maybe 4 hours tops and a good story to tell my motorcyclist buddies when I get in.

I have two questions; I am flying Allegiant Air non stop from Youngstown, Ohio to Sanford and have never tried to take a folding bike onboard a plane. Will these little buggers pack small enough to carry onboard the plane? Can anyone share experiences or tips on avoiding problems with the airlines?

Second question.. I have good road and mountain bikes plus a vintage racer so I don't need many more but the idea of always having a folder in my trunk is a cool idea so I'd like to get one but want to keep the investment low around $200 or less. I've been online checking and it looks like there are only 2 options at that price, the Walmart and Target folders. Has anyone tried out these bikes? Any suggestions on other folders in my price range. I know it's not much money but the folder bike is a novelty item that other than this 40 mile little trip I will use infrequently.

I had thought about just walking out of the airport and seeing if there was a shuttle to take me to a Walmart and pick up a $50 or $60 bike and ride it up there 40 miles and leave it at the campgrounds. When I come back each year it'll be there to ride around the camp sites. Anyways I'm open to what everyone has to say. Thanks Wardie

Hill Slug

I got a folder at RVtoyoutlet.com. it's a 20" wheel bike and $90.
I think the 16" wheel bikes go on the plane better and might not cost you extra baggage $$$$.
I also think that unless you know walmart has a folding bike in their store, you will have to get the bike on-line. Amazon also sells a folding bike. as do a lot of on-line shops. If you could have it shipped to where you will be in FL, that would be the best way to get it there.
I got my folder to have something while camping so didn't want to spend a fortune. the bike i got did require some adjustments of the brakes, and truing the front wheel. i replaced the cheap seat and it looks like the tires won't last long either.
Hill Slug

wardie

Hill Slug I went online and checked out the RV Toy Store folders. Most of them had a suspension. Which model did you get, how much do you weigh (if you don't mind me asking cuzz I weigh 230lbs.) and finally what kind of mileage have you put on it? Are the components decent or upgradable? Thanks Wardie

JibaroRider

carefully select your route. most roads there are narrow without shoulder. high speed limits (50) and bad drivers.

geo8rge

I am getting a straight line distance from Orlando/Sanford to Daytona of 60 mi. Figure 80 mi actual travel. I suspect you will do 6mi/hr, or less. If you try it buy a detailed street map to help you identify less traveled roads. GPS software is geared to cars.

juan162

I don't know about its packing ability, but if I were looking for a decent multispeed folder for under $200, I would get the Schwinn runabout.

Juan

wardie

thanks to everyone for their responses

folder fanatic

"...I was thinking of maybe purchasing an inexpensive ($200 or less) folder from Walmart or Target and riding the 40 miles from the airport to Daytona. I figure maybe 4 hours tops and a good story to tell my motorcyclist buddies when I get in..."
"I have good road and mountain bikes plus a vintage racer so I don't need many more but the idea of always having a folder in my trunk is a cool idea so I'd like to get one but want to keep the investment low around $200 or less. I've been online checking and it looks like there are only 2 options at that price, the Walmart and Target folders. Has anyone tried out these bikes? Any suggestions on other folders in my price range. I know it's not much money but the folder bike is a novelty item that other than this 40 mile little trip I will use infrequently..."
..I had thought about just walking out of the airport and seeing if there was a shuttle to take me to a Walmart and pick up a $50 or $60 bike and ride it up there 40 miles and leave it at the campgrounds. When I come back each year it'll be there to ride around the camp sites. Anyways I'm open to what everyone has to say. Thanks Wardie"

You seem to be familiar with bicycles in general. That makes me a bit suprised that you think of some bikes-such as a folding one-as a "throwaway" disposable item like a Kleenex. But it is not my place to judge but to inform. You stated you are going to go a good distance like around 40 miles? You seem to be resonably fit? Then consider instead of these sad department store examples of folding bikes a Dahon Boardwalk S1 retailing for about $200 dollars the last I checked. I have one which I have upgraded to what I wanted in a bike and still have and use it. I have gone distances with it just like any other bike. It is durable and very dependable-which is very important when you are out in the middle of nowwhere. I do not have any experience with packing into a suitcase, but you might consider shipping it ahead of you. I have taken it into tight spots underneath tables in fine restaurants-https://www.flickr.com/photos/world-o...7594325178229/-in odd corners in cars, buses and trains. Go to your favorite LBS and check it out for yourself. If you don't have a dealer near you, buy one online. And if you don't want it anymore, there are many needy people here on the forum and out in the world that needs a good bike to donate it to when you don't want it anymore.

I hope these ideas assist you in some way.