Thoughts on a Worksman single speed for a newbie?
 

I've been looking at folding bikes for a few weeks. I would like a cheap bike that I can fit in the trunk of my car. I don't need a bike to commute, just would like the convenience of having one handy when I'm out and about. (I live in Austin but am not a regular biker.)

Found a Worksman Single Speed Folding Bike by Worksman Cycles on craigslist. CHEAP, only $75. Any ideas about the quality of this bike? I can probably handle the single speed as this isn't going to be a bike for long treks. It has kickback brakes which might be bothersome. I'm going to "test ride" this bike on Monday. What should I look for in this ride to determine if this bike is good for me? (I'm 5'7", 160 lbs.)

Bike is found here: http://austin.craigslist.org/bik/719120719.html

Thanks for your help.

Steve

They are heavy. I have a three wheeler and I have replaced a few components to make it lighter.

I'd steer clear. This bike looks like trouble. You mention the 'brakes' but what it actually has is a 'brake' (singular). I wouldn't want to have to stop in a hurry on that.

Having said that you might be able to add a caliper front brake if there is a hole in the fork crown.

But really you'd be better off seeking out a decent folder on Ebay... you will constantly be fixing this 'workman' (appropriately named, perhaps).

Worksman makes great work and other bikes---cargo bikes, dual rider trikes, etc. Even a folding trike (how much space does that save?) Solidly constructed and made in NY. But for a folding bike? I'd say, unless you're invested in the idea of having a Worksman, put the money towards a different, lighter used folder. I'd think you'll find that when you try to fold it and put it in the trunk, it's harder than you think.

If you want a bike that you can just pop in and out of your trunk, consider lighter and even possibly smaller, like 16" wheels. Good Luck!

I suggest you enlarge your budget a bit. The Worksman is a heavy (read gaspipe steel) bike which defeats one of the benefits of folding, namely portability. They are strong at the expense of using heavy but cheap frame steels.

Consider a Dahon, or for a bit more money a Xootr Swift. If you want really compact foldability, a Bike Friday Tikit or a Brompton is best (in this case, small+good=expensive.)

Worksman,Nooooooooooooooo!!!!
 

They are heavy, Heavy ,HEAVY!Go to the camping world website they sell RV's but they also sell Dahons and Yeahs both of which are so much better than worksmans it is not even funny . Go here and check out the bikes available [url]www.campingworld.comThere are 6 camping world stores in Texas.

FWIW, even though I'm not a Dahon fan I'd go for a Dahon Boardwalk single-speed, $180. Basic, cheap, has fenders and a rack.