Looking for a folding bike for excercise.
 

I'm looking for a folding bike that I can use as a road bike. Something light with smaller tires and a bull horn handlebars if possible. I like the smooth hound, but don't like the price. My budget is in the $400 range.

I read alot of good reviews here about Downtube, but I don't see any of their bikes really designed for long tours. They are on the heavy side too, but I like the prices.

Anything similar to the Dahon Smooth Hound in my price range? I live in New York and don't think they even sell the Smooth Hound in the USA.

If you can provide a link to purchase your suggestion I would appreciate it. I've ridden a bike before, but have never actually owned one. :(

Thanks!

Depends on your definition of "road bike". If you simply want to ride onroad then there are lots of choices. Dahon Speed D7, Downtube FS, Breezers, others. But if you're looking for something more like a speedy Road Bike, comfortably cruising 18+ mph, then you're either looking at some costly upgrades to an inexpensive bike, or a more expensive bike.

Although at $700 its over your price range, the Xootr Swift was supposedly designed with your neighborhood in mind. I have one and love it. I haven't rideden a "regular" road bike in ages (got hooked on MTBs in the mid 80s and only recently got back onroad), but many say it feels very much like a road bike, but a bit more 'responsive'. I have the stock flat bars on mine, but I hear it takes drop bars very well so I'd expect bullhorns wouldn't present a problem. I think the OP in the Swift Folders thread had bullhorns on his for a time, IIRC he posted pictures there someplace.

My rave about Swifts aside....brandscycles.com had a great deal on Smooth Hounds earlier this year for $600 but looks like they're sold out now. They've still got Hammerheads in the Large frame, free shipping too. Still a bit more than you wanted to spend though.

Good luck with your quest.

:( damnit