no1mad 

... and noticed that there isn't a sticky for manufacturers of folding bikes. There is only brand (Sun) available local to me as far as I know. I could do my own dealer by zip code search if I knew what sites to check out.

As to why I'm in the market for a folder:

-I currently carpool with the wife, then ride two buses to work. The reverse depends on timing. She picks me up, or I take a bus closer to her and meet up, or she goes home and I ride two buses and then she picks me up at the end of the line.

-The local transit does have racks on the front of the buses, but they only fit two bikes. Their policy is first come, first serve. You can ask the driver if you can board with a bike, but the driver can tell you to wait for the next bus (which could replay the same scenario). Warmer weather/higher fuel prices tends to make the bike/bus thing a little problematic, depending on route and time of day.
-Due to budget cutbacks, there is a strong chance that my primary bus route (the one that actually goes by my work) will be seeing a service reduction starting in March. That is a major concern.
-Toying with the idea of getting a rack for the wife's car to put my hybrid on. The downside that I see is that 1) the aforementioned transit system and 2) my wife tends to switch out between the small car (Hyundai Elantra) and "the Beast" (GMC Suburban) depending on weather and after work plans.

And if it helps (in case anyone wants to point me in the right direction), I'm 6', 230ish#'s, and don't turn every ride into a time trial. Budget is entry level. Size/speed of the fold is not a major issue, so long as it will fit in the trunk or back seat of the car. There are no major hills in the area I'm intending to ride, but there are slight elevation changes, so prefer something with gears.

no1mad 

Ok, just checked out Dahon. They don't have anything rated over 230 lb max rider that I could tell.
Sun is no longer showing folders on their website.
KHS has a couple (available locally to me), but don't state max load info that I could tell. I'll keep looking.
Giant has couple of offerings now. One looks new to me, and I'd forgotten about the Halfway.

mrodtoo

Hey No1mad,
I don't know exactly what you mean by "I'm 6', 230ish#'s, and don't turn every ride into a time trial. Budget is entry level. " Check this out, https://www.downtube.com/Full_Suspens...ding_Bike.html See if this maybe something like you had in mind. There is so much out there. You may also want to consider something used.

no1mad 

What I meant was that I am 6 feet tall, I weigh in the 230 pound range, and that I don't try to race every time I get on the bike.

And funny that you should link that model, as I had just finished looking at, after following a link on the DT Nova in another thread. Since I'm not that familiar with folders, I'm not too keen on buying online. Nearest dealer, IIRC is in Chicago- I'm in Tulsa.

From what research I've been today, it looks like I'm going to have some difficulty finding a model that has a high enough weight limit.

SesameCrunch

You will be well served with the downtube Full Suspension model. Handles up to 245 lbs. Great value. Easy to service or upgrade. Not light, at 28 lbs. Fits your needs well.

mrodtoo

Actually I did understand what you meant, but was trying to read between the lines. Mainly the entry level budget part. Also if the 230ish means it's a more permanent situation or could go up or down based on the amount of riding time. Yes the DT would be an Internet purchase and I was a bit leery. It wasn't easy, but I took the plunge and so far I am happy. I just wish the weather was a bit warmer so I could start logging miles on my 8H. Take your time, you may find that you will need to wait and save more $ for a suitable folder. Use the search feature for this forum because there is probably a thread with your senario here. Others will also chime in.

bdi121

+1 .

You'll need a really compact folder for the bus. A good quality folder is a must if you want to commute DAILY - fold and unfold four times a day over the years take a lot of stress on the hinges.

invisiblehand

@no1mad ... are you thinking of bringing a folder onto a bus? Are buses crowded in Tulsa?

Typically, I recommend bikes with <20" wheels for multi-mode transportation. Especially if someone is not racing. Quality models ride much better than the reputation of 16" wheels since they fit in more spaces and are much more convenient to carry or sneak into locations. At 230 pounds, from memory, you do limit yourself from many of the popular choices -- Dahon Curve and the discontinued DT Mini -- although I think that you are borderline with the conservative specs.

If you never plan on taking the bike onto a bus or if the buses there have plenty of space with lenient drivers, then I would stick with a 20" (erto 406 ... there are two types of 20" wheels) wheels. I believe that in addition to what SC suggested, the Xootr Swift can support your frame.

Thor -- from thorusa.com -- wanders onto this forum on a regular basis. If there is a Dahon model that would accommodate you, he would be the person to ask.

Supa

Dahon has weight limit of about 230 pounds, although once you start bike commuting, you'll see the pounds come off a bit.

Your choices will be quite limited at Tulsa. Buying online will solve your problem, but some people will prefer the services that comes with local shops.

---

no1mad 

1. I am thinking of taking the folder onto the bus, it the bike rack on the bus is full. I've seen kids put their BMX rigs on without issue, so I think a folder could ride up front as well.
2. The population density on the buses varies greatly. Typically, on the way into work it's rather sparse, since I'm at work before 0700. The ride from work can be tricky, since I never know when I'll be done for the day.
3. I was initially interested in the Jack 7D with 26" wheels, but decided that I want 20" wheels. I imagine that 20" wheels would be a compromise between what I'm used to and portability.

Again, the main reason I am thinking about a folder is transporting a bike, both by carpool with wife, and the bus.