Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Folding Bikes
Reload this Page >

Buying my first folding bike

Notices
Folding Bikes Discuss the unique features and issues of folding bikes. Also a great place to learn what folding bike will work best for your needs.

Buying my first folding bike

Old 10-22-12, 11:30 AM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 4
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Buying my first folding bike

Hi guys! i'm thinking of buying a folding bike and i was wondering if you could help me decide which one is the best for less than 400usd
i want something simple.. just for riding in the city..
my options are:
any citizen bike.. (i like the gotham 2)
downtube nova
dahon: speed uno or eco c7

it would be nice if the bike could roll when folded...
so.. what do you think?
claudiaxcu is offline  
Old 10-22-12, 11:53 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 3,095

Bikes: Too many....................

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 6 Posts
I like the Speed Uno it is simple and easily upgradable. There are a number of internally geared hubs that will work.
__________________
Speed Uno
Dawes Kingpin 2speed
Dynocoaster is offline  
Old 10-22-12, 01:11 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
smallwheeler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: NYC
Posts: 2,380
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 151 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times in 8 Posts
Originally Posted by claudiaxcu
Hi guys! i'm thinking of buying a folding bike and i was wondering if you could help me decide which one is the best for less than 400usd
i want something simple.. just for riding in the city..
my options are:
any citizen bike.. (i like the gotham 2)
downtube nova
dahon: speed uno or eco c7

it would be nice if the bike could roll when folded...
so.. what do you think?
did you consider the Origami Fox? 3 speed internal gear hub and nice fold. 16" (305) wheels. the whole package looks great for multimodal commuting.

Attached Images
File Type: jpg
fox2.jpg (59.3 KB, 22 views)
File Type: jpg
fox.jpg (89.4 KB, 24 views)
smallwheeler is offline  
Old 10-22-12, 01:13 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 50
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
If you are cash strapped -- looking at craigslist might be a pretty good option. At any given time in the NYC craiglist listings there are dozens of Dahons (some old and some recent models) listed.
NeoteriX is offline  
Old 10-22-12, 03:32 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
badmother's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,720
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 317 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
It would help to know your weight and how tall you are..
badmother is offline  
Old 10-22-12, 03:40 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: London
Posts: 60

Bikes: Tern Link P9

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Another vote for the Speed Uno. I'm a fan .
FoldingLawrence is offline  
Old 10-22-12, 03:51 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
smallwheeler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: NYC
Posts: 2,380
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 151 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times in 8 Posts
forgot to add - in my opinion, citizen bikes are complete ****e..
smallwheeler is offline  
Old 10-22-12, 06:15 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
edwong3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 908

Bikes: 2023 Zizzo Liberte

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 66 Post(s)
Liked 71 Times in 46 Posts
Originally Posted by smallwheeler
forgot to add - in my opinion, citizen bikes are complete ****e..
Please be polite. We have a number of Citizenbike owners on this forum...many who have expressed they feel their bikes are well worth the money spent.

Thanks
Ed
edwong3 is offline  
Old 10-22-12, 06:44 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
Bill Fold's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Central Florida & Massachusetts
Posts: 106

Bikes: Montague MX, Brompton S6L, Origami Crane, Dahon S1

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
You may also want to take a look at an Origami.
Bill Fold is offline  
Old 10-22-12, 08:17 PM
  #10  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 4
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Thnx everyone for your help... i'm not in USA and i don't know craiglist so i don't consider it an option..
those origami look nice... i'll consider those too
i'm 5.2 and 135lb
claudiaxcu is offline  
Old 10-22-12, 08:19 PM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 3,095

Bikes: Too many....................

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 6 Posts
Hi, Where are you located? Some of these bikes may not be available in your country.
__________________
Speed Uno
Dawes Kingpin 2speed
Dynocoaster is offline  
Old 10-22-12, 08:40 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
smallwheeler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: NYC
Posts: 2,380
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 151 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times in 8 Posts
Originally Posted by edwong3
Please be polite. We have a number of Citizenbike owners on this forum...many who have expressed they feel their bikes are well worth the money spent.

Thanks
Ed

well, i was also a citizen bike owner. so, i come by my opinion honestly.
smallwheeler is offline  
Old 10-22-12, 08:59 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
edwong3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 908

Bikes: 2023 Zizzo Liberte

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 66 Post(s)
Liked 71 Times in 46 Posts
Originally Posted by smallwheeler
well, i was also a citizen bike owner. so, i come by my opinion honestly.
OK, fair enough. Which model did you own, and from what year was it?
Ed
edwong3 is offline  
Old 10-22-12, 09:03 PM
  #14  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 4
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
i live in colombia but i plan to buy it over the internet..
and pick it up next month since i'm traveling to houston
claudiaxcu is offline  
Old 10-22-12, 09:19 PM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
smallwheeler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: NYC
Posts: 2,380
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 151 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times in 8 Posts
perhaps you can make an arrangement with someone in houston?

dahon boardwalk:
https://houston.craigslist.org/bik/3356696297.html
montague:
https://houston.craigslist.org/bik/3333792241.html
https://houston.craigslist.org/bik/3341611394.html
smallwheeler is offline  
Old 10-23-12, 07:30 AM
  #16  
Senior Member
 
JosephLMonti's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 476
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times in 3 Posts
Originally Posted by claudiaxcu
i live in colombia but i plan to buy it over the internet..
and pick it up next month since i'm traveling to houston
You might consider a Greenzone Bike: https://www.greenzonebikes.com/contactus.html

They are located in Houston and might allow you to come test ride the bike before purchasing.
JosephLMonti is offline  
Old 10-23-12, 01:26 PM
  #17  
The Recumbent Quant
 
cplager's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Fairfield, CT
Posts: 3,094

Bikes: 2012 Cruzbike Sofrider, 2013 Cruzigami Mantis, 2016 Folding CruziTandem

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 28 Post(s)
Liked 8 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by JosephLMonti
You might consider a Greenzone Bike: https://www.greenzonebikes.com/contactus.html

They are located in Houston and might allow you to come test ride the bike before purchasing.
For what it's worth, I have a Greenzone alloy folder that I bought a couple years ago for $200. The frame itself has held up well, but the folding stem, wheels, brakes, and shifting haven't (I probably have about 400 miles or so on it).

Based on my experiences, I would not recommend these.

Cheers,
Charles

p.s. If somebody wants a really cheap used Greenzone, let me know.
cplager is offline  
Old 10-23-12, 01:51 PM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
browngw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Port Dover Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,543

Bikes: 1965 Dilecta Le Blanc, 1956 Royal Nord, 1972 Raleigh Sports, 1972 CCM Turismo,1976 SuperCycle Excalibur, 2014 Salsa Vaya, 2017 Felt DD70, 2019 Giant Lafree and others

Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 351 Post(s)
Liked 588 Times in 227 Posts
The Giant Expressway is a solid buy in this price range. The one pictured here is my wifes bike.

__________________
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
browngw is offline  
Old 10-23-12, 04:38 PM
  #19  
55+ Club,...
 
tds101's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,318

Bikes: 9+,...

Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1111 Post(s)
Liked 842 Times in 587 Posts
Originally Posted by smallwheeler
If I could find either of these Montague bikes here in NYC in this great a condition at these prices I'd JUMP ON IT IMMEDIATELY!!! Holy crap, what great deals. Even the Dahon is priced to move.

Wow,...I actually fel so,...cheated.
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
tds101 is offline  
Old 10-23-12, 05:31 PM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
smallwheeler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: NYC
Posts: 2,380
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 151 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times in 8 Posts
Originally Posted by tds101
If I could find either of these Montague bikes here in NYC in this great a condition at these prices I'd JUMP ON IT IMMEDIATELY!!! Holy crap, what great deals. Even the Dahon is priced to move.

Wow,...I actually fel so,...cheated.

yes!
smallwheeler is offline  
Old 10-23-12, 05:32 PM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
smallwheeler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: NYC
Posts: 2,380
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 151 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times in 8 Posts
i wonder if claudia is still checking this thread...
smallwheeler is offline  
Old 10-23-12, 07:03 PM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
edwong3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 908

Bikes: 2023 Zizzo Liberte

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 66 Post(s)
Liked 71 Times in 46 Posts
The models sold by Greenzone two years ago were equipped with cheap, low cost components. The current models are a completely different story so it is a legitimate possibility for anyone seeking to purchase their first folder.

Ed
edwong3 is offline  
Old 10-23-12, 09:50 PM
  #23  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 4
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Yes, i'm still checking.. thanx everyone for your answers..
i think i'm gonna buy a origami fox
claudiaxcu is offline  
Old 10-23-12, 09:55 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
smallwheeler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: NYC
Posts: 2,380
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 151 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times in 8 Posts
Originally Posted by claudiaxcu
Yes, i'm still checking.. thanx everyone for your answers..
i think i'm gonna buy a origami fox
hehe cool
smallwheeler is offline  
Old 10-24-12, 08:22 AM
  #25  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 3,095

Bikes: Too many....................

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 6 Posts
The Fox is a great deal for the money.
__________________
Speed Uno
Dawes Kingpin 2speed
Dynocoaster is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.