jess_EWP

Dear Bikeforums Posters,

I just wanted to post to say thank you for your involvement in this forum. Up until this morning, I was fairly convinced I was about to purchase two accessorized Citizen Miami folders. Prior to making the purchase, I wanted to read one last round of reviews and conversations online, which landed me here. It was on BF that I found the greatest variation of opinions and a wealth of information. My questions were all answered without having to make a post.

This afternoon, I am fairly sure I will instead be purchasing two semi-accessorized Origami folders, a Cricket 7 and a Mantis.

About us: Me - female, 5'10", about 160 pounds. My partner - male, 6'5", about 180 pounds. We are both 26 with no prior folder experience, and neither has been biking regularly in at least a few years. I commute on the train from the north shore of Mass to Boston, and I am looking to ride the .75 mile to the train station, which I currently walk, and then 1.5 miles from the train station to the university where I work, where I am looking to cut out the subway ride some days (I have joint troubles; I'm almost to a diagnosis with my doc but not quite there. All I know is that between joint troubles and Boston weather, I will have plenty of days I can't ride. Which makes the folder a double plus because if I flare up or the weather gets bad after having ridden in, it can go on the subway with me!).

My partner is an online student, and he is looking to use the bike for rides around our town and around Boston, since he doesn't drive. I drive us around the north shore, but I do not drive to work. Together, we plan to ride on bike paths for fun. The budget we have been thinking is about for the ten or so months this has been on our mind is $800. The Citizens cart was going to ring us up at about $750 and the Origami is currently at $850, but I do think we are going to be happier with the Origamis.

I will post our thoughts about the new bikes after ordering and receiving them! The weather is finally clearing up in Boston, so we should be able to test drive them right away. Can't wait.

I just wanted to say thank you because I learned LOTS this morning on this forum! I'm open to questions about the pieces of info that drove my decision, if you are looking at these brands as well and have questions.

Thank you,
Jess

Pinigis 

My opinion is severely biased, but I believe that you will love the Origami bikes. :-)

cuzzinit

i've had my Origami for about a year. i'm glad i bought it esp after having the chance to look at a Citizen bike last month. Mine sees paved trails /smooth dirt mostly. Most of my rides are short due to time constraints of my job, but some are 3-4 miles at a time.

Justfoldit

Hi Jess,

I was looking into getting a mantis as well. How are the bikes now that you've had a chance to try them out?

Thanks in advance.

DVC45

I like the Origami Dragonfly a lot. But I think the Crane 7 is the best buy for commuting.

Justfoldit

Thanks for the info. I'm looking mostly for a recreational rider Im 5'11"and over 240 trying to slim down by starting to ride.