Bikeman58

Looking for a new folding bike as my Downtube frame tubing cracked. Anyone have any suggestions for an affordable folder?... $500ish. I'm looking for a company that gives a lifetime warranty on the frame. Leaning towards Hasa, but am open to other ideas.

Thanks

CliffordK

How much biking are you talking about?
I picked up a Cita aluminum bike for less than $100 on Craigslist, but I would find it awkward for more than a couple of miles a day. The geometry just seems a bit awkward.

Bike Friday has some nice bikes, but a bit more expensive. Frames carry a lifetime warranty for the original purchaser (against defects).

rhenning

Bike Friday also sells used BFs that were traded in on a new one. Good prices and still warrantied. Roger

fietsbob

I got a used Brompton for $600, made it better with some service and added the new QR fold latch .. and resold it for the same .

Got a Much newer one also Used , for $900..

holding value makes more affordability in the long run, ? one may argue..

bendembroski

Xootr frame set, and move your components over?

AvenirFolder

Dahon Speed D7. Picked up two gently used 2010 D7s in the last month for $200 and $300 (that's in CDN$$ = 20% less in US$$). 4130 Chromoly steel frames -- tough stuff. At that pricing, you can upgrade and add GP1 Ergon gripshift grips (trim to fit), MKS FD-7 pedals, Big Apple tires, Brooks/Selle Anatomica saddle etc. And they usually come with fenders and racks as standard equipment. Accessories are easily available through ThorUSA ThorUSA or www.premiumbikegear.com (Tern cargo rack for panniers and/or other goodies).

Best buy for the money.

kurtp13

At the risk of getting beat up (which I'm sure I will), read the posts on the Walmart exclusive Genesis bike ($200 with Free shipping). I know Walmart exclusive sounds like an oxy-moron. But I just got mine and it is much nicer looking than other cheap ones I've looked at. I confess I have not a lot of opportunity to ride it but others have and are very satisfied. Just read the thread and make up your own mind.

https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bi...ding-bike.html


There is something to be said for buying used and having the purchase price nearer the resale value. That is a smart way to go for a lot of purchases. So that advise is sound. But for my budget I did not see anything that didn't require at least some mods.

AvenirFolder

I'd skip the cheaper end and go right to a used Dahon Speed D7 or equivalent: Dahon Speed D7 Review . I started with a Raleigh Avenir -- 6 speeds like the Genesis -- and found the extra low gear on the D7 to be what I needed for local hills. The quality difference was also apparent in a side by side comparison especially with the grade of components. Would I like something even better? Sure, but not for the extra hundreds in cost. A good used D7 shouldn't cost much more -- if anything -- than the Walmart bike. A brand new D7 on Amazon is currently priced at $450 with free shipping -- and that includes seven speeds with a rack and fenders and a 4130 Chromoly frame.

In Canada, the Genesis isn't available at any rate: https://www.walmart.ca/search/folding%20bike .

COG63

How bad is the break? There has to be at least one competent welding shop in the Atlanta area.

AvenirFolder

If you're out tire kicking used bikes, this is a good resource to use for ball-park values: 2009 Dahon Speed D7 - New and Used Bike Value . Note the cost of a used Speed D7 in great shape.

kurtp13

It appears the bike is available but with another brand name and at a much higher price $395 CAD (current Exchange $315 USD) vs the Genesis at $199 USD.

Walmart Canada

Both are made by Kent and I think someone else had identified this as the same bike, different paint and stickers.

There appears to be a lot of Dahon bike models at reasonable prices on Amazon.

AvenirFolder

Yup! You guys have it made in the USA. Dahon Speed P8 free shipped for $560 on Amazon etc etc. Cost in Canada? $699!

Did I say I liked buying used?!

Bikeman58

I like buying used too, unfortunately there are not a lot of used folding bikes for sale in Atlanta. It is not exactly a bicycle town, although things are getting better. Like the Xootr Swift, but I can't put a standard rear rack on it.
Also have been making an effort to stay away from bikes that use proprietary technology... so Dahon is pretty much out.

The search continues...

smallwheeler

you might want to check out this Montague Biframe. this is a high quality construction bicycle made with true temp tubing (the same tubing used to make bike friday frames).

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/bik/4922073225.html

Bikeman58

Thought I had a good welder... but he's had the bike for 6+ months now and hasn't gotten to it. Also tried to work with Downtube, the maker/marketer of the bike, but no luck there either. I am attaching photos of my frame, with the break... as well as how Downtube has reinforced and beefed up the diameter of the tubing in that area on newer frames... a clear indicator to me that Downtube recognized a design defect. Would appreciate your thoughts on whether you feel this is repairable. I guess anything is but given the cost of welding and then heat treating the frame, I'm not sure it is cost effective.

smallwheeler

it's probably time to stop complaining about this. everybody gets it - you're pissed. let it go. maybe it's time to step up to a Bike Friday - a company that makes what they sell and backs what they make. even if you bought it second-hand.

ThorUSA

Darn I don't have anything used or scratched/dent at the moment, otherwise I would be happy to help you out.
same thoughts by the way, wonder how many other regulars think the same way ?
But than lets just forget about it. Life is way to short and complicated to drool over that forever.

Be happy
Thor

Cyclosaurus

I have a Dahon Speed D7 and love it. I think it's the best value folding bike out there. If you don't have hills, the Dahon Speed Uno might even be better--cheaper, simpler, less maintenance. My personal experience is that if you try to go with an even cheaper brand you will end up with something unreliable. No doubt I would love a Bike Friday however.

TheLoneWolf

I see similar different topics requesting folding bike suggestions. I just posted at another topic about this folder I recently acquired this past week ....

Origami Bicycles - Crane 8

I am experienced with regular type bicycles but this would be my newbie-virginal encounter with folder style . The 'best' can obviously be subjective. For me ... something affordable & reasonable good quality, and a mostly, ready to ride out-of-the-package not requiring much add-on upgrading ... to use as back-up, or keep in vehicle, quick short errands, also occasional use of public transportation which in my area, most all allow folding bikes as carry-on.

COG63

Difficult to determine with such a poor image. Its just too dark to really see anything.

danduva1

I bought a Retrospec Single Speed folder which folks say is a knock-off of the Dahon Speed Uno but I love it. City cycling for about 9 months now, about 80 miles a week, no problems. I installed a front brake to supplement the coaster brake and that's it. I love it and about $100 cheaper than the Speed Uno.

CbadRider

I did some clean up so the thread wouldn't go off course into bickering.

bhkyte

I have seen the 20" dual drive tern with the rack for sale for 5oo pounds in uk that's a lot of bike for the money.

Pinigis 

Ok, I have to chime in. The new Origami Crane 8 is worth a look. We have an 8-speed cassette with a 300% gear range, light weight, fenders and rack included for about the same price as the Retrospec Single Speed (actually, the Crane 8 is currently offered at a lower price).

invisiblehand

I understand the sentiment. But most folding bikes have something proprietary about their frame. The other thing that comes to mind is the front hub which is no longer that proprietary.