Originally Posted by
HGR3inOK
Does "next year" mean in three weeks? Or in a few months? Are you located where you can test ride some different folders? With a $400 budget, the Eco 3 is the only "new" multi-speed U.S. model Dahon available. However, good used Dahons for <$400 are not uncommon. The U.S. model Dahon that is closest to the Citizen Barcelona is the Ciao. See:
http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/2008/ciao.htm. I have not seen a Barcelona in person. Based on their specifications, the Ciao has much better components, and the Barcelona costs significantly less. Maybe a used Ciao should be on your short list.
Unfortunately, I now live in a rural area where I can't shop in person. My shopping will be done online. I will probably make a purchase in about 2-3 months. (If it's not a folder I choose, it will be a step-through model that I'll be using at home, not for travel.) Although I like the looks of the 2 Dahon step-through models, I don't want to spend that kind of money. As for used, well my main source would be e-bay and it's hit-or-miss on there will be a Glide or Ciao within the budget I want to spend during the time frame that I will buy. I've seen some pretty badly-treated, used folders for sale on e-bay. Seems some people just call their abused, older bikes an "antique" and hope to get close to what they paid for them new. They don't understand that bikes depreciate as much as a new car driven off the dealer's parking lot.