Originally Posted by
Bacciagalupe
As a former folding bike rider, I would not take a folding bike on a PATH train during rush hour. Folding bikes are not light (20-25 lbs or so) and rather bulky. It's too crowded and, let's face it, very rude to your fellow passengers. Sooner or later someone will tear you a new one for getting grease on their work clothes.
Another aspect to consider is that you'll be needlessly adding 30+ minutes to your commute. I'd much rather get up a little earlier in the AM, climb onto a nice road bike, do a 30- or 45-minute loop, then get ready for work. No need to worry about getting sweaty or getting work clothes dirty.
Agreed 100%
The problem with this commute is that Path is so totally packed during rush hour, you don't even want to be on the train with an umbrella! If the trip starts at Newark Penn Station, he might get a seat but the cyclist with a folding bike will more than likely have to stand. Once the train pulls into Journal Square, he will have to transfer and FIGHT to get on the train to 33rd street. I did this last week and could not believe how many people were on that platform and waiting for that train to 33rd street. The OP is looking to add another hour and a half of standing in packed subway cars each day. A horrible commute.
Just take the train to Maplewood and once you arrive in Manhattan, ride around for fun. NJ Transit is MUCH more emptier and far more pleasant commute than riding Path.