buy used. you will almost certainly get more for your money than trying to buy a new bike for 300. use your local craigslist or other venue to search for newer dahon or xootr swift or other mid-range bikes. these bikes are likely to have been well taken care of and serviced. they will also be equipped with good quality components as stock. also, prepare to be softly trolled/marketed in this forum: "perhaps you might consider a citizen bike/ origami/ greenzone?" etc.