i have concluded, based on ten + years of experience owning and riding folding bikes, that a new, good quality folding bicycle cannot be purchased new for 300 usd or less. the quality of the components on such a bike are going to be bottom-tier or near to it. that includes all the little unseen parts that make a bike functional and enjoyable to ride, like, the headset, the bottom bracket, the hubs, bearings, cog, derailleur, rims, spokes, tubes, tires, brakes, pads, cables, levers, every nut and screw, etc. this list doesnt even include the things that make a folding bike unique - the folding frame and mechanisms! within the first 3-6 months of ownership of the origami/greenzone/giordano/kettler/, if the cyclist intends to continue riding the cheap bike, he/she can count on replacing a lot of the stock parts with the result that the initial 300 investment quickly becomes a 500 investment as the end user will not be spec'ing his or her replacement parts out of a wholesale dealer's catalogue. he or she will be paying full retail (or close to it). then, the niggling questions begin to emerge - was it really a good investment? should i really be spending extra money on improvements to this platform (the frame itself)?

consider this: the person who pays 800-1500 usd for a folding bike is very likely to take quite good care of it, keeping it well serviced and generally clean and stored indoors. this is a reasonable assumption that i have observed proven time and again. buying such a bike in good used condition is a good investment. for example, i recently test rode a used dahon cadenza p8. its a premium bike kept in excellent condition by the seller who was asking 400 for his 5 year old bike. this bike features as stock:
Frame: OAX Series, 7005 aluminum, patented LockJaw Hinge™, replaceable derailleur hanger, integrated head tube
Fork: dahon SlipStream Fork, Puro™ U7 aluminum, double butted tubing, disc/V/canti brake compatible

Handlebar:Ritchey, 6061-T6 aluminum, straight, 31.8 mm
Stem: dahon F.I.T. Stem, patented ATS technology, 6061-T6 aluminum

Headset: dahon Fusion, Zero stack, cartridge, conical spacer
Grip/Bars Tape:Ergon Grips, for trigger

Saddle:BioLogic Aria Saddle

Seatpost:BioLogic PostPump Seatpost, 27.2 mm

Seat Clamp:Aluminum with high leverage lever
Front Brake:Shimano Disc, Mechanical, Shimano Disc Rotor
Rear Brake:Shimano Disc, Mechanical, Shimano Disc Roto
Brake Levers:Avid FR5 Brake Levers


Front Hub:Shimano Disc, 32H, black
Rear Hub:Shimano Alfine, 8 spd, 32H, black
Spokes:18/8 stainless steel
Nipples:Brass nipples, black ano
Rims:WTB SX24, disc only, doublewall
Tires:Schwalbe Big Apple, 26" x 2.0", RaceGuard puncture protection, 75 psi
Shifter(s):Shimano Alfine RapidFire Plus
Crankset:Truvativ IsoFlow, 38T, CNC alloy guard
Cassette/Freewheel:Shimano, 16T
Bottom Bracket:Cartridge, sealed bearings
Chain:KMC Z610RB, RustBuster Chain

Kickstand:Aluminum
Clip System:Magnetix Technology

Accessory:Reflective Trouser Strap

Tool:T wrench Allen tool

what are the component specs for an origami bike?
http://www.origamibicycles.com/specs.php

or a greenzone?
http://www.greenzonebikes.com/20-fol...um-red.html#r1

as you can see, they are built up with the cheapest components available. stamped metals, cheap alloys, and screws and bolts that you would buy at a .99¢ store in 100ct packs.

the wheelset alone on the used dahon cadenza 8 is worth more than the brand new complete origami cricket or green zone bike in total.

the reason i even take the time to address this is, its bums me out to see an enthusiastic rider, new to folding bikes, get disgusted with a cheap-o bike recommended by members of the forum and come to the conclusion that folding bikes are crap and a waste of money. i personally hate that...