Hi All,

A couple of months back I was in the market for a folding bike; there wasn't much info on the Origami bike available online, and since I ended up purchasing one I thought I'd share my thoughts on it.

So why did I purchase one if there wasn't much info? First, I should say that I was in the market for an entry-level priced bike, something under $400. And I haven't owned a bike in years, let alone had any experience with folding bikes. All of this is to say that I can't speak to the expectations of more experienced, committed riders. I was looking at the Dahon line and several others. Paul, the owner of Origami, is active on these forums, which I felt was a good sign. I emailed him a question and he was prompt in his response (actually, my first email went un-answered-- spam folder?-- but the subsequent two he responded to quickly). There were a number of aspects of the Origami Crane that moved it to the top of the list as well:

First, it had disc brakes, which is impressive for its price point. Second, it indicated that the rider could be 6'1", and the dimensions of the bike supported that claim (I'm 6'1", so I was concerned about that). The specs also indicated that the rider could be 220 pounds, which was more than the Dahon and suggested that the bike would be sturdier. And it's a suspension frame, which is also a little unusual for the price point. And some items that were extra on the other bikes (mud guards, etc) were included on the Origami. Every now and then I like to support the underdog, and that's what Origami seemed to be compared to Dahon and others.

So what's it like? This is the truth that no on tells you: Man, you gotta pedal hard on these small wheeled folding bikes. Everyone says that "it's like riding a normal bike" and it ain't. I'm outta shape. So bear that in mind. It's true of all folding bikes with 20 inch wheels (or less). If you not in the mood to pedal, buy a regular bike. Or a moped.

But here's what's true about the Origami Cricket: The bike arrived in a very beaten up box but well packaged and unscathed. I checked it over and nothing needed tightening. As I wrote, I'm 6'1" and the seat height handles that easily-- it would be fine for someone 6'2" or three. It's a good looking bike, and it feels very sturdy. The mud guards and reflector are plastic and a little flimsy (I don't know if other folding bikes offer something more substantial) but that concern is more aesthetic than functional. Mine is the original version with 6 gears (the largest and smallest of these gears are the same size as the Cricket 7, so the difference is in the increment). Honestly, I could do with another gear or two for more torque, but I don't think I was going to find this on any of the other 7-speed bikes. The Cricket doesn't fold up as small as I expected (but I don't know if that's any different than the others); it does, however, allow you to roll it while in the folded position, if you're careful and attentive.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the quality of the bike, and I think it will last for years. It's handsome, sturdy, with a elegant design, and well made. I'd recommend it to others looking for a folding bike under $400, and probably under $500 as well.