I've seen a strida in San Francisco with owner, and two others for sale (folding boutique LBS). That's just it, people are more likely to know about Brompton and it has more cargo options, than Strida, even if the weight limits are similar. Those with less money, probably have been buying various Dahons, (or I see some shorter old ladies with small big box girl bikes) even if it was larger than they find convenient.


I get we're discussion market, as being small it is to blame for the lack of diversity in options. No where in the US has the population density of NYC. What is the size of the NYC folder market? In New York, folders are out numbered by regular & bike share, aren't they? How does that differ from San Francisco, where if I'm looking, especially during commute, I can see folders everyday. There's a folding dedicated bike shop in San Francisco, Warm Planet Bikes. Not to mention Bay Area Bikes in Oakland. Two dedicated stores suggest some kind of market. Plus, there's a Bike Friday dealer in Marin.
I've been to NYC, just I noticed cabs and pedestrians and didn't see any folding bikes and noticed few bikes in general.


There is plenty of leisure and commuter action that can be had without going over the hills in SF. In addition to the hills, they have to conquer the chill, rain and drivers. I think people lack education &/or come up with far more excuses not to, than do research and learn about what cycling can do for them.