Originally Posted by blkglf
thanks for the replies re disadvantages... that has been very useful
my wife is not really into riding.... we'll be only riding together in parks and so on
we live in a apartment and my mtb already takes up enuff space... so a folding bike would be ideal
another question.... yes, it seems the main disadvantages are less pedalling efficency, bumpier ride and danger with ruff ground BUT
are folding bikes more dangerous and less stable?
The answer is no. The advantages far outweight the negative when it comes to apartments. These are the advantages.
1. The frame is very stiff and will not fold into pieces. Many people are afraid that a folding bike will collapse in two pieces when riding. This is NOT the case. I have been riding my two folding bikes for 4 years and they NEVER broke in two pieces. There was a time when the seat post was sliding down an inch or two every few miles and cleaning/tightening the quick release fixed the problem. Dahon has improved the quck release and all hinges over the past three years so this is not a problem anymore.
2. The 26 inch folding bikes by Dahon (Matrix, Espresso) ride the same as a hybrid. Since you are not an extreame bicycle rider, the folder makes perfectly good sence. I would not recommend these folding bikes if you intend to jump off cliffs and do extreame down hill (mountain bike) riding.
3. The folder is the perfect commuter. I can ride use my folder on subways and rail transport without the need to box the bicycle or obtain special permission. During rush hour, my folder can ride the trains where a full size bike would not.
4. I've been able to store my folder in the closet. If you have an airplane or boat, the folding bike is the only way to go.