Originally Posted by EvilV
If the bike fits your body, and is properly designed vis a vis its geometry, you will be able to exert enough power to get up any rideable hill as long as the bike has low enough gearing. Some well known and popular bikes like the Brompton have quite high gearing as delivered - bottom end of 45 inches. If you are strong and the hills aren't too terrible this might be low enough, but you'd be better of with low gears in the thirties. I think my mountain bike goes down to about 28 inches in its lowest gear. My folder only down to 38. I can climb steep hills on it, but it would be no good for touring in the hills.
I agree. But when I order my "only" 3 speed bikes when new, I try to balance the need to have low enough gearing for the many rolling hills surrounding the area(s) that I ride my bike to the usual completely flat areas that connect them. This puts me in the mid-forties range. I simply compromise on speed (I am a sedate rider).
Originally Posted by MillCreek
KMS24, we probably live pretty close to each other. Let me know if you actually want to see my Dahon. As far as I know, the only dealer in the Seattle area that stocks more than one model of any folder is Eric at Electric Bikes NW down in Fremont. I ended up having to order my Dahon of the interwebs, since no one stocked it and no one was interested in ordering it.
I don't actually live in the Seattle area, but I have done business and bought a folding bike (Brompton) from their Southern California store in Oceanside. Great interesting-and unique-bike shop. I usually do not recommend to buy off the Internet when a good store is near by.
Originally Posted by KMS24
Thanks for the advice everyone! I'm in Everett, Washington, pretty close. I will check out Swift and and the MU XL. I guess my primary reason for wanting a folder is that I don't want my bike stolen! I've test ridden only regular size bikes thus far and really liked the Specialized Dolce Elite. Great bike, loved it, but would have to lock it up outside.
As I am knew to bike commuting, I'll keep an eye on the forums, great tips!
That reason you gave is the primary one which pushed me into the exclusive use of folding bikes for the last several years. I know I will keep my bike as long as
I wish to. Please keep coming back and let us know if and when you bought your bike of your choice.