Bike Forums - View Single Post - Folder for Dating and Travel? Advice please

07-16-07, 11:31 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffbeerman2

I currently have a Surly crosscheck commuter (set up like a touring road bike with an internal hub and chainguard) and a Trek 1200 road bike.

I love cycling for commuting/errands and recreation.

I have been dating a woman who doesn't own a bike

I have considered buying a folder in the past, to take along on trips and to just have in the trunk of the car for when opportunity presents itself. I just haven't gone ahead with the purchase because it is a lot of money for something I'm not sure I will ride much

Now I am considering buying a folder so my date can ride it.

I have a couple folder questions first.

1.) I've been browsing threads and it seems that air-travel with a folding bike isn't really feasible considering luggage size and weight restrictions. Can anyone actually say that they have managed to really travel easily with a folding bike through an airport in the states? (easily is defined by not having to take the bike apart, argue with the baggage people, pay additional fees, or leave everything but the bike at home)

2.) I'm used to 700C wheels. How much will the ride degrade on 20 or 16 inch wheeled bikes?

3.) Please recommend specific bikes. I'm budgeting about $400 including setup, delivery, and accessories. A bit more than $400 is OK if you don't think I can meet my needs for that
My Needs:
-Has to look good enough that a 26 year old woman would not mind being seen on it

.
-Must include rack, fenders, and some sort of chainguard
-Must have high-quality tires with some sort of flat protection, I don't want to have to spend $70 replacing junk stock tires
-Must be decent quality
-Will be ridden on bike paths and slowish streets with only a handful of easy hills.
-Must fit in the trunk of a compact car (ford escort)
-Should be easy to get parts/service at any LBS
-I'm a fan of suspension seatposts, but not a deal-breaker
-I'm guessing that any stock saddle will stink, but a decent saddle would be a plus

4.) Let me know if you think I should get a folder at all, or just buy a $350 comfort/recreational bike for her to ride. I'd get gift points for that anyhow.

You must really like her to go through all that trouble of buying a bike for someone else. My dates never did anything like that for me. They just like to buy and drive their own motorized vehicles. For you I have some suggestions:

1. Buy the bike for yourself. Folding bikes in general are very flexible in adjustments. Unless the both of you are very extreme in height range, these bikes should cover you. I do keep a folding bike for guests and curious test riders. But all of them are mainly "workhorses" used and kept for a wide range of purposes I want in a bike. Besides, have you considered what to do with the bike when and if she leaves you? Even a few hundred dollars is alot of money for someone of limited means.

2. The most travel friendly folding bike that does not require lots of breaking down and taking apart components is the Brompton. Even that bike I am loathe to take it with me on commercial flights (although other here have and do take it with them via checked in).

3. I started out with a Dahon Boardwalk (modified by my bike shop). My other Dahon-a Piccolo (no longer offered)-was $450.00 complete CA tax added in-including a new, slightly blemished saddle that I really like. These are simple, yet well thought out bikes for my own use. And for others if and when it is necessary. If they don't like it, these bikes are still mine and I could do with them as I pleased.

I think you should buy the folding bike if that is what you want, modify it if need be, and invite your girlfriend to ride it if she wants. If she chooses not to, you not stuck with a bike you don't realy want and try to dump it on someone else if you don't want it anymore after a short period of time. You may not get what you paid back.

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