Folding Bike Advice
03-11-07, 09:11 AM
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Folding Bike Advice
I'm interested in this rebate program that's happening in my area:
https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/arc...es/03local.htm
I'm strongly considering getting a folding bike with my tax refund. Anyone have any experiences they'd like to share with this type of bike? I'd been interested in what you didn't like about this type of bike; seems like a great option.
https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/arc...es/03local.htm
I'm strongly considering getting a folding bike with my tax refund. Anyone have any experiences they'd like to share with this type of bike? I'd been interested in what you didn't like about this type of bike; seems like a great option.
03-11-07, 10:11 AM
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You could also try asking in the folding bike forum, if you haven't already 
03-11-07, 11:33 AM
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You definitely need to post this on the folder thread! They will go nuts over this program, and you will get lots of advice on folders.
A one third rebate up to $250 is a hefty chunk of change, and puts you in range of some very very nice folding bicycles!
Speedo
A one third rebate up to $250 is a hefty chunk of change, and puts you in range of some very very nice folding bicycles!
Speedo
03-11-07, 06:14 PM
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I hope the bus aisles are large. I mean, free money to buy a bike, right on, but the only folders that would actually become conveniently small for bus aisles (at least aisles here in NYC) are the 1000 dollar plus bike fridays and some other high end ones. That or 16" wheel folders, which are fine if you're going to ride over good pavement or dirt paths the whole time, but those wheels aren't too hot on rough roads or paths. Check out https://www.downtube.com and https://www.dahon.com. I love my downtube and they make a mini/16" one. I wish NYC could find it in its budget's heart to give folders 250 bucks! Good luck and it would be good to ask in the folder section as many suggest, but also list what type of riding you expect to be doing otherwise, how wide ranging does this bike have to be, will it be your only one, or one among many in the stalls?
03-12-07, 11:55 AM
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I'll just be doing road riding, primarily to work. The buses *do* have wide isles and way more space (recently the local fleet was upgraded). NYC would be a great place to have that, I agree. Any large cities could really get the trend going!
03-12-07, 12:32 PM
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I have a couple of folding bikes which I use for commuting. I rarely fold mine though. It was just a person with a folding bike at a tradeshow in chicago that rekindled my childhood interest in bikes so I got a couple of folders.
Folders can make very nice bikes. They ride much like big framed bikes except that smaller wheels turn faster. Some people consider that twitchy while other consider it responsive. Gearing on most folding bikes is lower and narrower than most full sized bikes although you can get folders that have a wider gear range if you want and need the gears. And a final parting thought. Lighter is way better when talking folders that you have to fold and carry. One of my folders is about 19 pounds and the other is about 30. The 19 pounder is SO MUCH easier to carry around when folded.
And do checkout the folding bike forum here.
Folders can make very nice bikes. They ride much like big framed bikes except that smaller wheels turn faster. Some people consider that twitchy while other consider it responsive. Gearing on most folding bikes is lower and narrower than most full sized bikes although you can get folders that have a wider gear range if you want and need the gears. And a final parting thought. Lighter is way better when talking folders that you have to fold and carry. One of my folders is about 19 pounds and the other is about 30. The 19 pounder is SO MUCH easier to carry around when folded.
And do checkout the folding bike forum here.
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03-12-07, 03:38 PM
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I see you've posted in the folding forum part, but just to follow up on your mostly just road riding. You could get a Downtube Mini and it would only be another 150 on top of the rebate. It's a 16" folder and if you're not taller than 6', it would give you a comfortable touring position. You'd need at least a 20" to get more of a road geometry.
