CatSchrodinger

Hi all;

Here's my conundrum:

My birthday is coming up (a conundrum in and of itself) and I know that I will be getting gift cards for a popular online retailer from several family members, probably totaling between 250 and 300 dollars. I would like to use those funds to buy a folding bike. Based on reviews and specs, I have my choices narrowed down to the schwinn loop and the FBike. They are similar in weight, and many other specs, although the Fbike seems to fold somewhat smaller and also seems to provide stellar customer service. Does anyone have any insight into this choice? I have looked for a used folder, but they don't seem to be at all popular in my area, so I haven't been able to find anything suitable by that means. Also, I just don't have a ton of extra money to spend, so the gift cards give me an opportunity to buy something that I wouldn't be able to otherwise.

About me: I just got back into biking after a 28 year hiatus (hadn't biked since I was a kid, really). I've been riding a comfort/city type bike, mostly on dedicated bike paths and really enjoying it, which, in addition to getting some exercise, is the primary purpose (I decided, after two of my sisters recently passed away from cancer at relatively young ages that it was time for me to do the things that I would regret having not done, if I were to suddenly lose the ability to do them). The reason that I am looking to get a folder is that riding currently involves loading up the bikes onto a hitch carrier and driving to a good riding spot. This is fine when my husband is able to go with me, but I find that I would like to bike more often than he is able to get away, and I simply can't wrangle my admittedly heavy bike onto and off of the carrier by myself. A folder would allow me to just lift the bike into the back of my jeep and go whenever/wherever I like.

Thanks in advance for whatever advice you can offer.

badrad

Check out this fellow's review on the loop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pab3zu4qDq0

fietsbob

As pictured, the Loop has a hinge. another fold-in half design, most common type.

low step thru , lower than if tubes were straight.

Do You have leg mobility issues getting your leg swing even up to a Knee height?





for Me .. neither .. of the 2

My pick was a Brompton .. and a Bike Friday travel bike.

DVC45

I like both of my Swift and Downtube folders.

tds101 

Here's the fbike being folded/unfolded.

https://youtu.be/5qp7nLt0d2I

I honestly don't know which to recommend, but I've seen the Schwinn loop in person. It's definitely not worth it.

cpg

This is neither of the bikes you are currently considering but the Genesis is another possibility in you budget that has been discussed and tested on this forum.
https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bi...ding-bike.html

Pinigis 

Give the Origami Crane 8 and Gazelle a look. I think that you will like them a lot more than the Loop or fBike.

bhkyte

Try to get a test ride bbefore buying a folder I recomend.

tds101 

Origami folding bike on Amazon:

Amazon.com: Origami Gazelle 20 Inch Lightweight Aluminum Folding Bicycle (White with Red Accents)

I'd say I'd definitely recommend this. Especially if your using Amazon gift cards, and have a limited budget.

Pinigis 

We always prefer to sell directly from our own website, but Amazon does give us greater exposure.

tds101 

I do understand. It's easier to provide customer support that way. But, as they say, a sale is a sale.

And that bike is FANTASTIC! Excellent job sir!

Pinigis 

We will always match any price that you find elsewhere.

etung

I don't know anything about the fBike, but I do own the Schwinn Loop 7. I would not recommend it for someone who doesn't plan on considerably fixing and building it back up. I bought mine for around $200 and I found that most of the components needed to be adjusted and the rear wheel hub wasn't turning freely. For me, I was able to adjust the brakes, shifter, and repack the rear hub, but for sure there is some investment afterwards.

For me, I liked the fact that the Schwinn loop folds quickly and uses a lot of standard parts so I can gut it and put whatever I like. For most people who just want to ride, it wouldn't work well. For one, the front crank is tiny, so you'll be pedaling hard without going anywhere. I've definitely spent more money on it than I should have.

So if you're looking for a simple bike to ride and enjoy, I wouldn't recommend the Schwinn Loop.

For what it's worth, here's a picture of my loop as of a few weeks ago.