Hey guys! I am new to biking and looking to start biking soon. I live in upstate NY. Also new to this site so please forgive me if I have not posted in the right forum.

I was looking to buy a bike for myself and started looking at craigslist for deals. I ran across these two bikes around me for price I can afford to pay.

2013 Dahon Vitesse D3 - amazon.com/Dahon-Vitesse-Folding-Bike-Shadow/dp/B0067HK0KK - Seller asking for $300

2011 Dahon Mariner D7 - bicyclebluebook.com/value-guide/product/24977/ - Seller asking for $225

Or I could buy this new bike for $250 - amazon.com/8pk-Ballpoint-Pens-Black-Blue/dp/B00HJDRZEA

I was hoping on getting some feedback since most people here are aware of what to look for. I would really appreciate any help! I cant wait to start riding! Thanks for time.

Ride all and you will know the correct one for you if any. Not something you can do on the Net. Roger

That's a useless answer, and provides nothing. If this is the type of answers you provide why don't you just move on? Seriously,...roger,...

Honestly I'd recommend any of these, as all these bikes are from reputable companies. My question to you is, what condition are the Dahon folders in? The Mariner D7 is in solid choice. The D3 is a 3 speed internal geared hub, so it's more limited in gear range, but requires less maintenance. The thing is they're used, and my require some work to get them in top running condition.

The Zizzo is from a USA based company, and from what I've heard, their customer service is top notch. The Campo isn't bad for the price either. I prefer the Zizzo Forte myself. It's a bit more expensoive, but it's built like a tank, and has a weight limit of 300lbs. WooHoo!!!

Grumpy that is the perfect answer. Think of it. How will know you like the bikes ride until you try riding it. I have never bought a bike without riding it first. Some bikes speak to me and some do not. Lots of bike are bought and then parked in a garage as the owner does not like them. At 71 years of age having owned 100s of bikes that is still the best advice I can give anyone. Roger

When a person doesn't have access to ANY folding bikes, especially at this time in our history, suggesting they go out any try them is a bit ridiculous. You may have test ridden all the bikes you own, but EVERY FOLDING BIKE I OWN I BOUGHT WITHOUT TEST RIDING. I had 2 bikes total that I regretted buying, and that's because of a my dislike of a the way it folds (I still own the bike nonetheless), and my desire to buy a better bike than initially purchased (I cheaped out on my first ever folding bike). The bikes the OP listed here are all from reputable brands, and have a proven track record of customer satisfaction. And currently there's no way to test folders,...unless he/she knows of a bike shop that will hook he/she up. Otherwise, suggesting every time to "go test ride it" is currently, utterly illogical.

Do you comprehend granpapa,...roger???

Roger's advice is sound. The OP asked the same question in the C&V What's It Worth forum. My response was more detailed, but essentially the same:

Don't buy a folder until: 1. You can ensure that it's a comfortable fit for you, and 2. That the fold, the carry, and everything else about it works for you.

Asking someone to buy a folder without riding or testing it is like buying a pair of shoes without ever trying them on. Unless you are absolutely sure that those shoes fit you - say the same model, make and size as what you've bought previously - you're just guessing. May fit, may not, but once you buy them, you're stuck with them.

I've seen this time and time again. People get all excited about a folder....until they buy one, and reality sets in. Doesn't fit, doesn't fold properly, hinge doesn't work well, stem is too wobbly, folded bike is too heavy, you name it. Great idea on paper but quite different in practice.

As to you buying folders sight unseen: Just because you can do something doesn't mean it's a good idea. I wouldn't recommend the OP take your advice.

Grumpy seems to have more money than I do. Roger

Too bad there won't be any test rides any time soon. And quite a few people, unfortunately, don't have the option in their geographic location to test ride folders. If the OP has that option, fantastic. Otherwise, considering what's going on right now, this is going to be the new norm. Now, if the bikes are local, I'd definitely recommend seeing them in person. Most times it's not that simple. The OP didn't mention them being within traveling distance.

No, or I would have the 100's of bikes you've mentioned you've owned grandpapa,...

Thank you guys for all your replies! Its been wonderful to have your inputs. I went ahead and tried the bikes. It was hard to set this up with this lockdown but I ended up getting the Dahon mariner d7. It was in a good condition and rode fine. The owner also was very friendly and open about the bike.

I rode it and it was fun. I brought it. Thanks again guys!

If I had known you actually had access to the bikes I'd have said to go check them out. Congratulations!!!

Hey,...how come you haven't two shared you opinions, or provided some assistance in this other thread? I'm sure it would help,... You don't have to be a smaller rider to provide some help.
Super Short Rider ISO First Folder

Huh? The OP got a Mariner. Exactly what assistance were you expecting? A treatise on which folder is better and why? That's a personal decision, we encouraged it, and the OP made it. Seems like everyone's happy except you.

The thread I listed, NOT this thread. Seems that person in the other thread hasn't received a recommendation to "try before you buy" as of yet. I'm letting you guys know, so you can work your magic. All that's being done is people suggesting folders instead,...

I love it when other people offer my expertise first, before I do. Carry on, everyone.

No one is offering,...I'm wondering why the same advice wasn't given about trying before buying in that thread? See my point,... You DID chime in.