How much do you pay for the folding ability?
 

Hi,
Considering getting a folding bike as my only bike, but trying to work out just how much of a premium/cost you pay for the folding features (so I can work out whether I really need it or just a 'nice to have').

I wonder if anyone has ever looked into detail as to how much more we pay over a normal bike to have the bike folding. I am looking at three models in particular and my numbers are something like this:

For a Bike Friday
Air Friday, 105 double is approximately $2700
The equivelent (say Softride) 105 double is around $1500 so I would guess you are paying around a $1200 premium. Reflects the titanium beam vs carbon fibre

Pocket Rocket Pro, 105 $2200
Lemond Proprad, 105 $1300
Premium of around $900

For a Dahon
Allegro, Ultegra double is around $2000
An equivelent steel bike, say LeMond Buenos Aires is around about $1800

So my conclusion is that for Dahon models the "cost" of folding is a couple of hundred. Bike Friday has a higher cost but this includes the cost of folding and the cost of custom built.

Would be interested in comments and whether my numbers seem reasonable?

If you're in the Southern and Eastern Hemispheres, look at KHS Japan folding bikes.
http://www.khsjapan.com

A folder is my only bike and I love it. I might have gotten away with a non-folder but I wouldn't have had the opportunities to do things that I can easily do with the folder.

I wanted a bike that I didn't have to rely on a car rack to transport. I also fly small planes and wanted something EASILY carried and I also take my bike on the bus and train.

I just wanted the conveniences of a folder. You start to see options with a folder that aren't open to non-folders - like not owning a bike lock. (I carry mine everywhere - into the grocery store, office, pub - whatever!)

I also know myself well enough that I'm sure I wouldn't have used a non-folder as much. In life, war, tools, cars, bikes, whatever, it's not the fastest, strongest, biggest or best that wins - it's the one that's where you need it, when you need it. (I think Sun Tzu could be credited with coming up with that)

Friends in New York tell me "any bike - even a cheapie - left outside locked will EVENTUALLY get stolen." Maybe not a problem where you live but I can't afford another bike and I'm not willing to risk it.

Whatever the "premium" I paid on my bike, it pales in comparison to the cost of replacing a bike that got stolen.

If you're going into the purchase decision trying to justify the folding-premium, don't buy a folder.

http://www.ncf.ca/~af895/LJ/bike_bus/bus_montage.jpg

I heartily agree. It's not the cost that determines whether or not you need a folder. You either do or you don't. Then it's just an issue of which folder you can afford.

Monthly pass to bring my bike on-board the commuter train bike car: $130

Being able to bring my bike folded on-board a fully-loaded bike car while less-fortunate riders get left behind at the station stop: PRICELESS! :D

Price for my folding bike: $120.

I think it's safe to say the folder-premium was less than $200 in this case.

I just got a Dahon 3-speed. Folding was quite important for me as I'll be spending the weekends a 90-minute bus ride away from the place where I'll spend weekdays. The bike has to get me to and from the bus stops at each end and leaving a non-folding bike locked up near the greyhound terminal is a risky venture.

You could chk out my page (see Twenty Folder Thread).. i too had some concerns about buying a folder in terms of cost (not that any folder that is from a reputable brand isn't worth the cost). I wanted something cheap yet high grade that was very durable. I like to think i suceeded with my DIY project. I think the finished bike can rival or least get close to a Swift at a substantially lower cost. E 370 total. The folders you mention are some of most expensive/higher grade ones. Like anyone purchasing anything you gotta ask the question: What do i REALLY need and what's it worth to me... Personally i think i really need a folder and as far as the (additional) cost,.. well in my case i didn't have any.

Consider a Slingshot: http://www.slingshotbikes.com/

105 looks like it runs around 2700??

Take a look, kinda nice bikes I think but I have only ridden one once but the converts like 'em, mostly.

-ck

Camping World has a Dahon that is single speed for less than $150, and I got a seven speed for under $350, that i am very happy with. They also have a Giatex that is cool, my partner bought one and we are excited that it can be adjusted to any rider in our family..

This is my first post on the forums. I currently have a Dahon Mariner and just received my new white VIII folder. Here is a link to some pictures and a short video. I will write a quick review when I get a little time.

http://bridgeofwalls.darktech.org:8080/pictures

Let me know if anyone wants and detailed pictures of a part on the bike.

My first ride was very nice. Frame feels stiffer than my Dahon and I'm not scared to go down STEPS on it! See the video on my site.

I just purchased a folding bike, a Hummer made by Montague. It's a full sized mountain bike that folds. On the internet it's $600. or more, but I bought mine at Sam's Club for $397. It's black & yellow, & fun to ride and fold.

Interesting videos.. I had thought the suspension would basically be to iron out rough roads, but it looks like you're using the VIIIFS like a mini mountain bike! Cool :)

Looking forward to that review..

Magnus

it depends how often you need to fold it..i live in london and on and off the underground and back home etc i guess i fold my brompton six or seven times a day. when that's the case paying much more for something that folds much better makes a lot of sense, an awkward folder can be a true pain (and ive just come back from doing thirty miles/day on the corniches on the riviera, so it cycles well too!)

Yeah it's been said b4 but for heavy/frequent commuting which involves a lot of lifting and folding the Brompton is King. Although GoBike seems a real contender too. Even so the slightly lower efficiency (See comparison chart), non standardization and smaller wheels are a pity i think. But hey those are not biggies.