Says it's a Raliegh - but is it?
 

This folding bike on Craigslist is said to be a Raliegh, but it lacks the distinctive cut outs on the chain wheel, and what I can see of the insignia on the front doesn't look right either. The price is nice, but what the heck is this?

http://portland.craigslist.org/bik/102917904.html

I'm not sure folders are for me, I like three-speeds but I'm worried that I'll have to pedal faster to get anywhere, and with my asthma that's a problem. My strategy has always been to ride in the highest gear I can to maximize every stroke.

definately not raleigh. don't know what it is, sorry.

I don't know what it is but i am 95% sure it is not a Raleigh. I am also rather sure it is not a particularly good bike. As for your Asthma and folders, i'd say there is a chance you are even better off with a folder in that case. The smaller wheels do have somewhat faster acceleration and climb easier. You could look into some affordable 20 inch folders with some gears, maybe DownTube or cheaper Dahons. Good luck!

The thing to look for is the griffin headbadge. That has some sort of round thing, plus it's frame is not a geometry they ever used so I think the seller is using 'Raleigh' as a generic term for an older folder rather than being strictly accurate.

On an old Raleigh it should look something like this one:
http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/...ge_raleigh.jpg

Yeah, I've been looking at some websites and even found a couple twenties for sale locally - at about $175. My next bike is definitely going to be a three speed of some sort. I've got until winter break to figure it all out. This folding thing is intriguing. Does anyone put one on the bus rack? I'm wondering if the 20" wheel is to small.

Well in my opinion you can't go wrong with a Twenty ha ha, but i am biased. I'd hold out for a good deal on a Twenty that comes with a 3 speed sturmey archer. Then you have a very good basis to start from. If need you can replace the chainring to get a nice ratio that allows you to spin at your preffered cadence. Definately put on some fast tires and possibly wheels. Good luck!

Come to think of it, I once put a really small wheel on an SA hub to accomodate the hills in Seattle. Of course back when I did that I had really good access to parts - I worked in a shop. Now it might be a little tougher, but it is a thought and I thank you for it.