I'm looking for a full sized folder, and looks like the top 2 as far as value are the Dahons and the Montagues (Hummers). After a little research The hummers, although I dislike the name, seem to have a good reuputation as far as ruggedness and foldability. The front tire does need to be taken off, but is that really much trouble? The Dahons fold up quick but the end result is a little bigger than the Hummers folded, but you don't need to take the tire off.

The Dahons are a little lighter too and have better quality components in general. Which would other members recommend and why?

Dean.

Dean,

I have a 1991 Montague M1000 BiFrame that I prefer to the current Montague models. I bought it new, and it has proven to be reliable and troublefree. It's true you have to remove the front wheel, but that is a five second task. Components are mid-range Shimano, so the quality is very good.

I bought the Dahon Jack as my first folder and my current only bike - the size doesn't really get in the way for me - I carry up three flights of stairs each evening to store it at home and it sits just outa the way in the hallway in our flat.

What do you want the folding side of the bike for?

I like the portability of a folder, how one can bring it inside and store it, rather than parking it locked outside, where it can fall prey to thieves (or people who don't like you). I was also thinking about bringing one with me traveling, but from some research I find that this is very difficult with 26" folders.

In addition to the portability, I just like the look of a bike with regular wheels, and the ability to at least stay in the same ball park with the non folders.

Dean.

In that case you may want to take a look at a Dahon in your LBS - see it up and folded, same with the Montague. See what they're like to carry and how much space they'll take up in your place.

I don't fold my Dahon right the way down as I'd need to darry it downstairs in a case if I did - then carry the case upstairs, then go downstairs.....

The Montague looks a little smaller when fully folded but a similar fold is possible with the Dahon and they do sell some carry cases to fit.

I would recommend that you look seriously at the Dahon 26" models for one simple reason: when you fold them up, they stay together unlike the other makes. There is a problem of possible lost or missing bike parts (even wheels) when you dissasemble them from the frame as you travel about with the bike. I like my folders since everything stays nicely together no matter what the size of the wheel is.

I own a Montague CX. If you weigh 185lb or less (fully loaded) I think the Dahon is better as the break in the middle aspect will likely not be important. The Montague is better for heavy people carring heavy backpacks.

I replaced alot of parts with suff I got on eBay. It cost time and money. Frame is decent. Like a $200-$300 bike I could get at wal*mart.

I suggest you get the CX or the cheaper one (DX?) and upgrade. check ebay and craigslist for deals.

vertical drop outs, 42 tooth max on crank, hard to buy racks and fenders.

I have a Brompton L6 and also a Mariner 26. Even though the Brompton is a more compact fold, I find it to be slightly heavier than the Mariner and therefore prefer to carry my folded mariner into my workplace

M_at ... I've got a jack on my wish list - I also commute into london. How are you getting on with the handlebars ? do you unscrew them or are they OK fixed. Any 'tut tut's from bikeless passengers ?

I actually don't use the train enough to get tuts and I commute from within the zone system to Surrey so not too many people on any trains I get on any way.

But when I do have it at the station I usually get chatting to someone about it - just the fact that this big "normal" bike folds is unusual for most people.