nan

Hello everybody!

I am a new here (lurker). Wanted to say hello and ask a few questions because I couldn't hold it in any longer.

I don't know that much about cycles. Other than the fact that they are so cool. I always want to ask cyclists about them but they can be intimidating to someone as shy as myself.

I've been drawn to folding bikes more and more.. they're so compact and graceful to me! So now I am looking to buy my first folder. I'm not sure where to even start. I'd like to commute/ride on the train.. bum around town. Also, I've heard that folders don't take hills as well, I'm sure that varies from model to model, but concerns me a bit as I live in a hilly area that is frequently rainy/wet/slick. What have you experienced with this?

I can't afford more than $500 - hope to spend MUCH less, but should I be looking at used folding bikes then? They seem like they can be pricey. I was wondering what I should look for? In an old or new bike? What about sizing? I'm only 5'2"! What are the pro/cons of the tiny wheels?

Got any other advice for a newbie?

Whew! That was more than a few questions. Sorry, and Thanks!

-Nan

mtb29

Welcome to the interesting world of folders, many good bikes to choose from. I bought a Dahon Speed P-8 mainly because it fits into a 29" Samsonite Oyster suitcase that does not incur oversize baggage charges.They cost $500, deliver good value for the price, and I am totally happy with it.
Do lots of research, this board is excellent, check out Dahon's and any other board you can find and it is important to try before you buy.

Bacciagalupe

If your budget is limited, I'd get something new and cheap and ride it for 1000 - 2000 miles. By that time, you will either be ready to get a better bike or will be sick of the damned things. Drop $350 on a Dahon or a Downtube and you'll be happy for awhile. Get it new in a store, and not only will you have a chance to do a test ride, usually you'll get some free maintenance as well.

DaFriMon

If you don't know that much about cycles, I'd stay away from used ones. Not that there aren't some great deals to be had, but you need to know what to look for, and be able to solve some problems on your own.

For under $500, you can get some decent Dahon models. Strongly suggest trying to get a test ride first to see if the fit is comfortable. 5' 2" is supposedly within their range, but judge for yourself.

Downtubes are inexpensive and have a cheering section here. I've never ridden one myself, but would give them the benefit of the doubt.

Anything else new under $500? Not sure how much the Giant Halfway costs. Maybe some rebadged Dahons, like Breezer.

Bacciagalupe

Giant Halfways are around $500. Offhand I can't think of anything decent for less than $500, other than Dahons and Downtubes....

dalmore

I too am drawn to folders like a moth to a light.

I also commute on a folder - although I don't have to fold it unless I want to show off.

For your price range - the whole Downtube line looks really good. From Dahon I'd look at the Speed d7 but be aware is doesn't appear to have a height adjustable handlepost.

Trocadile

Does this mean you'll be folding and carrying your bike a lot? If this is the case, you'll want a lighter bike with a smaller neater fold, or at least one you can roll when folded.

There seems to be some disagreement over the relationship between small wheels and hill performance. My personal experience is that, all other things being equal, 20" wheels perform better going uphill, and worse going downhill than a full-sized wheel. This is supported by some websites, such as Bike Friday's, here:
https://www.bikefriday.com/LexiconFull.cfm?ID=53

Again, all other things being equal, smaller wheels take up less space, allow you to turn more easily and accelerate faster. Because of the shorter spokes, the wheels can also be stronger and less likely to break than bigger wheels. On the negative side, they are harder to maintain at high speeds, and you will feel bumps more than with a full sized wheel. To compensate for this last quality, many folders come with fairly wide tires. Since I ride on a lot of rough roads and trails, I personally prefer some suspension on a 20" wheeled bike.

Another negative is that, because the drivetrain is closer to the ground, it will pick up more debris and require more maintenance, especially if, as you say, you ride in the wet. If you want to avoid maintenance, you might want to consider a bike with an internal hub (internal gears) rather than a derailleur.

crystalspin

Hi Nan!
The advice about testride is jolly, except depending on where you are, finding a store that keeps them in stock may be very difficult and if in a population-dense area where there presumably are more bikeshops and potentially better chance of a folding bike stockist -- I've heard more and more are reluctant or prohibit testrides for the liability issues.

As for fit: 1> if you're like me, you'll have no idea whether it fits until well past the testride stage!
2> the Downtubes (per my experience) and the Dahons (per their webpage at
www.dahon.com/support/properfit.htm ) are remarkably adjustable. Probably true of other brands. The limitation is more usually at the UPPER/LARGER end of rider height and weight.

As for Downtubes: If you buy from Yan, you get a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. That's true of the US eBay bikes as well as from downtube.com . Currently there are just a few of the 2006 model front-suspension folders on eBay (search 'downtube' then narrow hits to those in cycling/roadbikes&parts/complete-bikes)... that's as opposed to the 2006+1/2 ones on the website. As a smaller person, you probably don't need the Full-Suspension model... you might even go with the NO suspension model (lighter weight)... for frequent folding/carrying you might consider the cleaner internal hub designated VIIIH or the new adorable-cute mini Downtube with 16" wheels. At least if your commute and fore-seen rides will be in the <10 mile range.

As for talking to cyclists: as long as you're not STOPPING them on the road to chat up their bikes, I'm sure the vast majority of cyclists would LOVE to brag about their mounts... or perhaps vent about them if having a bad day! Why not try it just once -- approach one or a pair of cyclists at the coffee shop or while resting in the park, maybe ask what it's like to bike around your town, or if you find a folder-rider, ask if he/she would recommend the particular brand/model... just tell yourself, "I only have to do this once, let's get it over with"... then maybe if it wasn't that bad you can spend the day searching out cyclists and making new friends!

~'spin!~