netengineer10

I need help deciding on two folders, one for my girlfriend and one for myself. I was thinking of getting two Citizen Gotham2 bikes but I am just shy over their weight limit. I could lose 5 pounds and make the cut, but I'm still afraid riding a bike when i'm just at the maximum capacity it can carry. I am 5'10" and weigh approximately 225 lbs. This would be my first folder, also haven't ridden a bike in several years. I have been comparing between the Downtube 9 Front Suspension, Melon Slice, Citizen Gotham2, Tern Link C7 or D8, Dahon Eco C7 or anything in that price range for myself. I have about $1,000 to spend on both bikes and I am not sure what exactly to get. So long as the bikes can be carried up a staircase and stored in a closet, any folder will do, but of course I want to get the most bang for my buck and not be shopping for a new one due to shoddy workmanship or a broken frame. This would be a bike more for recreational riding a few times a week. Should I go with a Shimano Nexus 3 or 4 geared hub or stick with something more traditional? My girlfriend and I both have carpal tunnel syndrome, so is there anything we can do to lessen the stress on the wrists? Do shocks help? Different grips? If anyone has anything to add, i'm all ears.


Thank You,

-NetEngineer10

Casbah

I say go with the Tern Link D8. Max rider weight is 243 lbs. It's easy to fold, fits in my little apartment closets and the trunk of my car. I have wimpy arms but am able to carry it up the stairs to my second floor apartment. Rides incredibly comfortably once you stick a gel padded seat on it. Has a nice stiff ride, isn't wobbly at all. You get a lot of bike for your money. I definitely love mine. Got it at REI for $550. If you want to stay on budget you could get the C7. I test rode one and it rode nice and stiff too but didn't come with rear rack and fenders like I wanted and has different hinges than the D8. The D8 is the cheapest Tern that still has the better hinges that they're famous for. The ones on the C7 seemed fine though when they showed me how it folded.

Dynocoaster 

+1 for the Tern D8. Adding shocks more weight. Ergon grips are nice. For recreational riding I think and 7 or 8 speed bike would do. The Downtube Nova is also a good buy.

netengineer10

What do you guys think of the Citizen Gotham 2 compared to the Tern Link C7 for the little lady? She is no where near any weight limitation of any foldable bike, and is around 5'3".

Casbah

I was going to buy a Citizen Miami to save money. I didn't like that I could only get it online without a test ride. I at least got to test ride the C7 at REI and watch while the workers folded/unfolded it before ordering the D8 instead. You could also look for used folders on CL or Ebay. There's always used Dahons for sale on Ebay.

JosephLMonti

Would you consider a 16-inch wheeled folder for her like the Citizen Tokyo?

Jiten

You can add the Dahon Speed D7 to your list.

netengineer10

Regarding the 16-inch Citizen Tokyo, I was afraid the steering would be too twitchy for her since she's used to a 26" hybrid bike. I ordered the Tern Link D8 for myself from Thor, and a Citizen Gotham 2 for the little lady. She liked how it looked with the orange coloring, got their upgraded saddle, rack and fender. I will post pictures and give a general review and comparison after I lose about 5 pounds and test drive the Gotham 2. Thanks for all of your advice!

Dynocoaster 

Congrats on your new folders. Looking forward to the pics.

Casbah

Yeah, what Dyno said.

vmaniqui

+1 on PICS. Congrats on getting a tern link d8 and getting it from thor is an icing on the cake... i bet you - as soon as your wife sees your bike you'll end up riding the citizen bike.