Help! Know of any reviews of cheap folders?
 

Hi Everybody,

While it seems that this forum attracts riders who have expensive folding bikes ;) can someone please refer me to reviews of folding bikes costing less than $200.00? I want a folder for commuting but I don't have a lot of cash say for a Friday :o

I want to purchase either the Kent Magnesium UltraLight ($170.00: ridethisbike.cm); Citizen Bike 20" 6-speed Folding Bike with Suspension Frame
($174.00); or the 5 Speed Folding Bike with 20" Wheels & Suspension Frame ($99.00: rvtoyoutlet.com).

Alternatively, what are your suggestions?

Thanks...

If price is your biggest consideration, then the $99 bike at rvtoyoutlet is hard to beat. It does weigh 36 lbs, though. Will you need to lift this bike often?

My suggestion for the best value are Downtube bikes (www.downtube.com). You can often win them on eBay for under $225 for their non-suspension model which weighs 24lbs. Very good quality bikes.

I say save your pennys and get a Downtube on eBay for just over $200 with shipping. They are great bikes and you will get good service from Yan if you have any problems.

There is a thread specific to the Kent bike that you should look up. It sounds pretty poor.

Hi!

No need to feel shame about a "cheap" choice. I think the Boardwalk S1 is hard to beat. See my websites below about this gem that I have had for now 3 years.

Yeah, I'll be lifting the bike in and out of the subway and an office building... I saw the 36lbs of the $99.00 bike and thought (yikes!) that was a little scary.

I'll take a look at the downtube. Thanks for the advice...

Btw, I am thinking that a suspension bike is better than a non-suspension bike. Is that right?

Help...
 

I did see the Kent thread. You are right. Did'nt look so promising... But I was thinking that since my commute is on mostly flat terrain AND given I am not "hard" on bikes...I was wondering whether or not the bike would work especially since it is light...

I'll look at the Downtube... Thanks!

Definitely skip the Kent.

If you get a Downtube, keep in mind that you will have to take it to a shop and get it tuned up. This is required with any bike, but if you purchase your wheels in an LBS they usually throw in at least an initial tune-up, if not 1 year of service (within reason).

The 1-speed Boardwalk usually runs around $200 and ought to do the trick if all you want to do is ride on flats. If you spring for a Dahon Speed D7, or a Downtube + tune-up, you'll have a much more versatile bike.

Don't forget to budget for the extras:
• front and rear lights
• gloves
• helmet
• a good bag to put on the rear rack

Hi,

Saw your website. Great. Thanks

Okay. Weight and folding is more important to me than performanace: I want to fold it, and carry it out the subway before a homeless person asks me what I am doing and offers to help!:D What a minute...he probable knows more about bikes than I do!

Hi,

Very much appreciate the advice...especially the budget for extras information

Thanks!

Depends on what kind of riding you want to do. Obviously the suspended bikes give you more comfort, but also more weight (3 lbs more). If you just want something for casual riding, or even commuting, suspension is good. If you're riding rougher roads, then suspension is good.

If you want to do fast sporty rides, the non-sus model is better.

Check out the Downtube thread on this forum. There are about 50 pages of user comments. No holds barred.

The non-sus models are the ones that have been going for around $200 on eBay. Incredible deal. I got one even though I really didn't need another bike. It was too good to turn down. The quality of these bikes have improved dramatically over the past year. I have a $3000 carbon, top of the line road bike. I leave that at home and use my folder as the "training" bike. Saves on wear and tear on the expensive one.

Have fun choosing!