where can you take your folder?
 

I'm really thinking about getting a folder. Where can you feasibly take your folding bike without getting kicked out?

Trains? Bus? Subway? Libraries? Classrooms? Office?

What was the reaction you got before people kinda got used to it?

You can take any folder practically anywhere providing it's covered. There is one exception and that is the bus where a 16' inch wheel would be more desirable.

Do you really want to lug a 25 lb folder in a classroom? It would depend on the instructor if he/she allows you inside.

Hey, think of it as helping keep you in shape!

At 64 I have taken my Boardwalk S1 into the local Super-Cuts (haircut place) several times. I just fold it up and park it in the corner of the waiting area.

Have never even had a comment.

(This bike weighs 31.5 lbs)

Well, I'd want to take it into a classroom because I don't want to leave it like outside. Has anyone had an experience with that, getting yelled at by a prof or something?

It's not likely to be an individual professor who doesn't like it. Rather, it might be about "policy" regarding bicycles. I've been to a couple of cycling events in the summer where the participants stayed in residence rooms. At one university (this is in Canada) they allowed us to take the bikes into designated hallways, but not the residence rooms. At another, bicycles weren't allowed in any building whatsoever -- the organizers rented large trailers for the bikes to be locked up at night.

However, in your case, a cheap cover ought to make it acceptable. If the prof even notices, tell him/her it's your physics project. :)

I take mine to all of the above. Bagging it is 100% necessary though.

I take it on trains twice daily... into stores frequently... into my office every day... on subways occasionally (if I wuss out of riding in the rain). Haven't had to bus yet, haven't tried a library. Tried and failed to take it onto the campus of Brooklyn College; they have a little bike parking lot there, made me lock the bike and sign it in!

The thing about professors... on your first day of class, when you walked in and sat down and looked at the professor and s/he noticed you and saw what you're wearing and where you're sitting, and noticed your demeanor and the expression on your face, that's when s/he decided what grade you're getting. At this point, by the way, I hope you made dang sure that "A" is written all over your face. OK, now you have to follow through with exams and term papers, but they probably don't count as much as they should. SO, the question is: how's a folding bike going to effect the equation? I think you'll have to make that judgment instinctively, based on what you know about the professor in question. Some will like it... some will not. Your call!

So far this semester none of my profs have showed any negative reaction to me bringing my downtube in (folded, with no bag) and setting along the side of the room. A couple have asked me about it, showing interest.

I've had no trouble bringing it on the bus as long as it's in its bag. I don't think there will be a problem with this in the future as long as I'm careful not to nail anyone in the head with it walking down to the back.

I took my folder into a hospital when I got my physical last week. No problems what-so-ever. Instead it attracted attention from everyone that about a dozen people were talking to me about the folding bike. A lab tech and another patient said that they were gonna shopping for a folding bike after seeing mine.

With a small folder, I doubt that you will run into any problems.

Home Depot, Swedish Covenant Hospital, City Hall, Union Station, local post office, Ace Hardware Store, Menards, Kmart, Game Crazy, Blockbuster, DePaul University, University of IL, Chase Bank (ATM only), etc etc.