I got the "I want's"
 

I had started to think I want to upgrade my Dahon, to one that has telescoping handlebars. I have put 2000 miles on the poor thing, and I still love it, but it is showing the wear. And of course, more adjustability would be more comfort and more fun.

Then I started looking online at things.

NOW,
I want an A bike.
I want a dual speed Carry-Me.
I want a new Dahon.

And of course, I cannot at this point afford any of them, since I am planning an expensive vacation next year, and need to save for it.

And I am spending way too much time at work looking at pictures and data about bikes.

I guess you all know how this feels, huh?

I believe the A Bike and the Carry-me would fall way below your expectations since you have put over 2000 miles on a Dahon and you mention the desire of more comfort and more fun.

For the last 4 years I spend, every single day, at least one hour reading about bikes (most of the time here at this forum) or doing something to my bike that is not riding it (changing accessories, cleaning, adjusting, etc...)

I suggest you to take a look at the new Dahons, Downtube bikes and some of the 16" wheels available in the market (Dahon Curve (both D3 and SL), Downtube Mini and Brompton/Brompton clones such as Merc and Flamingo bikes). You might compromise performance a little (and you can find people that might not agree with me on this subject) but you still have a bicycle that rides like a bicycle (Can't say that about the A-Bike) with a folding package that will open several choices of usage.

That's just my opinion.

14R

Try a cold shower. That's what I do when I want angelina jollie too much. Half an hour of cold water and I don't care any more.

:)

This is true. I've been riding my TSR30 a lot recently, but yesterday I went down to the pub on the old Merc and althought it's very different, it rides really well and I really enjoyed the ride (especially on the way back when the lively handling seemed even more lively for some reason).

' agree with 14R and EvilV....in that order. :D

If you are single and straight, you might consider dating 14R. He has bought a lot of bikes for girlfriends in the past.

:beer:

I heard 14R is currently in Brazil, dating girls that speak the romantic language of Portuguese and work part time in NYC dressed as angels to an american company called Victoria's Secret. He also sold his brand new Brompton S6L+ to an actor and is folderless while the new S6E-X (what a name!) is being made.

He can't think about anything else but the names RAW LACQUER, Titanium and Alessandra. Of course, it can't be true.


14R's mom.

No don't get an A-bike or a Carry-Me. Unless

a) you are going to ride them near daily in mixed mode with trains and/or buses.
or
b) you are going to hang them on your wall

LOLOL :D

Rafael, não te preocupes com a língua porque a linguagem corporal é universal...e a das bicicletas também ! :D

no, I am not single OR straight...
and I have decided to put off the Carry-Me, but am saving carefully for the A bike. I know it will not be what I have in my Dahon... but it will be portable enough to play with any time I want. And since I have so many miles on the Dahon, you can imagine I am used to people commenting on my bike. And I will, as planned, get the new dahon after the holiday next summer, and after much thinking about just which model I want.

If you fancy an A-Bike you may also fancy its older 'sibling' Strida :)

There have been a couple of recent reviews in UK of Strida, 8/10 in roadie mag cycling plus and velovision.

Jessica, your Dahon is a baby still. My Birdy has 5000 miles on it, and is still but a baby bird. I know how difficult it is to get rid of the I Wants. One way of dealing with it is to simply begin to modify your Dahon so that it suits you better.

So long as your hinge and stem seem to be in good shape, you'll only require minimal maintenance. You probably want to replace the chain. Also, the next time you take the wheel off to fix a flat, spin it in your hands. If it's smooth, your cones are probably fine. If not, you might want to rebuild them. You should be good to go for the next 2000 miles before replacing your chain and deciding whether to upgrade the tires. Hope this helps!

I do - I do...:)

Welcome to the world of bike-lust, having eyes bigger than your pockets and being able to rationalise having '3 working bikes and 4 in the garage awaiting renovation' as perfectly ok and not in slightest bit weird.
Soon you'll be waiting rabidly for the latest pix from BikeExpo each August and riding a fixed Raleigh Twenty. Mark my words! ;

I think some of us here have got to see a Shrink for our folding bike lust... but what if Dr Shrink likes bikes that shrinks too?

You could have your consultation while both riding folders side by side along a scenic cycle path, then at the end, fold them, and get a bus back to his office.

I have 5 folders in house and am going to take a look at a Bike Friday Tikit this week.
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Yes, I have a problem with self-restraint :o:o

Elton John is like that with flowers. He spends £150,000 a year on florist bills.

You don't have a hair job and big glasses do you?

I have the same problem :)
my Dahon Impulse 21 is only the starter...
I'm interested in almoust every folding bike,
reading hours in this and other forums
and trying them in the special shop for folding bikes in Switzerland
http://www.faltbar.ch/
its some sort of a paradise for me, if I only had more money :(
still dreaming
veloeli

Ladies and gentlemen of the folder community, I set you a challenge......
Don't think, talk, post replies or ride your bikes for 1 week, then see how long you last.
Betcha can't do it.
If you wake up in the middle of the night in a feverish sweat, thinking about bikes,
or the pangs are so strong that you feel quite ill....man, are you sick!!
You'd better consult Dr Jur or Professor Sheldon, immediately.
Welcome to cycling. :)

Well, I do have hair and I do wear glasses. Does that make us related? :D

I'd be one of the first to go into withdrawal convulsions if I had to quit cold turkey! :o

The following quote from the Bible would apply to me:
"Physician, heal thyself!" :D

Probably not unless you sing ballads, play the piano and got married to a man last year.

:eek:

:)

My Dad used to say to me "I want ... never gets" it looks like he was wrong :D

My mum used to say that, and she was right when she controlled the cash.

yeh ... isn't it great to be a grown up kid ... all the bikes you always wanted ... ooooops forgot to take the pills !

I got the A bike delivered. tire pressure was crucial, when I first tried to ride it, the pressure was not high enough, and I could not get it to go at all. Pumped up tires, and put the seat way higher than the booklet recommended, and then I could get it to go (a little).
I can see the spring around the button on the crosspiece, which I think may be a flaw.
I sent an inquiry to the vendor, and am putting off taking it on the bus with me until I get a response from someone. Don't want to break it if it is not my fault.
I do have days when I ride light rail or bus most of the commute, so a mini folder will be helpful. I also feel somewhat trapped if I have to wait for bus with no bike backup... sometimes buses in Sacramento poot. I imagine this will not be my only foray into alternate bike shapes.

Jessica,

I briefly rode a 2 speed Carry-Me today. It was on a smooth-ish track, so I can't say what it's like on a poor road surface, but I like it :-)

It's even lighter than my Strida, & felt very stable. Shortly afterwards I rode a Mobiky Genius, & I didn't like that at all. It felt far less stable than the Carry-Me, & is very heavy in comparison. My wife rode them too, with similar impressions. It's interesting that however much one researches folders, it's crucial to actually ride them.

Carry-Me would be great for air travel too; easy to pack, & there's carriers front & back with the rear one capable of carrying a suitcase.

There's a BIG gap between the 2 gears, but I wouldn't consider the single speed version for my usage pattern.

I was hoping to try an A-bike, but none in sight.

Hope you enjoy your next bike :-)