stoogeswoman

Just got back from riding it down the street and back. Fortunately the pain in my thumb was wiped out by the pain in my butt! (Methinks I will need to get the seat replaced!) And I'm a little wobbly as I haven't done much bike riding for a while (only an adult-sized trike and a stationary bike, both of which are quite different from this).

Oh, who am I kidding - I'm a LOT wobbly! I am definitely going to need a lot of practice before I am anywhere near commuting on this thing. In fact, I may get a different bike (one with more than one gear) for the commuting, and keep this as the toy (as I said earlier).

But overall I'm happy with it - it's exactly what the ad said it was, a folding bike, and I have folded & unfolded it and made sure it fit in the trunk of my car, so now I have a bike in my car and I'm ready to roll!

stoogeswoman

Just wanted to add - even though it's a simple bike & "it is what it is", I think I will probably wind up selling it (or perhaps giving it to a relative). Mainly because it's single speed and because of the unadjustable handlebars - also I'm just not all that comfortable riding it for long distances, and I really wanted something more comfortable.

Still, I'm not sorry I bought it. It's whetted my appetite for biking (in spite of the balancing fears I discussed in the Women's Forum yesterday) and made me want to go out and get something better. So for that alone, it was well worth the $$.

trueno92

oh if its ANYTHING (and this should be a sticky in the 'folders' section of the forum) is, PRACTICE riding your folder before u commute. Seems common-sense, right? but a folder has slightly different geometric constraints that need to be sorted and re-learned by your body to make it a less-engaging challenge when surrounded by traffic, people, etc etc.

last thing we want is you to be mid-wobble and then have someone in a car honking at you to startle you.

and yes, the purchase price of the bike is fine enough for you to learn what you can/cannot/and eventually want out of your bike. i went down the same road, albeit, with the help of craigslist. cheers!

jur

Welcome to the dark side. Keep us appraised of the folding bike purchases.

stoogeswoman

Thanks, jur - and btw I loved looking at your photo essays, especially your commute! Gorgeous!!

stoogeswoman

Hey everyone! Thought I'd update this thread to let you know what happened with my very first folding bike, the Schwinn Hinge.

Turned out it just wasn't the best bike for me overall. Yes, it did fold & fit in my car, a big plus as I really just wanted (and still want!) something to take to the park or the beach without dealing with a bike rack.

However, even with an updated seat it just wasn't comfy enough for me (or as Whoopi Goldberg put it re: another bike, "booty friendly ).

All was not lost, however, as my mother-in-law really liked it. So I gave it to her, and bought a (non-folding) Electra Townie Cruiser.

I really like that as far as the ride & comfort. However, again, don't like dealing with the bike rack! So I'm looking at the folding bike market again.

Hoping to find something with the comfort & low step-through of the Townie, but that also folds. (Suggestions welcome!)

Weight & ease of using on buses & subways isn't really an issue for me anymore - 'cause I got downsized last fall! But on the plus side I've got a wonderful hubby who takes good care of me, and lots of free time to bike!

Dynocoaster 

Here you go step through 24" wheels and folds https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/2009/glide.htm

vmaniqui

after one mistake, you never learned your lesson (i am not mean just curious) and bought another one. and now that you bought a second bike you wanted to buy another folder which was your first intention when you bought the schwinn. you need to set a criteria on what you really want and we will start from there and help you with what folding bike is best for you.

but you've come to the right forum. there are so many out here that will unselfishly help you - just shout and everyone will listen...

stoogeswoman

I don't know about mean, but seriously, what are you talking about? I never learned my lesson - what lesson was that?

I bought the Schwinn Hinge out of curiousity and because folding bikes sounded like fun. But since comfort was my primary criteria, and it wasn't comfy enough for me, I gave the folder to my mom-in-law and bought an Electra Townie, which is quite comfy.

Now I'm just interested in seeing if there might be folders out there with similar construction/comfort as the Townie, for convenience, as my life circumstances have changed. How is that a "mistake" or "not learning my lesson"?

(Maybe you misread my other posts and thought I had bought more than just those two bikes ??)

Anyway, the bike that sparked my interest in the possibility of a comfy folding cruiser is the Citizen Bike Barcelona. Have also looked at the Schwinn Loop.

Since I haven't seen any other folders with that specific type of design (the low step-through & retro-style handlebards), I'm just askin' here. Okay?

nekohime

Pretty most folding bikes are "step through" because of the geometry, so unless you really want the curvy design, any small-wheeled foldie will do. More info on what you want would be helpful, such as how many gears you want, what is the terrain you'll be riding, how much is your budget, etc.

If you really want the curvy design though, the Glide P8 (as linked by Dynocoaster) and Ciao P8 are good ones.

vmaniqui

you bought your bikes before you asked that's what i meant. mostly the newbies or those that are just starting to ride folders in this forum will ask first before they will buy their bikes. i myself has learned a lot by asking questions in this forum. if i were you i will stay away from barcelona. check out dahons instead.

stoogeswoman

Er ... this forum (particularly this thread by an actual owner) is where I first heard about the Barcelona. Could you please explain why I should follow your advice to stay away from it, rather than listen to someone who actually bought one and reviewed it here in detail?

I also read about the Schwinn Loop here, in this forum (various threads) - again by actual owners.

I'm glad you like your Dahon. I know a lot of people do. I may even wind up with one myself. They're readily available in my LBS. But I would like to see what else is out there before making a decision. OK?

stoogeswoman

nekohime, thanks for the suggestions! I do like the design of the Ciao P8. It's a little more than I am able to spend right now, though.

To answer your sensible questions:

My budget is @ $500, give or take $100.

Terrain I'd be riding: mostly beach and park bike paths - flat terrain.

Gears: More than one.

Also, I'm 5'2", 200 pounds, and have balance issues, which is why I like my Electra Townie design. That Ciao P8 looks very much like what I'm looking for. If I could only raise a little more $$ I would definitely consider it - it's very pretty! I'll certainly put it on my "wish list" in case someone gives me a really generous birthday present - thanks for the suggestion!

stoogeswoman

P.S. I'm going to start a new thread, as I have some questions about the two Dahons nekohime recommends.

Sammyboy

Any crank can break, but generally won't, and these won't be plastic, they'll simply have a thin plastic coating over the metal; not that unusual. Frankly, weight aside, one crank is much like another; if it holds a chainring in position, and lets you attach pedals, you're not going to notice the difference much.

jefmcg

I'm going to make a radical suggestion. Don't buy a new bike. You've got time on your hands and a bike you love, use that. Instead of loading it into the car, climb on to it an cycle out the gate. Get a small backpack (and a lock) and go buy bread and milk. Put a book and head to a coffee shop to read in the sun. Cycle to that park and then head off on the trails. You'll be surprised how far you can go if you're in the right gear. And when you've got the miles under your belt, your fitness and (more importantly) road skills will have improved, so you can go faster and see more.

If your balance issues improve (they will to some extent: practice will make you more balanced on the bike, even if the underlying condition doesn't change), then you may be looking for quite a different bike to supplement your current one.

Oh, and I've just had a look at a Townie: forget the backpack: add a basket, and a floral dress and a straw hat and really enjoy the summer.

stoogeswoman

The problem with "riding it out the gate" is I live in a very crowded, traffic-intensive neighborhood where I really, really don't feel safe or comfortable riding a bike. I really need to tote it several miles away before I can ride it with what I feel is minimal safety.

(I do sometimes ride it around our neighborhood in the evening, after rush hour, but still prefer to just take it out to the beach, a good 20-30 mile trek.)

It's kind of a catch-22 - I can't ride it till I feel safe; but I can't feel safe till I ride it more!

UPDATE: you know what, though? It's a nice morning, kind of cloudy, not too hot, and rush hour is about over - I think you're right! I have a small package to tote to the Post Office, about 2 miles away - think I will try to bike it! I can do most of the trip on surface streets, if I'm careful it should be OK.

Wish me luck! I'll post again when I get back!!

stoogeswoman

OK, I'm back - hey, that was fun! I actually stayed on the bike the whole time (except one major intersection which makes me nervous even when I'm in a car - walked across that one!).

Next time I'll wear shorts under my skirt, though - got a few unexpected (and unwanted) compliments as I was riding into the wind!

Thanks for the "challenge", jefmcg!

Baboo

All-right now you are biking. There is something very satisfying about doing something useful on a bike. If you continue like this you will find you can go most places safely using side streets and bike lanes etc during the day when everyone is working. I live in Kansas City a fairly big place and over the years I have found there is very few places I can't get to pretty safely.

Keep it up

Allen

jefmcg

Wow! I'm so proud of you!

(I'll post more later, have to go to work now)

folder fanatic

When my father bought me my first folding bicycle-a Dahon Boardwalk S1 single speed-I did not know anything about folding bikes and a very limited knowledge about bikes in general-beyond the major differences between a department store one and a bike shop one. The simple Dahon opened up a whole new world of alternative transportation options for people like me with-ahem-limited funds & income. If you have an opportunity to do so, I would always choose this Dahon model over anything else in the "cheap" price range to start with. I upgraded and "dressed" up mine over the years. Now that I am ready to part with it, the parts can and will follow to my newest bike. And you are lucky to be married to a man that is comfortable with anything mechanical to help you out during this getting-to-know-your-bike period. Don't worry whatever happens you are sure to be surprised at this same world opening up for you.

Don't miss my Website series to help you along (see below):

stoogeswoman

Hey Baboo - I grew up in Kansas City, MO and was just back there recently to visit my 98-year-old grandpa!

He lives near Ward Parkway Mall - know where that is?

Also, guess what he wants for Christmas? A BIKE!!!

And not one of those "old people bikes" (his words!) - he wants a red racing bike, like he had when he was a kid!

I totally sympathize, but I don't think my parents are going to be too thrilled to hear about this!

stoogeswoman

folderfanatic, I just saw a Dahon Boardwalk S1 on my local Craigslist for $180 and was considering going over to look at it - do you think that's a reasonable price, assuming it's in good condition?

(and p.s. - sorry about your cat! )

stoogeswoman

(also just saw a Dahon Ciao for $550 - now *that* looks promising! Have sent an email requesting more info!)

stoogeswoman

Were we having a discussion about the best saddle?

Nice looking bike though!