On my lunchtime walk today I saw an older Raleigh folder. Late 60's, w/ 3 spd SA hub, 20" chrome rims, front and rear side pull brakes, Raleigh heron chainring. A smaller version of the Raleigh 26" I was riding in 1967 or thereabout. Cute little bike!

Well, I got my Bike Friday. I found out it's not as fold friendly as the Dahon, but it's a beaut, and I have absolutely no regrets- it's more travel friendly than the Dahon, and since I will be taking the bike overseas with me from now on, I'm one happy camper. It's way out of the range I think people were mentioning in price- plus with the Ultegra components I'm upgrading to, it will make the bike a lot more costly, but for me, it's definitely worth it to be able to fold this into a suitcase right away and get on any train, bus or plane in a snap and when I get to my destination, literally take the bike out and quickly assemble it and ride away. It's good stuff.

Koffee

blkglf:

Thanks for the response. That clicking sound (once per rotation, usually when pedalling more forcefully) is just what my pedal did, before it went bad. If I'm remembering right, I think the problem is that the pedal spindle has only one set of bearings (instead of two, as on a non-folding pedal), and therefore is subjected to more force, and wears out/goes out of adjustment more rapidly. I replaced mine with SPD-type pedals, which are almost as narrow as the original pedal in its folded position.

Good luck and let me know how it works out.

In the interest of fairness, a follow-up note on the outcome of my complaints with the 2003 Dahon Helios XL.

I eventually grew tired of the many problems that I was having with the bike and wrote a detailed letter to Dahon listing the malfunctions (defective (sheared off!) handle bar stem, pedals breaking, main hinge locking up, nexus hub malfunction/grinding; slipping out of gear, etc.). After about ten days, they wrote back, and agreed that the bike was defective, promising to replace it with a new one.

And eventually they did-- although from the time that I first wrote to them (March 24) until the time that I received the replacement bike (May 19) nearly eight weeks had passed. They sent immediately for my defective bike, requiring that they have it before sending me a new one--which is reasonable enough--but then they took a month and a half to locate and send me the replacement. Not exactly gracious. Another annoyance: Dahon's sales rep claimed that the delay on getting me the replacement bike was due to shortages in the production system (materials scarcity, etc.), but then when I got the replacement bike, it was not a 2004 model, but 2003 stock. So why the wait?

So: on the downside, Dahon's customer service still is, in my opinion, supbar. On the upside, Dahon stood behind their product, and did correct the situation. So far, after three weeks of riding, the bike is working fine.

Matt

The primary advantage of folding bikes in the realm of commuting is that one can fold and store it inside at the end of one's journey. However, I often run errands on the way home from work and wonder if a folding bike would be difficult to secure while dodging in for some groceries. This is one of the primary reasons why I haven't bought a folder yet.

Any good solutions for locking up your folding bike while you're out running quick errands in the middle of the day?

To latortilla:

Many folders come with racks (the Dahon Helios XL did, but I removed it) on which you can bungee cord a U-lock. Most folders shouldn't be any harder than a regular bike to lock to a rack (or parking meter), and have the advantage of wheels less likely to be stolen (due to small size, and, in some cases, lack of quick-release hardware).

Hope this is of some help.

With my Giant Halfway I can fold it so the front and real wheels could be lock to a post with a U-Lock. And when folded it is not possible to remove the seat post.

Check the 2005 Dahons at the Dahon U.S website they are terrific.

What about Downtube folding bikes? I'm looking at one on Ebay and trying to decide. What are the strengths and weaknesses?

search the forum on <downtube> or <DT>.
My POV:
The DT FS is IMO the best value on the market, esp. if you plan to u/g parts. Given a choice between, say, adding parts to an Airnimal frame, or buying a DT FS and incrementallly adding parts, the DT wins by a long shot.

Locking the folder might work if you live in an area not too noted for bike thefts. Anywhere else, I recommend just to fold it up and take it with you. This ability separates it from regular bikes. If you can't, leave it at home.