Who: 29, M, 5'5", 135lbs

Location: Manhattan, NYC

Reason: Commuting to work, weekend riding with my gf.

Budget: $400

Bikes: I've narrowed it down to 5

DownTube 9FS Black $400
DownTube Nova Dark Blue $269
Schwinn Loop $230
Dahon Boardwalk $200
Dahon Eco 3 $350

I need you guys to point me into the right direction. List the pros, cons, advantages, and disadvantages on these bikes only because I will be getting one from this list. Have at it!

Thanks in advance,
Steven

Btw, I'm new here, Hi!

Nova price point and weight.

Boardwalk. Pros: solid, well-made, steel frame (I like steel), sleek looks, good ride, good fold, nice rack and fenders, cheap. Cons: handlebar is not adjustable, no braze-ons for water bottle, not fast, comes with generic tires.

Check out Amazon.com for comments, and feedback on some of these bikes. The Dahon Boardwalk, the Eco 3, and the Schwinn Loop have good ratings. Funny thing that the Downtubes have no feedback comments yet, but many here believe that the Nova is a worthy bike to consider.

Good luck

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

check your local CL. if this is any near you - you might want to check this also:

https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/1356046108.html

https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/1356028213.html

https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/1353153430.html

https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/1352554610.html

Spend a little more and get this: https://newyork.craigslist.org/que/bik/1354952643.html

I would rule out the Downtube FS. Too big and heavy for your needs. And you don't need the suspension.

Lots of Downtube fans on this Forum. Great value. Easy to upgrade/maintain.

All bikes deserve a better saddle, and I am assuming you might benefit from a helmet as well.

With that said, I only have experience with the DownTube 9FS. Very heavy if you are planning on traveling with it, not a good fit. But for your needs it is a great bike, highly upgradeable at any local bike shop (something that CANNOT be done on most Dahons). you don't need the full suspension, but the little wheels can be bumpy when compared to bigger wheels, so it might be a desired luxury.

Good luck on your final decision.

Are you doing a multi-modal commute? Is folding size important for you? If you answered no for both then spend a little bit more and get the swift. You can modify/upgrade everything on the swift. There are two right now in NYC CL.

Thanks for all the replys, keep em coming.

I'm actually leaning towards a Schwinn loop. Is there any reason why I shouldn't go with that bike?

Yes, it looks dorky ;-)

hmmmm....pick something else from your list. again search your local CL......

I actually like the way it looks! I've always liked Schwinns for some reason.

Years ago, I bought a similar looking bike from Camping World. If memory serves me right, it was called the "New Century", but it was non folding, and had a Shimano 3 speed internal hub with coaster brake. I had bought it for a lady friend of mine but I wound up riding it much more than she did.

Another difference between the Century and the Schwinn Loop was that the frame was steel vs the Loop's aluminum one, and had two circular openings that went through the frame, and allowed one to hang the bike on a trunk mounted bike rack. Also, as I recall, it was pretty heavy, probably around 35 lbs. or more. It was an attention getter for sure

And as a side comment, the Schwinn Loop actually has some of the most positive reviews on Amazon of any budget priced folding bike. Keep it on your list if you feel you like the way it looks.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

thats funny ... i helped design that bike ...it was a German design from Schauff called La Luna
we hade a welding computer who could bend the crmo tube and weld most of the frame together in one piece.... very very difficult to bend the crmo tubbe without wrinkles ,, but it could be done

than later a taiwan? korea ? company copied the frame and sold it over here. Problem was that it now was mild steel and heavy as a hog ... but much cheaper .... we had great components on it. they didnt .... Schwinn copied the same but ours looked much more grown up .... I hate that i sold mine ...

the two holes were great..... togethr with a car trunk carrier that stuff was great ...

@stevenng - coincidentally, we are the exact same height and weight. I own last year's Downtube NS (no longer available) and this year's Downtube front-suspension/derailleur-driven model. I highly recommend the latter for your size, needs and budget.

If you must have new, and under $400, it's down to the Downtube Nova vs. the Dahon Eco IMHO. The Schwinn is just odd, and the Dahon Boardwalk is too limited and heavy. Gears are good.

I bought a 2008 (I believe) HOT PINK Downtube FS off CL the other day. I never thought I'd like the rear suspension but after riding it on crushed limesone/gravel bike paths around a large park in St. Louis, I was sold.

Yes, the FS is heavy but I didn't have the luxury of comparing it to a front or non-suspended model. It is also very solidly built. I hear the rest of the Downtube's are as well.

My road bike is about 1/2 the weight of this thing and my MTB is about 10 pounds lighter but neither fit in my trunk ready to be ridden around on a moment's notice. The Downtube is a blast!

I don't think you can go wrong with Dahon, either.

Schwinn isn't the same Schwinn 20-30 years ago....

Thanks for all your replies!

I have to say I'm leaning towards the schwinn, the price is great! I can use the money I save and get more guitar gear!

you interested in an eco with some scratches and a bend rear cable hanger ( its bo big deal, just where the shift cable holds onto the frame .... give me an email and I will see what I can do

thor

Thor, you can still buy them
https://www.schauff.de/schauff/index....rad&typ=City&j

I would be worried about the wheels on the Schwinn.

The Schwinn is 31 pounds. The Eco7 is 26 pounds.