Considering purchase of first folder, have some questions.
 

I am considering getting a second bike next year and a folder is high on the list because I also want to do some traveling via Amtrak. (I also want a bike that gives me the ability to get on and off while in a skirt or dress and doesn't have parts that will snag and ruin panty hose. My current bike is a "step-through" mountain bike that really isn't step-through if you're wearing anything other than slacks, jeans or shorts.) If I buy a folder, my budget will be no more than $400. (I can't justify spending more than that and would rather save my money for the trips I want to make.) I like the step-through frame of the Citizen Barcelona; however, I worry about a 3-speed being adequate since I'd use it once and a while here at home, which is in the mountains. (The last time I had a 3-speed, I was in high school and living in flat lands.) I see that Performance Bike has the Dahon Eco 3 on sale for $299.99; however, I've read some complaints about the gearing ratio. Do people who have it like it? I'm also seeing an unrecognized brand (TOBUKAERU) on ebay that supposedly is built using a Dahon frame. Does Dahon have an affiliation with this company and are these bikes decent? Then there's the Downtube Nova. Does this bike have eyelets for racks and fenders? I definitely want a rack and fenders. TIA

Does "next year" mean in three weeks? Or in a few months? Are you located where you can test ride some different folders? With a $400 budget, the Eco 3 is the only "new" multi-speed U.S. model Dahon available. However, good used Dahons for <$400 are not uncommon. The U.S. model Dahon that is closest to the Citizen Barcelona is the Ciao. See: http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/2008/ciao.htm. I have not seen a Barcelona in person. Based on their specifications, the Ciao has much better components, and the Barcelona costs significantly less. Maybe a used Ciao should be on your short list. :)

Unfortunately, I now live in a rural area where I can't shop in person. My shopping will be done online. I will probably make a purchase in about 2-3 months. (If it's not a folder I choose, it will be a step-through model that I'll be using at home, not for travel.) Although I like the looks of the 2 Dahon step-through models, I don't want to spend that kind of money. As for used, well my main source would be e-bay and it's hit-or-miss on there will be a Glide or Ciao within the budget I want to spend during the time frame that I will buy. I've seen some pretty badly-treated, used folders for sale on e-bay. Seems some people just call their abused, older bikes an "antique" and hope to get close to what they paid for them new. They don't understand that bikes depreciate as much as a new car driven off the dealer's parking lot.