Hello everyone,

Recently moved to Queens NYC and am in the market to buy a new bike. Unfortunately, space is a bit of an issue so I want to buy a folding bike. I have already tried some the 20" bikes from Dahon and quite honestly did not feel too comfortable on it. Maybe there are better 20" bikes but that's what my shop had. I was wondering if anyone can recommend a 24" or 26" folding bikes out there that are affordable maybe $500 - 1000 new/used and are somewhat customizable in terms of using aftermarket parts. I want to use the bike to get to work, get around the city, and maybe take it out on the weekend to some trails (not too rough and mostly paved).

I am 5' 9' and weight 220.

I would really appreciate the advice and thank you very much in advance.

John

Check out Montague folders. The road bikes are 700C and the mountain bikes are 26". I use my mountain bike with slicks on it for commuting.

I was looking at that brand but read reviews that they use cheap components and has high cost of ownership. Is it true?

Airnimals have 24" wheels , they are a high quality bike, so not cheap. several versions but likely over 1K$..

Dahon paid license fees to Tom Ritchey for the break away joint design to separate a main frame in 2, so
they have complete bikes for the cost of one of Tom's breakaway frames..

In general Offroad is rather hard on hinges that make folding bikes fold. OTOH breakaway is a separation scheme to compete with S&S connector fitted frames.

FWIW, Tom has a Break away Cyclo Cross frame.

I'm same size as you 5'9'' about the same weight, 200 ish Pounds, and get around nicely on my 349 16" wheel Brompton.

so It's perhaps not so much wheel size as designers use of the wheel .. a new US sold 3 speed with rear rack and fenders is about 13 hundred.
part of the cost is currency ($<Lb) exchange rate,
and not being made in a low wage country.

Just like any brand there are different price points with different levels of components. They all take industry standard bike components so any time you want to replace/upgrade a component, the amount you spend can be as much or as little as you like.

If you'll be doing any trails, take a look at the frame. The folding system doesn't cut the frame at all which will help make your off and on road ride feel solid.

Dahon Cadenza especially with the Shimano Alfine 8 speed hub!

https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/2009/cadenza8.htm This is my pick for a 26"