Hi,
I'm in the market to purchase my first folding bike and wondering if anyone has advice and/or recommendations. I would use the bike for commuting and getting around my city. I'd prefer to spend less than $300.

Thanks very much,
New Biker

https://www.foldingcyclist.com/foldin...ers-guide.html

Downtube Nova, or one of the Citizen bikes. Perhaps a Dahon Boardwalk.
https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/current/boardwalk1.htm
https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/current/ecoD7.htm

Thanks! I'm considering the Dahon Boardwalk. I've read some negative reviews of the Citizen bikes, but the Dahon was recommended as a good brand.

Did you see the sticky re choosing a folder? It's worth the read. Besides the above folders that Jur has listed, consider looking into Craig's list for a good used folding bike that would have been over your budget if it was new.

Whatever you do, test drive your choices.

General note - if you're lugging it on the train and/or bus really ask yourself how much weight you want to drag around. If that's not a issue, than you have more choices under $350. Yes, I'd up that budget by $50.

By adding another $50 you can look into the Eco 7 which offers more speeds than the Broadwalk. Please note that the Eco and Broadwalk have handleposts/handlebars that have limited adaptability. This means that if the distance between the handlebar and saddle is too far or too close to you, than you can't angle the handlebars nearer or further from you.

I'll echo SunnF above. Think long and hard about how you will use the bike. If ANY carrying is required, test out the bikes by riding and by folding and carrying them for at least 2 minutes (the time it takes to, say, walk a train platform). I had a Dahon Speed P8 and loved it. I was heavy to carry very far, but it did tuck nicely under my arm for carrying short distances.

If the overall folded size matters (stowing on a train, in a closet at home, under desk at work, etc) then consider that as well. Fold it up and see where in the store you can stash it and how easily.

How fast do you need it to fold? Will you be running to catch a bus or train? Dahons don't fold too small, but they fold fast.

Will you need to wheel it along when folded? If so, good luck on that one for $300

Thanks, everyone. The info in that sticky note is particularly helpful. I think a standard bike will do for my purposes (commuting to school/work, shopping, errands, etc.). There's a lot of bike theft in my city so I'm worried about investing a lot of money in a bike that can easily be stolen. I thought it'd be safer to fold-up a folder and take it with me into work or school rather than leave it outside on a bike rack for hours. The buses have bike racks and bikes are allowed on the metro, so a folder isn't 100% necessary to use public transportation. What do you think?

Are bikes allowed on the Metro at all times? They aren't in DC. And no, locking up a bike for hours on end is not necessarily safe. Be sure and get a POS for that, with no extraneous stuff (lights, etc) that can be stolen. Lose the quick release skewers on the wheels or get locking skewers. Lose the quick release seat latch. use multiple locks of multiples styles (u-lock and chain lock) when locking up the bike. Park next to nice bikes

A folder, if small/light enough that you can indeed take it into where you go, solves the lockup issue/worry. Your call on that.

I commute on my folder (via mass transit). I also wheel it straight into the supermarket and use its baskets as my shopping cart. All good reasons to own a folder.

Technically, bikes aren't allowed on the Metro during rush hour but it's rarely enforced. The buses' racks hold only two bikes, btw, so I'd be out of luck if they're already occupied. What kind folder do you have, Kegoguinness?

Hey, I just found a Dahon Mariner 6-speed folding bike for sale on Craigslist for $225. Includes the carry bag. Looks like the seven-speed model retails for over $550. What do you guys think?

contact the seller and bargain some more as it was selling for $359 new in 2007. where are you located ?

Looks to be in good condition. It is an older model but if you are near Marina, probably want to go check out.

I'm near downtown -- a ways away from the Marina. But I think it's worth checking out.

although located in ventura, this might be even cheaper:

https://ventura.craigslist.org/bik/1990769215.html

Oh no, don't get that one, it's got s h i t on the grip!

There's also a 2004 Dahon Boardwalk D6 for $180:

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv...065662295.html

Not a really a great deal, but good enough, that is, if everything is in working order and you don't mind having a non-height adjustable handlebar stem.

Well, I went ahead and bought the Dahon Mariner. So excited! It rides like a dream. Thanks everyone for your advice and help!
Gritty in Pink

Pics or it didn't happen.





Congrats!