Does anybody have any experience with those small, folding, portable bikes? Any reliable brands?

We carry Montague's where I work I don't own one but I have gone on a test ride with the MTB version it seemed okay I just thought it was a bit pricey for what you got. The sailboaters live them though. I noticed on the Ritchey site they have a new portable bike it isn't folding but you can take it apart and it fits into a small case. He designed it for the Airplane traveler. Has everything you would expect from Ritchey and it is definatly pricey. If I had the money I would go for the Ritchey.

Thanks for the names. The Ritchey is more than what I'm looking for, but very cool. Will check out the Montague.

For performance oriented portables, check out the Bike Fridays.

Do you want a folder or a takedown bike.
Which is more important, small size, easy foldup, or better riding performance.
Dahon make lots of well priced folders. Brompton is the std in the UK, and Birdy is also good.
AtoB website has a pretty good list of makes and reviews.

If you consider for a folding road bike, think about Giant.

https://www.giant.co.jp/2003/folding_04.html

Thanks guys,

I saw the Brompton at Interbike this year and was very impressed. I like the looks of that Giant but don't think they carry that model in the US. I'm looking for the already small bikes that fold into an even smaller mass. Nothing that is ready to race or anything. It's a gift actually for someone who has always wanted one.

Will check on these at my LBS.

The ritchey folding road bike will be a Dahon design . Check dahon if you want good performance and ease of folding. I have A Dahon and a Bike Friday I hate folding the friday. James

If you're going to get a folder, the smallest wheel size should be about 20 inches minimal. I always prefer a larger wheel bike if you can manage it. Do not get a 16' inch wheel folding bike unless you plan on using it in conjunction with your boat or airplane where space is at a premium. A small folding bike with 16' inch wheels inefficient, unstable and provides very rough ride.

If you're going to make a compromise, a folding bike with a 20' inch wheel is the way to go. Since your from Minnesota, I would stay away from Birdy or Brompton as these bikes are way overpriced in the U.S. for what you're getting as they have to be imported. Furthermore, support and special parts for these bikes are not to be found in your local bike shop.

The only folding bikes companies I can recomment are those from Dahon and Bike Friday. If you have the money, go for the Friday.

I think a dahon speed p8 might be a better value. you might want to check out the Gaerlan custom cycles site and see what they have done with dahons. Spexy. What will you use the bike for ? That is extremely important to think about. Dahon also has a community forum,where you can read what others have to say. james

Actually the bike is a gift for someone who has everything and thinks he wants a folding bike

Not the fancy Ritchey-style ones mind you, the tiny ones that he can take on a boat or camping trips. I've tried to talk him out of it many times but now it would make a good surprise gift since he won't expect it. This is someone who has every bike known to man and wants to add to the collection. Doubt he wil use it much but I don't want to get a piece of junk either.

These are great tips everyone!

Also check the archived reviews of portables in the 'encycleopedia', URL below:

https://www.encycleopedia.com/index.cfm?pid=21&catID=2

Check out www.hummerbike.com. Built to military specifications, this is a full sized real bike that goes anywhere, including Iraq!

Thats a Montague in disguise and a couple hundred more because of the name, thats the same version I test rode for them here at work.

Is there a touring bike that folds into a suitcase? I'm considering a bike like that, but the suitcases must be convertable to panniers when I'm riding too.

I'm willing to spend. I just need some direction...

Koffee

Bike Friday's suitcase turns into a trailer.... have you looked at them?

I hadn't looked into it, but after your suggestion, I looked it up on Google and saw the company. Very impressive bikes! I need to find out how sturdy the suitcase is, and if that suitcase is lockable so I can lock it all up then lock it down in the event I'm taking an overnight train or something.

Fixer, do you have a referral number so that when I do get ready to buy the bike, you can get the credit for it?

Thanks for the suggestion!

Koffee

the ritchey separable road bike i believe is also offered in a Dahon version which is less expensive. james