Stacy

Has anyone else noticed a sudden surge in the number of folders out there? Maybe it's a Manhattan phenomenon but suddenly it seems like every third bike is a folder, particularly on the West Side and in Central Park. Sometimes they even outnumber the non folding bikes.

stevesurf

I'm thinking that a good number of people are:

- enjoying the storage space advantage; the upright riding position
- commuting via rail or car partway and then bike the rest
- taking the folder on NJ Transit or MTA System Trains

bykerouac

I am glad to see this. Long time Strida user here, and I have a Brompton that I got a few months ago. Since I had it, my full sized bikes get rarely used. The B is so practical to use in the city.

TiberiusBTkirk

not just folders but expensive folders.
nothing like my $130 gekko.

timmhaan

yeah, come to think of it - i've been seeing more too. especially in the parks or the w. side greenway. i don't see any on 9w though, so people must be using them in town mostly.

Bacciagalupe

Yeah, I was thinking about that earlier today in fact.... IMO part of it is that a lot of them are casual riders, and this is perfect weather for casual rides. I'm guessing at least some of 'em are using folders for their commutes as well, since you can often bring the bike into your office (if the building allows it) and stash it under your desk.

I don't really see more of them in stores, though.

jeebusaurousrex

The folder definitely gets more use than my full size on any casual ride. The biggest plus is not needing to haul around a giant kryptonite chain.

The Brompton, besides a single rear flat, has been bullet proof since January. It's somewhat expensive and admittedly I would never have thought of buying it myself (generous christmas gift), but after living with it I gotta say it's worth every penny. A great all around bike to zip around town with.

Stacy

Some, but not all, seemed like less experienced riders. I almost wondered if they were renting Dahons in Central Park because even kids were riding them. Even so, that wouldn't explain all the other folders on the Greenway.

Air

Apparently bike shops are quickly selling out of commuter bikes as people switch over from cars (who'dathunkit), the folders are a great second alternative and avoid the whole locking up issues. The lack of a top tube so they can jump off is a huge psychological advantage as well (I've heard that said a bunch of times from people just starting off again after a long hiatus).

Avatar

Love my Brompton, but I'm SO slow with it. Love the fact I can lug it around in the subway and restaurants and such.

Air

When did you get a Brompton? Paint me jealous!

slvoid

They're great for commuting in town, I guess that's what a lot of people realized. And in a pinch, they can be taken onto a subway pretty easily, plus they take up less space in the apartment so you don't end up with a big bike pile.

noteon 

We recently moved to Washington Heights from Queens, so that's one more folder on the greenway, and one less on Queens Boulevard.

zacster

I was looking at one myself for commuting. The problem is I won't get away with bringing it into my building. I hadn't ever considered one before as the only one I rode over 20 years ago was like riding a wet noodle. The word is they've gotten a lot better.

noteon 

I got one because folders are the only bikes they DO allow into some buildings--including the one I'm working in right now.

Avatar

I've had it for a few months. It's probably more fragile than your Downtube.

It gets SO much attention when you stop in the sidewalk to fold it. I've been pretty impatient and discourteous at addressing bystander curiosity. That's what happens when you have somewhere to go... no time for chit-chat...

Air

Yeah - jeebusaurusrex has one that I tried, felt VERY bendy. DT by far has been the sturdiest new generation folding bikes I've tried.

Yup - the DT too!

jeebusaurousrex

To be fair I think the "bendy" feeling you got from my Brompton is due to the built in rubber shock/stopper. It acts like a cushion connecting the top of the rear triangle to the main tube. Helps absorb the cracks in the pavement that the small wheels can't deflect. It also allows the tires to be inflated to really high psi without any real loss of comfort...the jitter factor increases though.

Air

Hmm...maybe. Next time you're out I'll go longer than 100 feet. Though the bend I felt was more of a torque from the handlebars through to the seatpost (so lateral and a twisting feel).

noteon - how did you like the downtube last night?

noteon 

I don't have any other small-wheel bikes to compare it to. I loved the friction shifter (in a completely Platonic kind of way--don't worry), but I wasn't sure I liked the upright riding position. Also, I think a couple of those locking mechanisms have some play in them, so there was a little wobble here and there.

Still it seems cool. Ideally for me, I'd want something to take on the plane or train when I travel. I think I'd like something lighter, with a more aggressive geometry, but I don't want it so badly that I'd spend a lot more money. The DT seems like it would work fine.

jeebusaurousrex

Ah gotcha then it's definitely not a right fit for you. Maybe brommies are clyde unfriendly, sorry. :/

Air

It comes with a grip shifter but I can't stand those so I swapped it out.

Avatar

Air, did you fix your frame on your DT?

Air

Yup - back up and running!

Urbanis

zacster, my building has an anti-bike policy, so I just use the invisible bike trick--I put my folded bicycle (Downtube Mini) in a bag and carry it in.