I am looking into folding bikes for the first time and I have a few options for my first bike. I have not used bikes in about 15 years, but I am now interested in using a bike to get around a university and my downtown area. Probably wouldn't be more than 2 mile rides for the most part. I'm 5'9 and 185lbs and I'm looking to spend around $200 - $300 to start. Here are my options right now:

Citizen Bike Gotham2. I like this a lot, but these forums are making me second guess this choice.

A local bike shop has a Northwoods Metro Express bike available for $50. Might be a good cheap way to make sure I want to get into the folding scene.

https://www.americanlisted.com/all_st...+express+bike/

I found a Dahon Roo 3 on CL for $160 and a motor for the bike for $80. I think it is from 2006.

https://ocala.craigslist.org/bik/2200925097.html

Based on this, what do the seasoned folding bike veterans think I should do? Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Offer $150 cash on the roo. Spend some money on basic upgrades (saddle and handgrips are typically very cost effective). You might need new tires on that bike, but you will be well served for less than $300.

I second get the Roo and upgrade it.

I just found this Dahon Speed 7 for $220. Would that be better than the Roo? Also, is there a good website for beginners to learn how to fix up their own Dahons?

https://spacecoast.craigslist.org/bik/2201294300.html

Good websites to learn about bikes are sheldonbrown.com (don't be put off by old-looking site - this was accumulated over many many years by one of the fore-most gurus, now dead) and parktool.com.

The Speed is better than the Roo for you. Forget about a motor, at least for now.

Don't do the $50 bike - it might be such a bad experience to put you of biking completely.

not the $50 bike nor the citizen bike. roo is a good bike but the speed is a better choice. if you are mechanically inclined, fixing a bike will be a piece of cake. google is your best tool....

If I had a chance to pick up a Dahon Speed 7 for $250, and the bike was in good shape, I'd buy it. It would even be worth the $ that my local bike shop would charge to check it out for me.

Thor is a regular here, see what his special is on this: https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/current/speedp8.htm He just sold a couple of MuP8 for $399 shipped. The Speed 8 uses nice components.

I moved my questions/thoughts into a new thread. Thor responded to me with some quotes that made the new thread necessary.

I e-mailed Thor, but did not get a response. The Speed 7 was quickly bought and I think I would like something better than a 3 speed Roo. I've increased my dollar range, so now I am thinking of getting a new Downtube Nova or possible a Dahon Eco 6. These seems like decent start up bikes, but what does the forums think? Also, I'm note sure if it is worth the cost to go to a Downtube 9F or not.

Thanks for all the help everyone!

Give Thor a call you get a faster response, let him know you are on the forum.

I'd jump at a Dahon Speed 7 for $220, assuming it's in decent shape.

As far as the Gotham 2's are concerned, I've never ridden one. But I talked to a couple of guys on the bike trail in Coronado, CA who swore by them. And they left us in the dust heading toward Mexico.