Anyone own a folding bicycle?

Sentinel

Diamond Member
Jun 23, 2000
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Looking into a folding bicycle, just for the convenience of being able to commute without having to store my regular outside or inside the office. I saw someone riding one down the street in manhattan a day ago, which gave me the idea.

 

jimbob200521

Diamond Member
Apr 15, 2005
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See if a local bike shop will let you try one out, just around the block or something.
 

kami333

Diamond Member
Dec 12, 2001
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I had one. Great for short distances, I don't know if I would use it regularly for commuting though.

Check the gear sizes, older/cheaper ones have smaller gear ratios so it can be a huge pain riding them.
 

Ika

Lifer
Mar 22, 2006
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How much does a decent one cost? Sounds like these things would be great around a college campus.
 

JDMnAR1

Lifer
May 12, 2003
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Do a search here in ATOT - someone was moaning just the other day about his bags always being searched by TSA when he flew because he had one in his luggage.
 

Sentinel

Diamond Member
Jun 23, 2000
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I searched, didn't find anything. But I didn't try all the variables.

I think there is a pretty big range of prices, from $150 up.
 

Stifko

Diamond Member
Dec 8, 1999
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Originally posted by: Sentinel I saw someone riding one down the street in manhattan a day ago, which gave me the idea.

That might have been me. I got a used dahon for $140 shipped offa eBay a few years ago and use it a lot. It has no speeds and a coaster brake, but serves me well. The newer dahons are much lighter and they make the best foldables imho. wanna buy mine? I wanna upgrade since I live in a 4th floor walk up.

 

oboeguy

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 1999
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Originally posted by: JDMnAR1
Do a search here in ATOT - someone was moaning just the other day about his bags always being searched by TSA when he flew because he had one in his luggage.


Heh, that was me. I love folding bikes. I've ridden mine in a century and for a 36 mile climb up a volcano in Hawaii. Anybody who says folding bikes can't go the distance is nuts. Anyhow, I first purchased mine for commuting in Manhattan and it served that purpose perfectly as well. So, OP, go for it! FYI, there are several dealers in NYC for Dahon, the brand of my bike, and Dahon has a decent online community at their website. Metro, Toga, etc are all Dahon dealers. If a Dahon is not for you, I highly recommend you check out bfold on E13th St. The owner will take his time with you and let you test ride anything. Worth a visit.
 

Sentinel

Diamond Member
Jun 23, 2000
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Originally posted by: Stifko
Originally posted by: Sentinel I saw someone riding one down the street in manhattan a day ago, which gave me the idea.

That might have been me. I got a used dahon for $140 shipped offa eBay a few years ago and use it a lot. It has no speeds and a coaster brake, but serves me well. The newer dahons are much lighter and they make the best foldables imho. wanna buy mine? I wanna upgrade since I live in a 4th floor walk up.

Very cool, but I will probably keep researching it. Thanks though.