Bike

[nrody]

I am considering a folding bike to take along with us on teardrop outings. Does anyone have a folding bike and what do you think of them?

[Oldragbaggers]

A friend of mine has a Brompton (the Cadillac of folding bikes) and she thinks it's the bomb. Folding bikes have come a long way. I have read articles written by people who like them so much they use them for their primary commuter and have gotten rid of their other bikes. We are considering them also for our teardrop. If possible I would like to avoid having stuff hanging all over the outside of the teardrop.

[rmclarke]

My son has a Brompton also. He uses it a lot commuting and on campus. He also likes it a lot...but, it was well over $1K. Kinda overkill for us....occasional use and for camping...so we picked up a couple of Greenzone folding bikes last year:
http://www.greenzonebikes.com/
We got the cheap ones and they seem more than good for what we want. we did upgrade the seats and got rearview mirrors. they're not the lightest but not bad for the price point. they fill the bill for us.
I think 'Nevadatear' has the citizen bikes....we looked at those also and they looked just fine also
http://www.citizenbike.com/
If you're looking for something to take camping and just occasional use around, I think either of the inexpensive bikes would work for you.....but that's just my two cents.

[Oldragbaggers]

I really like the looks and the prices on the Citizen Bikes. We are going to have to take a good look at those when we're ready to buy.

[DragonFire]

Nevadatear has Citizen bikes. I rode one and liked it. I will get one later..I'm in escrow right now and am swamped with the whole moving issue. But that is on the agenda. They have the Miami version..20" rims. I will get the same. I have 2 mountain bikes now, but I want a folding bike for ice runs, etc. Can't wait till getting a bike is my biggest worry!

[emiller]

I have a 7 speed Dahon from Camping World and works great for around gatherings. Rides nice and does very well on hills.

[Woodbutcher]

I have a Giant brand and love it. To boot, I am a big guy. It is solid and light weight and folds down to about a medium suitcase size. It was about 500 bucks but it can easily be an only bike, it rides that nice.

[Richard A.]

I have a six speed Shwinn. Good enough, cheap enough .. if you can find them .. haven't seen them for a few years now.

One thing .. especially if you want to use it as an only bike .. don't get a single speed bike .. you'll regret it.

[Mick'nSarah]

This has been something I asked about on another forum. I visited Bike Friday in Eugene, Oregon on a trip, and fell in love. They are expensive which is the only thing holding me back. They rank right up there with Brompton, and the custom bikes are amazing. Built to fit your body just right. I gather you can buy their standard bike for around $995. They make a beautiful product though. Maybe one day!

[webbaldo]

Here in the UK they seem to work ok and can be common. Good ones however cost a fortune.

But then again in the USA they are probably $10 lol!

[Gladtobehere]

I also have a 7 speed Dahon. I got it because it fits in my little car but was apprehensive about the main folding hinge being strong enough. After a year and riding a set of tires bald I can say that the hinges and construction of the Dahon are plenty strong enough. The bike is relatively light, but the more you pay the lighter they get. I am happy I spent more and got the Dahon rather than the heavier Schwinn folder. Definately get at least 7 speeds if you intend riding the bike any further than the camp facilites. I also suggest, if possible, that you do a real good test ride on the folder. I find that they feel a little skittsh compared to a large wheeled bike and take some getting used too. I think the narrow handle bars on top of a long steering post combined with the small wheels conspire to create a sensation that is a little different than you may remember.

Steve

[pete42]

back in the 60's we had two folding schwinn bikes when we broke down on the road going to california we road
them into town to get help, I was too cheap to get AAA.
pete

[Oldragbaggers]

I like the looks of that Giant, Steve.

[nrody]

This is some really good informatin. I have been keeping an eye on cl. Around the corner from my house the high school has a swap meet a few saturdays a month and I have seen several folding bikes. I just have not had the time or money at the moment. I really like the price of the citizen bikes. The info on the different speeds is good to know too. This may be my christmas gift to myself. Thanks for all the good info.

[driftwood]

I bought one last year and do not like it at all. I am not a big guy, but it is just too small, especially the wheels. Very disappointed, and have gone back to regular bike. Plus you can take a full bike off of the rack quicker than it takes to unfold the folding bike.

For camping, can't beat a "comfort bike" that trek or giant sells ....they sit upright, have shocks and comfortable seats, and are just at home on road as they are off. Pricey new (over $500), but found ours on Craigslist for $100 each. For rack I purchased one of those hitch extenders that go between tow vehicle and tear, so bikes are up and out of way. Can still open hatch on SUV and access tear hatch. Got it at harbor freight for $25. And no folding bike to take up all the room in back of SUV.

I would suggest borrowing folder for a couple of laps around campground at next outing before buying one ...

Just my experience anyway ....