light, cheap folder

[endurancerider]

hi folks, which folder bike do people like best? I have a fantastic road bike (custom Spectrum--best bike in the world!) but I'd like to have something light and easy-folding to ride to the train station or across town to go to brunch. Ideally I'd pay in the realm of $300. Pipe dream?

[Zen]

Ideally I'd pay in the realm of $300. Pipe dream?

More like opium pipe dream :D

[uforgot]

Go to www.Downtube.com. Great bikes for the price! You can probably find what you want there. There is also a folding forum on bikeforum.net. There are lots of reviews and opinions there. Generally, everyone likes the downtube.

[Zen]

Not sure what this Raleigh (http://www.bikeville.com/bikesandframes.html#) is but I have dibs on the one above it.

So why are Bike Fridays so expensive?

[NbyNW]

Dahon has some very affordable models (depending on what country you're in). The 16" wheel models will probably be the lightest.

I love my Speed Pro -- it's a bit higher-end than the budget you're talking about, but I'm overall very pleased with the design, adjustability and quality.

www.dahon.com

There's a nice little bike-finder tool to help you sort through their various offerings.

Let us know what you decide!

[Aggie_Ama]

If you are in the US I think REI had Dahon folders for about that price. Dahon and Downtube are pretty reasonable. If you just want one for short commuting I think Performance bike has them. They used to anyway.

[tulip]

You can look for a used one. I know of at least one shop in the DC area that has used folders. If you are in that area, let me know and I'll give you the name.

Bike Fridays are expensive but they are really nice. The Tikit would be perfect for the rides you describe, but they are pricey new. They are probably pricey used, too, because they haven't been out for a while.

I had a Dahon but it didn't fit my needs it so I sold it--so you see, there are used ones out there.

[Triskeliongirl]

Bike Fridays are expensive because they are precisely machined and hand built by American Workers in a small operation in Oregon. They can be equipped with high end components, and can feel like their full size counterparts.

[Aint Doody]

Ditto what Trisk. said. When I ride my Bike Friday, it feels exactly like my Trek Pilot 5.0--except I can't feel the top tube between my knees. And it's a little squirrely on fast downhills. I love it.

[emily_in_nc]

Bike Fridays can also be quite a bit lighter than most other folders that I've seen. I lifted a folder at Performance last weekend, and it was a tank. Same for the ones sold at West Marine marketed towards boaters. My little Bike Friday Pocket Crusoe (in the "petite" model) when I take the rack and other junk off her, is not much heavier than the carbon road bike I sold last year. She has Ultegra and XT components, and you can have one built with even lighter Dura-Ace components for a hefty sum. The less expensive folders typically have much lower-end components.

In less expensive folders, I've read lots of good reviews of the Downtube Mini, and while not quite as light as some models of Bike Friday, it is relatively light for a folder and can be had for a lot less $$.

Good luck in your search.

[endurancerider]

Thanks everyone! I'd seen that some folks in this forum liked the Downtube. No one in my immediate vicinity sells them, so I haven't been able to look at one in person. Dahon's I've seen, and Brompton (I do like these, but also very expensive), and Bike Friday, I've tried those but they are pricey. I've heard about KHS but never seen one or heard about anyone who had one. I would go for used, if anyone knew of someone in the Philadelphia area with a decent folder for sale...

[tulip]

Dahon makes quite a few models. You might want to check them out, too. Also just call around to all the bike shops to see if they have any used folders.