Reconsidering taking bike on trip - help!!

[cusepack]

Woe is me . . . just the other day, I posted in a thread about taking my bike to NY with me while I visit my family (they live near the Adirondacks, so there will be great riding to be had). Anyway . . . I was reading some posts over on RBR about taking a bike, and darn, the cost is just outrageous. I'm flying Delta, and they charge $100 each way - my ticket was only $284, from Miami to Syracuse. Then, I'm renting the case from my LBS ($40.00) and it's not that I don't have the money to spend, I'm just thinking, "okay, it's $240.00 which is a new cycling computer; I'm going to be gone July 7-12, and what if it rains while I'm there and can't get out and ride; what if because it's a short trip and my bike, for whatever reason doesn't change planes with me; and yada, yada, yada." All of a sudden I have tremendous anxiety. Some of the RBR threads I read said to flash a curbside porter a $20.00 and they'll take your bike and you'll not be charged the $100. I'm traveling alone and I think too this has something to do with my anxiety. This would be my first trip with my bike and having to worry about re-assembling it just adds to the anxiety. I can change flats, make adjustments, etc., but I all of a sudden have no faith in my abilities. What a mess.

First the TdF scandal, and now my traveling anxiety, what's a gal to do?

[Tri Girl]

Is it possible that you could rent a bike while there? I don't know if that's an option (and it certainly won't be/feel the same as your beloved regular), but if it'll save you $240 then why not look into it?
I love taking my bike when on vacation (although we always drive, so it rides on the trunk), so I understand the desire to have it to ride with you.
What a dilema...

[KnottedYet]

I just read an article about some dude (PhD in engineering or something) who is making good folding bikes and selling them for $200-300. He doesn't advertise. They come with a case. The reveiw I read was pretty exciting.

A-ha! I just found it! Adventure Cyclist April 2006, pages 40-43. The bike is called "Downtube" www.downtube.com $269. "Prices may vary"

Cool, for the price of shipping your current bike, you could buy a second bike! Then if you wanted to go on another trip sometime you could just pack up your foldy and be good to go!

(ok, now I want a commuter-mobile, a steel tourer, a recumbent, and a folding bike)

Edit: I just went to his website, and it looks like he's raised his prices. Betcha he'd sell for the prices quoted in AC anyway.

[farrellcollie]

I have a 2005 downtube VIII- I really like it - I use it to commute when I don't need full hybrid and it fits better into my office. I have never travelled by plane with it - but others have - it is a little more complicated than just simply folding =but I think it is supposed to fit into a regular large suitcase. If you are interested in a folding bike - I suggest reading the forums at bikeforum.net (I think- it may be bikeforums.net) - there is a section devoted to folders.

[emily_in_nc]

It doesn't help much for now, but for the future, take a look at Bike Friday. They are wonderful bicycles (not just folding bikes) and a great company. There are many threads here that discuss them, just do a search. No upcharges to ship them in the very nice hard-shell rolling suitcases.

Good luck with your decision. The Adirondacks are a favorite place of mine! There's always hiking if you can't ride....

Emily

[cusepack]

If I wasn't so darned attached to cycling and my bike, my decision sure would be easier - nah, I'm not addicted!!!

A folding bike is actually a wonderful option for future traveling. Or, I even considered (at some point in time), purchasing perhaps a Trek 1000 to keep at my parents so I won't have to make such decisions!!!

Thank you for the folding bike idea ladies.

Oh, and the Adirondacks, I adore the Adirondacks. My Aunt & Uncle own a two-story beautiful log home right on one of the lakes and have access to great hiking trails so I will certainly get in a hike. They have tons of deer that roam their property and even chipmunks that we hand feed - they're the cutest little buggers.

Anyway, I'm still undecided . . . my Mom said to me today, "now when do you think you'll have time to ride?" As it is, my b-day is the 8th and we're having a big barbecue, and, I'm surprising my two nieces, so my Mom figures they'll be attached at the hip the whole time I'm there!!! She does make a point, but somehow, I always find the time. Decisions, decisions!!!

Again, many thanks for your responses

[downtube]

I just read an article about some dude (PhD in engineering or something) who is making good folding bikes and selling them for $200-300. He doesn't advertise. They come with a case. The reveiw I read was pretty exciting.

A-ha! I just found it! Adventure Cyclist April 2006, pages 40-43. The bike is called "Downtube" www.downtube.com $269. "Prices may vary"

Cool, for the price of shipping your current bike, you could buy a second bike! Then if you wanted to go on another trip sometime you could just pack up your foldy and be good to go!

(ok, now I want a commuter-mobile, a steel tourer, a recumbent, and a folding bike)

Edit: I just went to his website, and it looks like he's raised his prices. Betcha he'd sell for the prices quoted in AC anyway.

I am the designer of the Downtube folding bikes. I wanted to thank you for the kind words. Additionally I wanted to clarify a few details.

#1 The Adventure Cycling article referenced our 2005 bikes, we are now selling 2008 models ( 4 generations evolved from the bikes in the article ).
#2 Our bikes are all aluminum with 8 or 9sp drivetrains. We are the only 20" folders with 9sp drivetrains under $1000....our 9sp bikes start at $299.
#3 We sell overstock bikes on ebay occasionally hence you may be able find an even better deal.
#4 I have a Ph.D. in math

Thanks,
Yan

Downtube Folding Bikes