Survey folding bikes

[papaver]

I understand in certain areas of Europe, folding bikes might be more popular simply because the homes tend to be smaller (for storage space/lack of garage) and the older multistoried residential buildings don't have elevators to transport a bike up and down.

That could be a good reason, but the real reason is much simpeler than that. In countries like Belgium and Holland lots of bikes get stolen. Especially when they are parked in a public place like the railwaystation. People are fed up by that. So that's why they invest in a folding bike so they don't have to comprimise on safety. Otherwise they use a really rundown bike to go to the station, but that's not even an guarantee that your bike doesn't get stolen.

[NbyNW]

Filled it out . . . good luck with your research and please share your results when you have all your data!

Have been seeing more folders in Seattle this past year, I think because REI has started to carry Dahons and Bike Friday is also not far away. I think the multi-modal/inside storage/don't need a car rack appeals to a lot of people.

Saw LOTS of folders, all different brands, when I was in the resort area (Kenting) in the south of Taiwan. It was probably one of the most attractive road cycling areas on the island, plus I could imagine it's pretty easy for people to put a folder in their car / on the bus / on the train, vs a regular bike. 20" wheel size seemed to be popular, which is also what I have.