I have recently gotten into biking and am riding a Dahon folding bike. I bought the folder because I wasn't sure how much I would ride and folders are easy to store and can be transported easily. I do not have a rack on my car and like the fact that it can fit in the trunk of my car. Eventually I will get a road or hybrid bike, but for now, I am enjoying having my folder.

My folder has 20" inch wheels and its not the fastest. So far I have only been riding up to 12 miles a day (work schedule/ lack of time). I would like to try longer/faster rides but I am wondering if I can keep up with all the people on their road bikes with my little folder. I was going to join a local bike club so I can start joining some rides but I am wondering if I should wait until next year, buy myself a faster bike and then join. What do you think?