I live in a city with a not great transit system and a really hinky parking situation, and I drive a smart car. Folding bicycles seem to have dropped in price a lot over the last few years, does anyone have experience with them?
Yessssss. Strida is the only brand I've actually dealt with and sold, and they're great but fold up long and skinny, not small. I'd suggest finding a local independent bike shop that carries them and having them help you, if you can, because that means you get to test ride things. Stuff to consider: Weight Weight limit How long it takes to fold down and back up (that's the thing I love about Strida, it's like 10 seconds) How unwieldy it is folded Wheel size - 16, 18, and 20 are all reasonably common, with 20 being the most comfortable. Warranty Whether you'll want a rack and/or fenders and whether the bike will accommodate them.
Most of the smaller ones seem to have a weight limit of about 200lbs, which is about 50 less than I need. That stinks.
I mean, like, a lot of them can actually take a lot more? Also I know there are a fair number that are 220, which gets you closer. You just don't want to, like, curb-hop them or anything, and you'll end up needing somewhat more frequent wheel maintenance. The only major concern would be if warranty came up, but most of the time if your bike shop doesn't actively hate you they'll argue with the supplier for you. Like, warranty is rare, though.
there are some sturdier build ones out there. i own a nice high end tern that i pamper and thats in the middle as far as weight limits are involved most people will say the best brand of folding bikes are the bromptons but they can be a bit delicate and most cost over 1k are you in minnesota? theres a specialty shop in the twin cities called perennial cycle that have smart staff and a crazy big variety; i got mine there i recommend getting a 20" wheel for your first folding bike if space will allow it; it can be harder to adjust to the smaller wheel sizes whats your price range? do you want bike racks or accessories? do you need it to fit in your smartcar? will the bike be for commuting? pleasure rides? trails? we can help you look around if we have more info :)
I'm in Niagara falls/Buffalo sadly, and my price range right now is on the low end, probably $200 or so atm which I know isn't a lot, but hopefully in a couple years I'll have a job that pays a little better and can get something nicer. I'm hoping to find something really basic for getting around town in, that I can use if i have to park far away or to from one bus stop to another since a lot of the buses don't have bike racks. I'd like it to fit in the smart car but that's not a huge concern because it's surprisingly roomy. I'm not going to be toting it around a whole lot, so it can be on the heavier side which is good because the lighter ones seem to be more fragile.
At that price range you're looking used - there might be stuff on Craigslist or a bike shop with used stuff. Probably worth shopping around used stuff if you have the time/spoons: you'll get much better quality.
I'm thinking that I'm going to get a Schwinn loop, because they seem to be the best compromise between cheap and reputable. The weight limit is 230lbs, so a little less than would be ideal but not by a lot, and they're cute as hell too. Thanks guys <3
No, I ordered one but I'm gonna take it in to the local place when it gets in and have them go over it and change the seat. That seems to be the big thing reviewers comment on, is the terrible seat it comes with, so I'm getting a better one to support my big butt.
since @NevermorePoe said i should ill post my bike info Its the Tern Link D7i, the 2014 model i really like it, it's built like a tank, has 7 speeds, Kevlar tires, came with fenders and a back rack. (added a bell, lights, and a bottle holder hehe...) it cost me about $800 (more than my first car!) i saved up forever for it. its kinda my baby. its got a larger wheel (20") than most folding bikes; which i like. the smaller the wheel the easier it is to tip over or be unseated by bumps and uneven terrain (tho any folding bike has these issues to some degree) i ride with my dad at times and when i do i have to click up 2 gears to keep up (he has a mountain bike) my bike's not built for speed hehe (tho its not as slow as some) but yeah, thats my bike hehe...
