Folding bike opinions/experience

coolbeans

Hey all,
Long story short got clamped yesterday and it cost me €80. Needless to say I'll be walking funny for a few days so it's time to look for alternatives. I'm thinking of a folding bike but cash is short so my options are limited to ebay. Would love a Brompton but the prices are a bit Irish to be honest so if you'd click on the links and voice your opinions on the way to go I'd be very appreciative. I'm 6'2" by the way. Any other suggestions welcome.
Cordially,
CB.


http://cgi.ebay.ie/20-Folding-Bicycle-Unisex-Town-Bike-Shimano-6x-Speed_W0QQitemZ180413120964QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Bikes_GL?hash=item2a0175c1c4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14#shId

http://cgi.ebay.ie/Dahon-20-Folding-Bike-6-Shimano-Gears-Light-Weight_W0QQitemZ270465471865QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Bikes_GL?hash=item3ef8ff9579&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.ie/Silver-Folding-Bike-With-6-Speed-Shinamo-Gears-BrandNew_W0QQitemZ400077305032QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Bikes_GL?hash=item5d267734c8&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

coolbeans

please delete. accidental double post.

rflynnr

Not sure if you're still looking for advice on this but of the three you've linked to I'd only consider the Dahon which is a safe brand. The others I've never heard of...Your height won't be an issue but it's worth bearing in mind that - with the odd, expensive exception - that they're not really intended for long distances (i.e. more than 5-10 miles depending on your fitness). If your commute is longer than that, it would be worth spending a bit more. (I can be more specific if required.)

coolbeans

It's not a regular commuter I'm after. Just something to turn a 25min walk into a 10 min cycle. Budget really is a factor. I bid on the Dahon but I think I'll be outdone. That's why I mention the no namers. Anyone's alternative suggestions welcome.

Amalgam

I have been on the Dahon, it's a sturdy bike, but not the most compact, of the 3, it would have the best.. riding dynamics. The Dahon feels like 'a bike', that just happens to have the ability to fold.

kincsem

If you look here you will see reviews of folding bikes.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/folding

Then you can search e-bay looking for the ones that suit.

rflynnr

coolbeans wrote: »

It's not a regular commuter I'm after. Just something to turn a 25min walk into a 10 min cycle. Budget really is a factor. I bid on the Dahon but I think I'll be outdone. That's why I mention the no namers. Anyone's alternative suggestions welcome.

I'd still stick with the Dahon then. The thing with folding bikes is that - of their nature - they're more vulnerable to mechanical difficulties so sticking with an established brand (and Dahon basically only do folders) makes sense. I have an expensive one (the Dahon Mu SL) and love it but I gather the entry level ones are solidly constructed where it counts - i.e. at the hinges. (The only alternatives I'd dare mention - Mezzo, Brompton - basically don't do "entry level" prices.)