I'm looking at getting a folding bike for lunchtime exercise... but I'd like to hear experiences with people putting in the trunk.

For security, I need it to fit in the trunk of my wagon WITH the tonneau cover closed (otherwise the ghetto ***** will break in...)

Trying to decide on brand (cheap good Citizen, good midprice Dahon, high end Bike Friday)
Not sure which tire size (16"/20") want crappy street ride comfort. I have a real mtn bike for real mountain biking.
Concerned of distance from handlebar to seat (I'm 6'0" with long arms)
Concerned about weight capacity (I weigh 200lbs)
Not too concerned with bike weight because of no hills
Do NOT want crappy cheap bike shifters/brakes, low level Shimano, etc ok

Advice?

 

Get a unicycle.

 

+69

 

Two unicycles and duct tape!

 

 

i always wondered if those things are reliable.

 

so heres the DL: right now there is a recall going on with the dahon folding bikes.
dahon is basically the leading brand - their locking mechanism (where the frame folds in half) has reportedly failed on a few bikes.
I totally would trust the sturdiness of one of these bikes, however it is a PAIN to fold it all up, and they dont ride nearly as nicely as a real bike.
I would only recommend one of these to someone hoping to make a train/bike commute and carry the bike with them. If at all possible you should leave a bike in your break room or any sort of available closet space, as it will be much more fun to ride.

 

A lot of folding bikes have sharp protruding parts which will scratch up your car if you don't keep it in a carry bag. I have Birdy bike and it is loads of fun, I commuted on it for almost 2 years, highly recommend it. The rear suspension stiffness is tunable.

 

Buy this Dahon Mu Ex!



Only $2,249

 

i dont know if i could bring myself to fold that bike back on to its carbon cranks

 

Ok, I just tried out a couple Dahons. The 16's are just too small. I'll get a model with 20's. They rode pretty well... well enough for what I'm looking for it to be.

I already have a Trek mountain bike for the "real" stuff.

I also tried what looked liked a chinese one which some guy was selling on craigslist. It was ok, but in bad need of a tune. Comparing it to the Dahon, you can see where they cut corners. I'd rather spend $500 on a Dahon than $150 on a used cheapie.

As for scratching the car, I'm not sure I understand why. My trunk has the rubber tray and the felt liner so I don't think that should be a problem.

I collapsed the Dahon and I'm willing to put up with the 2 min it takes to fold/unfold.

Really tempted to get the Citizen though...

Oh... and although the unicycle was in jest... that's actually not too bad an idea.

 

dont worry about scratching the car, especially with the new Dahons; i think they all come with a carrying bag