Folding bike to buy, need advice.

s.a.man

I am looking at getting a folding bike to commute to work, where can I get an affordable folding bike that is good.

I dont want to spend more than €300 on it.

Another thing, anywhere that will deliver it to me.

Thank you.

The tax man

For that sort of budget check out Halfords. Don't think they do delivery though,more reverse online and collect. Can't comment on any of those bikes for quality.

Similar thread here.

tomasrojo

I don't think you can get a good bike of any sort new for that sort of money.

Foldng bikes cost more than standard bikes for equivalent features, rather like laptop and desktop computers.

As I said on that other thread, Bromptons are excellent, but you're looking at at least twice the budget you mention. A low-spec Dahon might be your best bet.

The Raleigh Boardwalk is a rebranded Dahon.

A review of it here suggests it's pretty good:
http://www.foldsoc.co.uk/d7.html

450 Euro here:
http://www.eurocycles.ie/Raleigh_Folding_Bikes/Raleigh_Boardwalk/227_p.aspx

s.a.man

tomasrojo wrote: »

I don't think you can get a good bike of any sort new for that sort of money.

Foldng bikes cost more than standard bikes for equivalent features, rather like laptop and desktop computers.

As I said on that other thread, Bromptons are excellent, but you're looking at at least twice the budget you mention. A low-spec Dahon might be your best bet.

The Raleigh Boardwalk is a rebranded Dahon.

A review of it here suggests it's pretty good:
http://www.foldsoc.co.uk/d7.html

450 Euro here:
http://www.eurocycles.ie/Raleigh_Folding_Bikes/Raleigh_Boardwalk
/227_p.aspx

I found this one on ebay, what do you think of it? I did notice that it would be impossible to get a good one for the price of 350.

This one on ebay just seem to good to be true?! I dont know much about folding bikes tbh.

http://cgi.ebay.ie/Dahon-20-Folding-Bike-6-Shimano-Gears-Light-Weight-/170488577101?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item27b1e93c4d

s.a.man

I Bought this in the end. I read a lot of reviews on this dahon bike, so I have trust in it that it will be a good bike.

http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=103688

Bluefoam

Cool, enjoy it and give us a review when you've got a bit of use out of it. Looks good.

tomasrojo

Looks good, and has good reviews on foldsoc.co.uk. Not a bad price at all either. Do let us know how you get on with it!

s.a.man

tomasrojo wrote: »

Looks good, and has good reviews on foldsoc.co.uk. Not a bad price at all either. Do let us know how you get on with it!

I will do so, very excited over it, never been excited over a bike before... hopefully it surpasses my expectations.

tomasrojo

Looks like you liked it in the end, judging by the post over on "Post images of beauty"!

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=66092166&postcount=2298

Bluefoam

That looks cool:cool:

s.a.man

tomasrojo wrote: »

Looks like you liked it in the end, judging by the post over on "Post images of beauty"!

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=66092166&postcount=2298

I have to say that this bike is a gem, I love it! I would definately recommend this to others. When I first recieved this bike, I was like a kid on christmas day. I cycled all over the place and I found just using one speed, dont know why you actually need 7 speeds on this bike, and it is a smooth ride for a foldup bike, cause I was a little abrehensive about it, also at first the saddle hurt me terrible for the first few days and now its fine, but I think I will get myself a better seat in later stadium.

I really think for the price of this bike, that its worth every single penny. The only gripe I have with it, is that its so light that it doesnt really perform well/withstand in windy conditions, but I cant really complain about it.

For anyone that wants a bike for just cycling to the shops and some light cycling than you should get this, if you want something that will keep up with other cyclists than this wouldn't be for you, although I have measured my speed on this bike and the fastest I went on it was about 25/30km/h so its not too shabby if you ask me.

Also I have recieved so much compliments on this bike, so I am a happy camper now.

penexpers

Just be careful. I had the same bike as that. Used it every day for 6 months and the clamp that holds the..steering column...(just above the headset) came loose (so the handlebars would move all over the place). Tried for ages to figure out why it came loose and how to tighten it again but never could. In the end I just gave in, and the bike now sits in the back of my shed.

Doctor Bob

penexpers wrote: »

Just be careful. I had the same bike as that. Used it every day for 6 months and the clamp that holds the..steering column...(just above the headset) came loose (so the handlebars would move all over the place). Tried for ages to figure out why it came loose and how to tighten it again but never could. In the end I just gave in, and the bike now sits in the back of my shed.

I've been casually researching folders a bit over the last while, and recently I came across discussions of precisely the problem you mention. If memory serves, a few different models were affected. Dahon issued a product recall - possibly through the relevant LBSs - and replaced the dodgy part for free. It'd be worth having a look at the owners' forum on the Dahon website, which should point you in the right direction re the relavant product batches, model numbers etc.

If you don't have any luck finding the info, let me know. I might have something in my web search history at home. It'd be a pity to put a bike like that out to pasture.

@s.a.man- I think the flaw was resolved in newer models, so you should be okay. But go easy on those handlebars just in case!

s.a.man

@s.a.man- I think the flaw was resolved in newer models, so you should be okay. But go easy on those handlebars just in case!

I have the 2009 dahon speed so I hope it wont give me any problems that the other person have quoted!! Infairness I dont do any tricks with the bikes so I am sure the handlebars will last long, well at least I hope.:o

tomasrojo

The Brompton had a handlebar problem as well, on the older M-type (the ones that look like an inverted moustache). They used to snap after prolonged use. They've strengthened it up now, but you can still buy the brace they used to supply for reinforcing it.