Looking for a single speed folding bike

dizzymenace

I'm currently paying €8 a day for city parking for work.
I'd like to park far away from the city centre in free parking and cycle in to save money.

I'd like to get a cheap, light folding bike.
Something like the Vilano Urbana or Retrospec Judd.
Both are listed on amazon for $219 however the Vilano doesn't ship to Ireland and the Retrospec has $165 import charges and shipping.
I know there's lots of folding bikes on the market, I was looking at the Raleigh evo 2 in halfords for €300 but i'd love to get something much lighter and simpler (and hopefully a little cheaper) i.e. Less weight and less parts that can brake.

If anyone knows of a place to get a Vilano Urbana or similar (fixed speed, light, cheap, quick folding) bike in ireland i'd be very greatful. Thanks.

Nekarsulm

Sounds like you need a Raleigh 20 folder from the 1980's.
Although "light" isn't a word often associated with them.....

Bought a 2nd hand B'twin Tilt 120 last summer, and its lighter than the 20, with much better brakes and more gears.
Folds smaller too.
Could do with a taller top gear for faster moving city traffic, I feel.

tomasrojo

I'm assuming Brompton are too expensive for what you want? They do single-speed versions that are very good, but they're probably somewhere around a grand.

Strida do a single-speed:
https://www.foldingbike20.com/strida-lt-folding-bicycle-review/

No idea what they're like. Mixed reviews, I think. Ok for a few km, I think, but not for what you want.

Dahon do a single-speed called the Uno. Again, never used it, but Dahons have a pretty good reputation overall.

beauf

have a single speed dahon speed uno I got second hand for 250-300. Mine is the one with a coaster rear brake. It's as simple as they come. I've not used it that much. As I stopped cycling shortly after I got it. Struggled to find fenders for it. It's great fun but if I was getting another I'd get one with a regular rear brake. The coaster is a pain for starting off, as you can't position the pedal where you like easily. I like the clutter free aspect though. Just a fun bike.

I have another folding bike with gears and fenders. I do like the gears but they tended to get knocked when using on the train. Didnt find one gear on the Uno a problem. The bike with gears is more upright and more comfortable. Probably more old fashioned looking though.

Other people might not notice it, but the Uno is a good bit lighter by a kilo or so. I feel it's significantly handier when lifting it. I was struggling with carrying the bikes on the over crowded trains. Partially why I stopped using them.

beauf

On a crowded space a Brompton is vastly superior for compactness. My dahons are 20" and probably the more compact folders at that size. (Some are abysmal mine are good). But a Brompton is much better.