Not sure what time you commute, but do you bring the bike on the PATH during peak hours? I would love to bike to work too, but this has always been a concern for me. I know they aren't technically allowed (and they wouldn't fit), but does a fold up save enough space to be almost like a small suitcase?

If anyone wants an interesting folder -- there is one with an antique / junk dealer (in the back row) - it looks barely used - it is an English bike called a Strida -- it is at the Giant Stadium Flea market -- the dealer had it there the last two Saturdays and is only asking $150 but if he still has it, I bet he will take $100 or so -- they can cost between $500-$800 new.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strida

MediaAvid or anyone with a 20" wheel Dahon folders: Bags are often overpriced but I found a great deal on a bike bag. Dahon makes 20" bikes that are sold in Canada under the name Avenir -- ((( I think designknobs Aviner bike was stolen and I googled the brand and found this bike shop))) anyway it's a nice store in Toronto -- the owner sold me a couple of these bags, I think they are made by Dahon but a slightly older style, they fit the Dahon wonderfully! They are great for the subway during rush hour -- or to take into fancy places or to avoid the stares -- looks like music gear or something -- the price is far below the $59.99 they charge here in the states -- it is only $29 "Canadia" like $23 american!

The shipping was fast and cheap and of course there is no tax!

They are not allowed to ship bikes outside of Canada because of an agreement they have with Dahon but they can and DO ship bags!

link for bayview bike shop - Toronto

Hey FastEddie

I don't remember giving you permission to post my picture online. I might have to talk to my lawyer now to see if I have any recourse.


I know you're all jealous . Chicks love a guy who rides.

Chicks dig folders! http://www.boat.sk/boatbike/photos/10.htm

I purchased a Dahon bike and have had it for a few weeks now. i am very pleased with it. I take a fast ride down the hill and head to Hoboken and am there in 5 minutes. My total commute now compared to the one with the bus is 10-20 minutes faster. The best part is not having to sit or stand in an overcrowded bus or waiting and wondering if the bus is even going to show up let along leave on time.

Relating to bicycles.

Good Police public relations exercise that relates to cyclists.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/nationa ... /10/02/1159641249697.html

To those who still believe that this sort of initiative (rewarding motorists or now cyclists) doesn't exist or is a waste of time -

I have 2 folding bikes and they're liberating, I laugh at the Parking Authority. One is a Dahon the other is a Brit bike called the Brompton with an English saddle. The Dahon (metro cruiser) is more mainstream and affordable, I use it to run major errands, commute to work, load it up with stuff, and when hills are in the way, it's also good when you have to lock it up outside. The Brompton (light commuting & errands) is good for flat ground, the train, and when bringing it inside matters. Another brand is Bike Friday (distant traveller) it will replicate the road bike, that you don't fold till you're ready to go home from a trip away from home. I would advise you to try all bikes according to the application, it's like shoes you don't know till you try it out. N.Y.C. & Philly have a folding bike fest every yeay in the spring. Go to www.foldingbikesociety.com, surf the web for further research or e-mail as me as well rapidron1@msn.com

Best bike for the money hands down!

Downtube Bicycles

A friend has a Dahon, other than having to tune the gears a bit, and one problem with the hub, he's super pleased with it.

Of course, you WILL look like a dork riding it. But I just saw one the other day that someone had spray painted camo, looked a bit better. . . . .

Thanks for the advice everyone. www.transalt.org is a great resource for biking in nyc.

The store on Newark Avenue should be selling these NOT guns!

Great single speed cheap folder - $189 - no tax - free shipping!
Dahon Boardwalk

You might want to have a look at the range of 'Montague' folding bike.
It is a 'full' size mountain bike and they make a model called the 'Hummer' and 'Paratrooper' (or similar name)

What do fat chicks and folding bikes have in common?

They are fun to ride, but you don't want your friends to see you doing it!!


Hey-Yoh!!!!

We too are in the Heights. My wife rides to the Square on a Caribike (basically a Dahon), but they're no longer in business. Dahons are fine for the short commute. Bromptons are good, so are Moultons. You should check out the transportation alternatives site, transalt.org
Search for 'The Folding Bike Solution' to get a list of folding bike options. The Strida is another you should check out as it folds neater, though be prepared for chatting with strangers as it's quite the head-turner.

The Brompton is the cadillac of folding bikes. Feels more like a regular bike. The Dahons are lighter, but they are made of aluminum and so the ride is not as smooth. I know someone who owns a really nice looking Dahon, but twice already the spokes have broke. Not sure if the wheel is skewed or what. The Bromptons fold much smaller and are quicker to fold than the Dahons. The Dahons have a greater price range, so you can get one for fairly cheap. Don't bother with getting the most expensive Bromptons, the parts that come with it can be bought later and it will weigh less. The dynamo lighting system that comes with the more expensive bromptons look cool but they are really not bright enough to be worth the added expense and friction to your ride. The three gear brompton is great in Manhattan where your ride is mostly flat most of the way up until you get into the 100's.
hope this helps.

I know the weather is starting to get colder, but I was thinking of getting a folding bike to commute to work in the city. I am in the Heights and figure I can ride to Journal Square or Hoboken to catch the PATH and then start riding again once in Manhattan to get to work. Reading the info on the internet it is a toss up. Half the people swear by the Bromptons and others Dahon. The Dahon has the bigger 20 inch tires which might make the ride more comfortable. Both bikes claim to fold small enough to sneak into a unfriendly bike building. Dahon website mentioned a dealer bike shop in Hoboken on Washington near 12th street. I plan to stop there just to get a feel for the bikes. Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated.