Folding bikes?

[Wilhelmina1]

I'm thinking of getting a folding bike for occasional commuting to work on nice days, save some high transit costs, and add fitness to my day without to much extra time.
Anyone have any experience with these? I'm checking out the
'Abio' at the moment, reasonable cost, no oily chain, easy folding...

[jcme]

Hi Mina,

The last few years I haven't ridden very much but used to ride regularly with a bike club and picked up a lot of good information about bikes in general. Although, I don't have experience with folding bikes I think the most important thing with any bike purchase would apply:

Make sure the bike fits you and is comfortable to ride.

Some things to consider in addition to fit and comfort:

Because you are looking at a non-traditional bike, make sure you can get parts easily. Also consider if standard bike parts can be used for things that "wear out" and if the local bike shop will even attempt to make any repairs or adjustments. Even if things don't break, you may want to change seats or handlebar grips, and you definitely will need some spare tubes.

Can you try it before buying? Good bike shops will let you "test drive" a bike and make sure the bike is adjusted properly for you. Folding bikes have a different design, center of gravity and will be less efficient because of the smaller pedals. I would also want to make sure I could fold it easily and handle the bike folded up. 25 pounds or so in an awkward shape may not seem like much but depending on how far you need to carry it versus being able to roll it may be an issue.

All bikes are made for specific types of riding and I'm sure there are multiple models of folding bikes to cover the various ranges. Whatever bike you choose make sure it will provide the most efficient pleasurable ride for how you will be using it. For example: skinnier tires for road, proper gearing for the terain, etc.

I would love to hear more about this topic and what you decide to do.

Take care

[Wilhelmina1]

Hi JCm
Thanks for your very helpful ideas. I am going to see this 'Abio' bike on Sunday. They're not available in eastern Canada - are from New York, the ad I found for it is from a friend of the owner helping to establish a market here (I confirmed this with the company thru website,e-mail, also about valid warranties)) & it's a demo bike so much cheaper, still almost new. So I'll test ride it first.

I have a standard, large (I'm 6ft.!) Diamond Back 'comfort' bike for real riding, but awkward/too big in elevator for commuter use, and theft rate too high here-can't take it in building. The shop I got it from used to carry other folding bikes & has a big 'tinkering' dept. so I think that' part will be fine, although smaller problems will be my cost instead of the warranty re: distance, shipping bother etc.

The bike mag. reports I've read on the Abio all like it: stable, fast easy folding that locks! and therfore easy 'rolling' with seat left up for a handle. Is the usual 25lbs. but I don't have far to carry/roll it.

I'll keep you posted. Have a great day,
Mina

[jcme]

Mina,

I think the concept of a folding bike is great for commuters. I'd love to hear more about the bike once you see it and test ride it.

Take care

[kurry]

I've never seen one. I'm going to google it though. Sounds interesting.