Originally Posted by
univega.duder
The reason I'm interested in the Birch bike in part is the very low cost $215 and the quirky design which I haven't seen before. But after reading everyone's comments here I'm less sure that the design is a good one.
My hope is to have an affordable folder to use in the winter months in New England where there's often salt all over the roads. It would be nice if it's reasonably compact to be able to toss in the back of the car and to store more easily at home. I'm also thinking about the possibility of adding a front hub motor.
I think the Xootr is a great idea and you've reminded me to keep my eyes out for one.
Those are very reasonable goals.
I just asked because there was a time when I was cycling through different folders in search of "the one"- a Strida clone, a carryme, and ended up on a Brompton and Xootr Swift.
I ended up losing a bit of money on the Strida and carryme.
If it's possible, can you up your budget?
I've learned the hard way that it's better to buy once and cry once.
With a cheap anything, you cry every time you use it.