Originally Posted by
chrisx
Perhaps I give an example of what the bike would be used for.
In the NE corner of Guatemala there are some 2,600 year old Mayan ruins. The best way to get there would be on a bicycle. Fly to Guatemala, with bike in a case, fold bike and ride a bus, unfold bike and ride around town to buy food etc, fold bike and ride bus, unfold bike and ride to ruins with much food for many days, enjoy.
or
Ride Baja Mexico. Not ride Mex 1. Do ride back roads with wide tires, do take local bus with bike folded to avoid narrow highway, unfold bike and ride safe back road.
It sounds like a nobel idea if you can find the right folding bike. But don't let the folding bike thing deter you from your accomplishing your dream trip(s). The two scenarios you presented above are really doable with a regular (non-folding) 26"-wheeled bike. You can put any size bike in the cargo area of any bus in Mexico and most of Latin America, usually at no extra charge, or worst case for a small tip to the bus driver.
The only scenario I could foresee needing a folding bike or demountable (e.g., S&S couplers) is for flying, esp. if taking puddle jumpers is part of the itinerary. Buses, trains, ferries, small boats should not present a problem.
IMO, your search should be about finding a solid bike for the job. If you can get it in either a folding format or with S&S couplers, that's icing on the cake. The discontinued Surly LHT Deluxe is a good match for this kind of adventure. Check out, however, their soon-to-be-launched
World Troller which will be even more capable on the rough off roads of Baja and muddy roads of Central America -- 26" wheels (check), off-road capable (check), compatible with rim or disc brakes (check), wide tire clearance (check), S&S couplers for easy traveling (check).