Help me find a folding bike, please
#1
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Help me find a folding bike, please
Hello, I am looking to buy a folding bike. I've never had one before, so this will be my first.
I don't know anything about folding bikes, so hopefully you guys can help me out.
I need something small and light, that I can quickly and easily fold and unfold. It will be stored in the trunk of a car and used to ride about 4 blocks from the parking lot to the office.
Also, my lady will be using one too. So there will be 2 of these in the trunk.
I am basically looking for the smallest, lightest, fastest folding/unfolding, at the cheapest price.
I just want to grab it and go. And I want it to be significantly faster than if I just walked without dealing with folding and unfolding a bike.
Any suggestions?
I don't know anything about folding bikes, so hopefully you guys can help me out.
I need something small and light, that I can quickly and easily fold and unfold. It will be stored in the trunk of a car and used to ride about 4 blocks from the parking lot to the office.
Also, my lady will be using one too. So there will be 2 of these in the trunk.
I am basically looking for the smallest, lightest, fastest folding/unfolding, at the cheapest price.
I just want to grab it and go. And I want it to be significantly faster than if I just walked without dealing with folding and unfolding a bike.
Any suggestions?
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If you are going to fold/unfold a lot, you need to look at Brompton. Get a used one if price matters.
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Even with a Brompton, it might be just as fast to walk the four blocks. Walking a quarter mile would take about 5 minutes. Taking the bikes out of the trunk and unfolding them is about a minute and then you have to fold or secure them when you get to the office.
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I'm in the USA but not a huge city.
Not sure what kind of car it will be, we're actually looking for a new commuter vehicle at the moment. Probably something really small and gutless though.
Not sure what kind of car it will be, we're actually looking for a new commuter vehicle at the moment. Probably something really small and gutless though.
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-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA
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If it's just four blocks, why not skateboards? More compact than a folding bike and you don't have to bother about folding and unfolding it.
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It's a flat area. There is a slight incline from the parking lot to the job, but you can't see it with the naked eye.
I actually thought about getting electric scooters instead. I may still go that route. But I thought the added exercise wouldn't hurt, and the bike will probably last longer. Plus it would probably be faster.
I actually thought about getting electric scooters instead. I may still go that route. But I thought the added exercise wouldn't hurt, and the bike will probably last longer. Plus it would probably be faster.
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Unless you and your lady are going to have some other uses for these bikes I'd forget it and buy a nice new comfy pair of shoes each. Even if you got a kick scooter it's going to be more expense and trouble than it's really worth for such a short walk.
#10
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What's the distance? In NYC 4 blocks = 0.2 miles (up/downtown) or 0.6 miles crosstown. Also, how about indoor office distance? - a long indoor carry is a PITA vs wheeling while folded.
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Buy a couple of Fitbits. The walk to and from the office should get you at least 1000 steps. Of course, then you would have to find a way to get the other 9000 steps a day you need to be a slave to the Fitbit.
#12
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2 bikes in a trunk(boot for the euro types)? If it's a small trunk, Bromptons.
Won't be the cheapest option; but 1 speed titanium model with Kojaks will be
light & compact.
Going Green at the Grocery by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
Won't be the cheapest option; but 1 speed titanium model with Kojaks will be
light & compact.
Going Green at the Grocery by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
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hmm you need two .. I only have one crius one speed. To me that would be perfect... than again I also have one 5 speed left .. they would make an awesome pair :-)
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Warning: biased response ahead.
Take a look at the Origami Wasp. Very compact and lightweight, 7-speeds, highly adjustable. Two will fit easily into even a small trunk.
Take a look at the Origami Wasp. Very compact and lightweight, 7-speeds, highly adjustable. Two will fit easily into even a small trunk.
#15
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Regardless, I'm very happy with my STRIDA. Very robust, light, and quick folding. Also rolls better than any other folding bike I've ever tried while folded. It's only a single speed, but if you're looking for something to replace some moderately long walks, it should be an excellent fit.
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4 blocks? Are you sure you need a folding bike?
Regardless, I'm very happy with my STRIDA. Very robust, light, and quick folding. Also rolls better than any other folding bike I've ever tried while folded. It's only a single speed, but if you're looking for something to replace some moderately long walks, it should be an excellent fit.
Regardless, I'm very happy with my STRIDA. Very robust, light, and quick folding. Also rolls better than any other folding bike I've ever tried while folded. It's only a single speed, but if you're looking for something to replace some moderately long walks, it should be an excellent fit.
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My boyfriend and I both have Origami Crane bicycles (although the cheapest is the Hawk), I drive a Ford Focus, and both bikes fit very easily in my trunk. They are very easy and quick to fold and unfold, lightweight, and perfect for any distance and almost any terrain.
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My boyfriend and I both have Origami Crane bicycles (although the cheapest is the Hawk), I drive a Ford Focus, and both bikes fit very easily in my trunk. They are very easy and quick to fold and unfold, lightweight, and perfect for any distance and almost any terrain.
#19
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Come, on. Cut EmmyLou some slack. I am sure she's 'just providing information to help our fellow enthusiasts'.
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4 blocks...? You could drop to the ground and roll that far. Hell buy a wider car, that will get you halfway there.
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If the grade isn't too bad I'd get a large wheel kickscooter. Oxelo Town 9 is a good one; I had one and kicked that thing for 2 hours before. On a really smooth surface 1 kick could glide 25 feet without losing much momemtum. Dangerous on wet surfaces though unless you get rubber tires, but that's a whole different forum. Let's Kick Scoot Forums
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I'd recommend a Xootr Scooter if I thought this thread was real. I think Emmy is Mr. Pingis. Let's take a look at some of Emmy's posts:
In her first post we see that she is a college student and owns a Gazelle
In post #2 is innocent enough
I have had an Origami bike for years now, and although I don't ride it every single day, I have never had an issue with it thus far. I have ridden it on all types of terrain, and it rain or shine. The only problem was when I first got it the brakes needed to be readjusted, but that is not a big issue.
Post #3 gets weird...she wants to know about Origami:
In post #4 she talks about an Origami seat cushion. Does anyone other than Paul know that Origami sells seat cushions?
Post #5 feels like Paul's normal sales pitch:
I have owned an Origami bike for years now, and it still works like new. I have had virtually no issues with it (other than a simple flat tire), and it has held up perfectly over all terrains. However, I know everyone is different, so I also reccomend checking out the bike before fully committing. I know Origami offers a two week trial where you keep the bike for two weeks, and send it back if you don't like it. I think it would be a great option to consider!
In post #6 she switches to a Crane from a Gazelle.....Gazelle, it was a Gazelle just a week before.
I really hope the admins do something about this.
Thanks,
Yan
In her first post we see that she is a college student and owns a Gazelle
I have had an Origami Gazelle for years now and I absolutely love it! It has held up wonderfully, and never caused me any problems. It is very light (only 28 lbs) and is ideal for commuting from class to class on my college campus. It folds up small enough to fit under my bed in my dorm!
I have had an Origami bike for years now, and although I don't ride it every single day, I have never had an issue with it thus far. I have ridden it on all types of terrain, and it rain or shine. The only problem was when I first got it the brakes needed to be readjusted, but that is not a big issue.
I was just wondering if anyone else on here has any experiences with Origami brand bikes. I am very interested in knowing all the pros and cons poeple have found with their bikes. Thank you!
If you'd like to try a quick fit to help your seat issue first, I know the Origami bike company sells an inexpensive memory foam cover for your seat. That may help resolve some of your pain at least temporarily. You can find it here: origamibicycles.com/product/classic-bag-svea/ Hope this helps!
I have owned an Origami bike for years now, and it still works like new. I have had virtually no issues with it (other than a simple flat tire), and it has held up perfectly over all terrains. However, I know everyone is different, so I also reccomend checking out the bike before fully committing. I know Origami offers a two week trial where you keep the bike for two weeks, and send it back if you don't like it. I think it would be a great option to consider!
My boyfriend and I both have Origami Crane bicycles (although the cheapest is the Hawk), I drive a Ford Focus, and both bikes fit very easily in my trunk. They are very easy and quick to fold and unfold, lightweight, and perfect for any distance and almost any terrain.
Thanks,
Yan
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Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
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Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
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Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
Last edited by downtube; 04-06-17 at 06:29 AM.
#24
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I'd recommend a Xootr Scooter if I thought this thread was real. I think the OP and Emmy are Mr. Pingis. Let's take a look at some of Emmy's posts:
In her first post we see that she is a college student and owns a Gazelle
In post #2 is innocent enough
Post #3 gets weird...she wants to know about Origami:
In post #4 she talks about an Origami seat cushion. Does anyone other than Paul know that Origami sells seat cushions?
Post #5 feels like Paul's normal sales pitch:
In post #6 she switches to a Crane from a Gazelle.....Gazelle, it was a Gazelle just a week before.
I really hope the admins do something about this.
Thanks,
Yan
In her first post we see that she is a college student and owns a Gazelle
In post #2 is innocent enough
Post #3 gets weird...she wants to know about Origami:
In post #4 she talks about an Origami seat cushion. Does anyone other than Paul know that Origami sells seat cushions?
Post #5 feels like Paul's normal sales pitch:
In post #6 she switches to a Crane from a Gazelle.....Gazelle, it was a Gazelle just a week before.
I really hope the admins do something about this.
Thanks,
Yan
#25
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I bet Paul has had a Gazelle for years
Thanks
Yan
Thanks
Yan
__________________
Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.
Designer of Downtube Folding Bike
Ph.D. Temple University ( Math )
Biked across the USA twice
Semi-active chess player ( two time Bahamas National Champion )
Sivananda ( Bahamas ) Trained Yoga instructor ( 2013 ) and ThetaHealer since 2013
Bicycle delivery worker for Jimmy John's. Delivering is the best workout I have ever had.