Folding Push Bikes.

[5cupa]

I am looking to buy a folding push bike, and wondered if anyone has one and what to avoid and whats worth spending the extra money on.

the Oyama range look like a half decent price.

anyone have one?

[oolon]

Make sure you try one before you buy one. They can be tricky to control as they have small wheels that make it harder to balance. Also the less flex in the joint the better as this will lose energy.

[Disturbedguy]

Ask TheAnimus he is bound to know

[Zadock]

I noticed that halfords are doing their own folding bikes for £99.99 the other day, I don't know what they are like but thats pretty cheap!

Edit: it looks like it was during the sale, £149.99 normally. Reviews here

[dbh]

Sainsburys do Raleigh folding bikes for around £99.99 as well. Not too bad but again I'd test em out.

[Gordy]

I've always fancied a Dahon Uno. But living in hilly bristol single speeds don't make sense!

[TheAnimus]

Ask TheAnimus he is bound to know

Don't use folding ones personally, but some people I know swear by the Brompton 'S' type.

It also depends on how n where n far your cycling, and how small you need it to fold.

[The_Wheelhouse]

It depends entirely what you are using it for and what you're budget is. Generally it is best to avoid any of the cheaper products as they have components made of cheese and whatever you do don't buy the A bike

In terms of brands that are well respected bromptons, most people think that decathlon's bikes are good for the money, there are also mezzo and Dahon as well. Although i can't really tell you much about the Oyama range.

[Flibb]

Depends how important the folding and pack size is to you. I recently picked up a 6 speed Brompton on ebay, I take it on the bus so it needed to fold as small as possible. Build quality is very good, its suprisingly comfy to do reasonable distances on, there is loads of info out there on mods and how to get the most out of them. Being fully steel they are not particularly great to carry, but I intent to add a DIY carry strap, they also roll when semi packed down. Only other modification I intent to make is to change the gearing slighlty, at the moment its quiet tightly bunched. The dealer network is very good, with plenty of mods and accesories available, but they are easy enough to work on and any half competent bike shop should be able to service one. I really like that they are British built and highly rated (and copied) around the world.

When up to speed on one you do tend to get odd looks, highlight so far was overtaking a lycra clad chap on a road bike, although I useda hill to get a run up at him and attempted to get a more steamlined position (not easy on a Brompton when your a tad porky). Stearing is interesting when you first get on one, but I soon got used to it and find it very manouvarable.