Design · Culture · Spirituality

Looking at getting a bike

So, as a life-related aside, I’m looking into purchasing a bike. One of the nice benefits where I work is an annual wellness benefit, where we receive an amount of money that we can use on… wellness. Workout equipment, bikes, gym memberships, weight loss, things to help quit smoking, and so on. It’s a wonderful thing.

In any case, this year I want to use it toward getting a bike. My wife and I live in a small one bedroom apartment in Atlanta, and don’t really have a place to put a large object like a bike, or the desire to get mud and all those things all over carpet that we don’t own. So, I’m very interested in getting a folding bicycle that I can leave in my car, or leave in a corner of the apartment where it doesn’t take up much space.

Our working arrangements are not such that we could get rid of a car in favor of a bike, unfortunately, but I do hope and plan for this to be the case in the near future.

With all that said, I’d love to hear any recommendations for good folding bikes. Reasonably priced, long lasting, folding bikes. In the beginning parts of my search, I have been impressed by the Dahon Espresso and the Dahon Speed. Similar recommendations, or contrary recommendations, are welcome.

2 Comments

  1. Jonathan,

    Full Size Bike That Folds
    The Espresso is a full size bike that folds. If that’s what you’re looking for, look into the Montague CX. Like the Espresso, it also has 21 speeds but the CX has additional notable features. First, the frame is the same as is on the Paratrooper (a bike built for the military to use on the battlefield) so it’s tougher than the Espresso. Second, the seat post has a suspension built in for comfort and a comfort saddle. Third, the handlebar height is adjustable. Forth, the front wheel uses a patented quick release that requires no fiddling to lock – just CLICk it in and close the lever.

    Montague CX:
    http://ridethisbike.com/products/Montague/Montague_CX-folding_bike.htm

    Mid Size Folding Bikes
    For the money, DownTube makes better products than Dahon. Look at the model 8H. Like the Speed D7, it has 20″ wheels and a rear carry rack; however, the DownTube offers an 8 speed internal hub drivetrain that’s far lower on maintenance and will shift at a dead stop. The 8H also has a front suspension.

    Micro Folder
    If you’re keeping the bike in your trunk and using it only on short rides, a micro folder might be a better choice as it will free up precious space for other things. The most economical that I recommend is the E-Z Pack. Weighing in at 22.5 lbs, it’s quite light; yet, it handles better than a variety of mid size folding bikes. The bike is outfitted with a dual crank drive train that ups the gear ratio to provide pedaling similar to a full size bike but it’s a single speed. A more elegant and even lighter choice would be the CarryMe Dual Speed; however, at $695, it’s probably out of your price range.

    Larry

  2. I have a Speed p8 and I’m very fond of it. I test drove the 7-speed and the gear ratio didn’t get hefty enough for me, but I’m a renowned masher so that might not apply. However, overall the 8 felt like a better bike – more likely to handle the kinds of miles I put in – so I’m glad I went for it. Couple of friends got the Mu with its 24 speeds; one of ’em, like me, didn’t like how it felt going down steep hills. However, we don’t *do* steep hills unless we go out of town (this is very very very flat territory 🙂 ) so it could be just not being accustomed to it.

About the Designer

Jonathan Stegall is a web designer and emergent / emerging follower of Jesus currently living in Atlanta, seeking to abide in the creative tension between theology, spirituality, design, and justice.

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