captkeywest wrote:
I find myself at a crossroad and soliciting comments on folding bikes.


How much do you want to spend? Some of our cruising friends are getting
Wal-Mart's folding bike, which has (I think) 16" wheels, 10 speeds, and
front & rear suspension. You have to order them shiped to a local
Wal-Mart, somewhere around $150 new. It's not stainless but given decent
care it should last a few years.

I want one with speeds, My ~35 year old folding bike has been through
numerous tires and even a couple of wheels. When it was new it was a
three speed but when that rear hub died the local shops told me they
couldn't get one with speeds so I settled for what was in stock.

http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/giant.htm

This is my wife's bike. 6 speed, very quick & easy to fold & unfold,
very sturdy, relatively light, relatively easy to stow. Downside, I paid
$400 and that's a significant cut from it's MSRP. The bike store where I
bought it had been marking it down more and more to try and move it for
a year.



found this site

http://www.transalt.org/features/foldingbike.html

Some interesting bikes here. They refer to the Strida, which I have.

http://www.strida.com/

I like it, but it has limits. It's not really suitable for long distance
rides because the balance is rather funny. I got one with folding
handles which reduces the folded size by about half. Your linked web
site makes it sound like the Strida doesn't fold up very small, which is
contrary to my experience. This thing can almost be tucked away in your
coat pocket. Also it has nothing on that can rust.

If you're just going a couple of miles, the Strida beats the heck out of
walking. It really takes just a second to unfold or pack up. If you're
going on a long ride, or up a lot of hills, or over rough roads, get
something else.

Hope this helps.
Fresh Breezes- Doug King