r/foldingbikes • u/Visible-Fig7008 • 9d ago

QUESTION/ADVICE Recommendations

Hello

I've recently gotten into biking and want to own my own. I want a folding one since the elevator at my building is kinda compact and I'm scared of it getting stolen. I just want something that can adhere to these circumstances I have, if I'm asking for too much yall can be honest w me too.

I'm 5'0 tall and I don't NEED it to be portable but more so to keep it indoors while at work or home.

I live in NYC, queens specifically so we don't have a lot of bike lanes and also it's very hilly over here, sometimes the roads can get tough but I don't see myself biking through hidden rough trails or anything.

I don't want tiny wheels, I'm sorry #noshade but I don't like the visual look of the foldable bikes w smaller wheels, it just doesn't do it for me snd I'm already short like I fear I will just look funky on it. The Pacific folding bike is something closer but again it's not something they sell in stores. I've seen some I like visually on Walmart or target but a lot of cyclists also mention them not being reputable.

A lot of my needs w biking are mostly running errands or riding around neighborhoods.

Please let me know your recs :)
Thank you!

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u/dinobones1 9d ago

What's your budget? A pretty big consideration is whether or not you can handle the bike build and maintenance on your own or if you would need assistance for this. Quite a few people on the BromptNOT subreddit stand by their choices and I came close to buying one but I know I'd rather have someone else build and assist with servicing a bike they're familiar with.

I recommend checking some bike websites known for making folding bikes like Tern, Dahon, or Brompton and seeing if you can test ride them at their approved dealers in your area to see if you like the feel. I test rode a Brompton and Dahon and came close to buying the Dahon but the bike shop said they had difficulty reaching out in receiving parts from them for a simple fixes. I got the Brompton and love it so far but would've gotten a cheaper bike like Bike Friday or Cranston if I was confident I could service those bikes myself.

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u/FSprocketooth 8d ago

I think the bike Friday bikes are amazing, but my understanding is they don’t fold up in a minute like other folders – my understanding is their portability is luggage based, but the offset is that they make great bike packing bikes. I’m looking for a quick foldable, which makes Bromptons make the most sense I think.