Folding Bikes

[TROPHYJIM2]

Our position on these cheaper Yeah Folders is first to see how much we are really gonna use them. If we get into lots of use...we would probably move up and spend more bucks for higher end bikes. We traveled in an older SOB for 4 years prior to the AS purchase just to see, found we liked it then spent for what we wanted. I'm looking at the Yeahs the same way....If I get 3 years out of them it cost me 50 bucks a year to own. I'll know at some point if I wanna spend more. My down side is minimal to find out . Never had time to ride a Bike before, in my adult life anyway. I think I wanna.
If I Knew I was really really gonna be into Biking I'd be the first on to shell out the cabbage. I'm just not sure yet and I tend to go cheap when I don't know. Just my idea and certainly the Yeahs are not going to be the correct choice for some or even many of the folks here. I think they might be for me.... But if they break down on my way to the grocery store the first time out or something I'll let you guys know I shudda got a better bike! Jim

[2airishuman]

hi jim

that's a reasonable approach,

with these caveats...

a good seat is critical to enjoying a bike ride, usually these bikes don't have great saddles so riding hurts...

good brakes are very important, usually these bikes has IFFY brakes (and hand levers), which again doesn't encourage riding.

simple/reliable shifting makes riding more fun. there is nothing more annoying that having the chain pop off going up hill...

or having the gears 'jam' in some way, or need to 'adjust brakes and cables for every ride.

lots of bikes don't get ridden because they have FLAT tires or need a few quick pumps of air...

i'm not suggesting you don't buy and try, and the monetary risk is small...

but another approach is to find a good USED bike, which is moderately priced but better built and equipped.

hey ANY bike that is used is better than the finest bike collecting dust!

oh and GET A REALLY WELL FITTING HELMET!

you cannot upgrade your noggin later...

cheers
2air'

[TROPHYJIM2]

yes,already eyeing one of them comfey seats

[RedSHED]

Originally Posted by TROPHYJIM2

yes,already eyeing one of them comfey seats

I splurged and put a Brooks B67 on the Dahon, and the difference is HUGE.

But that may be too old-tech and too springy for a serious cyclist, in which case, may I recommend the Real Man saddle?

[2airishuman]

yeah i'm a brooks snob too...

a champion flyer on my cruiser bike, 5 b17s (titanium rails) and a couple of swifts (ti rails)...

a brooks saddle will outlast most bikes and fits yer butt like a glove!

the sheldon brown website stuff is ALL fantasitc.

best bike website on the planet.

he single handedly created a bike resource more complete than any other and used more than this a/s site...

sadly sheldon died a few weeks ago after dealing with MS the last 2 years or so...

he was a true renaissance man and is missed.

cheers
2air'

[Lola25]

hi everyone,
i'm thinking about getting a bike from Downtube does anyone own one here? Can anyone suggest which would be best from for me? Downtube - Bikes I'm 5'2 and petite so i want something easy to handle. thanks for your help!!

[Fyrzowt]

Lola,
I can't help you with the bike issue, but welcome to the forums!
Dave

[3Ms75Argosy]

With those small wheels (16" OR 20") any of them will be fine for you Lola. I suggest trying [url="http://bikeforums.net"] as they have a great forum for folding bikes. Lots of Downtube owners there.
welcome!
Marc

[85MH325]

In the event anyone is interested, I've listed my Giant Halfway for sale in the classifieds. It's a great little bike, but I've run out of bike room, and some of them have got to go!

Roger