Bike Friday
We came at the folding bike question from the perspective of serious bikers having completed many 50-200 mile rides on our regular bikes and our tandems. We have taken modified mountain bikes traveling to France on two occasions and they worked well, but came back pretty beat up by the airline. When we took up sailing we wanted a bike we could take overseas and could also store on the boat. I looked at most of the folders available and found that all but one folds by means of a hinge in the top tube--the main structural member. This really affects the "feel" of the bike when riding and the necessary reinforcement to the area stiffens the bike so it is a bit harsh--which is why some manufacturers put suspension systems on their bikes. The folder that feels most like a regular bicycle is the Bike Friday. You have to look down to realize you are not riding on 27 inch wheels. I also like supporting a Made in US product. As admitted bike nuts these bikes are for us--we bought two and they have held up very well. The bikes that came in next in our estimation were the Dahons. I didn't like the hinge, but the bikes were solid, well built and rode fairly well, especially the front suspension models. I debated for quite a while on which one to buy and believe anyone buying a Dahon or BF will not be dissapointed. Manufacturers make a big deal out of aluminum vs. steel. Don't bite on this one. Both materials can be engineered to work well in a bike. If aluminum, the walls of the tube are thicker for strength which makes the ride stiffer. These bikes benefit from suspension. A modern steel bike has very thin walls that taper which puts material where it is needed and takes it away from where it is not needed. The ride is usually very good. A better index is to simply check out the weight. I think 8 speeds are enough for most people although our BF's have 14. Low gears are more important than high ones for cruising around the marina. A rack with rack pack is nice to bring back the stuff you bought in the Saturday market ashore. Reject any bike with steel wheels. Not because of weight, but because the brakes don't work very well on steel wheels. Get a good Terry (brand name) saddle when you buy the bike. It will have a groove down the center which will eliminate more pain than the "comfort" saddle that has oversized padding on it. For corrosion resistance, when the bike is taken apart, spray the tube insides with Boeshield or WD40 or something like it. Make sure the chain is lubed with Boeshield as well. The rest of the bike can be waxed just like a car. If possible keep the bike in a canvass bag.
