Folding Bikes

[sr71blackbird]

I am seriously thinking of getting a folding bike, so I can easily transport it and have it with me most of the time in my car and drive down to the beach or park or wherever for excercise.
I am attracted to the Strida 5.0 because it would have no maintenence and folds up very simply looking. It is in the $600 range though, which is a drawback. I see other kinds out there and some of them have speeds and are intended for longer rides. The Strida is designed around the ten mile range. Anyone have any feedback or experience with these things? Remember, I want portability and simplicity.

[kdubya]

A co-worker of mine has a Dahon Eco 3 ( www.dahon.com/). She rides it to work on nice days. It seemes pretty sturdy and says she loves it.

I rode it once and is seemed pretty solid. It's gears will get you through slight hills, but if you have big hills to climb you may want a bike with a wider ratio of gears.

I typically ride a staright bar road bike and the folding bike felt akward at first. The pedals are lower than I am used to, and the crank is a little short for my taste (but that is true on most folding bikes). Stearing was pretty much the same as on a straight bar bike. If you are used to a full sized bike it will take some getting used to.

Hope it helps.

[RoseBlood]

I don't know anything about folding bikes, but the last time I tried to ride a bicycle it was to tall for me. My feet didn't reach the peddles and I wound up crashing into the curb and had to do the limp of shame back on home. Stupid Bike.

[Hottub]

You need a bike that folds nice and easily.

Like Gvac.