Is a folding bike OK for commuting & college?

July 20th, 2010

I want a bike for commuting to class and places around town. The college is in the middle of down town.

I was thinking of a folding bike but I don't want one that looks super abnormal. The main reason I want a folding bike is so I can keep it in my dorm with me but I worry that it will make my rides up hills harder (and there is a lot of hills).

I was wondering what would be better for down town riding the folding bike or just a plain utility bike?

also, any common brands that I can buy in a local store? I don't want to drop a lot of money but I want a good bike.

Christin

Get a hybrid bike.It gives you an upright sitting position, road type gearing, wider smooth tires, and a light frame. It will be a fast, safe, and smooth ride on streets, bike paths, dirt, and even moderate off road cycling.

Someone may be more knowledgeable about folders, but I could not see them as a serious option IF you had any other choice.

When I lived in a dorm, I had a corner where I could stand my bike up on its back wheel by my
desk. It worked great for me!

Be sure to get multiple locks (a Ulock, a 3/4 inch cable lock, and street cuffs) and have the shop show you how to properly lock up you bike. I also suggest you put a rear rack on the bike, and permanently attach a stainless steel basket to it. That way you can just throw in your books, bags, or even a large bag of groceries….. no muss no fuss. Both of my daughters are using them at college. Great on campus, and on weekends off campus.

Soccerref
If you’re only getting one bike and you want the most use out of it for not a ton of cash, I’d say look at the Trek 7000 or Navigator, if you’d rather run a 26" wheel vs a 700cm….either of those should be around $300USD and serve you well.
a vintage Raleigh 20 with gears its a folding bike but problem is getting hold of also there would be more chance to get good hi-bred bike second hand also. you could also try a local bike shop where they might have a demo bike for sale in you size or a superseded model discounted. the giant brand are good value try to get discounted price good luck bike shop not a department store OK.giant make a comfort cross bike it in between Mountain bike and road bike it is i hi-bred i am an experienced cyclist ride very good quality road bike but i also have a comfort cross to ride to supermarket and just get around town they come in mens and womens frame have close look at them they are made in other brands also.
Montague makes regular looking bikes that fold. I’d suggest their new Crosstown model because it is designed with commuting in mind. The Crosstown has skinny tires so it takes less effort to pedal. Plus, the bike has 7 gears (which are plenty for city riding) and weighs @ 27-28 lbs. To carry the Crosstown into your dorm, remove the front wheel (by opening a quick release). Opening another quick release on the frame folds the bike.

By the way, the Crosstown is based on the Montague Paratrooper, a bike Montague has been making for the military for a decade or so…

You can get a Crosstown for $599 from the link below and shipping is free.
http://ridethisbike.com/products/Montague/700c/Crosstown-folding-bike.htm