Should I buy a crazy expensive folding bike?
June 7, 2020 10:38 PM Subscribe
I live in NYC and *really* do not want to get onto the subway for quite a while, at least not during rush hour. I'm thinking about getting a fairly expensive one. Is it worth it?
So I live in Queens, where we've had a very high rate of Covid. I'm fortunate enough that I'm permitted to work flexible hours -- 10:00 am until 7 pm or so -- but the subway can still be crowded even then.
The reason I want a folding bike is twofold: first, my workplace is difficult about letting people bring bikes inside; and second, there will be times I would be able to ride to work in the morning and then have to take the subway back home because I wouldn't feel comfortable riding over the bridge at night. I'm reluctant to take a full-sized bike on the subway (although I understand that people do that).
I'm a reasonably experienced biker, although I haven't owned my own bike since I moved back here from San Francisco; I used CitiBike frequently until Covid. However, I don't feel really great about riding a bike with 16-inch wheels on roads that I know from experience can get a bit hairy at times. (For people who know NYC: I'd be riding all the way down Skillman Avenue in Queens, part of the way on the greenway on Queens Boulevard, across the Queensboro Bridge, and then down Second Avenue for 30 blocks).
So after doing a bunch of Googling and reading reviews online, it seems like this bike, a Tern BYB S11, is a good bike for riding over city streets, and it has 20-inch wheels, so I assume it would feel more stable. It is also stupidly expensive. I don't mind dropping some coin on a bike if it's going to ensure (well, not ensure, but make more likely) that I don't kill myself or someone else on the Queensboro Bridge, but I'm not sure it's totally necessary, and I'd of course I'd love a more economical option.
So, advice please? Is there another bike entirely that I should be looking at? As I said above, I'm pretty much committed to a folder.
So I live in Queens, where we've had a very high rate of Covid. I'm fortunate enough that I'm permitted to work flexible hours -- 10:00 am until 7 pm or so -- but the subway can still be crowded even then.
The reason I want a folding bike is twofold: first, my workplace is difficult about letting people bring bikes inside; and second, there will be times I would be able to ride to work in the morning and then have to take the subway back home because I wouldn't feel comfortable riding over the bridge at night. I'm reluctant to take a full-sized bike on the subway (although I understand that people do that).
I'm a reasonably experienced biker, although I haven't owned my own bike since I moved back here from San Francisco; I used CitiBike frequently until Covid. However, I don't feel really great about riding a bike with 16-inch wheels on roads that I know from experience can get a bit hairy at times. (For people who know NYC: I'd be riding all the way down Skillman Avenue in Queens, part of the way on the greenway on Queens Boulevard, across the Queensboro Bridge, and then down Second Avenue for 30 blocks).
So after doing a bunch of Googling and reading reviews online, it seems like this bike, a Tern BYB S11, is a good bike for riding over city streets, and it has 20-inch wheels, so I assume it would feel more stable. It is also stupidly expensive. I don't mind dropping some coin on a bike if it's going to ensure (well, not ensure, but make more likely) that I don't kill myself or someone else on the Queensboro Bridge, but I'm not sure it's totally necessary, and I'd of course I'd love a more economical option.
So, advice please? Is there another bike entirely that I should be looking at? As I said above, I'm pretty much committed to a folder.
Response by poster: Not to threadsit, but smoke’s answer made me realize I should have said how far I’d be riding. Google maps tells me the ride is 7.4 miles each way (around 12 kilometers, give or take). I am also, er, not a skinny critter. :)
posted by holborne at 11:22 PM on June 7, 2020
posted by holborne at 11:22 PM on June 7, 2020
That's a fair distance - especially off a smaller wheelbase. If you can afford it, I'd consider buying a quality folder. It needn't be a Tern or a Bromely (indeed, the Bromley may make you feel the Tern is quite a bargain!), but I wouldn't cheap out on it.
Dahon bikes are quite good as well, and a number of the "big" bike brands like Giant have gotten in on the game, too.
The best thing you can do is, if you're at all able, try one out, as it's a bit like shoes I reckon and how one person's body "fits" to a bike can make a bigger difference than the gearset etc. Failing that, I think you'd be well pleased with the Tern (I was *this* close to buying one myself!)
posted by smoke at 11:39 PM on June 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Dahon bikes are quite good as well, and a number of the "big" bike brands like Giant have gotten in on the game, too.
The best thing you can do is, if you're at all able, try one out, as it's a bit like shoes I reckon and how one person's body "fits" to a bike can make a bigger difference than the gearset etc. Failing that, I think you'd be well pleased with the Tern (I was *this* close to buying one myself!)
posted by smoke at 11:39 PM on June 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Don’t know if this is even an option but would you consider a folding electric scooter? Same as from rental companies in other cities like lime, etc. Though there are way better scooters then those. You can find some really nice scooters at https://www.ewheels.com/shop/. I like the etwow as it’s extremely portable. If you google the etwow scooter there are several models. The new gt gets a great range. I own the booster V. Folds up nice and small. Also www.revrides.com sells some nice ones.
To my knowledge I’m not sure if those scooters are technically legal in nyc. I’m in LA and they’re legal. I know people ride them in ny but that’s for you to research. They are very portable. Worth checking out.
posted by ljs30 at 1:47 AM on June 8, 2020
To my knowledge I’m not sure if those scooters are technically legal in nyc. I’m in LA and they’re legal. I know people ride them in ny but that’s for you to research. They are very portable. Worth checking out.
posted by ljs30 at 1:47 AM on June 8, 2020
I don't know the bike you link, but I have ridden a Brompton, and an off-brand folding bike at a quarter the cost. The cheap-ass folding bike felt like riding a tiny toy bike. Riding the Brompton felt like riding a real normal bicycle. And folding it together was amazingly easy - you could do it in the time between when a bus started to pull up to your stop and when you boarded it. So I am totally behind spending extra on a folding bike if you can afford it. It's somewhere where you will really feel the benefit of good engineering and strong materials.
posted by lollusc at 2:21 AM on June 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by lollusc at 2:21 AM on June 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
I'm going to second the recommendation for a Dahon. My partner is a big dude, and he has one and likes it a lot.
posted by Too-Ticky at 3:38 AM on June 8, 2020
posted by Too-Ticky at 3:38 AM on June 8, 2020
My partner is a big dude, and he has one and likes it a lot.
The Dahon Espresso, to be exact. 26" wheels, 21 gears, rides just like a non-folding 26" ATB. It only folds down the middle so that the wheels are next to each other, but no further; you can't even easily turn or fold the handlebars so it doesn't end up very compact.
Back when I bought it, in 2007 or 2008, the price was a little under EUR.700. Unfortunately they don't offer the Espresso anymore (their current 27" model doesn't fold but kind of breaks in two), but I wouldn't hesitate getting one second-hand.
posted by Stoneshop at 4:23 AM on June 8, 2020
The Dahon Espresso, to be exact. 26" wheels, 21 gears, rides just like a non-folding 26" ATB. It only folds down the middle so that the wheels are next to each other, but no further; you can't even easily turn or fold the handlebars so it doesn't end up very compact.
Back when I bought it, in 2007 or 2008, the price was a little under EUR.700. Unfortunately they don't offer the Espresso anymore (their current 27" model doesn't fold but kind of breaks in two), but I wouldn't hesitate getting one second-hand.
posted by Stoneshop at 4:23 AM on June 8, 2020
There are a few things that are unique to folding bikes that you should look for when buying one:
1) As others have mentioned, ride is a big factor. Cheaper ones definitely feel more toy-like, but even with 16" wheels there are several brands that ride like a normal bike. You'll need to test ride them, which may be difficult in These Times but do what you can.
2) If you own bike bags right now, you'll want to check to make sure they fit on whatever folding bike you're considering. You may want to consider a new bag anyway (something with backpack straps or a cross-body strap), since you can't keep most panniers on the bike when it folds up.
3) You'll want to see how the bike handles when it's folded up. Higher end bikes tend to have clips to keep the bike secure when folded and wheels to help drag it or handles to help you carry it around. You'll definitely want these if you're carrying it in and out of the subway. If you're able to go on test rides, fold it up and carry it up and down a flight of stairs to see how comfortable that is. Also check on how quickly and easily you can fold and unfold the bike.
4) Similarly, see if the bike has any amenities to keep your clothes clean. Something to keep your pants out of the chainrings at a minimum.
5) Folding bikes seem to use a lot more proprietary parts than normal bikes (looking at you, Brompton). This will increase the cost for some maintenance, and it may make sourcing parts more difficult. Ask your local bike shop how hard it is to work on the bike, how many they see a year, and if they stock replacement parts.
6) Lastly, every folding bike has one major weakness: the hinge. This will eventually wear out on every bike, and it's the most expensive maintenance cost you'll have. A cheap bike is basically disposable once the hinge goes. Higher end bikes do tend to retain their value a little better - my dad had to do the hinge on his Brompton and he found out it was cheaper to sell his old bike (with full disclosure on the hinge) and buy a new one than to repair the old bike.
I don't know anything about that Tern, but definitely make sure it's a "commuting" folder versus a "travel" folder - the commuting bikes will have all those amenities to keep the bike comfortable when you're lugging it around the subway and keep your pants clean.
posted by backseatpilot at 5:50 AM on June 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
1) As others have mentioned, ride is a big factor. Cheaper ones definitely feel more toy-like, but even with 16" wheels there are several brands that ride like a normal bike. You'll need to test ride them, which may be difficult in These Times but do what you can.
2) If you own bike bags right now, you'll want to check to make sure they fit on whatever folding bike you're considering. You may want to consider a new bag anyway (something with backpack straps or a cross-body strap), since you can't keep most panniers on the bike when it folds up.
3) You'll want to see how the bike handles when it's folded up. Higher end bikes tend to have clips to keep the bike secure when folded and wheels to help drag it or handles to help you carry it around. You'll definitely want these if you're carrying it in and out of the subway. If you're able to go on test rides, fold it up and carry it up and down a flight of stairs to see how comfortable that is. Also check on how quickly and easily you can fold and unfold the bike.
4) Similarly, see if the bike has any amenities to keep your clothes clean. Something to keep your pants out of the chainrings at a minimum.
5) Folding bikes seem to use a lot more proprietary parts than normal bikes (looking at you, Brompton). This will increase the cost for some maintenance, and it may make sourcing parts more difficult. Ask your local bike shop how hard it is to work on the bike, how many they see a year, and if they stock replacement parts.
6) Lastly, every folding bike has one major weakness: the hinge. This will eventually wear out on every bike, and it's the most expensive maintenance cost you'll have. A cheap bike is basically disposable once the hinge goes. Higher end bikes do tend to retain their value a little better - my dad had to do the hinge on his Brompton and he found out it was cheaper to sell his old bike (with full disclosure on the hinge) and buy a new one than to repair the old bike.
I don't know anything about that Tern, but definitely make sure it's a "commuting" folder versus a "travel" folder - the commuting bikes will have all those amenities to keep the bike comfortable when you're lugging it around the subway and keep your pants clean.
posted by backseatpilot at 5:50 AM on June 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
I'm actually kind of jealous, because I'm an avid rider and really wish I could justify a folder for light commuting and errands, but:
1, I work at home, so no commute.
2, I live in a super super hot place, so errands in the summer really require a car.
3, I have appropriate full-sized bikes for errands in nicer weather.
Everything you're being told here is basically spot on.
An approach that I sometimes hear quoted for big purchases you're not super sure about is to buy a cheap one to begin with, and if/when you outgrow it or wear it out, step up to a nicer model.
posted by uberchet at 7:22 AM on June 8, 2020
1, I work at home, so no commute.
2, I live in a super super hot place, so errands in the summer really require a car.
3, I have appropriate full-sized bikes for errands in nicer weather.
Everything you're being told here is basically spot on.
An approach that I sometimes hear quoted for big purchases you're not super sure about is to buy a cheap one to begin with, and if/when you outgrow it or wear it out, step up to a nicer model.
posted by uberchet at 7:22 AM on June 8, 2020
I live in NYC and commute with both a regular bike and a folding bike.
I don't really find the folding bike more comfortable to take on the subway. It's more comfortable for me to carry it in its unfolded form, so the only part it really helps with is feeling like I'm taking up less space in the car, or possibly if an attendant wasn't around to open the accessibility door for me, it can push through under the turnstile. Though the bike you linked to, I'm not sure would do that, since it's a lot taller.
Where the folding bike was a blessing was that you can stick it in the trunk of a car service. I bought it when I was dealing with some health issues, and the peace of mind of knowing that if I ran out of energy I could just get a lyft was worth every cent - I biked a lot of places I otherwise wouldn't have because of that.
My folding bike is a Brompton, an older model bought essentially refurbished from Brompton Junction, so much cheaper than it would have been new. It's 16" wheels but it feels really great. If that's not the kind of 16" model you've ridden for yourself, it might be worth to try it before committing to an even more expensive bike that doesn't fold as small.
One of the rides I regularly did with my Brompton was across the Pulaski bridge, the Queensboro bridge and a section of 1st or 2nd avenue. I also regularly did the Manhattan bridge. I commuted on it from Brooklyn to Manhattan all through last summer - though I think that only worked as well as it did because I was going early enough in the morning and late enough in the evening that it wasn't the full heat of day.
BUT for the question overall 'is an expensive folding bike worth it' - I'll say it was for me. (Though expensive for me was about $1100, including accessories). I would say that in the time between getting the bike and covid, I've saved about that much, if not more, on subway fares.
I do really like having both a regular bike and a folding bike (though the regular bike has been exiled to semi-sheltered outdoors torage due to lack of space and I'm sure will break down a lot faster for it). A lot of places I go are not citibike accessible, and the option to just lock the bike up outside and not worry about (it was a pretty cheap one, I have a good lock and the things that lock the seat/wheels) can be very convenient too and sometimes worth the trade off of forgoing the option of a car service home.
One option I sometimes chew on is the upgrade of an electric version or adding a motor. I think I would ride even further (Washington Heights! New Jersey! the beaches!) and more frequently with that - especially I find that biking while wearing a face mask is more of an exertion. But I'm holding off on that for now.
Hope that helps. If you are interested in trying the Brompton the people at the Manhattan store are very nice and they have rentals you can take for a week to try it out.
posted by Salamandrous at 7:30 AM on June 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
I don't really find the folding bike more comfortable to take on the subway. It's more comfortable for me to carry it in its unfolded form, so the only part it really helps with is feeling like I'm taking up less space in the car, or possibly if an attendant wasn't around to open the accessibility door for me, it can push through under the turnstile. Though the bike you linked to, I'm not sure would do that, since it's a lot taller.
Where the folding bike was a blessing was that you can stick it in the trunk of a car service. I bought it when I was dealing with some health issues, and the peace of mind of knowing that if I ran out of energy I could just get a lyft was worth every cent - I biked a lot of places I otherwise wouldn't have because of that.
My folding bike is a Brompton, an older model bought essentially refurbished from Brompton Junction, so much cheaper than it would have been new. It's 16" wheels but it feels really great. If that's not the kind of 16" model you've ridden for yourself, it might be worth to try it before committing to an even more expensive bike that doesn't fold as small.
One of the rides I regularly did with my Brompton was across the Pulaski bridge, the Queensboro bridge and a section of 1st or 2nd avenue. I also regularly did the Manhattan bridge. I commuted on it from Brooklyn to Manhattan all through last summer - though I think that only worked as well as it did because I was going early enough in the morning and late enough in the evening that it wasn't the full heat of day.
BUT for the question overall 'is an expensive folding bike worth it' - I'll say it was for me. (Though expensive for me was about $1100, including accessories). I would say that in the time between getting the bike and covid, I've saved about that much, if not more, on subway fares.
I do really like having both a regular bike and a folding bike (though the regular bike has been exiled to semi-sheltered outdoors torage due to lack of space and I'm sure will break down a lot faster for it). A lot of places I go are not citibike accessible, and the option to just lock the bike up outside and not worry about (it was a pretty cheap one, I have a good lock and the things that lock the seat/wheels) can be very convenient too and sometimes worth the trade off of forgoing the option of a car service home.
One option I sometimes chew on is the upgrade of an electric version or adding a motor. I think I would ride even further (Washington Heights! New Jersey! the beaches!) and more frequently with that - especially I find that biking while wearing a face mask is more of an exertion. But I'm holding off on that for now.
Hope that helps. If you are interested in trying the Brompton the people at the Manhattan store are very nice and they have rentals you can take for a week to try it out.
posted by Salamandrous at 7:30 AM on June 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
I've toured (multiple week trips) on Bike Friday bikes and dahon bikes. Both felt like a full sized bike.
The bike Friday bikes are the nicest folders I've ridden, but probably too pricey if you're not 100% sold on biking. That is likely also true for the tern.
Dahon and giant, as mentioned above, are safe choices.
Just remember that the more you ride your bike, the happier you'll be and the cheaper your per ride costs become!
posted by Acari at 8:06 AM on June 8, 2020
The bike Friday bikes are the nicest folders I've ridden, but probably too pricey if you're not 100% sold on biking. That is likely also true for the tern.
Dahon and giant, as mentioned above, are safe choices.
Just remember that the more you ride your bike, the happier you'll be and the cheaper your per ride costs become!
posted by Acari at 8:06 AM on June 8, 2020
Everything I've heard about Terns says that their best models ride better than most other folders, including Bromptons. The trade-off vis-a-vis a Brompton is that it's a much better ride, and a less convenient fold. [Pre-COVID] I commute on my Brompton because I keep that in the flat, whereas my bikes in my bike store are a mild effort, and normally I'd lock it up in the bike shed, but if I don't, it's no effort whatsoever to bring it in and stow it under my desk.
In terms of ‘stability’, it's tricky to assess how much that matters. The Brompton's very responsive to steering input, so you do need to make sure you're not turning the bars too far, but once you've adapted to that riding style, it's not too hard to work with. For example, due to COVID, I've got a set of rollers to ride indoors, and that's been super-easy on the Brompton: easier, I'm sure, than doing it with full size wheels. Speedbumps and potholes I'm a little more wary of than a big wheeled bike, but once you're comfortable with twitchier steering than on a full size bike, I don't think you're more likely to have a problem.
On preview with what Salamandrous says, bear in mind that their experience with a Brompton not being convenient when folded: anything else is less convenient.
One other pro-Brompton thing: if you buy one, and don't get on with it, they really keep their value secondhand, so you'll be less out of pocket.
posted by ambrosen at 8:15 AM on June 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
In terms of ‘stability’, it's tricky to assess how much that matters. The Brompton's very responsive to steering input, so you do need to make sure you're not turning the bars too far, but once you've adapted to that riding style, it's not too hard to work with. For example, due to COVID, I've got a set of rollers to ride indoors, and that's been super-easy on the Brompton: easier, I'm sure, than doing it with full size wheels. Speedbumps and potholes I'm a little more wary of than a big wheeled bike, but once you're comfortable with twitchier steering than on a full size bike, I don't think you're more likely to have a problem.
On preview with what Salamandrous says, bear in mind that their experience with a Brompton not being convenient when folded: anything else is less convenient.
One other pro-Brompton thing: if you buy one, and don't get on with it, they really keep their value secondhand, so you'll be less out of pocket.
posted by ambrosen at 8:15 AM on June 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
I have been riding a Brompton in NYC for a few years. I have no issues with the size of the wheels vs. the quality of the roads. IMO, Brompton bikes are the highest build quality and nicest ride of any folding bike. If you're going to spend that kind of money, there is no substitute.
Honestly though, you sound like a perfect Citibike commuter. I'd probably just stick with that. I only switched to a Brompton so I could have a bike to travel with. I still have and use my Citibike membership. Bring some antibacterial wipes, keep up with your hand washing, and get back on Citibike!
posted by soy_renfield at 8:34 AM on June 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Honestly though, you sound like a perfect Citibike commuter. I'd probably just stick with that. I only switched to a Brompton so I could have a bike to travel with. I still have and use my Citibike membership. Bring some antibacterial wipes, keep up with your hand washing, and get back on Citibike!
posted by soy_renfield at 8:34 AM on June 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Hi. I'm just here to talk about riding Tern bikes in the city (I ride from Brooklyn to the financial district ~5miles each way, but haven't since March).
It's amazing. Tern makes great bikes. But you gotta be willing to part with the cash. I got the big one (Tern GSD) because I need to take 2 kids to preschool and then get over the bridge to Manhattan. Every day. Even when I feel lazy. The nice thing about pedal assist, is it makes you feel like a biking SUPER hero. Even on level 2 out of 4 assist, you FLY (up to 20MPH, then it gets super hard). Of course, my experience on a giant cargo bike will be different from yours on a smaller folder. I will say there are great (and cheaper) alternatives, but I don't know them. My only advice is: make sure the bike you chose can hold enough cargo for you. Since switching I definitely prefer "some cargo" to "always backpack". If you choose backpack, just keep in mind you will be sweaty on your back in the summer.
Going around NYC, I find the small, wide wheels are fine on typical potholes and speed bumps. In addition (again, for brooklyn), I have never had any problems traveling on a bike at night, even late at night. For 7 miles each way (but especially for going up a bridge) having the pedal assist is really, really nice. In addition, I find myself using my bike for shopping almost exclusively now (again, cargo bike advantage). Basically any place that's more than half a subway stop away, I bike instead of something else.
Good luck with your choice.
posted by Phredward at 8:41 AM on June 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
It's amazing. Tern makes great bikes. But you gotta be willing to part with the cash. I got the big one (Tern GSD) because I need to take 2 kids to preschool and then get over the bridge to Manhattan. Every day. Even when I feel lazy. The nice thing about pedal assist, is it makes you feel like a biking SUPER hero. Even on level 2 out of 4 assist, you FLY (up to 20MPH, then it gets super hard). Of course, my experience on a giant cargo bike will be different from yours on a smaller folder. I will say there are great (and cheaper) alternatives, but I don't know them. My only advice is: make sure the bike you chose can hold enough cargo for you. Since switching I definitely prefer "some cargo" to "always backpack". If you choose backpack, just keep in mind you will be sweaty on your back in the summer.
Going around NYC, I find the small, wide wheels are fine on typical potholes and speed bumps. In addition (again, for brooklyn), I have never had any problems traveling on a bike at night, even late at night. For 7 miles each way (but especially for going up a bridge) having the pedal assist is really, really nice. In addition, I find myself using my bike for shopping almost exclusively now (again, cargo bike advantage). Basically any place that's more than half a subway stop away, I bike instead of something else.
Good luck with your choice.
posted by Phredward at 8:41 AM on June 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
My wife and I bought the cheapest 3-speed Brompton last year after test driving them at the Brompton Junction store in Manhattan and were really surprised at just how normal handling the bikes felt to us. We were taken with just how well built they are, there isn't any flex or feeling of the fold and the nimbleness of the small tires has been a plus for tight maneuvering around cars in the city and overly small gates on some bike trails.
My wife currently commutes about 8 miles each way to Manhattan along Skillman avenue over the Queensboro bridge (Hi neighbor!), and overall she really loves it. Potholes haven't been an issue even with the small tire size, although keeping an eye on the road surface is important. Climbing the Queensboro bridge isn't hard, but the extra bike and pedestrian traffic has been a pain in the evenings recently and a small nimble bike is not a bad thing. When she gets to work, it folds down small enough that she keeps it by her desk at work.
The folding size was really the deciding factor for us. In our small apartment the Bromptons freed up a ton of space that had been occupied by our full size bikes. Most folding bikes are extremely unwieldy and not very good at compactly folding (and often get creaky with age). They are small enough to fit two in the back of a Smart car, a tight fit but possible on MTA commuter rail and they can be placed into the overhead bin of most jets. They also fit perfectly into $5 IKEA Dimpla bags for storage and carrying in public. When we explore the city, we've never had a problem bringing them into restaurants or other businesses.
They have a unique front attached bag system, and they are big enough to carry shopping supplies or everything needed for an overnight trip. The front bag also provides some extra weight to the front tire and makes them more stable.
The biggest downside to them outside of major cities like New York is getting parts for them. We keep a toolkit and spare tire inside of the frame, but if there is a bigger failure while touring most bike shops aren't going to be much of a help.
Since we've got them we've found ourselves every weekend doing things like multi-day bike tours on them, exploring the Hudson Valley, Catskills and quiet parts of Long Island... They've been amazingly liberating in these Covid-19 times.
posted by rambling wanderlust at 9:07 AM on June 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
My wife currently commutes about 8 miles each way to Manhattan along Skillman avenue over the Queensboro bridge (Hi neighbor!), and overall she really loves it. Potholes haven't been an issue even with the small tire size, although keeping an eye on the road surface is important. Climbing the Queensboro bridge isn't hard, but the extra bike and pedestrian traffic has been a pain in the evenings recently and a small nimble bike is not a bad thing. When she gets to work, it folds down small enough that she keeps it by her desk at work.
The folding size was really the deciding factor for us. In our small apartment the Bromptons freed up a ton of space that had been occupied by our full size bikes. Most folding bikes are extremely unwieldy and not very good at compactly folding (and often get creaky with age). They are small enough to fit two in the back of a Smart car, a tight fit but possible on MTA commuter rail and they can be placed into the overhead bin of most jets. They also fit perfectly into $5 IKEA Dimpla bags for storage and carrying in public. When we explore the city, we've never had a problem bringing them into restaurants or other businesses.
They have a unique front attached bag system, and they are big enough to carry shopping supplies or everything needed for an overnight trip. The front bag also provides some extra weight to the front tire and makes them more stable.
The biggest downside to them outside of major cities like New York is getting parts for them. We keep a toolkit and spare tire inside of the frame, but if there is a bigger failure while touring most bike shops aren't going to be much of a help.
Since we've got them we've found ourselves every weekend doing things like multi-day bike tours on them, exploring the Hudson Valley, Catskills and quiet parts of Long Island... They've been amazingly liberating in these Covid-19 times.
posted by rambling wanderlust at 9:07 AM on June 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: Thanks so much, everyone! A ton of really great advice here.
As for CitiBike: I would love, absolutely love, to stick with CitiBike. Problem is, they don't have them in Jackson Heights. The farthest they go into Queens is Astoria. So I'd have to take the M or the R to Citibike in Astoria. Sort of defeats the purpose. As far as I know, they never even contemplated having them out here, and even if they did, I assume they have bigger fish to fry with Covid etc. Bogus (as we GenXers say).
Anyway, I have an appointment at Zen Bikes on 24th Street tomorrow (very near my office, as it happens), so we'll see. Thanks to everyone here, I know what questions to ask. Dude seemed v nice over the phone. I'll come back here and report.
posted by holborne at 3:17 PM on June 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
As for CitiBike: I would love, absolutely love, to stick with CitiBike. Problem is, they don't have them in Jackson Heights. The farthest they go into Queens is Astoria. So I'd have to take the M or the R to Citibike in Astoria. Sort of defeats the purpose. As far as I know, they never even contemplated having them out here, and even if they did, I assume they have bigger fish to fry with Covid etc. Bogus (as we GenXers say).
Anyway, I have an appointment at Zen Bikes on 24th Street tomorrow (very near my office, as it happens), so we'll see. Thanks to everyone here, I know what questions to ask. Dude seemed v nice over the phone. I'll come back here and report.
posted by holborne at 3:17 PM on June 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Ok, I'm the proud owner of a Tern BYB S11. I don't actually have the bike yet, because Zen Bikes had to order it for me, but it should be here in a week or ten days. I did ask the dude (who turned out to be super nice, as he was on the phone) about a bike with pedal assist and he showed me one, but I decided against it as it was heavy -- a little less than 50 pounds -- and I would have had an awful time carrying it up and down subway stairs. The one I got was quite light and I could pick it up easily.
I was also kind of amused at myself for this: I swallowed my pride and told him what I weigh to make sure this particular folder would be ok. He said it would bear up to 230 pounds, so no problem. Whew.
Thanks again, everyone!
posted by holborne at 1:57 PM on June 9, 2020 [6 favorites]
I was also kind of amused at myself for this: I swallowed my pride and told him what I weigh to make sure this particular folder would be ok. He said it would bear up to 230 pounds, so no problem. Whew.
Thanks again, everyone!
posted by holborne at 1:57 PM on June 9, 2020 [6 favorites]
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I'm not American, so I'm not sure how far you would be riding but distance + weight on bike will make a big difference in terms of investing - I mean carrying weight in addition to your own weight. I am a skinny critter with only a work laptop to take over that short distance, so a cheaper bike was fine for me.
The other thing that's worth considering is looking out for second hand (I got mine from a closing down bike shop), but I suspect it's a bit of a seller's market at the moment. Bikes are mostly good buys second hand - you can tell the ones that are truly screwed up quite easily, I find.
posted by smoke at 11:06 PM on June 7, 2020 [2 favorites]