Folding Bikes

[Ammonite Audio]

I really don't have the room to store a full size bicycle any more, but I still need one for nipping around town. So, a folding bike seems to be the answer, but which one? Bromptons are no doubt good but are way too expensive. There are loads of (probably Chinese) bikes on eBay for relatively little money, some of which have suspension. My main criteria are:


It needs to fold up easily, but doesn't have to go as small as a Brompton
It needs to have decent handling.
Comfort is paramount - so I don't want anything that breaks bones every time I go over a drain cover
A reasonable spread of gear ratios to enable brisk progression when necessary but easy to pedal up the hill to my house, with shopping on board


So, has anyone got any experience of these eBay cheapies, or have other recommendations?

Many thanks

[DSJR]

Didn't Rega make one once?

[rusty bearing]

I can't recommend ebay cheapies. Even if they are any good which I doubt, then you have to pay to return it in the event of a problem.
I would always recommend a local bike shop, any worth there salt will give you a free checkup and twiddle after a few weeks as everything settles in.

We run a mobile bike repair service and see a lot of internet bargains. By the time we have been paid to fix them they're not such bargains!:(

Try asking on something like cyclechat for recommendations:)

[Ammonite Audio]

Thanks for the comments. On the basis of this helpful advice, and having done a bit of research, I've decided to eliminate the cheapo Chinese eBay bikes. I've learnt that Dahon is a good maker, but not cheap nor lightweight. Surprisingly, Halfords have some good deals, particularly on this Carrera Transport (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_80 6151_langId_-1_categoryId_165577) folding bike - it's cheaper, rather lighter, and seems to be better quality than the Dahon Eco7 that Halfords also sell., so this is the one that I'm getting The Raleigh folding bikes that Halfords have are laughably expensive and shoddy - presumably this is what happens when manufacturing is cynically outsourced to China!

[the engine]

Me and it have recently bought two 'tern'Joe...mountain bike style folders.
Great fun and miles comfier than the city style small wheelers. Saddles hard so swapped for a 'bell' silicon seat from asda for a tenner each..brilliant. Heavier though than a brompton type and don't fold as small . Gears are ace ...(21) £400 each. less on't net but I wanted a trial ride which I got at an Evans shop.
All a trade off but up to the cheap chinky ones they're bomb proof.