Looking for cheap folding bike, possibly used.

[Lieto]

Good day

I am studying in London and i figured that a bike would be a good investment since buses can be somewhat unreliable. I really like folding bikes, especially after cycling in the rain on few bigger ones not being able to jump on tube or bus and its also easier to store... so yes, folded it is.

I am quite new to cycling and i would appreciate any advice. My budget is quite low and is anything up to 200GBP (the lower the better) so i would imagine that the best choice for me is used. Buying used limits my options in terms of a model though since the market is relatively small, so if you could point me to specific models that would really help. I would really need mud guards (although i can probably buy it separately), from there i think having 3 speeds would help, and wheels probably 20 and not 16, not sure about those.

p.s. i am 182cm height.

Best
Alex

 

[young Ed]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_f...1.A0.H0.Xmens+shoe&_nkw=folding+bike&_sacat=0
don't be scared of ebay just post a link to any of interest on here first for us to critique
Cheers Ed

 

[vickster]

Look at decathlon? Easy as there is a store at Canada water

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-847975-folding-bikes

Or something like this?

http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=142489

 

[mjr]

I'm 180cm and ride a Dawes Jack OK. It has 406mm wheels (20") which I understand gives more choice of parts. It's a six speed derailleur but I think a three speed hub would be slightly better. It was bought second hand through CTC forums. I think the compromise that gets it under budget is the weight: it's 12kg or so and I wouldn't want any heavier. I think hub gears are slightly heavier so that may be why it's a derailleur. Hope that rambling is useful.

 

[Lieto]

It seems like all the bikes i like doesnt have mudguards or is it just mudguards that make bikes look less cool.. anyhow.. do you think that those wing-like mudguards (look nicer) are working well on smaller bikes or i should just go with mudguards that "hug" half of the wheel closely?

Also, are 20' wheels considered faster / more comfortable? Cause i quite like 16 as well and those are usually lighter too. Brompton goes exclusively with 16, right? Is there a reason for that?
Another thing that i am slightly concerned about is seat height — are those bikes really comfortable for adults?

 

[Cycleops]

The bigger the wheels the less rolling resistance, as a rule of thumb. Running them at highest psi possible will also help. You can often find bargains as sometimes these are bought by people who have a job change or whatever and sell them on little used. Don't discount Gumtree and Preloved when looking. I should also post in the special interests section where someone might have one for sale. You don't say where you are.
How about this: http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/111882056/jack-dahon.html
Dahon are a quality make.
Sorry, you are in London

 

[Cycleops]

This is in London:http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/111807441/folding-bike-and-accessories.html
Or this, not too far:http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/110545268/folding-bicycle.html

 

[Lieto]

Thanks a lot looks really good, i especially like land rover one. would mudguards be hard to get for his one?

Ye, so i was checking and there are TONS of options on ebay for example.
So if you guys can point me towards few solid options it would be way easier for me to choose.

For example —
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dunlop-Ev...1131115983?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item51c10ba1cf
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/proteam-folding-bike-/161457578123?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item25979f208b
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/folding-B...1352475470?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item4d2625874e
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/folding-b...1359868961?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item35de1f7021
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Apollo-Fo...1444160110?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item20eeba9a6e
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ecosmo-Sp...1269868190?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item43d1097a9e

p.s. btw, if it says "collection only" — does it mean it won't be shipped to me even if i pay, right?

 

[Cycleops]

I wouldn't go for any you have listed, too cheap and cheerful. The best looks like the Land Rover in Royston. You should be able to get some guards to fit. The Dahon would be even better. Yes, on eBay if it's says collection only that's what it means.

 

[Cycleops]

How's about this Dahon £260 BIN. St.Albans.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dahon-Vit...1464843781?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item1c47de6e05

 

[vickster]

Fudges have a new Dahon vibe reduced to £270. They are folder specialists

 

[Cycleops]

Thanks vickster, here's the link: http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=301893 good buy.

 

[Lieto]

Thanks Cycleops, looks like a superb value. I would assume biggest advantage over cheaper alternatives is the weight.
Just need to figure out if i can afford it, as its quite above the budget.