Korean Job Discussion Forums

mumblebee · Joined: 26 Jun 2004 Location: Andong

I am thinking about buying a folding bike, since it seems like it would be fun to be able to travel around with it...but the lighter (aluminium) ones seem kind of expensive, and before I shell out for one, I'd like to know what they are like, if anyone here has experience with one.

How comfortable are they to ride for extended time periods? There are several models with smaller wheels...and some with wheels that are close to the size on a regular bike. Recommendations on this? Can you take it on the subway? Intercity bus? The ones I have looked at have 7 gears, is this enough to get by on without wrecking my knees?

I'd love to hear about anyone's experience with these....

thanks!

Summer Wine · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Location: Next to a River

Sorry can't answer those questions, but a coworker had one for at least 4 months, that I know of. So they can't all be bad. It looked exactly the same as a normal bike, just foldable.

Pyongshin Sangja · Joined: 20 Apr 2003 Location: I love baby!

The smaller 20" wheel bikes will probably fit on a bus. Trains? I doubt it. The smaller wheels are much less stable and much slower. The larger, 26", wheeled bikes are very similar to a regular bike. Folded, they would probably fit on a bus as well. I have ridden the smaller ones, they are allright but I wouldn't want to go very far on them.
As for the gears, 7 speeds gives you a very limited range. Without a front sprocket hills will be very difficult. Allright for moving around your neighbourhood, but not a ride-all-day kind of deal.