Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pkang0202]

I'm looking to start bicycling around Seoul for exercise and to get around my neighborhood.

I figured a folding bicycle would be the most practical since I could always fold it up to take inside my apartment of onto a bus/subway if need be.

I don't know a thing about folding bicycles though. I see they come in different sizes. I've been doing some reading and read that the smaller wheels can make the ride more bumpy/uncomfortable.

Is there any advice anyone can give me in choosing a good folding bicycle?

[nosmallplans]

depends on your budget. my understanding is that the go to folding bike would be dahon. but if you've got the budget and the desire you can upgrade to a bike friday, birdy, mouton (not really folding is it...) and more.

check out dahon's website, they have a bicycle picker.

[pkang0202]

500,000w is a little too much for a bike I think. Around 250,000w is my price range.

I narrowed it down to:

http://www.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=129011847

and

http://www.gmarket.co.kr//challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=155101918


I like the Benetton bike because of its lightweight.

However, the 2nd bike (Fila) looks to have some suspension on it. However, that bike is 4.3kg heavier than the Benetton bike.

So, is the smoother ride from the suspension on the Fila bike worth the extra 4.3kg?

Or do you think the effects from the suspension are nor beneficial enough to warrant the extra weight?

[moosehead]

I had a benetton - was excellent and lighter than the others.

but none of them are as easy to fold as you might think - it's only when really necessary - like to move or put in a taxi (flat tire) that kind of thing

[nosmallplans]

it should also be noted that a suspension on a bicycle in that price range will be pretty ineffective. i think you're better off ignoring the presence of the suspension and focus on other features that youlike.

[lille]

if you're just going to be bombing around your neighbourhood, there's no reason to buy a mountain bike (unless, that is, it's all you can find). the ones here are so laden with useless shocks and silly bits that they're ungainly and no fun to go anywhere on. try to find yourself a road bike if you're not going the folding route - they're much easier to toss over your shoulder and carry down the subway stairs.

[Bryan]

I have an old bike for sale for 20,000 won if you want it. Front tire is flat right now. Comes with a new chain and bike lock.

IMO People always want new fancy stuff to exercise like a folding bike, treadmill, etc. Bike around first for a bit and if you're liking it, then spend the big bucks on a folding bike. I take mine into the apartment staircase.

All people really need for exercise are a pair of running shoes. For transport and exercise, a cheap bike works great.

[OneWayTraffic]

I wouldn't go folding unless you're absolutely sure that you will be folding it. I bought one and I've only ever folded it once. If I was doing it again I'd get a 700c hybrid.

I find that I can get around a radius of 5-7km faster than the bus or subway. It's a 5-10min walk to the bus stop/subway station then a 5min wait. By then I'm already 4km away or more.

I wouldn't worry about weight so much either. It's not a big deal except when you're carrying the bike, or if you're obsessed about shaving seconds off an uphill climb. In level terrain cruising weight makes practically no difference to the amount of energy you output.

[OneWayTraffic]

[TheMeerkatLover]

I'd suggest a Kestrel Talon (SL model preferred). A great ride if you enjoy riding.

www.kestrelbicycles.com

Meerkat

[buymybook]

[lille]

oh man, that kestrel bike sure looks dorky. i'll keep my skinny osso anyday. http://www.m7bike.com/shop/data/goods/1238236309m0.gif

[kiknkorea]

4.3 kg is a lot of difference in a small bike. However, a little suspension does help when riding here.

I've never been on a folding bike. I know they're not made for speed, but do they ride OK? It seems the joints on them for folding would make it a little rickety. I guess like most things it depends on how much you spend.

Good luck with whatever you get. Lots of good days ahead for a ride.

[TheMeerkatLover]

[kiknkorea]