Montague Folding Bikes: Reviews and Advice Needed

[G01]

I'm thinking about getting one of these Montague folding bikes, since I plan on moving to a bigger city and may not have a car:

http://www.montagueco.com/bikes/dx-folding-bike.html

Has anyone ever used one of these bikes? I never liked folding bikes before since they either looked strange or seemed to not be very sturdy. These bikes have neither problem from the looks of them and the reviews, but I'd like some other opinions before I order one.

Are they sturdy?

How quickly do they really fold?

How much stress can they handle? (I'm vaguely worried about the folding joint giving out while on a ride.)

If anyone who has had any experience with Montague Bikes can offer any advice, that would be really appreciated.

 

[Math Is Hard]

I have a Dahon folding bike. I like it, but it is not as easy to fold and unfold as they make it look. (It takes me 2-3 minutes). Watch out for pinches while you're doing it! The folding joints lock and hold well, though. My handlebars, frame, and pedals all fold, and the seat can be detached.

The folding bikes that I have looked at are not that light, which is a disadvantage for their portability. Mine is about 26 pounds.

 

[JasonRox]

What's wrong with just a regular bike?

You need to determine if you actually need a folding bike or not. If you don't, don't get one.

You can always get a BMX, and just get a higher seat. Depends how big you are. And, it will be lighter, still small, and as sturdy as you can get. (I doubt you'll be throwing it around like a BMXer should be doing.)

I have my scooter. I used to own a BMX for traveling around. It's fun if you know small little tricks. I had a speedometer on it, but you couldn't tell I had one. I had it set up not to get in the way of anything. I sold it to someone else and he didn't notice it. (He was thrilled to own a top notch BMX from the year 2001 in near perfect condition. My tricks are that big. ;) ) My average speed was like 22km/h. So that's good for a BMX.

Now, with my scooter, I average 55km/h. :P

 

[mgb_phys]

I seem to remember a review of the folder in the ad - it's meant more for occasional folding, like packing for vacations or storing in an aprtment rather than getting on-off the train everyday.

I have a cheap dahon clone - it's not great, it doesn't fold that well and it's a poor ride.
If you can afford it the Brompton is the ultimate, it's a great ride and folds down to be airline carry on.

 

[G01]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm really set on a mountain bike as opposed to a BMX. I find BMX bikes less comfortable to ride. Of course, that may be because I am a taller guy.

I was considering a folding bike because I am probably going to be living in a small apartment next year. I'll need as much space as possible. Also the folding ability will give me the ability to avoid leaving the bike outside at work. I don't mind it if my bike takes 2 minutes to fold. That's not too bad, especially if no tools are involved as with these Montague bikes.

 

[physics girl phd]

I've seen one used in the Baltimore area for daily use (since the woman commuted to work on the train, which didn't allow non-folding bikes on it). She said she's really prefer a non-folding bike... but catching the train with this thing was better than driving for both environmental purposes and for the worry about parking, traffic, etc.

For "bigger city" you may want to consider whether you'd be taking this thing on public transport (on the front of buses, in the under-carry storage of buses, or inside subways or rail)... and see what the regulations are for the city you're going to be in. I've always liked my aluminum hybrid frame... I got a great deal on it (~200-300 bucks, new) at the time since the store was unloading its GT stock (I think GT was getting out of the hybrid-line business).

PS. -- I still had room for it in a 400sq ft. 1-bedroom apt. I kept it in my bedroom, which had a sliding glass door to a back porch... and I was on the ground floor. Nicer apt than it sounds... since its front porch had room for a three-seat metal table (with room to spare). Great for having friends over in the summer.

 

[Rien]

For my final thesis at the University of Canberra (Australia) in combination with the Delft University of Technology (the Netherlands) I am executing a research on foldable bicycles used for commuting. For this purpose I made a survey with a few questions concerning foldable bicycles. It would be of great help if you could help me by filling in this survey. For the survey it doesn’t matter whether you possesses a foldable bicycle or not.
http://www.thesistools.com/?qid=73617&ln=eng

Thanks in advance!
Rien Schuurhuis

 

[mgb_phys]

This any help ?
http://www.foldsoc.co.uk/tests.html

 

[G01]

This any help ?
http://www.foldsoc.co.uk/tests.html

Very helpful! Thanks mgb_phys.

Also, I realized Montague is based out of Cambridge, MA. I will be in Boston this week and I think I'm going to try to see one of their bikes in person. If I like it, I may end up buying. We'll see what happens.