With a global recession picking up steam and gas prices through the roof, 2008 was the year folding bikes hit the radar for many people. These tiny road warriors not only helped people save money, but they also offered a great way to get in shape. Compact, portable and easy to use, folding bikes were, and still are, a great solution for travelers, commuters or those with limited storage options.
Brompton M3L
Britain's Brompton Bicycle has been making the most compact folding bikes for years -- and 2008 was no exception. The M3L is comfortable and stable and, when folded, is only 22.2 inches by 21.5 inches by 10.6 inches. Although it only has three speeds and is one of the more expensive folding bikes on the market, the 2008 M3L offers quality components in a truly bite-sized bike. In early 2011, the Brompton M3L retailed for around $1,000.
Dahon Jack
The 2008 Dahon Jack is a folding bike for everyone. Most folding bikes come with 16-or-20 inch wheels, which can make for tricky handling, but the Jack offers full-size 26-inch tires. It is a solid bike, equally at home on the trail as on a commute. What riders gain in comfort, however, they sacrifice in compactness; it's about twice the size of the M3L when folded. Dahon must be onto something, though; in 2008, it cornered nearly two-thirds of the folding bike market. In early 2011, the Dahon Jack retailed for $599.
Downtube 9FS
Oprah's "O" magazine says the 2008 Downtube 9FS's "cheery" design will "give you the same social magnetism as walking a very cute dog." In addition to being attractive, it folds down to 12 inches by 23.6 inches by 33 inches; not bad for a full-suspension bike. Extra-wide handlebars make it more stable than other folding bikes in its class and it even sports a water bottle cage. In early 2011, Downtube offered the 9FS for $449.
Mezzo D9
Unlike most folding bikes, Mezzos fold along a solid one-piece frame rather than in the middle. The ingenious design makes for a stiffer, more efficient frame and, says Tony Farrelly of the "Bike Radar" website, a better, more stable ride. The 2008 model features a Shimano Tiagra derailleur, SRAM Attack shifters and ProMax caliper brakes. In early 2011, the Mezzo D9 sold for around $1,160.
Member Comments