Best folding mountain bikes for under £180?

[phil-g]

Hi,

I am starting a new job later this month and I want to buy a folding mountain bike for the commute from my job, here are a few seen so far:


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STOWABIKE-26-FOLDING-DUAL-SUSPENSION-18SP-SHIMANO-GEARS-FOLDABLE-MOUNTAIN-BIKE-/291036493491?
pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item43c32076b3

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pedalease-M1-easy-fold-26-folding-full-suspension-Mountain-bike-dual-disc-brake-/311015935258?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&var=&hash=item4869fe8d1a

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hannover-Explorer-26-18-Speed-Full-Suspension-Folding-Bike-bicycles4u-/371127211099?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&var=&hash=item5668e7d45b


I know next to nothing about cycling as I haven't rode in quite a few years, can anyone say if any of these are better than the other two? Or any suggestions for other decent bikes in this price range?




Also, on a sidenote do you think 16 miles one way would be a feasible distance from work every day? I'm pretty young (22) but I'd say my fitness levels are not much better than average.

 

[oldbobcat]

None of these bike looks like it would hold up to the rigors of trail riding, but the Pedalease at least looks like it's made from higher quality components. I would hate to ride the other two 32 miles every day, and I'm still not sure about the Pedalease.

If you're using the bike to ride to work, presumably on roads, why not skip the toy full suspension and invest the difference in a good folding road-going bike? I'm still not sure about going this distance on a folding bike, but I've ridden with a guy who who could force the pace on a Moulton.

Generally, decent hardtail trail bikes start at around $500-600 US; full suspension doesn't get worthwhile til you put down around $1500. To give you an idea how much functional suspension costs.

 

[bettyspinks]

Yeah, I wouldn't do 16 miles each way on a folding bike. Especially a full suspension one! Do you have any idea of the elevation change on your route? I would buy a bike without suspension if your commute is all road because while there are flat routes around London, there are also tiny climbs which are a pain in the ass on full suspension. Get a nice hardtail. Good luck!

ps - Speaking to your age and fitness level-- I'm young, go to the gym 4 days a week, and dance in a west end show 4 days a week. I ride 4 miles each way to work on a folding bike and that's about as much as I'd want to do on a folding bike.

 

[oldbobcat]

If you're still paying attention, bike shops with an account with J&B Importers can get you a spartan but durable 3-speed road-going (no suspension) folding bike for around $475 US retail.