Origami bicycles, anyone have one?

[ponchera]

The thread about metro allowing bikes during rush hour got me craigslisting for a folding bike.

I came accross these:
http://origamibicycles.com

which are very inexpensive, perfect for those small rides from metro to work/home/bar/other place shall not be mentioned.

Anyone have one, seen one, ridden one. Thoughts?
Or anyone with experience with folding bikes that can see flaws/issues with these cheapo bikes. I know some models go into the thousands so quite shocking you can grab one for 300 bucks.

Topic

[off2ride]

Call Revolution Cycles in Georgetown. Sorry, I don’t know the number. They are an official dealer of Dahon folding bikes according to a reliable source.

[eminva]

I have a Dahon Speed folding bike from Bikes@Vienna. I won it in a contest several years ago, but I think the retail for the bike was about $500 or $600. I like it and find it very sturdy. I took it in for recall service, but never had any actual problems before or after. I find the ride quite different from a full size bike, but it feels safe and comfortable. It fits a niche because of its portability. For example, if I’m going to a baseball game after work I can take that over from my office and fold it up for the metro ride home.

Liz

[off2ride]

Oh right. I was there a few days ago and yes, they have a lot of “on hand” Dahon folding bikes. Check em out Ponchera.

[ponchera]

i was kinda digging the 299 price tag on the origami and they are a VA store too although i may get someone in DC to buy it to avoid tax (yeah yeah yeah i know…)

[KLizotte]

@ponchera 16876 wrote:

i was kinda digging the 299 price tag on the origami and they are a VA store too although i may get someone in DC to buy it to avoid tax (yeah yeah yeah i know…)

I would try both the Dahon and Origami so you can see what the higher price “buys” you in terms of quality, lightness, etc. then make a decision from there. Will depend a lot on how much you plan on riding it too.

Oddly enough, there was a folding bike (don’t recall the brand but it was definitely a lessor known one) that was left leaning against a street pole outside my apartment building last month that was incorrectly locked; that is, the chain lock went around the pole but only around the top of the seat so one only had to lift up the lock and roll away. I know this because I walked over and did just so since I couldn’t believe my eyes. I put it back and tried to make it look like the bike was secure; I even considered moving it into my apartment with a note for the owner to retrieve it but was worried that it might be a police plant. Anyway….the bike sat there for three whole weeks!!! I guess I live in a safe neighborhood. Every once in a while the bike changed position so I know some other people checked it out. One morning I came out and the bike was gone but the chain was still attached to the pole. Who leaves a foldingbike outside for weeks, unlocked?! Very weird.

[ponchera]

i just found a thread over at bikeforums. apparently the are new and the price is low to get them out on the market spreading the word, owner says price will go up in the summer.. I may consider this. I need to get off my feet, plantar fascitis killing me, this could help on the metro days.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/805617-Anyone-try-the-Origami-Cricket-folder?highlight=origami

[5555624]

I have a 2003 Dahon Matrix, which is a full-size folder. It essentially folds in half. They do make a carrying case that fits it, so you could ride to Metro, fold it, stick it in the case, and get on the subway.

One reason I picked it up because I could fold it and put it under the work surface in my cubicle. (The work surface on that side was set so I could work standing up.) That lasted a few months, but not because of the bike, but because I could once again bring in my regular commuter and store it inside.

It’s now my usual bike for errands and such. I have a rear rack installed, with a folding wire basket on one side. It’s usually store, folded, in a corner. When out and about, I can flip the latch and “fold” it around a signpost to lock it up.

[baiskeli]

@off2ride 16872 wrote:

Call Revolution Cycles in Georgetown. Sorry, I don’t know the number. They are an official dealer of Dahon folding bikes according to a reliable source.

Revolution in Arlington sells Dahons too.

[americancyclo]

I’d be curious as to how these compare to the Citizen folders, which are also cheaper than Dahon, and heavier.

[ponchera]

I got one of these. They are well built. good bike, unfortunately for a big guy like me, it doesn’t work out to well.. I’m like yogi bear on a kids tricycle. If anyone is interested, you can swing by and check it out.. $290.00, i’ll let go, you’ll save shipping and tax (60.00 savings). bike has tops a mile of use on it, had it for a few days only. I got the Cricket in black.

[Pinigis]

There are two new models to be added to the Origami lineup in early June. Both are lightweight and compact; one has a full suspension and the other folds similar to to a Brompton. Prices are not yet set, but they will be very competetively priced. Photos will not be released for several weeks.

[Pinigis]

@Pinigis 18626 wrote:

There are two new models to be added to the Origami lineup in early June. Both are lightweight and compact; one has a full suspension and the other folds similar to to a Brompton. Prices are not yet set, but they will be very competetively priced. Photos will not be released for several weeks.

Those new models are finally available and pricing has been set. There is a “back to school” promotion going on until September 15th.

[Author]

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