Xootr Swift Folding Bicycle - Blue Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought my Xootr Swift two years ago, and it's been a very fun, fast, useful ride since.
First, the weaknesses:
It's a big bulky fold. Think Smoothhound squashed in half--or twice the size of a folded Strida. It's an elegant, fast fold (6 seconds for me)--but it's not small.
It's rigid. No energy is lost from the rider to the road. On the crappy SF streets (ahem, Mr Newsom), you can really feel every bump. That being said, it's much smoother a ride than a Dahon TT pro, and it's cheaper.
Now, it's strengths:
It's a great ride. It's very similar to a Bike Friday Pocket Rocket in ride, but much cheaper.
It's light (mine's 22 lbs, heavier than stock). It accelerates great. A gentleman named Jur has made his bike under 18 lbs.
It uses standard parts, and it's almost infinitely customizeable (can't be made a recumbent). You can put almost anything on it, from BMX parts, to weight weenie roadie gear, to old Suntour shifters.
It begs to have drop bars. In the stock configuration, I've dropped roadies and followed messengers (albeit for a short period of time) wearing business casual, a murse, and some loafers.
It folds pretty darn conveniently narrow. It's big, which is bad for MUNI, but it's easy to slip between things when you're storing it at home.
Lastly, it's the most elegant locking system that I've seen in a folder. The dynamic joint acts as a static system when it's in place, and is braced against the seatpost in one unit.
All in all, this is a great bike if you have decent roads.
If your roads suck, you may consider a Birdy or a Pacific Reach.

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Urban Mover Terrain Folding Electric Bike (26-Inch Wheels) Review

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(More customer reviews)I was really excited to get this bike. It is not cheap but I felt that the practicality of it would help to validate the cost. The day I got it, I plugged the battery in right away so it would be charged and ready to go the next day. I live a little more than seven miles from campus. On hot summer days I am completely soaked when I ride my bike in. It usually takes me about 35-40 minutes on a regular bike. I was looking for something that would make the trip easier yet would still be environmentally friendly. When I saw this bike, I thought it would be the perfect solution.
As soon as I took it on a ride, I was in love. The power assist made riding so much easier. Hills were no problem. I got to campus and was still relaxed and not soaked! The one thing I noticed is that the top gear was still too low for me. On my bike I can usually spin at about 14-15 mph on the flat with no problem. This bikes gearing would not allow me to do that. I rode the bike back and forth every day. The battery would last for the duration - most of the time. On a few trips, it started to die out about 1-2 miles from home on my return trip.
The real problem happened about a week after I received the bike. The power assist literally quit working about half way into class one day. I practically killed myself trying to get to campus on time. I was exhausted and soaked. I was hoping that if I let the bike rest for the day that it was perhaps an overheating issue or some similar sort of thing. Unfortunately, for my ride home that afternoon, the power assist never worked. That ride felt like I had a 200 pound weight dragging behind me. I almost didn't make it home. I was extremely disappointed. I parked the bike and was hoping that the next day things would be better. No chance. The bike was "dead".
I immediately decided that I was not going to mess with this. If the technology was unproven or underdeveloped I did not want to throw over $1500 out the window. I packed it up and shipped it back. I must say that I was pleased with Amazon's Return Policy. I got all of my money back, including the $100+ that I paid to ship the bike back. I would love to have an electric bike that is reliable and affordable. Unfortunately, it looks like I will have to keep looking for a while longer.

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The most popular form of transportation in the world is the bicycle, but few Americans take it seriously as a car alternative. Enter the Urban Mover Terrain electric bike, a battery-powered bicycle that can go farther and faster than a conventional bike with little effort. The Terrain is outfitted with such features as a lightweight, folding aluminum alloy frame, a Shimano Tourney gear set and shifter, and 20-inch alloy wheel rims with stainless-steel spokes. The folding frame is particularly convenient, as it takes up about as much space as the average piece of luggage, letting you tuck it snugly into the corner of your trunk or closet. It's the advanced Panasonic lithium battery and powerful UM brushless hub motor that really steal the show, however. The electric assistance makes it easy to pop into town for groceries or commute across the city, because the bike's sensor detects how hard you're riding and instantly matches the effort. Even a casual peddler can maintain speeds of 12 to 18 miles per hour with a minimum of effort. And when you stop peddling, the power is interrupted immediately so that you're always in total control. It's the perfect bike for commuters tired of facing traffic jams day in and day out or dealing with the spiraling costs of car ownership.
The Terrain offers a real alternative to the social and fiscal costs of driving. Maintenance and fuel costs are minimal, with the electricity for charging the fuel checking in at about 10 cents for every 12 to 18 miles (the charger works in standard outlets and charges in less than six hours). In addition, the bike effectively flattens hills by increasing your average speed on the approach, making it simple to climb hills of up to 12 percent without collapsing in exhaustion. And although it won't keep you as fit as a conventional bike, the Terrain will get you outdoors and moving. Perhaps the most popular feature, however, is the emission-free design, which is far cleaner and greener than carbon-based transportation. And if you charge the bike using power from a wind generator or solar panels, you'll be even greener. All that plus it doesn't smell or rattle, is completely silent, and is easy to maintain.
Bike Features:
Lightweight, folding alloy frame
Fully sealed bearing system
Unique telescoping handlebars
20-inch alloy wheels with stainless-steel spokes
Shimano Tourney 6-speed derailleur gears
Shimano Tourney thumb shift gear change
Kenda puncture-resistant tires
Kenda self-sealing inner tubes
Suspension seat post
Sealed headset and crank bearings
Variable pedal assist control
Tektro V-type front and rear brakes
Patented locking side release battery mechanism
Integrated rear wheel lock and chain
Handlebar mounted charge indicator
UM sprung gel comfort saddle with quick-release mechanism
Integrated side stand
Chrome ABS corrosion-proof mud guards
Rear alloy parcel rack
Platinum metallic finish
5-year frame warranty; 1-year warranty on components and battery

Specifications:
System voltage: 26 volts
Battery pack: Panasonic lithium ion 26-volt, 9 Ah
Digital battery charger: 110 to 240 volts, (50 to 60 Hz)
USA motor rating: 250 watts, 26 volts
Motor type: Brushless with single-stage planetary gearing
Motor controller type: Digital VPAC
Gradient capability: Up to 12 percent
Maximum range (VPAC motor assisted): 21 miles
Maximum speed: 15 miles per hour
Wheel size: 20 inches
Rims/spokes: Alloy/stainless steel
Brake: V-brake front and rear
Rear gear set: Shimano Tourney 6 speed
Rear parcel rack and carrier: Yes
Full-chromed ABS mud-guard set: Yes
Bottom crank size: 48T
Saddle model and type: UM-V comfort sprung gel
Frame length: 60 inches
Wheel base: 44 inches
Weight: 43.3 pounds

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Schwinn Hinge Folding Bike Review

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(More customer reviews)Although not as light or well built as a Dahon (Broadwalk model), I find this bike to be a decent alternative. Fenders are made of plastic, luggage rack is convienent, nicely supplied nylon protective bag for the bike in the folded position. Front and rear hand brakes, (no coaster brakes). What I didn't like about the bike is that the crank arm is made of plastic. Although thick, it's just chromed plastic. About $40-60 less than the Dahon Broadwalk.

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Bikes are terrific for commuters, but they're not always easy to fit in small apartments, homes, or offices. Enter the Schwinn Hinge 20-inch folding bicycle, an ideal commuting bike that folds compactly for easy storage in a closet, garage, or elsewhere.The Hinge is equipped with such features as a low stand-over frame, an ATB rigid fork, and alloy front and rear linear pull brakes, helping it perform as smoothly as any other commuter bike. It's also remarkably comfortable to ride, with an adjustable seat post and high handlebars. And riders will love the handy rear rack, which lets you lash a bag or other gear to the bike. Other features include 20-inch alloy rims, city tires with smooth treads, front and rear fenders, a pro wheel crank, and folding pedals. The Schwinn Hinge measures 30 by 32 by 11 inches (W x H x D) when folded.
About Schwinn Ignaz Schwinn and his partner Adolph Arnold incorporated Arnold, Schwinn & Company on October 22, 1895. Within a few short years of its inception, the company had become an acknowledged technical and quality leader within the bicycle industry. Now, more than 100 years later, Schwinn has become an American icon and built some of the best-known and best-loved bicycles of all time, including the Aerocycle, Paramount, Phantom, Varsity, Sting-Ray, Krate, Homegrown, and more. A world leader in technology and fabrication, Schwinn has been an indispensable player in revolutionizing bicycling around the world.

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Kent Mini 8 Folding Bike Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a very fun little novelty bike that is well made and sturdy but it is geared so low that it is completely impractical for actual use as a commuter bike. The rider must peddal constantly just to maintain brisk walking speed. However, it is a blast to ride around the house or the neighborhood and you'll definitely get some looks, especially if you lower the handlebars and seat all the way. It is a fun novelty but not for someone looking for an actual commuter bike.

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Proving that great things come in small packages, the Kent Mini 8 folding bike is an ideal space-saving choice for people with small homes yet big expectations. The Mini 8 is outfitted with such standard bike features as a strong aluminum alloy frame, a one-speed dual chain drive, front and rear linear pull brakes, and alloy wheels. However, the bike distinguishes itself from the crowd through its folding frame and adjustable-height seat and handlebars.
Thanks to the unique collapsible design, you can ride this bike to the commuter train, and then quickly fold the frame and haul it along to work. And when you get home, you can easily store the bike in a closet or corner of the room. The bike measures only 28 by 16 by 23 inches (W x H x D) when folded and weighs 26 pounds--roughly the size and weight of an airport carry-on. Plus, it takes only 20 seconds or so to fold the bike, seat, handlebars, and pedals. Other features include 8-inch balloon tires, a chrome steel handle post and seat post, and a maximum rider height of 6 feet. The Mini 8 measures 45 by 54 by 15 inches when unfolded.

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