Folding Bike Shortlist - CITIZEN Gotham 2 Review

Will Batman ride the CITIZEN Gotham 2? Let's see in our latest shortlist review -



Citizen Gotham 2
(from Citizen Bikes)





Citizen Gotham 2 - Folded
(from Citizen Bikes)



CITIZEN Gotham-2 (USD319) - maybe it's just the Batman thing or New York City itself, but for just over $300 you can't go wrong with this one. With alloy frame, Shimano Tourney drivetrain and 7-speed Revoshift shifter (Req.#1 - Check), this spec is similar to the Tern Link C7. While all other parts are generic brands, Gotham 2 still manages to weigh just 27 lbs (Req.#2 - Check). Surely, the extra $100 to $200 you'll save will go a long long way from Hoboken to Jersey City (Cheers!). Featuring the "C" frame design similar to Dahon C7 and Melon Slice, this is the only bike in the list that features a double bar top tube. And this could be a distinctive design but bordering on the "either you love it or hate it" zone. Perhaps, that's the reason why Batman will ride the Gotham 2 - he knows and shares deeply that "love or hate" thing. I like though the simpler design of Gotham 1, however, it only got one-speed. But CITIZEN will definitely give the other bikes a run for their money if it mates the Gotham 1 frame with a 7-speed drivetrain. I bet you'll see Robin flying in that one over the Brooklyn bridge.

Thank you for following our series of folding bike reviews. We have rounded up the following winners in no particular order:

• Tern Link C7 - $450
• Dahon Eco C7 - $499
• Melon Slice - $407
• Citizen Gotham 2 - $319

Whichever you choose, you'll end up a big winner. But getting the bike is just the start of your journey to fitness. So next time, we'll show you how to use safely your folding bike and also bring the best spots to ride in New York - New Jersey area. And just remember, if you're Fit for Bike - you're Fit for Life.

"Life is a journey, not a destination." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (Sorry folks, it's not Steven Tyler! lol...)

Folding Bike Shortlist - MELON Slice Review

As mentioned last time, this post well be our third folding bike review - the MELON Slice. Is it crunchy and sweet? Let's see -



Melon Slice Red
(from Melon Bicycles)





Melon Slice Red - Folded
(from Melon Bicycles)


MELON Slice (USD407) - it was love at first sight for the Melon Slice Red. I could ride it along the pack of Ferrari folding bikes and nobody could notice that it's not one of their siblings. It's priced at $407 by Amazon.com with very tempting specs ($429 from Melon). SRAM MRX Pro grip shifter, SRAM Truvativ Touro 52T Crankset, Shimano Sora 8 Speed Rear Derailleur (Yes, the only 8-speed in the list - Req.#1 - Check), Shimano 12-25T Cassette, Weinmann ZAC20 Rims, Kenda K909 20x1.75 Tires, Formula hubs and Promax brakes. Also, 7005 alloy frame and weighing only 25.5 lbs (Req.#2 - Super Check). And, as if not done yet, they throw in free shipping. WHOA! Everyone, we have a clear winner...until you see the new specs of the current Slice models offered directly by Melon. It seems that the Slice got an identity problem lately and I could almost hear my neighbor Tony Bennett singing "The Way You Look Tonight". Shedding its Shimano and SRAM sets, Melon Slice becomes the only bike in our list without one. Not even the great Tony B. can help it. Melon could have blasted everybody even among bikes which can fold in 15 seconds. It's never too late though to bring back the original specs...hope springs eternal.

Next post is the CITIZEN Gotham 2. Will Batman ride it?

Folding Bike Shortlist - Dahon Eco C7 Review

Earlier, we released our shortlist of folding bikes which satisfied our requirements for the perfect city bike - that it should be 1) versatile and 2) light. While this review is of no particular order, today's post will be our second bike - the DAHON Eco C7.



Dahon Eco C7
(from Dahon)





Dahon Eco C7 - Folded
(from Dahon Bicycles)



DAHON Eco C7 (USD499) - released by the father of all folding bikes, the entry level Dahon Eco C7 shared strikingly similar specs with the Tern Link C7 (or is it the other way around?). It features 7005 alloy frame which, as mentioned in previous post, is perceived to be heavier compared with the 6061 of the Tern Link C7. Surprisingly, it's not the case with the Dahon Eco C7 which is lighter at 26.7 lbs (Req.#2 - Check). I think Dahon was able to make the Eco C7 frame lighter compared with the Link C7 because of the absence of chain stays where Dahon opted for the "C" design and integrate it in the seat stays. This is advantageous if you intend upgrading to an internal hub and belt drives. In this sense, this open architecture is more versatile compared to the close triangle of Link C7. However, some would argue that the close triangle design is more stronger and reliable than the "C" design though this argument is still open for debate.  The bike also boasts Shimano Tourney (FT-30 derailleur) and cassette but with Microshift 7-speed shifter (Req.#1 - Check). As with all Dahon folding bikes, it's well built and supplied with premium parts. At $49 more than the Tern Link C7, maybe that's what you pay for the Dahon badge. Clearly both bikes are twins and either way you've got a winner, which is a problem you'll be happy to have. And did I say it folds in 15 seconds?

Next post is the MELON Slice, will it whet our appetite?

Folding Bike Shortlist - Tern Link C7 Review

Now that you've decided to buy a folding bike, the shortlist below might help you choose which one to take home. Previously, we considered the $400 range as it's where both value and quality meet. We also showed that for maximum value, the bike should have 1) at least three gears to make it versatile in city driving and in navigating city park hills and 2) light enough to carry in bus, trains and walk-up apartment.

These made our shortlist in no particular order, which we'll review in a series of post:

• Tern Link C7 - $450
• Dahon Eco C7 - $499
• Melon Slice - $407
• Citizen Gotham 2 - $399

Now, the TERN Link C7 -



Tern Link C7
(from Tern Bicycles)





Tern Link C7 - Folded
(from Tern Bicycles)



TERN Link C7 (USD450) - the competing brand of the mother and son of the Dahon family. At $450 the price is within our entry range boasting premium build and parts. I got hold of the black and gray model from one of the authorized dealers in Manhattan. We fold and unfold the bike and surely it's within 20 seconds easy. What I immediately noticed is the fit of the parts, very sturdy and stiff without any annoying rattles. The frame is the latest 6061 alloy which is perceived to be lighter compared to the older 7005 alloy frames. The seat stays intersect prior to the seat tube which they called "Double Truss Technology", claiming stiffer frame compared to those welded directly on the seat tube. It boasts of Shimano Tourney sets (FT-30 derailleur) with 7-speed Revoshifter (Req.#1 - Check). Crankset is in-house 6061 forged alloy while wheelset is alloy rims and Schwalbe tires.  It weighs 27.3 lbs which is not bad (Req.#2 - Check). The feel of the bike really means business and I like the adjustable head post which makes it very flexible to configure from cruiser stance to racer. I believe Tern did not only put more value on this bike but perhaps even selling at cost simply to introduce the brand. Some argues that if you made the switch, there could be no "Terning" back. Lol.

Next, the DAHON Eco C7.

How to Choose the Perfect Folding Bike

You're looking for a folding bike coz you're far from subway station and the bus is unreliable, or you happen to live in a fourth floor walk-up apartment and don't have enough space to store a full bike, or you just want something new for fun. Your friends might have pointed out that it looks like a wheelchair, but don't worry you'll get the last laugh.

Purpose of your bike. Folding bike is good for recreation, fitness and commute. Good in the bus, train, trunk, elevator and under your office desk too. Do you intend to race or you're just a good weather rider. Using it for commute gives the best return, if you’ll not mind getting sweaty stares from your officemates while increasing your laundry cost (I wonder about that dude in the insurance TV commercial - lol).

Budget consideration. You don't need expensive ones, but sometimes your life may depend on your bike so invest more on reliable brands. Most folding bikes today are manufactured in Taiwan and China. Sadly, there are no folding bikes made in the USA (I will be more than happy to get corrected on this one). Happily, wherever made, most folding bikes are fitted with premium parts such as Shimano and SRAM. The $400 price range is where you get value and quality, giving the best bang for the buck.

Minimum enjoyment requirements. To get the most out of your folding bike it should be (#1) versatile for city driving and in navigating urban park hills. You might consider getting one with multiple speed as single-speed may have been good for you but only a long time ago during your BMX years. And, it should be (#2) light enough to carry home while leaving enough strength to pull your legs to bed.

Let’s get techie. There are two common sizes of folding bikes, the 16s and the 20s. It does not pertain to your age and don’t think dirty either, it refers to the size of the wheels in inches. The 16s are more portable but got leisurely speed. The 20s are bulkier but have more natural bike feel and speed. The body or frame of the bike is either made of steel or alloys – the latter is preferred for being lighter but is more expensive.  Then comes the drivetrain which is either single or multi-speed ranging from 3 to 27 speeds. While 3 speeds are sufficient for experienced city biker, you should look for at least 7 speeds to get better all-around performance and this is where good brands matter, the drivetrain being the working horse of your bike – apart from your legs.  All other parts which complete the bike, like the brakes, saddle, handlebar – can be generic brands, and if made of alloy, the better. And lastly, the reason you need to buy a folding bike is its distinct characteristic to fold. A good bike should fold no more than 30 seconds and have folded footprint no bigger than a person space in any public area.

So there you are, all the things you need to know to find your perfect folding bike. Which one you choose is a matter of taste, but you'll definitely know...once you see it. We'll have our shortlist of folding bikes in the next post. And good luck in your conquest for fitness and good life.

"Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever." - Lance Armstrong