
Among inexpensive folding bikes, the Downtube 9FS stands out. Reviewers say this folding bike offers quality components for the price, including aluminum V-brakes and 20-inch Kenda tires. The Downtube 9FS has nine speeds and weighs 27 pounds, which is not exactly light but still pretty good for a budget folding bike -- some budget models can weigh more than 30 pounds. The Downtube 9FS can fold down to 12 inches by 23.6 inches by 33 inches in a manufacturer-reported time of 10 seconds, and reviewers agree that folding the bike is very easy. However, unlike more expensive folding bikes, the Downtube 9FS doesn't stay locked together when it's folded, so testers recommend using a strap or bungee cord to keep it folded while you carry it. The Downtube 9FS has full suspension, but it doesn't come with commuting accessories like fenders or racks. Downtube bikes are available at some dealerships in the U.S., but the majority of their bikes are sold online from the manufacturer's website, Downtube.com. We also found good reviews for the Dahon Speed D7 (MSRP: $490), which gets high marks for ride quality.
We found the best review of the Downtube 9FS in VeloVision magazine. Reviewer Peter Eland conducts a detailed test of the folding bike and thoroughly explains the components, ride quality and ease of folding. The Downtube 9FS also gets shorter mentions in Motor Boating and O, The Oprah Magazine, but they don't test the bike or offer any critical feedback. Bicycling magazine reviews the Downtube 9, which has front suspension (instead of full) and comes with several commuting accessories.
|
Dahon Speed D7 Folding Bike
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
Our Sources
1. VeloVisionDetails/Subscribe
Peter Eland tests the Downtube 9FS, saying it has an easy fold, quality components and a very stable ride. Overall, he recommends the bike but wishes it had a strap or lock to keep it together when folded.
Review: Folding On a Budget, Peter Eland, Sept. 2008
2. Motor BoatingDetails/Subscribe
Motor Boating magazine calls the Downtube 9FS a "boater's bike" for those who want to travel with a bicycle but can't schlep around a full-size bike. The folding pedals and saltwater-resistant cable housings get high marks for boaters.
Review: Gear, Editors of Motor Boating, June 2009
3. O, The Oprah MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Jessica Winter picks the Downtube 9FS as a good choice for commuters in honor of Bike to Work Month. Winter especially likes the sporty orange color.
Review: Bike to Work for National Bike Month, Jessica Winter, May 2009
Bicycling magazine reviews the Downtube 9, which has front suspension only and additional commuting accessories. Overall, they say it's the "perfect rig for any train or bus commuter."
Review: Downtube 9, Editors of Bicycling, April 2008
Folding Bikes Runners Up:
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
|
Sponsored Links are keyword-targeted advertisements provided through the Google AdWords™ program. These listings are administered, sorted and maintained by Google. For information about these Google ads, go to adwords.google.com. Google may place or recognize a unique "cookie" on your Web browser. Information from this cookie may be used by Google to help provide advertisers with more targeted advertising opportunities. For more information about Google's privacy policy, including how to opt out, go to www.google.com/ads/preferences. By clicking on Sponsored Links you will leave ConsumerSearch.com. The web site you will go to is not endorsed by ConsumerSearch. |