Price issue is the most important criteria in determining which bike to acquire. Price ranges from a mere RM350 for an Aloueca, RM500 for an Oscar Imagine and RM850 onwards for XDSes, RM950 for Louis Garneau Pop and then RM1180 for Dahons and RM1280 for Terns.

This are the base prices for the brands. While I am an ardent Dahon fan, even the better and newer Terns don't really interest me, I don't want to sound too bias. There are those who are not so technically inclined who buys a bike 'one time off'. Means that's it, no more upgrading!

Then comes budget. The Trinx and XDS are good compromise for specifications in terms of price but don't expect it to last forever though. You can ride a few years on it but maintenance will be a bit more. Keep a look out for frame noises as the clamping and handle post systems are not as reliable as the Dahons and Terns.

A 16 speed (dual chain ring) Trinx is less than RM1000 but if you want the same spec on a Dahon, be prepared to pay RM2400 and Tern cost even higher. So, buy according to your budget. At least it's a start! At least after gaining experience, you will know what you want from a folding bike and you will also appreciate the price that you pay.

It's never wrong to go with Terns and Dahons and off course there are those boutique bikes ( I call them that) like Oribikes, Birdy's, Bike Friday, Bromptons etc. They are good no denying that but they are never better in handling or maintenance or in any other way. In fact some requires more maintenance which is costly!

The bikes itself are costly. If you can afford, then by all means. Then those cheaper ones like Raleighs, Polygons, XDS are also from reliable manufacturers but they don't guarantee your bike. They are just mass produced. They can last provided you take good care of it.

# The price off course, according to your budget.

# Look at the folding clamp. There should be no movement and looks solid. Ease of releasing the latch is also important. You don't want to clamp the tip of your skins as well when you fold!

# The wheelset. This is the most expensive upgrade. Try get with double layer rims and there are double layered ones but heavy! A light rim can change a ride drastically. Even the entry level Dahons comes with single layered rims but at least they are light. But they don't look nice and it can also last a life time if you don't bump around too hard. Falling off and accidents , any rims can 'bengkok', right?

# Gearing. Some managed to finish the CFAL with just a single crank and 8 speed and some have not enough even with 27 speed. So, research about it and find out about your requirements. Woman riders like my wife can't really pedal hard or rather they get tired fast when pedal hard, so the more gears the better. So, even in hill climbs the force needed is still the same at the same cadence.

Usually original brakes are lousy! That's the first thing you should change, especially the newer Dr.Hons. You can then add gear ratios but this is an expensive upgrade.

At times, after modding like mine, it actually cost more than I buy one that is the same spec BUT there will some components that you don't like. Eg. I don't like Neos RD even if they are 8 or 9 speed.

I still prefer Shimanos. So, I prefer upgrading myself so I can choose and install my favorite components although sometimes getting it does not improve anything.


Lighter rims makes riding much much easier. But sadly choices for foldies are very limited here and those that do stock them will lead you into a pen and slaughter you! Hahaha. icon_question.gif Tyres wise, some like easier riding so they go for slicks like Duranos and Kojaks while I like Maxxis. It all depends on yourself.