I'm trying to get in shape, going for bike rides on paved streets or short gravel trails. The Trek Marlin 4 or 5 was on my radar, but someone suggested the Montague folding bike. The ability to fold it and take it on trips could be nice. Will it function as well? Would there be any downsides?

I have never heard of these bikes, but my initial impression is that it is a large folding bike. If you are serious about wanting to be portable, take it on trips, vacations, you might consider a Bike Friday. I bought one almost 20 years ago and I still have it. Mine looks similar to this stock website pic:







These fold much smaller that the Montague. In fact I bought an optional Samsonite suitcase to transport the bike on the airlines. They're excellent bikes, ride very similar to larger bikes. Mine has a mix of Shimano Ultegra/XT components (triple chainrings, cranks, brakes, derailleurs, hubs, etc). They have quite a following, BF clubs around the world.

That's really interesting. If you didn't tell me you loved yours I might not have given them a second glance. I thought the smaller tires alone would make peddling more difficult. They may be a bit out of my price range at $1,700+.

I would go for a regular bike, with full size wheels. More efficient, smoother, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by Ackks:
That's really interesting. If you didn't tell me you loved yours I might not have given them a second glance. I thought the smaller tires alone would make peddling more difficult.

IMO, peddling is not so dissimilar from a normal sized bike. But with the smaller wheels/tires, one feels the bumps, it is a stiffer ride. And I admit, when it comes to comparing the BF and a full sized bike with similar components, the bigger bike will ride better. The BF fills a niche as far as traveling and cycling, easily the best bike for this purpose. I have taken mine to Hawaii three times, and other vacations by car.

I researched Montague bikes during the covid panic. They appear to be very well made and of high quality. I didn't buy one because there was a 10 month wait at the time. Since the situation was unstable and I already had an outdoor bike, I ended up with a Peloton.

A folding bike will compromise ridability. How much is the folding worth to you?

Folding bikes are for commuters and travelers...mainly commuters where space on the train/ferry/bus is an issue.

A standard/full-size bike will be a more enjoyable ride.

quote:

Originally posted by c1steve:
I would go for a regular bike, with full size wheels. More efficient, smoother, etc.

Same. Get a quality bike. That will help insure you will actually ride it.

Bikes are easy to take along. There are so many different mounts. Roof, hitch, etc. I’d get a stationary bike as well. Great for days when it’s 100+ here, or in the winter, rain, etc. You don’t have to be riding it like you are riding up a mountain. Turn on TV, pedal, watch whatever you normally watch.

Just remember that food is 80% of 100% when it comes to losing weight.

No need for a stationary bike if you were to get a wind trainer that you mount your road/mountain bike on by removing front wheel and placing bike forks into the front mounting point then rear wheel runs on a axle that turns 1 or 2 squirrel cage style fans that create resistance to simulate actual road resistance.... Allows riding your regular bike when the outdoors weather is not bike friendly during any weather season. .............. drill sgt.