The Dahon Jack isn't your parents' folding bike, but a rugged, neatly styled road/touring bike that will have frustrated commuters purring. The Jack quickly folds, in about 5 seconds, to a size of 14x27x36 inches and weighs just 26.8 pounds. That's small enough to fit in an average trunk, and light enough to carry with you on a train or bus for part of your daily commute. Once unfolded, again in just a few seconds, the Dahon Jack delivers a solid, comfortable ride. The sturdy 7005 double-butted aluminum frame, 7 speed gear design, and rugged Schwalbe Big Apple tires won't help you break any land and speed records, but will let you smoothly tackle most terrain. The 26-inch wheels also mean that you never actually feel like you're riding a folding commuter bike. Of course, the components aren't as high quality as you would normally find on a road/touring bike in this price range, but then you are paying for the quick folding system instead. As a versatile, robust folding commuter bike, the Dahon Jack delivers a convenience standard road/touring bikes can't match.


Pros: Quick folding design, 26 inch wheels, rugged frame
Cons: Only 7 speeds, not the best components