This is the most expensive bike I have ever owned, but I managed to buy it through a tax-free scheme which made it more affordable. You really get what you pay for with this bike. Despite the small and light characteristics of the bike, it is a superb ride. The bike is made up high quality componentry and is superbly balanced. The frame is reasonably light and strong and the 20" wheels offer plenty of comfort. Coupled with the suspension, the bike is wonderfully comfortable to ride on our rutted UK roads, and pretty durable. The tyres are fast, grippy and puncture resilient.If I feel the need to make you aware of anything, it would be that the handlebar stem is not rigid enough (a design issue with all compact folding bikes including the well-regarded Bromptons). The handlebar design also makes the handling a little more twitchy than you are used to if you only ride road/mountain bikes. However, you get used to it pretty quickly. Eventually, you just have to remember that you can't tug on the handlebar really hard to get the front wheel up a kerb, for instance. It just doesn't feel like it could take that kind of use.
Before going any further, you should consider that a folding bike is useful if you need to take your bike on the train, coach or tube. If you are able to ride the whole of your journey, there really is no need to buy a folder. The folding mechanism adds quite a lot to the cost of the bike - a £600 non-folding bike will be a far better ride in all conditions. You are paying a premium for the "portability" of the bike. If you don't need to take the bike with on public transport, or store it under your desk at work, a folding bike might not be your best option. The folding mechanism also adds weight and potentially, flex to the frame - in general, the stiffer the frame, the better. Please consider that this review takes into account the limitations of a folder. As good as this bike is, a £400 hybrid would be a smoother, faster ride in all city conditions, and the frame would be far more stiff and durable.
I chose the Jetstream P8 over alternatives because to my eye, it was the best looking folder available. Dahon have some 26" wheel folders which look just like any other MTB, but they weren't as convenient for tube use. The Jetstream P8 looks a bit BMX-like and it even manages to bust a conversation out of people on the tube -- must be special to do that. Since buying it, I have realised that the Bromptons are actually lighter to carry than the Dahon, but I still prefer my bike -- suspension front and rear (you do actually benefit from it in London!), slightly larger wheels and well... a more contemporary looking bike.
Click Here To Buy The Jetstream P8 Folding Bike
