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Bfold Folding Bicycles
Category: Shopping Sporting Goods Bikes Bikes
224 E 13th St(between 3rd Ave & 2nd Ave)
New York, NY 10003
Neighbourhood: East Village
(212) 529-7247
- Nearest Transit:
-
3 Av (L)
14 St - Union Sq (4, 5, 6, 6X)
Astor Pl (4, 6, 6X)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 1 pm - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
24 reviews for Bfold Folding Bicycles
Review Highlights
23 reviews in English
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Review from Nyota W.
3/25/2012
I purchased a lower end Danon folding bike here a few months ago and forgot to review it but remember everything about the experience. I had been searching for a location to purchase a folding bike after making my return to bike riding after a 10 year hiatus (or more), being faced with limited space living quarters and accepting that there's a high rate of bike theft in NYC (sorry no street parking for me).
I tried another shop, but their credit card machine was down that day, they would need to special order a standard part for the bike that I was about to purchase and they insisted that I pay cash. Sorry, Mama didn't raise any fools here. I'm not paying hundreds of dollars for anything in cash unless there truly is no alternative.
Enters bfold. After finding this shop, I really appreciated that they specialized in folding bikes and could truly be a resource of information. The owner was great explaining the pros and cons of these bikes, walking me through the process of selecting a bike and cautiously smiling through my test ride after 10 years of not being on a bicycle- certainly a site to see.
I left with no buyers remorse and months later I feel the same. I just wish this place were closer to my house so that I could make it my go-to bike shop if problems occur, which they have not. . -
Review from Judy J.
3/9/2012
THE place to go for folding bikes in the city.
I knew I wanted a folding bike (my non-folding bike was WAY too heavy and big to carry easily into buildings where I live, work, and play), and I knew I wanted a brompton (handmade in the UK? win.), and I could've ordered online, but I wanted to a. lay my hands on one before I shelled out so much money, and b. support a local business.
We walked right past it the first time, as we weren't expecting it to be "garden level" and underneath the stairs, but once we found it - WOW!
There are SO many different brands of bikes packed into a seemingly tiny space (bfold may, in fact, be a TARDIS?) - David let us check out several models and brands, and we started chatting like crazy about the different manufacturers... he kept the store open a little later than usual as I decided on the options for my hot-pink brompton - he brought up issues that I hadn't even thought of whilst browsing the catalog online, which meant I actually ordered a slightly different spec. than I'd initially wanted.
I'm looking forward to returning with a friend that's interested in a folding bike, and ordering a basket/bag for the front of mine! -
Review from chloe s.
New York, NY
2/12/2012
B-fold is terrific - it's a well-stocked Folding Bicycle store with excellent customer service, and David who runs it is really nice and very ethical. As one can see from their customers, it's not all about the sale, but a place for making the right choice for you. They have quite a few lines of folding bicycles, all with their own different advantages/disadvantages. I found out about Bfold through word of mouth from another happy customer.
BTW, I'm anything but a conventional girl. In lieu of an engagement ring, I received a Brompton - it's Titanium.
D -
Review from Greg J.
Hoboken, NJ
5/19/2012
My experience was ok at this store. Not a bad place
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Review from S B.
Manhattan, NY
4/26/2012
Friendly, knowledgeable, and patient.
I know I can be a pain when I am buying something new and these guys really helped me out and were not pushy. They didn't try to upsell me at all. They guided me to the right folding bike for me and my budget. I haven't had any repair issues yet, but I'm confident they'll help me out when I do. There were some free NYC bike maps and rules of the road guides near the door.
It was a happy ride home for me on my new bike!!
Took me awhile to find it - the store is hidden downstairs in what looks like a residential building. -
Review from Henry W.
Bayside, Queens, NY
4/21/2012
Excellent. I purchased 2 Bike Friday tikits. They specialize in folding bicycles.
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Review from kathy l.
7/11/2011
Bfold is located under the stairs of a walk up, so it's easy to miss if you're not looking out for it on the south side of the street. The shop is devoted to folding bicycles. Steven, David and Peter were all really genuine, conscientious and nice guys. David, the owner of the store, has built his business over 10 years and started out going to England to buy Bromptons and bringing them back to NYC to sell. Steven himself owns 4 Bromptons and started a Brompton-owners riding club called Brummie Yummie in NY. You can tell these guys really love folding bikes and know a lot about them.
I agree with other reviewers that the sales style of this place is not pushy. They certainly help you figure out what you need and what is worth getting, but don't try to sell you the kitchen sink - which is good given that this stuff isn't cheap. Prices were more or less in line with what we researched online (maybe $ or 10 less here and there for accessories) and at the time we went, they had good inventory. Given that we were told elsewhere that there is a 7 week lead time for your bromptons, that was convenient for us.
Needless to say, we kind of fell into an irrational love of this bicycle. We have never ridden bikes around the streets of NYC but now we're definitely going to be learning. -
Review from Daphne P.
New York, NY
6/4/2011
A folding bike in NYC is so helpful: it transforms like those robots into a very tight package I can take up the elevator in my apt. building and takes up almost no real estate in my tiny studio.
I've been a Brompton fan for years and finally had the funds to buy my B - a dream come true. Everyone at BFOLD was helpful and lets customers ride around the block and try folding and unfolding different models (not just Bromptons, but tons of different models and folding mechanisms). Their enthusiasm is infectious.
Anyway a couple of years now and I am still so happy with my B and have referred many interested people to BFOLD. -
Review from Diane K.
Manhattan, NY
6/10/2011
David, the owner, and Peter, an employee there, are both wonderful, delightful people.
They aren't just out to make the next quick buck, but truly care for their customers. I actually met David when he sold me his air conditioner, and found out he was also owned a bike shop! I had nobody to help me bring the air conditioner to my five story walk up, so David kindly helped me carry it up and install it onto the window.
I had been planning to get a beater bike, just to take around the city with me, and he happened to have one he was planning on selling.
When I finally decide to move on from my beater bike and get a folding bike, I know I will be sure to go to Bfold, for the kind genuine people I encountered there as well as the quality bikes available :)
Thanks for everything! You guys are the best :) -
Review from Tom M.
New York, NY
1/16/2011
I was apprehensive and cautious as I took the steps down and wondering if this was even a store. Most stores for anything these days in the city rely on pushing you to purchase so they can starting pushing the next person that walked in. This is not the case with Bfold.
On a recommendation to go to this shop before making any purchase on a folding bike, I stepped inside. The room was full of bikes, parts, etc. Peter was quick to jump up and help. Again I will reiterate that the staff answered every single last question and didn't pressure me once to buy the bike. I had plans on buying a Brompton but after riding that at another retailer, I took his advice on the Dahon Vitesse D7. It was perfect and exactly the commuter bike I needed. I took for a quick test spin and upon arriving back again, no pressure again. Every last question was answered and even as I was finishing up the paperwork and 3 other people waiting, he took the time to show me the bag cover for the bike and how to fold and unfold and waited until I got it right myself.
Way to show a New Yorker some dose of what it's like to hold customer service to the highest regard. A very rare trait indeed and a truly rare bike store in NYC. -
Review from Miriam W.
10/10/2008
To call this space tiny would not do it justice. Ever square inch is devoted to the worship of folding bikes.
Steve and Dave are exceedingly patient and knowledgeable and I can't imagine there are two better people to buy your Brompton or Bike Friday from; they'll make sure it's fitted properly and will even walk you through folding it over the phone if you get your bike home and forget how.
For the moment, I'm bikeless in NYC. But when I'm ready to change that all it'll take is a trip to Bfold.Listed in: New York City Guide
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Review from Yosh H.
6/8/2009
Top Notch!
I cannot begin to rave about how amazing this place this. First, before you go...make sure you jot the address down. It is sub-level so unless you know what you're looking for, you're not going to find this place. It's small..it's quaint but the service is first rate! David was busy (I arrived post-work) with repairing some other customer's bicycles (I know!) so Peter, his helpful fellow staff member became my point person. I literally spent 2 hours here test-riding a few options and going through all the possible bikes that might fit my needs. They're not pushy at all and at the end of the day, all they want is to make sure that (a) you're ready for a folding bicycle and (b) you're going to LOVE that folding bicycle. 'Cause really, love is the most important.
And I won't deny it...the bicycles they carry aren't the cheapest ones out there BUT SO WORTH IT! I would be okay making the investment with David 'cause I know he will take good care of me for as long as I need him. And honestly? That's love! -
Review from Tim W.
They must hsve gotten ahold of that cheesy 'easy' button staples used in its ads awhile ago.
I just bought my Brompton here. Peter is so knowledgeable and helpful. Service is personal and he has many recommendations. Just ask if you have some questions and he'll give you great advice! I suggest searching Bromptons website for all the "options" they have to see if you are interested in upgrading. BFold also has Dahon and other brands of folding bikes, I just like the brompton the best! I think their price may actually be better than the website...but might even out after saving shipping vs. sales tax.
They hooked me up with everything I need! Rode out the door with a brand new black brompton and a Brooks saddle! Wave at me if you see me!! -
Review from Nathan C.
Brooklyn, NY
7/28/2011
Got my first Brompton at Bfold. Great service, Peter and David are incredibly helpful and really nice folks to chat with. Agree with other comments no hard push sale, but of course better if you do some research before you go.
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Review from Jade M.
New York, NY
7/27/2009
I had my folding bike tuned up at Bfold. Tune up: $85
They have a great selection of folding bicycles, and I even got to try out the Strida for the first time. I decided against the Strida, but I'll be back to get tips on how to better maintain my bike. These guys seem knowledgable, and there seem to be a steady flow of people streaming in and out with their folding bikes. People come in here with their folding bikes to chat with them too, I've noticed. Nice guys, good service. -
Review from Brian P.
New York, NY
6/1/2011
Awesome shop! I purchased a Brompton from them about 2 years ago and recently returned for a repair. These guys are very helpful and knowledgeable about the bikes and aren't at all pressuring as salesmen. Go here if you want great service.
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Review from Chris O.
Manhattan, NY
6/10/2011
I love this little bike shop. Want a folding bike in NYC? Bfold is the only shop I'd recommend. I knew the bike I wanted, a Dahon Speed Uno, called ahead and they had it ready for me when I arrived. They charged list price and didn't add on a $50.00 assembly fee, unlike the other bike shops. With the saved money I was able to buy a helmet, front and rear safety lights and a spare tube. The staff are really nice and they're passionate about folding bikes. Thanks guys.
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Review from W W.
New York, NY
11/4/2011
Went to bfold today for a missing part for my old Dahon folding bike. A salesman saw me trying to figure out how to get into the place (it's tricky -- use the gate on the left-hand side of the building to walk down a few steps to the main door) and came out to escort me in. Inside is a spotless little shop filled with folding bikes. As my bike is old and discontinued, the salesman made a few calls while I was there to doublecheck that the part he thought I could use would work. And that was that. Doorman service, friendly and smart (very smart to check with a supplier via phone), and a great price.
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Review from Bill S.
Brooklyn, NY
10/29/2009
Great little place, not pushy, got the bike for me rather than the one I thought I'd wanted - David and Peter were patient and helpful, and the bike I got is a trip. Thanks dudes. Hey everyone - buy your folder here!
And David, my address for the commission will be posted elsewhere . . . nah, just kidding - since I got the bike, I rarely have time to get my mail. -
Review from Jellia J.
Brooklyn, NY
8/11/2008
I recently decided I needed a folding bike because (a) I don't have room in my apartment for a regular bike, (b) I wouldn't be able to carry a regular bicycle up two flights of narrow stairs without destroying my landlord's wallpaper, and (c) I'm frightened of my pants size. I started researching folding bikes to get an idea of which brands were good, and then I called NYCE Wheels to ask if they had my chosen bike (Brompton) in my chosen color (Turkish Green).
After two or three tries, during which a recording informed me that I would have to leave a message, I decided to call BFold instead. As the phone rang, I realized I wasn't calling during their business hours, but lo, a guy answered, and informed me that he had my bike in my color! (Magical!) I went by the store and he (David) was very helpful and relaxed, and didn't try to talk me into buying any extras. In fact, I kept adding extras on my own, and in a couple of instances, he talked me into the cheaper options. When I went back to pick up my new, tricked-out bike, another employee spent a lot of time with me, showing me how to fold and refold it. Now I have my delightful bike, and I'm in love with it.
My only recommendation is to call first if you are interested in a particular bike. Both times I was there, he was very busy, and the phone was ringing off the hook. Also, his store is quite small, and he keeps some bikes in storage -- so your chosen bike might not be immediately available. Despite these minor inconveniences, though, my experience was really good -- and I say BFold is aces. -
Review from d b.
Brooklyn, NY
11/4/2009
I have read the other reviews and I must say that I am puzzled.
First off, if you own a folding bike, you will go to Bfold. David is very knowledgeable about the bikes he sells and repairs. There are accessories piled to the ceiling and every single time I've ever heard anyone call or come in he has the part/bike/light/whatever-it-is in stock.
However, I have never had a patient or pleasant experience with David in my three visits. Every time I've gone there--and while waiting for other customers--he has treated someone badly or sold them something they don't need.
While I was waiting to see him tonight another customer was in because of a rear blowout... David took one look at the front tire and said "yeah, you're down to bare threads". But his assistant, Peter, looked at it a few minutes later and diagnosed the tire at 50%.
David saw my Brompton promptly and I told him I was "99% sure" I had a problem with my folding pedal. He gave it a feel and said it was shot, but I asked a couple of times if he or Peter would do a more careful diagnostic -- no luck (Peter said "it's too cold out"). So, on the back of my diagnosis (mea culpa), David sold me the new pedal as-is, no returns. After it was installed the horrible creaking was still there. I didn't expect him to take the part back (and I didn't ask him to because I knew what I was getting into $87 earlier), but he was very aggressive and pushy both before the sale and when I came back to tell him he had lost me as a customer. He closed the door in my face and said "goodbye then".
As I said, if you own a folder, you'll end up there, but expect to be bullied and pay too much. -
Review from Ivon G.
New York, NY
8/23/2010
I purchased my bike from David three years ago! The experience was SUPERB. They spent a lot of time with me, and I got to ask all of my questions, which they never rushed me and answered each and every one. They explained terms that I had never heard before, and did it calmly. I then of course, bought a bike from them! (What a sweet sweet ride!) I got it with things that are perfect for me! A few weeks ago, I got my first tune up with them! What a difference! My bike needed it! One of my tubes got a puncture just a week later, and they replaced it no problem! The service that I got from them is above any other bike shop I have ever been to, and they really know how to treat a quality foldable bike. These guys are amazing!
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Review from annie s.
New York, NY
9/8/2008
Happy happy happy! I did a lot of research, and then decided on the Xootr Swift--i thought the Bike Friday, which is apparently great, looked a bit, well, 'wussy," and I also felt like doing a quick trip in to the City from the Slope, which ruled out NYCE wheels. David, the owner-operator of Bfold, is great. He's patient, friendly, high energy, and listens to what you say. I came in the store in a cranky, irritable mood (work stress), and left feeling quite happy, and very pleasantly surprised with my new bike and the good feeling of doing business with somebody who is worth interacting with. David is not pushy, at all, and he seemed willing to really let me make up my own mind. The BIKE! Oh, the bike. Well, let's just say I'm in love. This silver Xootr Swift: as good as it gets. I may have to do another Yelp altogether just about this lovely, wonderful, finely calibrated bike. Wow!
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