I bought this direct from a dealer for $400, and it was worth it. The components were crap though. I've put about 400 miles on it in the last two years. On the first day of riding I broke one gear, but they sent me a whole new back wheel super fast. Overall I have replaced the crankset and stem. I also added a suspension seatpost and their folding pedals. Over all I am very happy with the frame, but the components were not so good. If you can score a frame go for it. However, $700 for this is a tad high. Though I can fit it in my del sol's trunk and still have room for stuff is amazing. I'm also dissapointed in how much tuning has been required. It seemes to have issues shifting with each ride. Most shops have never seen one, so its hard to get good service. Be sure to find the local shop/service dealer in your area. Don't bother with the bag, but snag the folding pedals.

If you are a serious mountain biker, this is the biker for you...Won't break not matter how hard you ride it...I have been in the rockies, in cali, and now in europe, plus the fact it folds, thats a space saver, this has many miles, it is just as good as the day I got it...great investment!!!

I'm not a hardcore cyclist but I like to ride to work sometimes and do some single track mountain biking when the weather's right. I saw a fellow camper with this bike in Yosemite a few years ago and tried it out. I really liked the feel of it as a full frame mountain bike -- and was sold with the idea of it folding up to fit in the back of my rather compact car.

When I finally purchased it I replaced my old Mongoose Sycamore. I thought I would sacrifice something by getting this folder, but after getting used to the odd (but good!) appearance, and learning to trust the mono-boom design, it really proved itself. For trails I use the stock knobby tires it came with and for the commute, I use a set of Serfas Drifter City/Hybrid Wire Bead Bicycle Tire (AWESOME). Have not had a flat yet in the nearly two years I've had it.

In all a 5 star -- really no other comparable alternative out there.