What type of folding bike.

Velo · Post by **Velo** » 26 Oct 2007, 3:25pm

If your budget can's stretch to an Airnimal Chameleon, the Joey might be worth a look.

Chambo · Post by **Chambo** » 28 Oct 2007, 11:21am

I had a Downtube folder for ages. It was a really nice bike, rode it all weathers and everyday. The only thing that ever gave in was a folding pedal, but I was just over 18st at the time and 6ft 2. Emailed the designer who posted me another set for free. It was fill suspension, but it could be made really hard, came with a free bag. I fitted a rack to the seat post.

I think they have a big following in the USA, cheapish in comparison to other folders too. I can never work out why they are so expensive. I suppose they don't sell many and some are UK labour charges.

I sold mine when I didn't need a folder, and got the same price that I bought it for on Ebay.

http://www.downtube.com/

Review
http://www.foldsoc.co.uk/Mike/downtube.html

mine was like this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Downtube-IXFS-Folding-Bicycle-Black-9sp-w-suspension_W0QQitemZ230185583297QQihZ013QQcategoryZ33503QQcmdZViewItem

wrangler_rover · Post by **wrangler_rover** » 23 Nov 2007, 9:32pm

I have finally bought a folding bike.
I have bought one of the Raleigh "Ikea" bikes that were given to staff as a present. There seems to be a steady supply of them on Ebay.
My first thoughts are that it doesn't fold that small but it has 20" wheels. The pedals don't fold so folding it will include removal of one pedal. This isn't that important as it will be folded to fit into the car boot. It has 6 gears and a rack (useful for hanging a panier onto with spare tube, tools & waterproofs) I've ridden it a few yards to test it, I will ride it further at the weekend, weather and time permitting.

cyclistjohn · Post by **cyclistjohn** » 24 Nov 2007, 9:03am

wrangler_rover wrote:.... The pedals don't fold so folding it will include removal of one pedal....

Some pedals here:

http://www.gaerlan.com/bikeparts/parts/ ... edals.html

&

http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/accessories_pedals.htm

I use the MKS removable with Zefal toe clips.

glueman · Post by **glueman** » 5 Feb 2008, 8:17am

The Revolution Compact looks good value for money.

byegad · Post by **byegad** » 5 Feb 2008, 9:34am

If folding speed is not the issue and climbing and speed are important, try the Dahon Speed TR 24 speeds low bottom gear and high top.

glueman · Post by **glueman** » 5 Feb 2008, 10:03am

My views are laid bare in the tea shop.

PD-M320 · Post by **PD-M320** » 5 Feb 2008, 10:04am

I would only consider the brompton if I needed to take it on busy trains or the tube... which I do, so I bought one. I've had it a few years now... there seem to be quite a lot of alternatives around now. There are a lot of dedicated Brompton owners out there (who will probably lynch me for saying this) but I find riding the thing pretty nasty.

If you have a whole boot* to play with, and no sensitive commuter types in there to tsk and groan as you load the bike in, then go for something bigger and generally less compromised. Airnimal or Dahon have some pretty reasonable looking bikes... or for a 'bit' more Ritchey can sell you a breakaway frame;
http://www.ritcheylogic.com/web/Ritchey~Logic/Ritchey~Site/web/EN/main/breakaway/20796.html

*and don't own an SLK.[/url]

glueman · Post by **glueman** » 5 Feb 2008, 10:13am

PD-M320 wrote:There are a lot of dedicated Brompton owners out there (who will probably lynch me for saying this) but I find riding the thing pretty nasty.

So true, and not just Brompton. All folders are grim and perverse Frankenstein monsters imposed on us by rail ops who won't take a few seats out to make a space for luggage. The few that aren't take as long to assemble as a proper bike. The upside of Brompton ownership is you can sell it to some other poor sod for decent money when you've finished with it but the idea of spending £500- 1k on a shopper when you see what sort of real bike that money can buy you was beyond me.

Edwards · Post by **Edwards** » 5 Feb 2008, 10:14am

Has anbody tried any of these.
http://www.bicycles4u.biz/index.php?bike=4
I have very little use for a folding bike on very short trips, but would find one useful on a few ocasions so tempted by the price.

glueman · Post by **glueman** » 5 Feb 2008, 10:34am

Edwards wrote:Has anbody tried any of these.
http://www.bicycles4u.biz/index.php?bike=4
I have very little use for a folding bike on very short trips, but would find one useful on a few ocasions so tempted by the price.

That weighs over 34 lbs! Or a bit more than my Mercian with full transcontinental touring spec, racks, guards and lighting. I can hear the goddess Hernia calling. Perhaps it isn't tubular but solid steel?

Velo · Post by **Velo** » 5 Feb 2008, 10:37am

glueman wrote:
PD-M320 wrote:There are a lot of dedicated Brompton owners out there (who will probably lynch me for saying this) but I find riding the thing pretty nasty.

So true, and not just Brompton. All folders are grim and perverse Frankenstein monsters imposed on us by rail ops who won't take a few seats out to make a space for luggage.

It was military use that first propelled the folder onto trains...

I like my folder for London riding as it is very manoeuvrable, accelerates well and can be secreted under pub tables without fear of it being stolen.

glueman wrote:The few that aren't take as long to assemble as a proper bike.

Nope, a 26" Dahon Cadenza can be folded in less than a minute.

glueman wrote:The upside of Brompton ownership is you can sell it to some other poor sod for decent money when you've finished with it but the idea of spending £500- 1k on a shopper when you see what sort of real bike that money can buy you was beyond me.

Unfortunately for some people it is not a case of either/or - a folding bike might be the only alternative. What's more, different folding bikes ride differently.

glueman · Post by **glueman** » 5 Feb 2008, 10:51am

So far I've persevered with a small MTB and a big bag. Drop the wheels out, say 15-20 secs and QR the seat post - 5 secs. If you have another 20 secs remove the stem. Lay it on the bag and zip up 15 secs.
The problem is when you're late for the train and want to dissemble it as you are getting on, plus you can put a folder under the seat in the pub as you say. My 'goes' on other people's folders suggest every increase in wheel size is of great advantage but you are paying a large premium for a few hinges to a modest bike that has enough metal on it not to fall apart at the first sprint.

morzov · Post by **morzov** » 5 Feb 2008, 11:07am

I've been travelling upto London and staying in hotels for years so familiar with the problem. I've had a Brompton and a Dahon. They are both neat bikes and in my view Dahon is better because bigger wheels.

However, both a bit of a problem if you go out anywhere in the country and get a puncture particularly back wheel! My preference was always for a full size bike which I could keep in the back of the car. But if you have to carry passengers have you considered the S and S couplings

http://www.sandsmachine.com/

Don't know how much they cost but may be no more than buying a new folder.

byegad · Post by **byegad** » 5 Feb 2008, 11:46am

Not all folders are nasty and 'orrible to ride. My Dahon Speed-Pro is as comfortable to ride as my Thorn Club Tour. A little 'faster' in its handling but rideable hands free on a smooth surface. It has almost the same gear range too 20" to 106". Admittedly it doesn't carry as much stuff but then the hint is in the names, Speed and Tour.

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