lvmickey

I have bruised a hip, bad neck and bad back but have recently needed to reduce driving due to health issues. I need to carry my small dog and a laptop at the minimum. I have two different major activities which I have figured will require two different bicycles. One is multimodal transportation to work via Bicycle (folding bicycle) and commuter bus and the other is to carry heavy groceries. Does anyone have any recommendations for either of these?

FBinNY 

Given your description of some of your medical issues, the one thought I have for you is to look for extremely low step over height. I don't know what's easy or hard for you in this regard, but expect that whatever step over height is OK now, won't get any better down the road.

Then it's a question of how small it folds and easy of carrying, vs carrying capacity. 20" folders are very practical of this kind of around town use, and can be had with carriers racks both front and back.

I use one of these as my errand bike, for typical distances up to 3 miles one way, though I've ridden it much farther. It's a folder because one of it's "jobs" is as a one way ride to a car rental agency 4 miles from my house.

When shopping, bring along a milk box and some bungee cords. You want to attach the box to the rear rack and ride it around the block. I'm suggesting this because many of these bikes have racks too far forward and your heels will hit any wide box you're carrying which negates critical utility.

Kindaslow

I do not know what your budget is, but the Brompton folders are amazing. Plus, a lot of options for racks and bags.

I have a broken and fused neck. Anything with MTB like geometry is comfortable for me. I usually replace the bars and stem to get more upright, though.

fietsbob

I have A Big bag on the front of my Brompton, their folding basket is their least costly Bag option..

Bike Friday is a US bike company making folding and take apart to pack for travel, bikes.. To Customer desires..



Q: For Heavy groceries does it have to be the Same Bike as your Multi Mode Folding bike?

lvmickey

No I have resigned to the fact that it is likely to be two bikes.

Leebo

Heavy groceries? Budget? A cargo bike/ E bike. An older mt bike with a trailer?

torkelisacson

For children with special needs bike riding does not come easy. Trying to coordinate balance, pedaling and steering is an extremely difficult task. For children with cerebral palsy, spina bifida or other similar conditions, riding a two wheeler may never be a practical option.
If you have a child with special needs you may want to consider an adaptive bike. To make your job easier we have scoured the web looking for all types of adaptive bikes, trikes and more. We found 20 bikes ranging from $70 to $7,000. Check them out below and if you have any to add please tell us in the comments.

badmother

I would use a folding bike for both. Folder can carry more bulky stuff than bikes with larger wheels. Also the small wheels (I suggest 20" wheels) are stronger than the bigger wheels. Make sure you get a bike that can be rolled when folded. I suggest a front rack with a box or bag on the top for the small dog.

Do some searching and reading in the folding bike forums and searcch for pictures of loaded foldingbikes. Atatched is a picture of my (old modifyed steel bike from the 70`s) Mule. Take a close look at how much it can carry. My friend who is using it in the picture is only using 50% of the bikes carryin capacity.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/778361...posted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/778361...posted-public/

Same bike some years ago. It can also pull a trailer on top of what the bike its self can carry. Only limit is what you can "pull"

https://www.flickr.com/photos/778361...posted-public/

This bike is almost maintenance free with a Nexus7 gear hub and a hub brake in the front.

lvmickey

I bought a Brompton Super-light to hopefully help with the ride. I love it however building my distance has been a pain in the butt (scratch that neck). I have a basket for the dog, he hates it, so I got a backpack and a yoga block. He sticks his head out and loves it and it ends up being similar to the Timbuk2 MuttMover. I have been muddling through Brompton Luggage Options and have yet to find something that really meets my needs.

badmother

Congrats on your phurcase!

There are dog bike baskets with a mesh lid to prevent them from jumping out. Not sure I would let a dog decide becouse they often want to stick to what feels safe, and for you to carry that backpack may not be the best option for you- or the dog. Dogs sometimes need to be pushed a bit to develop skills, like the rest of us.

On brompton luggage: the stock B luggage are just the top of the iceberg. There are lots and lots of aftermarket buisnesses making stuff for the B and I bet it is the most "hacked" foldingbike ever. If you look in my flickr page You`ll find I have strapped a green plastic softdrink box (for 24 bottles I think) to a Brompton front rack.

Brompton with schoolbag by bad.mother@ymail.com, on Flickr

Try to go to the folding bike forums and search for older posts on lup for bromptons, Facebook group for Bromptons and lots and lots of pictures on the net. Just take some time to search.

I have put a Klickfix Caddy mount on the stem of my Brompton. I bought a atatchment plate (not sure if it is still available) on a tiny quality backpack and use it as a "handbag" when riding. You can choose a different bag to hack onto there. I had to mount the Caddy facing backwards on the stem becouse of the fold. The clickfix stuff is made od plastic/nylon so it is not going to weigh down your light bike.

Brompton with backpack as luggage by bad.mother@ymail.com, on Flickr

I have also hacked the older standard B basket. Added a rolltop to stopp stuff from falling out plus to me able to overfill it when needed (like a big jacket or similar).

Brompton basket modifyed by bad.mother@ymail.com, on Flickr

Lots and lots of options for the rear of the bike too.

Edit:

https://humofthecity.com/2015/06/26/...burley-travoy/

lvmickey

I appreciate all the ideas @badmother. I haven't gotten through your flikr but am looking. I love the scenery on the flikr.

On the dog, I am still working to get him to be happy in the basket, it is just taking longer than I expected and needed an alternative that was safe for him. He is actually lighter that my basic IT gear (Backpack and him are about 10lbs).

Thanks for all the photos and gear pictures. I am still working on what is going to work for me. The requirements I have so far are 1) Concise package for multimodal transport. (I ride a train for part of my commute and drive from some as well.) 2) phone for GPS Mapping (I have tried a couple of mounts and bar bags on the inside (similar to the klickfix) and thus far haven't figured out what is going to work.)

I have heard of various issues with the klickfix causing tube failures specifically on the seat tube. I expect since you didn't mention it you haven't had any issues.

lvmickey

On a positive note I doubled my riding distance this weekend and really didn't have as much pain that I was having a more difficulty with. I suspect it was the extra water I was drinking (Lesson Learned).

George3

Consult your doctor about what physical exposure is safe and healthy for you.

Be very careful in traffic, since your body seems to be vulnerable. So carry plenty reflective material and extra bright lighting, choose safe routes, and always leave home early.

Order a taxi in bad weather for your safety.

Consider ordering the heaviest groceries via internet. Find out which shops are affordable in home delivery. And consider buying an extra refrigerator and storage rack in your house.

Explore the possibilities of working partly via internet in your home.

Consider buying a lightweigt computer device. Or keep a separate computer on your job.

Consider consulting a dog internet forum, to help your dog in travelling with you.