Folding Bikes - Help Me, Please!

Hey guys, I need some good advice/suggestions!

There is a strong possibility that I may be spending the next two years on a hot, humid tropical island and I'm going to need a bike. I know that bike needs to be a folder, but I'm torn as to which manufacturer/model to buy. Here are some parameters for y'all:

1. It must have the ability to be packed in a hardshell case that meets airline regulations...especially since I'll be on puddle jumpers as well as regular, standard airplanes. I do not want to remove wheels or disassemble the bike.

2. It must have 20'' wheels and rims that can support my weight (145-1501bs) plus an extra 15-30 lbs of gear.

3. It has to handle well over hilly terrain and less than ideal, developing-nation kind of road conditions (some paved, some dirt, some gravel-covered).

4. It needs components that will be tough enough to withstand heat, humidity, moisture (i.e. rainy season). I don't need top of the line, but I need components that will hold out for the long haul...no LBS where I'm going!

5. I would like to keep the price under $900.00.

6. I'm looking for something I can commute with as well as use for recreational riding. I would be commuting 14-20 miles a day.

I've test ridden most of the Dahons, and I like the Helios P8 a lot. Bike Friday is way out of my price range. Airnimal (chameleon) is too uncomfortable---makes me feel too stretched out.

Suggestions? Thanks in advance!

My first thought would be the Dahon too. What do the locals ride? Some marvellous Luzon beater?

Hey guys, I need some good advice/suggestions!

There is a strong possibility that I may be spending the next two years on a hot, humid tropical island and I'm going to need a bike. I know that bike needs to be a folder, but I'm torn as to which manufacturer/model to buy. Here are some parameters for y'all:

1. It must have the ability to be packed in a hardshell case that meets airline regulations...especially since I'll be on puddle jumpers as well as regular, standard airplanes. I do not want to remove wheels or disassemble the bike.

2. It must have 20'' wheels and rims that can support my weight (145-1501bs) plus an extra 15-30 lbs of gear.

3. It has to handle well over hilly terrain and less than ideal, developing-nation kind of road conditions (some paved, some dirt, some gravel-covered).

4. It needs components that will be tough enough to withstand heat, humidity, moisture (i.e. rainy season). I don't need top of the line, but I need components that will hold out for the long haul...no LBS where I'm going!

5. I would like to keep the price under $900.00.

6. I'm looking for something I can commute with as well as use for recreational riding. I would be commuting 14-20 miles a day.

I've test ridden most of the Dahons, and I like the Helios P8 a lot. Bike Friday is way out of my price range. Airnimal (chameleon) is too uncomfortable---makes me feel too stretched out.

Suggestions? Thanks in advance! I would recommend Bike fridays low end model for packability or a Dahon Boardwalk. Bike fridays are good bikes .I have one.If you cannot find anything ,You may P.M me or e mail.If you are going to the P.I There should be people who can repair bicycles.I checked the Bike friday website all the used models are higher end.The pocket tourist straight 8 is $799 new ,list price though. Bike fridays come in two frame sizes small and medium. This might solve your fit problem.

1. It must have the ability to be packed in a hardshell case that meets airline regulations [...] I do not want to remove wheels or disassemble the bike.

2. It must have 20'' wheels and rims

Aren't these two mutually exclusive needs? I'm fairly certain that none of the 20" Dahons will fit into a regulation case without removing the wheels at the very least. And I think the same goes for the Bike Fridays, doesn't it?

eff-J

Aren't these two mutually exclusive needs? I'm fairly certain that none of the 20" Dahons will fit into a regulation case without removing the wheels at the very least. And I think the same goes for the Bike Fridays, doesn't it?

eff-J

I noticed that, too. With a quick release, removal of the front wheel is simple. Quick removal of the rear wheel pretty much requires a rear derailluer and quick release hub. And while the Dahon case is over the 62 linear inch regulation size, I noticed the folks at Gaerlan have figured out how to pack a 20" Dahon into a 62 inch case. Their "Go Travel" model might be an option for him.

The other unknown is how often he needs to transport the bike. He's paying a premium for a Dahon or BF folder to do that repeatedly. It might be easier in the long run to disassemble a conventional steel frame bike ONCE (I'd pick an older hardtail MTB), ship it ONCE, reassemble ONCE, and leave it behind when he leaves.

There is a LOT of wisdom in that statement. Consider the need for the folding bike when travelling. If one is going to be spending a lot of time in one specific location, it makes more sense to just take a normal bike. International travel often allows for larger bike boxes and the hassle isn't that great if only doing it occasionally. In fact, one can also allow for just leaving a frame and/or wheelset in the remote location if travelling back/forth often. That's what I've done - I have a wheelset sitting in France which makes packing up my bike a lot easier (it's S&S coupled). Even leaving a nice inexpensive frame abroad isn't that expensive. Just spend 30 minutes pulling off the components between trips. That's essentially what you have to do to get everything from a >20" wheel bike into a real airline case anyway.



folder to do that repeatedly. It might be easier in the long run to disassemble a conventional steel frame bike ONCE (I'd pick an older hardtail MTB), ship it ONCE, reassemble ONCE, and leave it behind when he leaves.