Here is a site that I found that has pix and demos of some very unique folders used in Japan:

http://nagoya.cool.ne.jp/alform1/jfbl.html

As they say in the Orient, "Enjoy". And add other bikes that you may know of.

Slim

If you like those you'll LOVE these:
http://www.rintendo.com/Products/Smallwheel/gaap.htm

Here is a site that I found that has pix and demos of some very unique folders used in Japan:

http://nagoya.cool.ne.jp/alform1/jfbl.html

As they say in the Orient, "Enjoy". And add other bikes that you may know of.

Slim

DAHON-COPYCAT, sucks !

Oooh yeah...now this comes very close to my idea of a dream-folder:

http://www.rintendo.com/Pics/gaap5460a-m.jpg

Full suspension...disc brakes...nice, long stretch. All it's lacking is a wicked paint job.

I'm currently living in Nagoya, Japan. I was out riding my Dahon around town the other day and I stopped at a bike shop that had a Kuwahara in stock. Nice bike! I was tempted to buy it. Strange to see these posts, kinda tempting me to go back to the store.

One thing I really, really like about Japan is the cycling lifestyle here. Bikes are everywhere. You see all walks of life. Guys in suits, women in their 90's, entire kids baseball team, young attractive women(!)....all riding bikes to get where they are going. Even foreigners get involved once they are here. It's all really cool.

One thing I found strange in Japan is they put the rear brake lever on the left. You can see it in the picture. I'm puzzled by many things here and that is one of them. The first time I rode my bike it was a surprise.

One thing I found strange in Japan is they put the rear brake lever on the left. You can see it in the picture. I'm puzzled by many things here and that is one of them. The first time I rode my bike it was a surprise.

I also live in Japan, but i'm from the UK and we have the same set-up there, too. I got a shock the first time i rode a bike in the States.

I also live in Japan, but i'm from the UK and we have the same set-up there, too. I got a shock the first time i rode a bike in the States.

I live in Japan and was given the option to change my cables (I'm from Australia) to the American style. I didn't but have found out on BF that the Americans have it diff. to some of us because of some law that prohibits the use of the right hand to signal turns.

Some pics.....http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/giantcfr1/BIKES%20Various%20Bikes%20Around%20Kyoto/th_jun06001.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/giantcfr1/BIKES%20Various%20Bikes%20Around%20Kyoto/jun06001.jpg) http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/giantcfr1/BIKES%20Various%20Bikes%20Around%20Kyoto/th_zzkyotoloco018.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/giantcfr1/BIKES%20Various%20Bikes%20Around%20Kyoto/zzkyotoloco018.jpg) http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/giantcfr1/BIKES%20Various%20Bikes%20Around%20Kyoto/th_VariousinMay030.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/giantcfr1/BIKES%20Various%20Bikes%20Around%20Kyoto/VariousinMay030.jpg) http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/giantcfr1/BIKES%20Mates%20Bikes/th_keirin024.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/giantcfr1/BIKES%20Mates%20Bikes/keirin024.jpg)

I live in Japan and was given the option to change my cables (I'm from Australia) to the American style. I didn't but have found out on BF that the Americans have it diff. to some of us because of some law that prohibits the use of the right hand to signal turns.

No such law that I know of, although it can be different from state to state. In my own state, it's specifically allowed (yes I checked the actual law) for a bicyclist to use either hand to signal a right turn, and the left hand to signal a left turn. I use my right hand for the right turn signal, as the left-handed gesture can be mis-interpreted as a wave. ;) Of course, we're also riding on the opposite side of the road from Australians, Japanese, British, and . . . how many countries do ride on the left?

I have read that the American convention for bicycle brake levers is the opposite of most of the rest of the world. There's some theory that your "strong" hand should operate the rear brake, but with modern brakes, either hand should be plenty strong.

I read in one of Sheldon Brown's articles about this.... If I recall, it had to do with the idea that the rear brake is the more important one, and should be accessible no matter what, even if you are signalling a turn with your other hand. Since we drive (and pedal) on the right in the US, and signal with our left hands, the rear brake gets installed on the right handle. He also said that he specifically prefers the opposite, and considers the front brake to be more effective, so reverses the cables on his bike....but sets up customer bikes according to convention unless they request differently.

I never realized the US style was the odd one. I always thought...this being a right handed person's world...that the rear went to the right and the turn signal thing just worked with it.

I've learned to adapt. I like the rear brake on the left on my 8 speed Dahon. All the shifting is done with the right so it makes sense for me to brake with the left.

In many ways Japan emuates old Great Britain with their bicycling history. The right hand on the front brake was the British Empire system. It worked OK but since most right handed people naturally have faster relexes with that hand American common sense switched the right hand to the rear break.

If one is left handed it would make perfect sense to wire the left brake lever to the rear mechanism to decrease the chances of a "header".

slim

hi LittlePixel

I confess that I prefer folding bike designs that will fit rapidly into a standard ATA approved suitcase. If the folded size requires an "oversize" caase then it loses appeal for me. i want to be able to collect my bags and cycle away without having to pay oversize or overweight fees.

*ATA=Air Transport Authority

Slim

I find it very annoying to switch back and forth, it makes waving while doing a wheelie much more difficult. I think I would have a tough time meeting women in Japan or the U.K. :)

In Us what side are motor bike front brake levers ?
(in UK its on the RH side .. like our bikes, with the LH lever being the clutch).
If the US is the same then, I respectfully suggest US bike brake levers are on the wrong side :D

Andreasaway - totally agree .. Keep it simple s....... kiss

In the US motorbikes are same as UK.

How about the Strida
http://www.striada.com

In the US motorbikes are same as UK....... I rest my case m'lord