Folding Bikes - i want a singlespeed. . .

who makes good singlespeed folding bikes?
i'm new. thanks!!!:)

who makes good singlespeed folding bikes?
i'm new. thanks!!!:)
Swift, ofcourse! ;) You need to special-order one configured for SS.

While you can actually convert any cassette freehub to a single-speed with a kit like this one (http://www.misfitpsycles.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/25_38/products_id/31), the Swift with it's horizontal dropouts (track-ends) give you the added benefits of

1.) The ability to tension the chain without a spring-loaded tensioner (use a stronger steel QR to keep the axle from slipping, or use one of these (http://www.on-one.co.uk/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=13&MMN_position=149:149)). It looks much cleaner, runs smoother and quieter, and with the spring loaded tensioner out of the way, is more reliable with one less gadget in the drivetrain to go wrong (which is the whole point in going SS). If you special order a SS Swift, you'll get a wheel with a solid axle and track nuts, so axle slippage won't be a problem.
2.) The option to switch to a fixed-gear rear wheel, should you get bitten by the fixed-gear bug like I did after only riding my Swift SS for a few months. ;)

The Dahon Hon Solo is an off the peg SS machine (with a flip-flop hub). It has an unusual retro look (lots of wood!) but a bottom-end Dahon frame that is not to everyone's taste. Brompton also have a single speed as do Giant (the Halfway) etc. Lots of folders can be fairly easily converted; the Swift is a popular choice on this forum. However, if folded size is important you might want to consider converting a Dahon or a different make.

Unless you want to get an ENO hub or search for a magic gear don't go for a model with vertical dropouts (but I am sure you know that;) ).

If you search on this forum with "fixed" you will get a few ideas...

I believe there is also a Dahon Boardwalk S1, which is a single-speed for around $200ish. However, the Dahons use lots of non-standard parts, so it will not be nearly as fixable / repairable as a Swift.

lets explain this NON standard parts once ......
I am getting confused

Brunop,
If you want a budget single speed folder, get the Dahon Boardwalk S1.
If you want a cool, retro look, and you are willing to pay $800, get the Hon Solo.
If you want a custom made and custom fit bike and the $ to pay for it, get a Swift or Bike Friday.
If you want a single speed that has the ability to be remade into a multi speed folder with a front derailler, get a Bike Friday.
I'm sure someone will find fault with what I just wrote, but I think it's fairly accurate. Hope this helps,
Juan

I'm sure someone will find fault with what I just wrote, but I think it's fairly accurate. Hope this helps,
Juan

You totally forgot to mention that with a little sweat and some imagination he can do somthing like this:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=3364264&postcount=294

lets explain this NON standard parts once ...... I am getting confused
On the S1? Handlepost, hinges, maybe handlebar. As you know, you can't really pull back on the handlebar without lots of flex. This is bad for climbing; and if you do pull back anyway on a regular basis, the flex can cause it to crack / fail at some point down the line. Plus Dahon changes the HP design every now and then, so it may be difficult to replace if it fails.

Bike Fridays and Swifts use more common components, will have a stiffer ride, and you can pull back on the bars without fear.

I fully understand your request for qualification, Brakemeister, but I have mentioned these aspects in the past.

But with a $200 bike -- and more importantly, a $200 budget -- I wouldn't worry much about this stuff. (And I wouldn't have mentioned the Boardwalk if I didn't think it was a valid option. ;) )

Check out RAB or NYCE Bikes when you're in NYC. Both have Swifts and NYCE carries other folding bikes too. The Swift has track ends and Tony @ IRO can build you a 20" wheel w/ a flip flop hub.

And don't forget the Strida, it's a singlespeed. And totally cool.

You totally forgot to mention that with a little sweat and some imagination he can do somthing like this:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=3364264&postcount=294

Speedo,

Thanks for giving me 'props' !! I did forget to mention that you can keep your eyes open for an older folding bike on craigslist, ebay, or local garage sales and have some fun upgrading :).

Juan

To see what could be done (and was) on a Dahon Boardwalk Single Speed, just check out the links my Flickr website and look at the The Evolution Of My Folding Bikes to get a good idea. And see the Geocities website for descriptions on the Selection pages.

I have a singlespeed Dahon Boardwalk I bought about a year and a half ago. It's great to cruise around on, but would by no means want it to be my main bike. I do start to miss my gears pretty quick too since it has an easy gear ratio. But when it's sitting in my trunk, I have very little to worry about on it besides checking the tires and getting it out occasionally to make sure it still rolls. I have also considered making it a fixie just to have some fun, but probably never will.

Unless you want to get an ENO hub or search for a magic gear don't go for a model with vertical dropouts (but I am sure you know that;) ).

If you search on this forum with "fixed" you will get a few ideas...
Since the OP asked for a single speed (which is usually assumed to be a freewheeling single speed) and not a fixed gear bike, even the ones with vertical dropouts qualify. On a freewheeling single speed bike one can tension the chain with a chain tensioner, e.g. the Surly New Singleator or similar ones.

True, but looking at Brunop's profile - if I had to guess whether he rode a SS or fixed, I would go with the latter...Are you there Bruno?

http://www.jz88.com/