Folding Bikes - Fahrrad Manufaktur Compact: Folding German

Stumbled on this wee charmer over at bikefix. It looks rather nice. I'm liking that sturdy geometry
http://tinyurl.com/3yztsj

http://www.bikefix.co.uk/i/fr_c100_1.jpg

Doesn't look like it folds, or does it?

No, it folds flat, pedals & handlebars, for easy storage. Also costs 499 pounds, what's that, $1000, or there abouts. Doesn't say what it weighs.

Yep, saw this @ bikefix the other day, seemed pretty useless to me, advertised as a new space-saving concept but the ability to turn the bars flat is hardly a breakthrough!
I found the Bikefix people to be a little impersonal after I'd ridden across London to check them out.

NO nowhere nere $1,000 !.. That said, it seems expensive, even at 300 pounds it would seem expensive

NO nowhere nere $1,000 !.. That said, it seems expensive, even at 300 pounds it would seem expensive

Ok, sorry !!!
499 GBP is $990 according to my Xe.COM currancy calculator, but then, as is often the case in the market place, the dollar price comes out the same numericaly as the GBP price. Never really understood the why on that one.

It's got a Hebie Chainglider chaincase.

Chop, did you ride it? Does the Chainglider feel inefficient? For that matter, do any of you European fellows have any comments on the Hebie Chainglider?

Giant bicycles had, until 2006, the MR20 Bike that was quite similar to this one but folds. It is no longer listed with their 2007 folding models. Interesting cantilever technology just like the Halfway.

http://www.cso.co.jp/bikeshop/giant05/photo350/mr20.jpg

http://www.cso.co.jp/bikeshop/giant06/photo350/mr20fd.jpg

Pretty useless to me if it can't fold small enough for traveling though...

I saw this bike at bikefix and can report it is HEAVY ... in the 15 kg/33 lb. range. I asked the shop owner why design a full size frame with ISO 406 wheels, and he said it was "smaller than ISO 620, for people with small flats".

Stumbled on this wee charmer over at bikefix. It looks rather nice. I'm liking that sturdy geometry
http://tinyurl.com/3yztsj

http://www.bikefix.co.uk/i/fr_c100_1.jpg

I hope some of these ideas are carried into other folding bikes. I happens to be the only folder I know that uses a hub front brake and the Nexus 8. I would like to see Dahon build a folder using these components.

D.S, check out the thread in the Dahon forum in which Dahon Tech is asking for input on a new Curve model... whether to mount a Nexus 8 or a SRAM 3. Evidently, problems with the SA are precipitating the change. Cast your vote for the Red Label.

I hope some of these ideas are carried into other folding bikes. I happens to be the only folder I know that uses a hub front brake and the Nexus 8. I would like to see Dahon build a folder using these components.

But why not do these modifications yourself? Important for me is the frame design (and standard component sizes), which limits the smallest traveling size. Everything else you can change yourself.

I have a few things i want to say here. Maybe Dahon should look into doing a minibike with an internal hub.Secondly sure it is called A Flat Mate but I bet it does not help with the rent.I like it a lot though even if it wouldn't help with the rent.

But why not do these modifications yourself? Important for me is the frame design (and standard component sizes), which limits the smallest traveling size. Everything else you can change yourself.
Can you re-space a Nexus hub to 110mm or 120mm?



I hope some of these ideas are carried into other folding bikes. I happens to be the only folder I know that uses a hub front brake and the Nexus 8. I would like to see Dahon build a folder using these components.
A front hub drum brake in 74mm, I will wager, is unobtainable, unless Dahon orders a bunch. Bike Fridays can be ordered with hub brakes - we have one on our tandem and they ARE great!

In any case, if they did put an 8 speed on a Curve, bye bye cheap price.

Actually, instead of a Nexus 8 and hub brake, it's probably better to suggest they use a stronger material for the handlebar post or redesign it.