folding speed is important

[makeinu]

I was running a little late this morning, but the bus is usually running a little late too. So when I left my apartment one minute before the bus was scheduled to arrive three blocks down I was thinking I would probably catch it.

On days when I plan on taking the bus I use my Carryme (days when I plan on taking the railroad to suburbia or riding without using public transit at all I take my Downtube...as I would have been if I missed the bus). As usual, I took the Carryme from the top shelf of the coat closet by the front door, then wheeled it over to the elevator and unfolded it on the way down before riding to the bus stop. Since I was running late, when I got to the stop I decided to ride down to the next stop to see if I just missed the bus (either by seeing it further down the street or asking people waiting for different buses). Sure enough, as I was approaching the next stop I saw the bus pulling away. So I followed it. By the next stop I had caught up, but since there wasn't anyone waiting the bus didn't stop. Fortunately, there was someone waiting at the stop after that. So I stopped with the bus and as the guy waiting got on, I quick folded my Carryme (basically turning it into a Strida-like size and shape) and got on right behind him. No complaints or dirty looks from the bus driver over the half folded bike.

After I paid my fare I folded my bike the rest of the way (lowering the handlebars and seat to make it 50% shorter, and folding the protruding handlebars and pedals), stuck it under my seat, and made a few calls I needed to make. No muss, no fuss.

Save the 20 inchers for the brevets and the 16 inchers for the pleasure rides, but for a practical urban multimodal commute I'll take 8 inches, thanks.

[jur]

Nice post.

[Dahon.Steve]

Save the 20 inchers for the brevets and the 16 inchers for the pleasure rides, but for a practical urban multimodal commute I'll take 8 inches, thanks.


Agreed.


The bus is the main reason why I purchased the A-Bike in the first place. Brompton owners will swear they have no problems getting that bike inside the cabin of the bus but it's still a large package. Every 16 inch wheel folder would be very hard if not impossible to put under the seat like you just did. Only the Strida may be the exception.

The beauty of the Ultra-portables like your bike is the fact that you don't have to look for a space once inside the bus because you can ALWAYS put it between your legs. You don't have to worry about blocking the middle isle or walking all the way to the back of the bus and getting those death stares as you place it next to someone.

[juggleandhope]

You had my pulse rate increasing (something very physical about missing a bus or especially a train) but I couldn't figure out if you were on the sidewalk catching up or on the road. Which was it with 8" wheels?

[makeinu]

The bus is the main reason why I purchased the A-Bike in the first place. Brompton owners will swear they have no problems getting that bike inside the cabin of the bus but it's still a large package. Every 16 inch wheel folder would be very hard if not impossible to put under the seat like you just did. Only the Strida may be the exception.

The beauty of the Ultra-portables like your bike is the fact that you don't have to look for a space once inside the bus because you can ALWAYS put it between your legs. You don't have to worry about blocking the middle isle or walking all the way to the back of the bus and getting those death stares as you place it next to someone.

Yeah, even if you have no problems getting a 16 incher into a bus cabin, you're still taking more than your fair share. I mean, maybe you can fit your Brompton in the bus, but there certainly wouldn't be enough room if everyone on the bus had a Brompton, especially if you include backpacks and shopping bags.

By the way, when are you going to give us a review of your A-bike?

You had my pulse rate increasing (something very physical about missing a bus or especially a train) but I couldn't figure out if you were on the sidewalk catching up or on the road. Which was it with 8" wheels?

In this case I was riding on the sidewalk because the sidewalk just happened to be clear of traffic and well paved. So it didn't make any sense to get into the street, only to get back on the sidewalk again (where the bus stop is). However, sidewalks aren't as friendly to 8" wheels as you might think. The street pavement is usually better maintained and sidewalk blocks are often missing entrance ramps (necessitating curb jumping). Of course, you can ride circles around pedestrians with 8" wheels, which makes the sidewalk a more viable option for times when riding in the street is undesirable (one way streets not going your way, train tracks, left/right turns against red lights, etc).