Found a copy of a paper on theTube that carried this interesting story:
First Great Western (FGW) trains to and from the capital were so crammed that a third of passengers were forced to stand on some services.
Of the worst 10 in London and the South East, the busiest part of the rail network, three are services for Oxford.
The figures, from the Department of Transport, show that the 6.14am Oxford to Paddington service was the second most overcrowded train on the network last year. It has seating for 321 but had 482 passengers, a load of 150 per cent of the seats.
We travelled on the 5.52 service between Paddington and Oxford last night and commuters were standing in the aisles. Many said this was the norm for them on the journey home.
Mark Maddox, 43, from south Oxford, said: "It can get jam packed with people standing in the carriageways and the vestibules. Sometimes you can't even get to the exits."
This is sympamatic of the whole network, so I guess that my search for a folder is really going to have to centre around small folding 16 inchers. A pity as it removes some great options but I don't fancy trying to get something bulky onboard if my route is anything like this.
Manufacturers' R&D take note. The problem is only going to get worse, so don't leave us with the only real option of the premium priced Brompton.
In this case small is beatiful after all.
LittlePixel
07-12-07, 03:33 AM
I found this on Flickr last night - it seems Nikishi is adding another Brompton Clone (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcbel/763545296/) to the mix...
"Nishiki Oxford, the other Brompton. €720 EUR in Barcelona (Catalonia), €470 EUR cheaper than the equivalent Brompton model."
Not sure if it's the same as the Merc/Flamingobike but it's similarly equipped.
ningnangnong
07-12-07, 03:35 AM
How appropriate and timely :)
jur
07-12-07, 04:31 AM
Not sure if it's the same as the Merc/Flamingobike but it's similarly equipped.
In fact looking it over, it is identical to the Flamingo.
mustang1
07-12-07, 05:11 AM
Even sheep get better treatment than we do on trains. And they still have campagns to protect the sheep. :eek:
invisiblehand
07-12-07, 06:27 AM
While commuter train (the local term is "Metro" in DC) usage is up in the area, I find that generally crowding is not that bad. Particularly if you exercise a little flexibility in your schedule. Leaving 30 minutes before or after the peak time can make a difference.
Although, just to lend a little support to your statements, there are some restrictive capacity constraints to the system.
Most stations have the capacity to house 8-car trains. However, there are some that can only handle 6-car trains.
Turns out that some of the tunnels connecting DC to the suburbs only have one track such that outbound and inbound traffic have to share the same track.
So yes, better keep the bicycle in fine working order ...
ningnangnong
07-12-07, 06:44 AM
If we factored in the 30 minute rule it would mean leaving at 0530 and returning from 2000. And even them the trains can mysteriously be crowded.
The whole network is poorly managed and there is little evidence of the ability to problem solve. It's a regular complaint that a train pulls in with only three carriages and is packed solid as it pulls out. The platform can take 10 carriages, so why not add another one so that passengers can breathe if not sit?
One day I did a very boring calculation, but it did stop me focusing on the back of the head of the person 30cm in front of me. If every passenger standing was a season ticket holder and if every rush hour train along the route was as crowded, the company stood to lose approx £50 million per year if those season ticket holders thought enough was enough.
They've also done away with the guard's van, which was used for post and had enough space for several full size bikes.
"Let the train take the strain" was the advertising slogan. I bloody wish! :mad:
As I said, it really does narrow down my choices for a folder, which is a pain as I hadn't set my heart on a Brompton.
If I want a Brompton, I need to order by the end of this week. I had been thinking about a Birdy, Mu SL and Curve SL among others
Any additional advice on viable alternatives?
EvilV
07-12-07, 06:55 AM
It's a Flamingo with a different label. It's the FL B02-O3 model ie a Merc.
Grace Gallant, the manufacturer has an exporting agent who seems to sort out the badging type issues for the exclusive agents they set up in the countries where they have agents.
The exporting agent is Miss Jane Hsu.
The featured bike is however being sold for a lot more than Merc sell theirs at, albeit this is a model with upgraded brakes. As far as I can see that and the £12 alloy tensioner is the only difference, but the GB pound equivalent price is £480. Merc sell for £330 on ebay. That's how I got mine. Their website price is £400.
invisiblehand
07-12-07, 07:10 AM
"Let the train take the strain" was the advertising slogan. I bloody wish! :mad:
As I said, it really does narrow down my choices for a folder, which is a pain as I hadn't set my heart on a Brompton.
If I want a Brompton, I need to order by the end of this week. I had been thinking about a Birdy, Mu SL and Curve SL among others
Any additional advice on viable alternatives?
Curious ... where are you writing from?
You have not written so explicitly; but I assume that you want to take your bike on these crowded trains. Although, it would be the case that you want to use your bike to avoid these crowded trains.
Keeping things simple for the moment, assuming that you want to bring the bike onto the train, and restricting yourself to just the Birdy and Brompton, the Birdy is a much better ride but bigger/slower fold. Moreover, the Brompton is better at carrying stuff and can be rolled while folded with the addition of some "roller wheels".
The Dahon Curve has its own unique properties ... less expensive in the US, excellent carrying capacity, bigger fold than the Brompton, best support network in the US out of the three. I have not ridden one; but others seem to like it. Regarding the Mu, I don't see how you can bring a 20" folder on those trains.
The Downtube Mini is a viable option here in the states. But my understanding is that shipping it overseas is expensive.
Others have discussed the Strida, A-bike, and a few other teeny folders. I know little about them; but my understanding is that they might be appropriate for you.
If the bike works for you ergonomically, then the Brompton seems to be the obvious choice for a utilitarian bike.
Now if you are getting a bike to avoid the train ... well, we can save that for another post.
EvilV
07-12-07, 07:12 AM
Do you remember when the passengers revolted and produced their own fake tickets marked 'Worst LATE Western' instead of First Great Western?
As EvilV just posted, Merc is an excellent option to the Brompton. Particularly if you are less certain about your commitment to multi-model cycling. They are less expensive and you can get one quickly.
-G
EvilV
07-12-07, 07:41 AM
As EvilV just posted, Merc is an excellent option to the Brompton. Particularly if you are less certain about your commitment to multi-model cycling. They are less expensive and you can get one quickly.
-G
You can have one in red or black in two days time for £330 + £12 postage.
I'm doing 20 + miles a day on mine at the moment. I've had the odd niggle, but nothing more than I'd expect from any bike that is hammered around on a daily basis. PM me for a detailed list of the issues I've had in 2000 miles. The seven broken spokes and the replaced chain tensioner are nothing to the pleasure I've had from owning it. Seven spokes cost less than £3, and the tensioner was replaced for free. Still not one puncture.
I thought my gripes might have indicated that I'm in the UK.
I didn't go into folder specifics as I have done before but I'll recap:
Use now: 3.5 miles - busy train - 3.5 miles, each way, once a week.
Future use: As above, 3-4 times per week
Budget: To £1000
Purchase: New and through Government scheme, so unless LBS stock it, some brands won't be available
Clothing: Sometimes casual, sometimes suit
Rack?: would prefer not to and find alternative for carrying kit
Fitness: High
Riding style: Fast
Like the look of: Birdy City/Touring; Mobiky; Curve SL; MU SL; Jetstream P8 :cry: ; Ti Brompton; Strida 5 - but single gear is the turn-off
EvilV - I certainly do remember that. The "tickets" were a great idea as well.
Maybe our motto should be "Wolf in sheeps' clothing":fight:
JeremyZ
07-12-07, 08:04 AM
If the trains are as crowded as you say, any 16" folder is going to be way too big. The floor space it takes up will be one less person who can fit on the train.
Only a Strida or A-Bike would work in that situation.
How far does the train go? Is it realistic to bike the whole way on a full size folder or stiffy? How about purchasing a scooter? I hear those are popular in England... (won't help with slow traffic like the train will though)
Maybe this is a silly question, but can you find out who to write to about boosting the train service? I suspect they don't listen too well, but a letter a week might help. Maybe a petition.
Public transit is one area I thought Europe really has us beat. I thought major European cities were really up-to-date on keeping those systems useful.
rhm
07-12-07, 08:18 AM
I take my DT Mini on trains that can get very crowded indeed; in fact I go out of my way to be among the first to get on that train, lest I not find a place to stash the bike (there is a spot between the backs of two seats that face away from one another; I want to put the bike there, and sit in the seat facing the front immediately in front of the bike). Getting the bike on the train is not terribly difficult; but I go an extra mile, literally, to get to the station (Hunterspoint Avenue) where the train originates, so I don't have to change trains later on (Penn Station, in Manhattan, would be more convenient; then I'd have to change trains at Jamaica, Queens). Getting the Mini onto the train at a time when some 400 other people are trying to get on the same train, can be prohibitively difficult. Last Friday, for example, that train was jam-packed, people standing in the aisles so close together they couldn't even sit down on their suitcases. I believe the conductor would have made me get off the train if I'd tried that. But I was already on board, the bike safely out of sight, no problem. Whew!
I realize, Ningnangnong, that you're not enthusiastic about the single-speed Strida; and I realize that where you live a DT Mini is not an option for you; but I have first-hand experience with both, and the Mini is so similar to the Dahon Curve SL (in size, weight, fold and ride) that my experience with it is relevant to you. And my finding is: though the DT Mini is a great ride, and though it DOES fit on the train, it's much more troublesome on the train than is the Strida. If my train was already crowded when I got on it, I would be riding my Strida. The difference between the folded size/convenience of the Strida vs. the Mini is breathtaking, cannot be exaggerated, I mean it's almost beyond comparison. And the Strida is an excellent bike for riding 3.5 miles in a suit; it's really quite zippy and fun, even if your top speed is (only) around 15 mph.
ningnangnong
07-12-07, 08:22 AM
JeremyZ
My train isn't that bad, fortunately. But space is a premium so it may have to go behind the seat or at my feet, assuming I can get a seat.
Riding to London isn't feasible and a scooter is not viable. Too far, too slow.
Strida 5 - possibly, but one gear only? A-Bike? Cute, but those wheels on UK streets and one gear only?
The over-crowding is being addressed by action groups and the Government, apparently. But then who trusts anything this Government says :)
Having used public transport all over the world, ours is about the worst. Crowded, dirty, badly ventilated, unreliable, expensive.
My requirements are not for a 5-day a week commute into London, but once there the Tube is ****e and a bike, fabulous. I'm not convinced there is a perfect folder/solution for me but I'm completely open to the expertise and persuasion of this forum.
pm124
07-12-07, 10:22 AM
Given the short commute, the Brompton/Merc sounds best if you think you are going to incorporate the train. If you want to ride further, the Birdy is probably the best bet. Both are a 10 second fold when you get used to them, but the Birdy occasionally get cantankerous (one in 100 folds, the chain falls off). It's between the size of the Brompton and Dahon. In the UK, quality bikes are more cost-effective than Dahon models because the price differentials are smaller.
makeinu
07-12-07, 11:45 AM
Strida 5 - possibly, but one gear only? A-Bike? Cute, but those wheels on UK streets and one gear only?
I highly recommend you consider the Carryme. It's a very high quality bike (designed and manufactured by the same company that manufactures the Birdy, Pacific Cycles).
It comes in a 2-speed version, the wheels are bigger than the A-bike's wheels, and you can easily modify it to your liking as the seat, seatpost, handlebars, and headset are all standard (Even the nonstandard parts are mostly standard, just not standard for bicycles. For example, the chain and sprocket are standard motor-scooter/exercise-bike parts and the wheels are standard wheelchair wheels.)
I really wouldn't worry about wheel size for riding in the street. Car tires are only 20 inches or so and cars go much faster and don't even try to avoid potholes. So it stands to reason that 8 inches are plenty for a bicycle and my experience in riding the piss poor Baltimore streets confirms it (I don't know how they compare to the streets of London, but the streets of Baltimore are much worse than NYC).
Most importantly, the Carryme will fit conveniently and ergonomically anywhere your body can fit (except, perhaps, a tanning bed). When there's standing room only on the train the Carryme will stand on it's own between your legs without protruding more than your belt buckle.
Even the two speed will be lighter and smaller than the lightest, smallest, single speed Brompton you can buy (and probably cheaper than the least expensive Brompton you can buy). You're obviously not going to be riding any centuries on it like people do on a Brompton, but it's perfect for a 3.5 mile ride in a congested urban environment.
I know that cyclists are averse to small wheels, but I think you'd do yourself well to at least give the Carryme a test ride. Here are some contacts:
http://www.on-one.co.uk/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=125
http://www.pacific-cycles.com/bike.asp?nowbtn=5&brandbtn=1&cat=3&model=39
Sorry, I don't mean to shamelessly plug this bike, but I feel it is pretty much completely neglected by everyone but me, even though it would be well suited for a lot of people. The truth is my motives are entirely selfish. I love the bike and I'd like to be able to get another one when my current one wears out years from now. Moreover, I'm looking forward to whatever improvements Pacific Cycles will implement over the years (even since last year the bike has had a lot of little improvements such as the latch to secure the steering column when folded, the two speed version, slightly modified gear ratio to improve the fold, front rack....imagine how refined it could become in 10 years!). If the Carryme gets discontinued as a result of small wheel bias, then I won't get to enjoy any of that. I guess I could always move to an A-bike when my Carryme passes on, but from reading the abikecentral.com forum, most A-bike owners want their A-bikes to be more like the Carryme (standard seat, more durable all metal construction, slightly bigger wheels, etc)!
folder fanatic
07-12-07, 05:41 PM
I do not think it is a problem with crowding so much as when and if a folding bike (even with 16 inch wheels) can be intergrated in a ever changing situations. Here in Southern California, most people of means use cars exclusively and only use public transit if they are forced to. So we are not socialized into proper public transit usage. This means it is a free-for-all with fighting for bike racks, bike space, space for baby buggies, crap people bring on buses/trains etc.
Bacciagalupe
07-12-07, 06:01 PM
Weren't you test-riding folding bikes, like, 3 months ago?
No one is going to make a brand-new folding bike design in the next 4 weeks, so just narrow your priorities and pick something up. Which, apparently, should be "small fold." After all, "fast" is an irrelevant quality for a commuter bike. You're riding 7 miles a day, which does not require a Trek Madone 5.2 or a Cervelo Soloist Carbon.
You want small? Brompton is your best bet. Not small enough? Get an A-Bike and spend the rest of your cash on an entry-level road bike for the weekends.
doktoravalanche
07-13-07, 02:45 AM
There's no point in worrying about folded size when you know somebody is going tob e there with a double buggy and 15 suitcases and expecting to be let on first. Get whatever bike rides best, if it folds its allowed on the trian, so just look a bit grungey and bundle to the front... :D i commute via FGW - my tip for happy multi-modalling is try and get in the coach with the wheelchair bay - theres always a bit more room, and most of the time there's no wheelchair aboard. And they're often in the 'quiet coach' whcih is also generally less crowded.
invisiblehand
07-13-07, 10:38 AM
I thought my gripes might have indicated that I'm in the UK.
I figured as much; but I thought that former British areas such as Hong Kong and Australia were a possibility too.
ningnangnong
07-16-07, 04:41 AM
Yes, I did say a few weeks ago that I would be test riding, but as you've probably seen on the news/weather, it has been horrendous and many areas flooded.
I have finally managed a test ride and borrowed a S2LX, unfortunately in Flamingo Pink!
Intial impressions:
Size:
Deserves it's reputation for the compact fold. Everything folded into a parallel form, which is a real plus for small spaces. Other brands could do with thinking about this as not all spaces on public transport are fan-shaped.
Fold:
Idiot proof.
Form/wow! factor:
A bit of wow! but let done in some areas. Cheap looking m/guards, although 2007 look better. Cheap pedals and reflector. Little details which shouldn't matter but do. Take a company like Audi - everything matters and it shows.
Ride:
More fun than I had anticipated. However, unless the road surface is perfect, it felt like I was running a very under-inflated tyre. I keep changing my mind about the 2 speed. Sometimes I think the 2nd isn't high enough and then I think, no, it suits most situations unless really wanting to hammer along.
It was wearing Brompton tyres - I guess this is a weak link?
Will I get one?
If I could afford more than one high quality folder, Yes. But I can't right now. So I'm unsure. On looks alone I really want the Birdy but all the LBS say that on the train, unless you're prepared to stand in the vsetibule on a regular basis, the only real option for a seat on the train is a Brompton. I still want to measure the space in case a Birdy, Curve SL or MU SL would fit. Donwtube Mini would be great but there's no support in the UK.
The Mezzo I am still unsure of because of the larger and lob-sided fold.
Damn the trains. Make bigger spaces for bikes :)
Dahon.Steve
07-16-07, 05:28 PM
The platform can take 10 carriages, so why not add another one so that passengers can breathe if not sit?
As I said, it really does narrow down my choices for a folder, which is a pain as I hadn't set my heart on a Brompton.
If I want a Brompton, I need to order by the end of this week. I had been thinking about a Birdy, Mu SL and Curve SL among others
Any additional advice on viable alternatives?
The reason they may not put 10 carriages is due to the fact that some platforms may only be able to support 9 cars.
As for alternatives, how far is your journey and does it involve hills. If it's less than 3 miles with no hills, the Strida would be better than the Brompton. It can roll easily and takes up less space. The verticle position of the folder makes it better for a crowded subway.
Dahon.Steve
07-16-07, 05:47 PM
If the trains are as crowded as you say, any 16" folder is going to be way too big. The floor space it takes up will be one less person who can fit on the train.
Only a Strida or A-Bike would work in that situation.
I was thinking along the same line too. The A-Bike is fine if you're under 5'7 and weight less than 160 lbs.
Is there another train he could take that isn't too crowded. The OP stated the distance covered is less than 4 miles! This isn't that far but then again, he is taking a suite. Since the Brompton does not come with a chain guard, the Strida looks much better.
JeremyZ
07-16-07, 06:37 PM
commute via FGW - my tip for happy multi-modalling is try and get in the coach with the wheelchair bay - theres always a bit more room, and most of the time there's no wheelchair aboard. And they're often in the 'quiet coach' whcih is also generally less crowded.
On my commuter train system, Metra, the wheelchair area is right across from the crapper. :( Not ideal, but that is the most considerate place to be with big luggage.
ningnangnong
07-18-07, 08:23 AM
I took the train in yesterday. God what a nause. The Tube was a sweat pit and outside it's not that hot here yet.
And the return journey was hell. Hot as hell and full to overflowing, so much so that some couldn't board. It's not the train I would usually take, but it shows how bad things can be.
As for 10 carriages, my route can accomodate them and for those stations that can't, pasengers are told they can only use some carriages if they want to get off there! Overcrowding? It's really not a difficult issue to fix.
I know what you mean about the Strida, but is it really an option? I mean, one gear? 14 miles a day. If so, I might think about going over to the Netherlands and picking up a 5. Not overly convinced though.
Time to start saving the pennies - have to face it all again tomorrow :(
rhm
07-18-07, 10:42 AM
I know what you mean about the Strida, but is it really an option? I mean, one gear? 14 miles a day. If so, I might think about going over to the Netherlands and picking up a 5. Not overly convinced though.
The Strida is definitely an option. Whether you will actually enjoy it or not, I can't say. It'll make a spinner out of you, that's a promise. If you are a size that suits the bike, and you don't mind adjusting your riding style to match its strengths, you will find that it does what it's supposed to do, and does it very well indeed.
That said, my normal ride on my Strida was about 2.5 miles each way through busy NYC traffic, and Strida was near perfect for that. I would ride a conventional bike, with gears and dynamo lighting &c, from my home to the train station, where I rent a locker; stow the big bike in the locker, take the Strida out of the locker, and get on the train. Occasionally --when it rained, for example-- my wife would drive me to the station, and if this happened I would have to ride Strida home from the station the next day, unless she could pick me up... which was often impossible. So I have ridden it that stretch many times, for a total of 15 or 16 miles a day, many times. Now, I will admit that riding the Strida for a 5.5 mile stretch did, at times, get a bit old; and very possibly you won't like it at all. But yes, it's definitely an option.
On the other hand, Strida or one of the other super-compact-fold bikes may well be your only bicycle-like option on your crowded tube train. If you get something more like a bicycle, whether Brompton or whatever, you may find the tube is suddenly less like an option... defeating the purpose of the folding bike.
As for Holland... well, the Dutch are wonderful people and Holland is a LOT of fun! But before you go that far, maybe you should track down someone in your town who would be willing to let you ride a Strida around the block a couple times; have you tried that?
ningnangnong
07-18-07, 01:33 PM
rhm
Thanks for the feedback on the Strida. I mention the Tube as without a folder I have to use it. When I have a folder, I won't unless I don't have an option.
The gearing/spinning doesn't sound very appealing but very limiting. I don't know anyone unfortunately with a Strida but as I will be in the Netherlands soon, should be able to try before I buy.
I think I need several bikes :)
Bacciagalupe
07-18-07, 03:15 PM
If your commute is flat, then the Strida will be fine.
I wouldn't use the same bike for a multi-mode commute as for serious long rides anyway.
ningnangnong
07-20-07, 05:18 AM
What are owners experience of a comfortable/average cruising speed on a Strida?
One the Brompton with it's two gears I found it to around 16mph. Don't want anything slower or more effort.
rhm
07-20-07, 06:20 AM
What are owners experience of a comfortable/average cruising speed on a Strida?
One the Brompton with it's two gears I found it to around 16mph. Don't want anything slower or more effort.
I suggest you play with a gear calculator, such as Sheldon Brown's
http://sheldonbrown.com/gears/
You'll want the following data:
The wheels on the strida are 16 x 1.5 also known as 37-305.
The "chainring" for the drive belt has 100 teeth, and the "rear cog" has 30 teeth.
You'll see that spinning the pedals of the Strida at 120 rpm, your speed should be 16 mph. If you are not used to spinning like that, it will take some getting used to; but its not that hard to do; and once you get used to it you will find that you can keep it up for an extended period. A little slower, like 14 mph, is almost effortless. The thing about the Strida that struck me was that you can get up to your top speed, whatever it is, very quickly; in this regard it feels much faster than the two-speed Brompton.
I had a speedometer on my Strida only for a short while, and the highest speed I ever saw on it was 18 mph. That took some serious spinning, and I couldn't keep it up for more than a few seconds; I also didn't want to take my eyes off the road at that speed, so I only glanced at the speedometer for a split second. I probably hit 20 mph more than once; no way to know.
Strida is much lighter than the cheapest Brompton, and I found it to be zippier. But I only rode the Brompton about one mile, so perhaps my experience is too limited.
ningnangnong
07-20-07, 06:52 AM
Thanks rhm
Would you be happy spinning at that rate on either a humid day or when in a suit?
Dahon.Steve
07-20-07, 07:17 AM
I took the train in yesterday. God what a nause. The Tube was a sweat pit and outside it's not that hot here yet.
And the return journey was hell. Hot as hell and full to overflowing, so much so that some couldn't board. It's not the train I would usually take, but it shows how bad things can be.
(
I'll never understand why the UK never thought of installing airconditioners in their subways. I remember the bad days of the 80's when the New York City subway did not have A/C on their trains and it was a nightmare! The doors and windows of the cars were wide open to create a breeze resulting in a horrible racket inside the train! My condolences.
ningnangnong
07-20-07, 07:22 AM
Thanks. Nothings improved, in fact it only gets worse. 117 degrees last year, way beyond the legal limit for transporting cattle, at 81. Says it all really!
The authorities have said that they will invest £150 million this year to combat the heat, but can't say I noticed it yesterday on my numerous trips.
Roll on the folder...
Dahon.Steve
07-20-07, 07:23 AM
Thanks rhm
Would you be happy spinning at that rate on either a humid day or when in a suit?
The answer is no.
If you're going to ride the bicycle 14 miles, then a Strida is the wrong bike. I have yet to ride that many miles and not encounter some sort of hill. You're going to need a bike with gears and don't forget to buy the bag.
As for wearing a suit, you better think about leaving them at work. Any bicycle commute of that distance will leave you in total sweat if you decided to weat a dress suit.
ningnangnong
07-20-07, 07:29 AM
Would use it to cycle between meetings as well, so riding it wearing a suit needs to be possible.
The 3.5 - train - 3.5 option is without meetings. With meetings it could be a greater total but without so many long stretches in London. By the distances are variable, perhaps longer.
One small hill, otherwise pretty even gradients.
rhm
07-20-07, 07:59 AM
Thanks rhm
Would you be happy spinning at that rate on either a humid day or when in a suit?
The answer is no.
If you're going to ride the bicycle 14 miles, then a Strida is the wrong bike. I have yet to ride that many miles and not encounter some sort of hill. You're going to need a bike with gears and don't forget to buy the bag.
As for wearing a suit, you better think about leaving them at work. Any bicycle commute of that distance will leave you in total sweat if you decided to weat a dress suit.
Steve, thanks for answering for me!;)
I agree, at any rate. I'd be happy to do the spinning, but I'd be unhappy with the condition of the suit afterwards. 14 miles on the Strida is a long, sweaty ride. Hills are okay, provided you maintain your speed; but you will work up a sweat.
The Strida's strength is that you can take it on the train VERY easily. I recommend Strida if your commute involves both public transport and cycling. If you want to avoid public transport entirely, you probably don't need a folding bike. If you intend to use public transport only occasionally, you can probably get by with a bike that doesn't fold as well as the Strida (have you considered an old Raleigh Twenty?).
The Strida would be pretty good for going between meetings in the city, wearing a suit, because you won't soil your trousers with the chain. You would want to ride at a relaxed pace, though.
ningnangnong
07-20-07, 08:08 AM
Sorry guys, I probably haven't been clear about the distance.
- 3.5 miles to the station.
- 1 hr on the train. Bike either behind seat or in luggage area.
- 3.5 miles to office and/or additional journeys to meetings before the return journey
At the moment it would be in a suit.
In the future I might be able to change once in London and then only ride short journeys in a suit.
rhm
07-20-07, 08:31 AM
Sorry guys, I probably haven't been clear about the distance.
- 3.5 miles to the station.
- 1 hr on the train. Bike either behind seat or in luggage area.
- 3.5 miles to office and/or additional journeys to meetings before the return journey
At the moment it would be in a suit.
In the future I might be able to change once in London and then only ride short journeys in a suit.
That's a lot like what I used to do:
- 4.5 miles to the station (usually not on a Strida, which I kept in a locker at the Station).
- 1 hr on the train, Strida on the luggage rack overhead.
- 2.5 miles to office, on Strida.
I do not wear a suit; once I'm in my office, hardly anyone sees me all day, so I have no need to dress up.
People on the Commuting Forum recommend washing down with baby wipes at the office, which I have never done, but it sounds like a good idea.
I think you would be okay on a Strida, especially if you can change at the office. At least, assuming Strida still offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, I think it's worth trying for a few weeks.
Rudi
ningnangnong
07-20-07, 09:39 AM
Great points, although I'm not clear whether it is an option if I'm heading into London purely for meetings and suited and booted?
matt52
07-20-07, 09:59 AM
The dedicated bag for my Mezzo takes my carefully folded suit and a clean shirt. When I get to work (or if an external meeting first thing, the toilets wherever I'm going) I change. Crumpling isn't an issue provided you're not keeping stuff in the bag for more than and hour or so. I've also changed in the large disabled friendly toilets on First Capital Connect services to and from Cambridge. Not a huge problem. But agree - folder or not, its not worth the hassle of cycling in a suit for more than 5 mins or so, if you don't want to ruin the seat of your trousers/crease up everything else. The publicity shots of blokes in suits on Bromptons, Mezzos, etc are just PR shorts...
rhm
07-20-07, 10:03 AM
Great points, although I'm not clear whether it is an option if I'm heading into London purely for meetings and suited and booted?
Of course. I'd say it is a real option; but I can't say whether it's the best option, or even an acceptable one. And I'm not sure there's any way for you to know, for sure, without trying it. I will admit the one time I have come in to NYC in a suit, for a symposium at the New York Public Library, I left the Strida in its locker and came on foot. Of course, it's a ten minute walk from Penn Station....
makeinu
07-20-07, 12:21 PM
Sorry guys, I probably haven't been clear about the distance.
- 3.5 miles to the station.
- 1 hr on the train. Bike either behind seat or in luggage area.
- 3.5 miles to office and/or additional journeys to meetings before the return journey
At the moment it would be in a suit.
In the future I might be able to change once in London and then only ride short journeys in a suit.
You're going to get all sweaty riding fast, high gear or not, especially after riding on a train without AC. Also, the bigger folding bikes are going to be a real hassle taking to additional meetings throughout the day.
It seems to me that the Carryme is a clear choice for you. It has a lower gear than the Strida so you can ride at a slower pace to avoid getting sweaty. How tall are you?
I think Strida offers a 30 day return period for you to try the bike in the UK. Why not buy it and try it for a day or two? If, after riding the Strida, you feel like you need more bike then get a Brompton, if you feel like you need more portability then get a Carryme, and if you're happy with the Strida then keep it. Problem solved.
Of course. I'd say it is a real option; but I can't say whether it's the best option, or even an acceptable one. And I'm not sure there's any way for you to know, for sure, without trying it. I will admit the one time I have come in to NYC in a suit, for a symposium at the New York Public Library, I left the Strida in its locker and came on foot. Of course, it's a ten minute walk from Penn Station....
Where are the lockers in Penn Station NYC?
Simple Simon
07-21-07, 10:23 AM
I agree with makeinu, if you ride fast you WILL get sweaty.
I am in the same situation as you, ie bike-train-bike, 4-25-4 miles, I started with a bromptonL3 which I still have and still use, but found it a tad too heavy and bulky when folded and having to get along platforms, walkways and indoors. I find strida3 absolutely ideal in these situations.
As for speed, yes with a longer gear the Brompton can reach a higher top speed <<BUT>> to keep this up, it gets sweaty - like racing, not for work clothes, (unless you want to be unpopular in meetings !). Keeping below the 'sweat threshold' which the 56" gear does automatically, the Strida gets me around in exactly the same time as the brompton.
I tend to use the Strida more because its clean, and it takes less room on the train. eg when standing up in doorway area (unfortunately frequently) it stands next to me - like an umbrella or if I get a seat inside the carriage, I sling it up on the overhead luggage rack where it fits perfectly.
On similar Journeys with the brompton I get 'Tut-tuts' from the other passengers - although small, the brommie just gets in the way - unless there is empty luggage space (rare) it either has to be left in the doorway or takes up too much space. If another brommie user gets on - we both feel the heat of glaring passengers.
For those outside London - rejoice - yes london Commutor trains ARE this tight :D
makeinu
07-21-07, 04:11 PM
For those outside London - rejoice - yes london Commutor trains ARE this tight :D
I'm not impressed by the tightness as much as I am the lack of air conditioning. :eek:
ningnangnong
07-23-07, 06:20 AM
The Carryme is a possibility but it's still pricey ($750 before shipping) and there's no UK dealer/distributor.
I'll try a Strida 5 in a couple of weeks and may well bring it back with me - we shall see.
I think my route is accustomed to Bromptons, less so other, bulkier brands. So the Mezzo, Curve SL might do, but only just.
The suit isn't ideal, but for those outside the UK who might have been following the news/weather, the folder might be the ONLY way of getting home. So time in getting one is of the essence.
For size and nothing else, I think my choices are possibly limited to Brompton, Curve, Strida and Carryme.
Tightness and no a/c? The joys of a country reduced to Third World Country status by throwing all the cash at wars that can't be won and reconstruction that crumbles before completion.
Drob beats not bombs! :)
makeinu
07-23-07, 06:41 AM
The Carryme is a possibility but it's still pricey ($750 before shipping) and there's no UK dealer/distributor.
I'll try a Strida 5 in a couple of weeks and may well bring it back with me - we shall see.
I think my route is accustomed to Bromptons, less so other, bulkier brands. So the Mezzo, Curve SL might do, but only just.
The suit isn't ideal, but for those outside the UK who might have been following the news/weather, the folder might be the ONLY way of getting home. So time in getting one is of the essence.
For size and nothing else, I think my choices are possibly limited to Brompton, Curve, Strida and Carryme.
Tightness and no a/c? The joys of a country reduced to Third World Country status by throwing all the cash at wars that can't be won and reconstruction that crumbles before completion.
Drob beats not bombs! :)
Is that for the 2 speed? I paid about half that for my single speed, but I guess they charge you guys double for everything over there.
Speaking of which, where are you going to be traveling in a couple of weeks? If it's the US then it would be significantly cheaper for you to buy a Curve over here. All folding bikes are cheaper here except the UK based brands.
rhm
07-23-07, 07:40 AM
Where are the lockers in Penn Station NYC?
The locker is in Hamilton, NJ. I left it there before getting on the train. Sorry about the confusion! --Rudi
ningnangnong
07-23-07, 02:06 PM
Travelling to the NL, so should be able to try a Strida 5.
Yes it was for the geared Carryme as I'd prefer some choice rather than none.
Weather here is more for canoes than bikes, but will hopefully to get to try a few more alternatives before I have to order. Would still just buy the Curve SL on a impulse if I could have more than one folder!