I'm considering a folding bike to improve my public transportation commute. Mostly I would use it for distances of 0-2 miles --- to the subway, on an errand, to the gym, to the other campus --- and I'd like to carry it up and down long staircases and in crowded subway cars, and I'll also have a backpack.
The problem is that many folding bikes are large and heavy for my height, 5'1" (61", 156 cm). Weight is an issue, too, but I suspect a well-designed shape could compensate for weight. I have also noticed that some folding bikes specify that they can't be used by anyone under 5'4" if they want their feet to touch the ground.
Can anyone recommend an inexpensive folding bike for me? Any short people who carry their folders on public transit, and can share their experiences?
I've been toying with the idea of an A-bike, but Chicago has poorly maintained roads and I'd like to hear of some alternatives.
Btw, it seems like some folding bikes could take advantage of their wheels and be rolled like a luggage cart, but I haven't seen any which do. Do such exist?
Thanks!
yamcha
09-18-07, 05:43 PM
Well since you're that small, it would probably be best to get something small and light enough that you can just put in your packpack.
This one would be a good choice:
http://www.monocikl.com/fileadmin/images/mini.jpg
jur
09-18-07, 06:53 PM
Bike617,
Welcome to the folder forum! :)
Ignore the above post - he thinks he's hilarious, an opinion not necessarily shared.
Folding bikes in general are very adjustable and so can fit quite a large range of people.
The best thing to do is if possible, go around to a bike shop and see if what they offer is able to be adjusted for yourself.
Another thing, what amount did you have in mind? Also, which folders have you considered before which were found wanting in their description?
DVC45
09-18-07, 08:11 PM
http://www.monocikl.com/fileadmin/images/mini.jpg
Hhmmm..brooks saddle..rear rack....chainguard....fenders! It's ready to go! :D
Welcome aboard Bike617!
I think the DownTube Mini might be the bike for you. Or maybe a Dahon Curve?
Enjoy the hunt!
Foldable Two
09-18-07, 08:48 PM
I think the DownTube Mini might be the bike for you. Or maybe a Dahon Curve?
Enjoy the hunt!
These are good suggestions........
But............should they not be suitable options, suggest you consider a Bike Friday. It definitely will not be the least expensive option, but it will be built to fit you, and it will last!
http://www.bikefriday.com/
You might want to check out the tikit (small size model).
14R
09-18-07, 10:08 PM
"Bike Friday" and "inexpensive folding bike" cannot go together. After suggesting several folding bikes to female friends, I believe you should limit your search to the following bikes:
Dahon Curve;
Downtube Mini;
Strida.
Keep in mind that the first two are better bikes, but will not stay folded to make your life easy to climb the long stairs you mentioned and are very heavy for your size to carry around.
The strida, on the other hand, is a less effective bike, with no gears, but for 0-2 miles you mentioned, is a good choice and, once folded, can be rolled. It is also the lightest from all bikes listed so far.
Good luck on your decision. Let us know what you end up with.
14R
SesameCrunch
09-18-07, 10:22 PM
I was going to say Strida also, but the website says minimum rider height is 5'4". Too bad, because it would have been great.
But I agree with the Mini or Curve. They're great choices.
june123
09-18-07, 11:30 PM
Bike617, consider JZ88, it states here (Bike Chart) (http://jz88.com/chart.html) that "Rider below 80kg" as disadvantage. But in your case, it may be an advantage.
yamcha
09-18-07, 11:53 PM
Though the Strida looks cool I highly doubt it would be good to ride for morethan a mile or two max. Also, it's a single speed.
bike617
09-19-07, 06:09 AM
Bike617,
Folding bikes in general are very adjustable and so can fit quite a large range of people.
The best thing to do is if possible, go around to a bike shop and see if what they offer is able to be adjusted for yourself.
Another thing, what amount did you have in mind? Also, which folders have you considered before which were found wanting in their description?
My major concern is carrying rather than riding the bike. I'm hoping to hear from people who are short like me 5'1" about which bikes work for them in their daily experience over weeks of using a folding bike.
It seems like most of the bikes in the US are either designed for
- Men --- most of whom are taller than 5'7" --- carrying them on public transit
- People transporting them by car and then bicycling.
As someone who is 5'1" carrying on public transit, I want to hear from others in a similar situation. The six inches that even a small man has on me really makes a big difference when carrying a cumbersome package.
Most folding bikes are about 32"x24"x12" or greater when folded, which is a huge size for me to carry, so it would really need to be able to roll whenever possible. Ideally it would be more compact than that. I don't have much problem carrying a standard hybrid on stairs because the size is mostly perpendicular to my height. The problem comes when the long end has to be carried vertically because then it starts to matter that it's more than half my height.
I'm looking for as inexpensive as possible --- I'm a student. At a certain point it becomes more economical just to get a cheap bike to keep at work, even though it might get stolen (my work is in a bad area.)
On specific bikes:
JZ88 looks like an excellent suggestion especially since Asians are much shorter than Europeans. I like that it wheels as a trolley when folded and doesn't need to be carried all the time. From the website, it's clear that the designers thought about how it works in daily life, while most bike ads don't show real people carrying them. I haven't found information on buying it in the US, and not sure how much it costs.
Strida looks like a good option --- I like that it can wheel as a trolley when folded --- but as someone mentioned it's for 5'4" and up. I didn't
The downtube mini and Dahon curve are a bit smaller than the other folding bikes --- 10" x 20" x 29" and 25 lbs and 13" x 24" x 26", 25 lbs, respectively --- but it looks like they have to be carried the whole time, and doesn't have a trolley mode that it could be wheeled and wouldn't need to be carried on flat surfaces. Still, they might be doable if I didn't have to carry them that far, and could carry them primarily when unfolded and they would therefore wheel. I could just fold them on the platform so that it meets the official guidelines and unfold as soon as I get out and wheel them into my office. I'll look into finding them at a local bike shop. Still, at that point I may as well get a Kent. Which is actually 27" x 24" x 15" and 25 lbs, so comparable to both of those.
Would love to hear other suggestions, or from people who are my height 5'1" who carry folding bikes on public transit.
OldiesONfoldies
09-19-07, 06:36 AM
I'm not 5'1 but my young friend Silas, 8 years old, is way below your height. He finds great pleasure riding his Pacific Carry Me Dual Speed (here I go again singing CM songs, forgive me folks). Here is a pic of Silas with another 5'11 rider on one of our folding bike club rides...
I wonder if a CarryMe might be the perfect bike for your application?
http://www.pacific-cycles.com/bikecat.asp?nowbtn=5&brandbtn=1&cat=3
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/reviews/board/message/?o=QzzM&thread_id=59455&v=M&page=1&nested=0
Just one caveat, I'm not sure it is fixed-gear?
geo8rge
09-19-07, 08:17 AM
Dahon and Downtube have some bikes with 16" wheels.
You might be able to find a compact luggage hand truck that you can bring along with you to move it around. The crummy ones are inexpensive and light.
BruceMetras
09-19-07, 08:51 AM
I'm considering a folding bike to improve my public transportation commute. Mostly I would use it for distances of 0-2 miles --- to the subway, on an errand, to the gym, to the other campus --- and I'd like to carry it up and down long staircases and in crowded subway cars, and I'll also have a backpack.
The problem is that many folding bikes are large and heavy for my height, 5'1" (61", 156 cm). Weight is an issue, too, but I suspect a well-designed shape could compensate for weight. I have also noticed that some folding bikes specify that they can't be used by anyone under 5'4" if they want their feet to touch the ground.
Can anyone recommend an inexpensive folding bike for me? Any short people who carry their folders on public transit, and can share their experiences?
I've been toying with the idea of an A-bike, but Chicago has poorly maintained roads and I'd like to hear of some alternatives.
Btw, it seems like some folding bikes could take advantage of their wheels and be rolled like a luggage cart, but I haven't seen any which do. Do such exist?
Thanks!
The big problem you will face is the "and I'd like to carry it up and down long staircases and in crowded subway cars, and I'll also have a backpack"... you will tire quickly of carring anything up long staircases that exceeds 10lbs by much... your desired distance isn't great, so anything more than a 1 speed wouldn't be needed.. choices in a folding bicycle are about nil as there is a weight penalty with the lightest hovering around 18lbs... I gave my ex (approximately same size as you) a Xootr scooter... she rides the ferry to the City and then rides the Xootr on the Embarcadero in SF (mostly flat) wearing a backpack .. she loves it... certainly not a bike, but easily twice as fast as walking for her ... and, you'll be on the sidewalk, not in the street, so badly maintained Chicago roads aren't a factor, nor cars ... at under 10lbs and the smallest of folds, it's a consideration for you... other than that, if you need to pedal, the CarryMe is the logical choice.
I'm looking for as inexpensive as possible --- I'm a student. At a certain point it becomes more economical just to get a cheap bike to keep at work, even though it might get stolen (my work is in a bad area.)
At $500, the Carry Me is not cheap. The Xootr scooter is a great suggestion; the only caution I'd throw in is that, on the sidewalk, it's faster than you think. It's so quiet you sneak up on people easily. On crowded sidewalks, you'll get annoyed because people walk so slow. :D You will feel bumps in the pavement, though.
EvilV
09-19-07, 10:05 AM
I'm considering a folding bike to improve my public transportation commute. Mostly I would use it for distances of 0-2 miles --- to the subway, on an errand, to the gym, to the other campus --- and I'd like to carry it up and down long staircases and in crowded subway cars, and I'll also have a backpack.
Hello - and welcome. Like Jur said - ignore the idiot with the toy bike joke. He has special needs I suspect.
Anyway - have you taken a look at the Dahon Curve? It has great write ups and is very neat. Folds small too. See if you can get a test ride, like Jur said.
Good luck and enjoy your bike when you get it.
brakemeister
09-19-07, 12:43 PM
another vote for the Curve
you can take fenders and carrier off the d3 model and make it a little lighter .... Th SL version is nice but unfortunately also much more expensive ....
And although not perfect I can push the Curve kinda balancing it on the rear wheel pretty nicely when you do not push the saddle in all the way ... of course I am biased ..lol
Thor
yamcha
09-19-07, 01:53 PM
The Curve and anything from Dahon is all right. I would avoid any of the ones designed in England. They might look interesting but thats about it. You can get a Dahon or Downtube that rides better and a fraction of the price.
v1nce
09-19-07, 02:42 PM
Your repeated bias (in other threads too) against English products seems ill founded and ill informed.
Brompton (though it may well not be suited for the particular needs of the poster in this one case) is the standard by which all folding capabilities are measured and compared.
Moulton is one of the highest performance 'break away/folder' bikes ever made. In fact Certain land speed records attained on it still hold.
Guess where these bikes were (and are) designed and produced...?
SesameCrunch
09-19-07, 02:57 PM
The Curve and anything from Dahon is all right. I would avoid any of the ones designed in England. They might look interesting but thats about it. You can get a Dahon or Downtube that rides better and a fraction of the price.
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Astonishing that anyone could make such sweeping statements ...
14R
09-19-07, 03:47 PM
I would avoid any of the ones designed in England. They might look interesting but thats about it. You can get a Dahon or Downtube that rides better and a fraction of the price.
As far as I know, most people don't have an english folder because they can't afford one. The only reason I had a Giant, A Dahon, a Merc and a Downtube was because I couldn't afford a Brompton. Most people, not ALL. But that's my perception.
invisiblehand
09-19-07, 03:47 PM
You can roll the Downtube Mini while folded. Apparently you can roll the Curve as well.
EDIT: I have taken my Mini on the Metro. I think that it is reasonably sized for most subways. Although in your case, since you are going such a short distance, I would probably go with the scooter.
folder fanatic
09-19-07, 05:30 PM
My major concern is carrying rather than riding the bike. I'm hoping to hear from people who are short like me 5'1" about which bikes work for them in their daily experience over weeks of using a folding bike.
It seems like most of the bikes in the US are either designed for
- Men --- most of whom are taller than 5'7" --- carrying them on public transit
- People transporting them by car and then bicycling.
As someone who is 5'1" carrying on public transit, I want to hear from others in a similar situation. The six inches that even a small man has on me really makes a big difference when carrying a cumbersome package.
Most folding bikes are about 32"x24"x12" or greater when folded, which is a huge size for me to carry, so it would really need to be able to roll whenever possible. Ideally it would be more compact than that. I don't have much problem carrying a standard hybrid on stairs because the size is mostly perpendicular to my height. The problem comes when the long end has to be carried vertically because then it starts to matter that it's more than half my height.
I'm looking for as inexpensive as possible --- I'm a student. At a certain point it becomes more economical just to get a cheap bike to keep at work, even though it might get stolen (my work is in a bad area.)
On specific bikes:
JZ88 looks like an excellent suggestion especially since Asians are much shorter than Europeans. I like that it wheels as a trolley when folded and doesn't need to be carried all the time. From the website, it's clear that the designers thought about how it works in daily life, while most bike ads don't show real people carrying them. I haven't found information on buying it in the US, and not sure how much it costs.
Strida looks like a good option --- I like that it can wheel as a trolley when folded --- but as someone mentioned it's for 5'4" and up. I didn't
The downtube mini and Dahon curve are a bit smaller than the other folding bikes --- 10" x 20" x 29" and 25 lbs and 13" x 24" x 26", 25 lbs, respectively --- but it looks like they have to be carried the whole time, and doesn't have a trolley mode that it could be wheeled and wouldn't need to be carried on flat surfaces. Still, they might be doable if I didn't have to carry them that far, and could carry them primarily when unfolded and they would therefore wheel. I could just fold them on the platform so that it meets the official guidelines and unfold as soon as I get out and wheel them into my office. I'll look into finding them at a local bike shop. Still, at that point I may as well get a Kent. Which is actually 27" x 24" x 15" and 25 lbs, so comparable to both of those.
Would love to hear other suggestions, or from people who are my height 5'1" who carry folding bikes on public transit.
Hello Bike 617 and Welcome To This Forum!
I am also female, in the same range as to size and fit problems. I once rode road bikes but gave them up because those bikes never seemed to fit me and my needs have changed. I needed a folding bike for theft deterence (I always take the bike with me everywhere, I do not lock it up for any reason). I like the vastly adjustable fit that addresses my fitting needs. I find them very comfortable to ride, unlike the road bikes I had before. I feel so strongly about my now collection of three folding bikes: a Dahon Boardwalk, a Dahon Piccolo, and a Brompton, I now have a series of web sites collectively entitled "The World Of Folding Bicycles." Please stop by and see how these bikes work in my own life. Perhaps it will in yours as well.
See below for these varied linked sites with text, photos, and even audio for your enjoyment.
Folder Fanatic
Webmaster to The World Of Folding Bicycles series
yamcha
09-19-07, 05:37 PM
Your repeated bias (in other threads too) against English products seems ill founded and ill informed.
Brompton (though it may well not be suited for the particular needs of the poster in this one case) is the standard by which all folding capabilities are measured and compared.
Moulton is one of the highest performance 'break away/folder' bikes ever made. In fact Certain land speed records attained on it still hold.
Guess where these bikes were (and are) designed and produced...?
What do you mean my repeated bias? Where?
Though you might like those English bikes, they aren't so hot or practical to me. If I want good engineering and design I don't buy English, I buy Japanese and then German and then American.
I see no reason for the English to charge 3-4 times more for their bikes.
OldiesONfoldies
09-19-07, 05:53 PM
I own a Brompton, Strida (UK), Speed Pro, Speed 8 (US?), BF Tikit (US) & a CM (Taiwan) and they all have their strengths and weaknesses. But to say anything from UK "might look interesting but thats about it" shows how much (or little) you know about folding bikes.
The Brompton is STILL the tightest folded package. The Strida is 20+ years old and looks like it arrived from the next generation. Its the only grease-less bike I know.
I agree with you that Dahons represent value for $ but they are not as durable as the english bikes in my experience. Their folding size too is nothing to shout about, even the impressive D3 but their ride is good.
pm124
09-19-07, 06:20 PM
Well since you're that small, it would probably be best to get something small and light enough that you can just put in your packpack.
This one would be a good choice:
http://www.monocikl.com/fileadmin/images/mini.jpg
OK, so I don't agree with the the homophobic comments in the pervious forums, but this post *was* funny. So, don't feel ganged up on and keep posting yamcha. (And you do have a point about price. But there is some quality compensation. Besides, it looks like the GBP might tank and we'll all be able to afford Moultons one day.)
EvilV, let's hear about your beautiful bike.
brakemeister
09-20-07, 08:03 AM
The Mini Cooper is built in England right ? ( yes BMW owns the plant but built in England ) LAst time I heard they cannot make enough ....
Almost all Formula one stuff is built, designed in England .....
my favourite old former car was built in England ( Ford Escort RS 1800 )
I am aware of Lucas ( lord of darkness ) but these days are over
same like every country .. some is junk some is gold and sometimes if it glitters it aint gold either
now back to folding bikes
thor
Loch
09-20-07, 09:11 AM
If I was you and could afford it, for short trips and lots of carrying, I would look really hard at the CarryMe bike. I'd love to try one myself, they look pretty cool. I think, I might be a little big for one (175 lb male 5'11''). But for what you want to do and your size, it might be perfect for you. The only problem is the cost (wish they were a little cheaper).
I have a Curve SL. I bring it with me everywhere. Usually roll it like a cart on one wheel. Even though it's about 23lbs loaded down with gear, it gets heavy carrying it up stairs and such, which I do every day at work. Might not be so much the weight, but that the package is a little awkward. The carry me is 17lbs (single speed) and seems like it would be better balanced for carrying.
Curve works perfect for me, I use the stairs for upper body strength training (us cyclist need that) and my commute is 12-15 miles round trip (a little long for the single speed carry me). Anywhere else I go, like I said, I can roll it or put it in a shopping cart.
Simple Simon
09-20-07, 12:50 PM
I own a Brompton, Strida (UK), Speed Pro, Speed 8 (US?), BF Tikit (US) & a CM (Taiwan) and they all have their strengths and weaknesses. But to say anything from UK "might look interesting but thats about it" shows how much (or little) you know about folding bikes.
The Brompton is STILL the tightest folded package. The Strida is 20+ years old and looks like it arrived from the next generation. Its the only grease-less bike I know.
I agree with you that Dahons represent value for $ but they are not as durable as the english bikes in my experience. Their folding size too is nothing to shout about, even the impressive D3 but their ride is good.
Well said OnF, I couldn't agree more ... there again, I AM a biased Brit.
v1nce
09-20-07, 01:04 PM
What do you mean my repeated bias? Where?
Though you might like those English bikes, they aren't so hot or practical to me. If I want good engineering and design I don't buy English, I buy Japanese and then German and then American.
I see no reason for the English to charge 3-4 times more for their bikes.
Very well you want to know where i spotted your bias, In this thread:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=341559
you said this:
"What's wrong with roller brakes on a folder? I was actually looking more at the Shimano 3-speed hub. Japanese products are usually better made than western products. Just look at the cars."
So you basically made a broad and sweeping statement that illustrates your prejudice. You may have a point !some! of the time when it concerns cars but then to proclaim that Japanase products IN GENERAL are made better than western products is amazingly obtuse.
Especially as the thread above was concerning a comparison between the Shimano Nexus three speed hub and the AW Sturmey Archer hub.. Suggesting that the Nexus is better made (or more durable) than the AW is a very hard thing to convince anyone knowledgeable of i would think. The AW was introduced in 1936 and has a absolutely sterling track record and there are AW hubs 40 + years old still working perfectly, quite a few even. The Nexus hasn't been around for a fraction of that time period and it's track record is decent or perhaps if one were generous pretty good, but nowhere near the AW.
It is not a matter of me liking English bikes or disliking Japanese products or anything like that. I like all good products irrespective of where they are made or designed.
It IS a matter of 10's of thousands (in the Brompton case) or 100 of thousands (AW) units being sold and performing amazingly due to great, great design and engineering that disprove your sweeping generalization. It is a sad thing when someone has such prejudice and actually voices it twice so quickly in succession and can't even remember doing it.
v1nce
09-20-07, 01:10 PM
@ OP, my sincere apologies for going off topic. I hope the you can ignore the silly posts and that the good ones offer insight so you can get a folder that you love.
Have you perhaps given thought to shopping second hand? There are quite a few second hand and older folders that are very good value for money and that are suitable for smaller riders.
spambait11
09-20-07, 03:01 PM
@ OP, my sincere apologies for going off topic.
If I were her, I'd be like "What the hell?" followed by "I'm outta here. Folder people are too weird."
:D
SesameCrunch
09-20-07, 03:43 PM
If I were her, I'd be like "What the hell?" followed by "I'm outta here. Folder people are too weird."
:D
:roflmao::roflmao:
So true......
folder fanatic
09-20-07, 05:43 PM
The Mini Cooper is built in England right ? ( yes BMW owns the plant but built in England ) LAst time I heard they cannot make enough ....
Almost all Formula one stuff is built, designed in England .....
my favourite old former car was built in England ( Ford Escort RS 1800 )
I am aware of Lucas ( lord of darkness ) but these days are over
same like every country .. some is junk some is gold and sometimes if it glitters it aint gold either
now back to folding bikes
thor
I think I was helped into the world of folding bikes through my father's old now classic 1960's Mini. I consider my Brompton worth every cent I paid for it because it's design and rubber floating cone suspenion system is directly from that Mini series. I still have my old Phillips AW three speed bike from the 1960s with it's internal hub drive train still going strong at almost 40 years (and I bought it used serveral years ago). The Boardwalk was puposely patterned after the Phillips (including tracking down one of the last year 2000 English made AW hub I installed into it). The Brompton is another improvement over the Boardwalk. And the Piccolo is another improvement (and spare) still. I am forever grateful to the UK for creating and designing the Sturmey Archer hubs (especially the AW), the old classic Minis both Austin and Morris, and the land where the folding bike really was co-created (France and Italy had their own versions at that time).
If you look at my 1960's photos on Flickr, I was a bit too young for the hippie movement. There were many hippies (and hanger-ons who took advantage of the free love movement) around Hollywood at that time. It deteriorated into the infamous drugged mess during the mid 1970s and beyond. Besides, my parents were very strick with us. We were not allowed to run around freely (after all, I was only about 7 or 8 at the time). But my father made it a point to show us how the hippes (or rather the true followers) were like and even took us to the courthouse downtown to see the Manson family acting strange during the murder trial and what happens when weird and violence follows happiness and bliss.
Now back to folding bikes, O.K.?
v1nce
09-21-07, 10:54 AM
Well at least the some of the off topic posts are real interesting! :) @ FF very interesting experiences i think, very glad to hear of your great run with the AW and other UK gear. Having taken several apart and reassembled them i think they the AW is a true work of beauty, so intricate yet so dependable and bomb proof.
But yeah, once again, i agree perhaps it is time to get back to (folding) bikes.
OldiesONfoldies
09-21-07, 06:54 PM
Ya, sweeping statements are dangerous....
farrellcollie
09-21-07, 08:35 PM
I am 5'2 and have had both a dahon speed8 and a downtube VIII. I would not have wanted to carry either very far - both were fairly heavy. The downtube fit better - If I had kept the dahon I would have changed handlebars to make the reach closer.