Want a better bike for use with BionX

[v6v6v6]

So I've currently got the BionX PL350 installed on my KHS Mocha folding bike, but I've become unsatisfied with the pairing. It's a 6-speed and I'm not able to go above around 13 MPH by cycling. When I use the throttle to go faster the bike starts to feel unstable at around 17 MPH.

I'm looking for some suggestions on how to improve my current bike's stability and speed, or suggestions for other bikes which use 20" wheels (don't have to be folding).

[Abneycat]

I'm just curious as to why a 20" wheelsize is the governing choice? If its just owing to the current wheelsize, having your BionX refitted into a larger rim wouldn't be all that much money considering the choices which would open up to you.

Aside from folders, some 20/20 recumbents and BMX bikes, there isn't really anything to choose in that category. I don't know how you feel about 'bents (personally, I love them), and a BMX rig isn't exactly a practical choice. All I could suggest is a more stable folder, the sturdiest ones i've personally seen are Bike Fridays.

As for your gearing selection, you could upgrade to a 7 speed configuration, but since BionX uses freewheel sprockets instead of cassette, you're limited to 7 speeds. There are some 7 speed clusters with a decent gear range though.

[v6v6v6]

I'm just curious as to why a 20" wheelsize is the governing choice? If its just owing to the current wheelsize, having your BionX refitted into a larger rim wouldn't be all that much money considering the choices which would open up to you. About how much does this cost to do and would it take a LBS who is familiar with BionX?

[Abneycat]

About how much does this cost to do and would it take a LBS who is familiar with BionX?

Any bike shop with a good mechanic could do it. The BionX is basically just a large radius hub when it comes down to it, a standard bike part with standard rim compatibility.

The cost would depend on the service prices of the shop and the cost of your new rim and spokes. I wouldn't use an uber-cheap rim, personally, so say $50 for a decent rim and a shop should probably charge $40-50 for a mechanic to put your new wheel together. So, I would guess that it would rest around the $100 mark altogether to get your BionX refitted. That would open up any bike option you wanted.

[v6v6v6]

Thanks Abneycat, I stopped by my LBS today and the tech said it was no problem. I asked him about a decent urban bike and he suggested the KHS Xpress (http://www.khsbicycles.com/06_urban_xpress_08.htm). Some activities I'll be doing are for running errands around town and hooking up my trailer to cart my daughter around. Any comments on this bike?

[Abneycat]

Well, to best provide you help in that area, some questions:

1. Whats your riding style? Do you like to hop curbs, ride gravel, carry heavy loads or anything particularly demanding?

2. Whats your ideal bike budget like?

3. Aside from KHS, what other brands does your bike shop carry?

That bicycle in particular looks like it would serve you well if you were primarily looking for a transport without any exotic requirements. Reynolds 520 is a fairly comfortable ride, the rest of the components aren't great - but they're better than whats on a KHS mocha, so if you were happy with the mocha, you would be happier with the Xpress.

Personally, I would be changing out the seat, adding some fenders, and also a rack. You'll also need to buy a 7 speed freewheel, as it seem the Xpress uses cassette, but that wouldn't be a big deal.

There are some very good offerings out there from other companies as well, Marin makes some great urban bikes like the Novato which are very good offerings for the money. Take a look around, there are many more choices in urban bikes than there used to be.

My personal favourite brands are Rocky Mountain, Marin and Electra, but when it comes down to it, there are tons of offerings out there from a lot of good bike companies. Its all just a matter of figuring out what works for you :)