The Historian
03-30-08, 05:11 PM
Is there such a thing as a Clyde-capable folding bike? Neil F. is getting a folder, and I'm jealous.
View Full Version : Clydes on Folders?
Tom Stormcrowe
03-30-08, 05:14 PM
Well, Bike Friday makes a touring folder that's pretty rugged :D
neilfein
03-31-08, 10:59 AM
I'm planning to get the folder so I can do a bike/train commute. Everything I've seen so far tells me I'll take a slight hit in speed.
werewolf
03-31-08, 12:42 PM
Yep. Check in at the folding bike board. I'm 240+ and so far I'm very happy with my Peter Reich-built Swift.
markhr
03-31-08, 04:15 PM
There's a guy my brother knows, he's around 100kg, who rides (and breaks) bromptons. Last I heard they'd upgraded all the possible bits to the titanium options free of charge because the steel bits broke.
His only complaint is the limited gearing, i.e., gears always either too tall or short for the terrain.
His only complaint is the limited gearing, i.e., gears always either too tall or short for the terrain.
etz
04-01-08, 03:54 AM
Apparently bike Fridays are the ducks guts.
staehpj1
04-01-08, 05:12 AM
I'm planning to get the folder so I can do a bike/train commute. Everything I've seen so far tells me I'll take a slight hit in speed.
It depends.
You will get a very slanted opinion from the folding forum, that will tend to make you think that will not be the case. From the perspective of the posters that may be true.
I bought a Dahon Helios P8 a couple years ago and it is great for shortish trips around town, but... I found it impossible to get a roadie like riding position. The bars are quite far back and do not adjust very low. Even after cutting off a bit of the telescoping stem the best I can do is to get the bars down to just a bit above the saddle. The handling is twitchy at best. The long stem flexes way more than I would prefer. I do not find it very efficient and wouldn't consider it for any riding where performance is a major factor. To hop on it to go to the store or to do a short commute it is great though.
I have no experience with the Bike Friday, but they are supposed to not suffer from the same limitations. I can neither confirm or deny this though. They sound promising, but, I wouldn't spring for the price of one without a test ride though.
It depends.
You will get a very slanted opinion from the folding forum, that will tend to make you think that will not be the case. From the perspective of the posters that may be true.
I bought a Dahon Helios P8 a couple years ago and it is great for shortish trips around town, but... I found it impossible to get a roadie like riding position. The bars are quite far back and do not adjust very low. Even after cutting off a bit of the telescoping stem the best I can do is to get the bars down to just a bit above the saddle. The handling is twitchy at best. The long stem flexes way more than I would prefer. I do not find it very efficient and wouldn't consider it for any riding where performance is a major factor. To hop on it to go to the store or to do a short commute it is great though.
I have no experience with the Bike Friday, but they are supposed to not suffer from the same limitations. I can neither confirm or deny this though. They sound promising, but, I wouldn't spring for the price of one without a test ride though.
neilfein
04-01-08, 06:31 AM
I bought a Dahon Helios P8 a couple years ago and it is great for shortish trips around town, but... I found it impossible to get a roadie like riding position. The bars are quite far back and do not adjust very low. Even after cutting off a bit of the telescoping stem the best I can do is to get the bars down to just a bit above the saddle. The handling is twitchy at best. The long stem flexes way more than I would prefer. I do not find it very efficient and wouldn't consider it for any riding where performance is a major factor. To hop on it to go to the store or to do a short commute it is great though.[QUOTE]
Dahon has the Speed Pro TT (http://dahon.com/us/speedprott.htm) with 27 gears, but I haven't heard if it's a good bike or not.
[QUOTE=staehpj1;6440818]I have no experience with the Bike Friday, but they are supposed to not suffer from the same limitations. I can neither confirm or deny this though. They sound promising, but, I wouldn't spring for the price of one without a test ride though.
Getting to a place I can test-ride these is why it's taking me so long to get one of these. (One reason, anyway.) I'd love to try a Downtube 8HN (http://www.downtube.com/product535.html) or a Downtube NS (http://www.downtube.com/product541.html), but the nearest dealer to me is in Bensalem, PA; there's no train service to there. Anyone from NJ want to take a road trip?
Dahon has the Speed Pro TT (http://dahon.com/us/speedprott.htm) with 27 gears, but I haven't heard if it's a good bike or not.
[QUOTE=staehpj1;6440818]I have no experience with the Bike Friday, but they are supposed to not suffer from the same limitations. I can neither confirm or deny this though. They sound promising, but, I wouldn't spring for the price of one without a test ride though.
Getting to a place I can test-ride these is why it's taking me so long to get one of these. (One reason, anyway.) I'd love to try a Downtube 8HN (http://www.downtube.com/product535.html) or a Downtube NS (http://www.downtube.com/product541.html), but the nearest dealer to me is in Bensalem, PA; there's no train service to there. Anyone from NJ want to take a road trip?
The Historian
04-01-08, 06:56 AM
Getting to a place I can test-ride these is why it's taking me so long to get one of these. (One reason, anyway.) I'd love to try a Downtube 8HN (http://www.downtube.com/product535.html) or a Downtube NS (http://www.downtube.com/product541.html), but the nearest dealer to me is in Bensalem, PA; there's no train service to there. Anyone from NJ want to take a road trip?
Don't you have a friend in PA who might arrange to get you there?
Don't you have a friend in PA who might arrange to get you there?
Jessica
04-01-08, 09:56 AM
I have put some 1500 miles on my Dahon Boardwalk. I had to have a custom rear wheel built to do it, though. Popped spokes like that was the idea when I first got it. My LBS built a rear wheel 20 " with 36 spokes for me, and after that and some tire liners I have had very little trouble with it. Replaced the chain recently, but that is normal wear and tear. I am a little lighter now, but topped off over 270 lbs.
goes on the bus and light rail very easily, and then I ride the 10 miles home after work.
goes on the bus and light rail very easily, and then I ride the 10 miles home after work.
Jessica
04-01-08, 10:01 AM
I forgot to say, I have been jonesing for a super portable: but I do not think I can get one that will stand up to my weight. 20" wheels are still a BIG backpack full, and I would love to have one that folded as easily but was small enough not to be a pain to carry around. I have a friend who drives a mobility cart, and it would be way easier if I could just bike along side.
Cosmoline
04-01-08, 12:55 PM
I've folded a non-folder if that counts ;-)
Trucker_JDub
04-01-08, 01:23 PM
How folded do you want to go. If you don't need something that will fit in you pocket. I was riding this at 355lbs and it still going strong. I even have some trail rides on it with out a problem.
Montague Paratrooper:
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h135/mystic_pain/0109081623-1.jpg
Montague Paratrooper:
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h135/mystic_pain/0109081623-1.jpg
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