SSarah
04-26-08, 11:45 AM
I'm a long-time lover of all types of bikes, but I just don't get what the appeal is of a folding bike. Can anyone enlighten me?
Folding Bikes - Why do people like folding bikes?
Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.mulleady
04-26-08, 11:52 AM
Why not?
Easier storage inside an apartment.
Allowed on most modes of public transport includng peak hours.
Also allowed in many buidings and workplaces and can be stowed away. Alleviates problem in cities with hight bicycle theft rates. Anyone can saw or snap the best locks in under 60 seconds.
Bring with you abroad in a suitcase for touring
Agile steering
Faster acceleration from a standing start
Quirkier
Top end folding bikes match full sized ones on ride quality
More adaptable bikes all-round. Need any more reasons lol?
Easier storage inside an apartment.
Allowed on most modes of public transport includng peak hours.
Also allowed in many buidings and workplaces and can be stowed away. Alleviates problem in cities with hight bicycle theft rates. Anyone can saw or snap the best locks in under 60 seconds.
Bring with you abroad in a suitcase for touring
Agile steering
Faster acceleration from a standing start
Quirkier
Top end folding bikes match full sized ones on ride quality
More adaptable bikes all-round. Need any more reasons lol?
energyandair
04-26-08, 01:08 PM
Why not?
Easier storage inside an apartment.
Allowed on most modes of public transport includng peak hours.
Also allowed in many buidings and workplaces and can be stowed away. Alleviates problem in cities with hight bicycle theft rates. Anyone can saw or snap the best locks in under 60 seconds.
Bring with you abroad in a suitcase for touring
Agile steering
Faster acceleration from a standing start
Quirkier
Top end folding bikes match full sized ones on ride quality
More adaptable bikes all-round. Need any more reasons lol?
All of the above plus you can fit a couple of them in a car trunk for an out of town trip, they take much less space in a garage, they are easily adjusted to change riding position, they typically fit a greater range of people which is handy when friends visit, they are at least a foot shorter than a regular bike and are much more manouverable making them much easier to ride or walk through a crowd.
As with large wheel non-folding bikes there is a wide range in both quality and purpose.
The only kind of riding where some large wheel bikes have a clear advantage is for riding downhill off-trail and for riding in sand or loose gravel but the large wheel bikes that are good at that aren't much good at other things.
In my mind, the question is more why people have large wheel, non folding bikes.
David
Easier storage inside an apartment.
Allowed on most modes of public transport includng peak hours.
Also allowed in many buidings and workplaces and can be stowed away. Alleviates problem in cities with hight bicycle theft rates. Anyone can saw or snap the best locks in under 60 seconds.
Bring with you abroad in a suitcase for touring
Agile steering
Faster acceleration from a standing start
Quirkier
Top end folding bikes match full sized ones on ride quality
More adaptable bikes all-round. Need any more reasons lol?
All of the above plus you can fit a couple of them in a car trunk for an out of town trip, they take much less space in a garage, they are easily adjusted to change riding position, they typically fit a greater range of people which is handy when friends visit, they are at least a foot shorter than a regular bike and are much more manouverable making them much easier to ride or walk through a crowd.
As with large wheel non-folding bikes there is a wide range in both quality and purpose.
The only kind of riding where some large wheel bikes have a clear advantage is for riding downhill off-trail and for riding in sand or loose gravel but the large wheel bikes that are good at that aren't much good at other things.
In my mind, the question is more why people have large wheel, non folding bikes.
David
PDR
04-26-08, 01:09 PM
Part of the appeal has to be the claver engineering behind the design of some of these folders. Some of them are almost works of art.
SesameCrunch
04-26-08, 01:14 PM
Part of the appeal has to be the claver engineering behind the design of some of these folders. Some of them are almost works of art.
My thoughts exactly!!!
My thoughts exactly!!!
TiberiusBTkirk
04-26-08, 01:18 PM
cause to me, they're cute as a button.
mulleady
04-26-08, 02:02 PM
In my mind, the question is more why people have large wheel, non folding bikes.
David
Great counter question, I second that!
I converted from a very good large wheel bike in August 2007 (Specialized Crossroads Elite) and haven't looked back since.............................
David
Great counter question, I second that!
I converted from a very good large wheel bike in August 2007 (Specialized Crossroads Elite) and haven't looked back since.............................
LittlePixel
04-26-08, 02:03 PM
If in an alternate universe, where everyone rode small-wheeled folding bikes and 'full size' bikes were unusual I suspect your question would be 'why do people like those crazy bikes with the big wheels???'.
I think it's about familiarity and convention. Some of us like the non-conformism as well as the practicality. Maybe we've just got something to prove or maybe we're showing we have nothing to prove Lol...
A small percentage of why we like them is likely a love of being the 'Little Engine That Could' - isn't the idea of an underdog that surprises all pre-conceived notions of what it can achieve just a little bit seductive?
And small wheels don't have to equal slow, in case you were wondering.
Are Farm-Tractors fast? Are Ferarri sports cars slow? :)
I think it's about familiarity and convention. Some of us like the non-conformism as well as the practicality. Maybe we've just got something to prove or maybe we're showing we have nothing to prove Lol...
A small percentage of why we like them is likely a love of being the 'Little Engine That Could' - isn't the idea of an underdog that surprises all pre-conceived notions of what it can achieve just a little bit seductive?
And small wheels don't have to equal slow, in case you were wondering.
Are Farm-Tractors fast? Are Ferarri sports cars slow? :)
folderster
04-26-08, 03:40 PM
I needed to have one for multi-modal commuting, but now I don't think I'll ever go back to "big wheels" for city riding.
The faster acceleration and agile handling is perfect for lots of stop and go on city streets. The storage convenience on either end of the route is fantastic. Of course they are not racing bikes or mountain bikes, but for commuters and city riding they are the best tool for the job!
The faster acceleration and agile handling is perfect for lots of stop and go on city streets. The storage convenience on either end of the route is fantastic. Of course they are not racing bikes or mountain bikes, but for commuters and city riding they are the best tool for the job!
principe azul
04-26-08, 03:50 PM
Also allowed in many buidings and workplaces and can be stowed away. Alleviates problem in cities with hight bicycle theft rates.
Main reason for me. Took mine into a shop just this afternoon: didn't have to lock up, didn't have to dismantle an expensive lighting rig, remove the bike computer etc. just for a five-minute errand.
I can also commute to work and if it throws it down and I don't have my waterproofs, or if I get a flat, I can just take it with me on a bus or tube train.
If I could do these things with my 700cc bike, I'd probably never have got a folder.
Main reason for me. Took mine into a shop just this afternoon: didn't have to lock up, didn't have to dismantle an expensive lighting rig, remove the bike computer etc. just for a five-minute errand.
I can also commute to work and if it throws it down and I don't have my waterproofs, or if I get a flat, I can just take it with me on a bus or tube train.
If I could do these things with my 700cc bike, I'd probably never have got a folder.
makeinu
04-26-08, 07:57 PM
I'm a long-time lover of all types of bikes, but I just don't get what the appeal is of a folding bike. Can anyone enlighten me?
Same as the appeal of folding anything. It saves space.
(Though not always. I personally don't see folders as an ideal solution to combining bikes with multimodal transit. As opposed to a single piece of paper, folding a ream of paper usually won't save you any space and, likewise, I believe that appropriately designed bicycle racks would ultimately prove more efficient for transporting many bicycles via other forms of transit if the public were so inclined).
Same as the appeal of folding anything. It saves space.
(Though not always. I personally don't see folders as an ideal solution to combining bikes with multimodal transit. As opposed to a single piece of paper, folding a ream of paper usually won't save you any space and, likewise, I believe that appropriately designed bicycle racks would ultimately prove more efficient for transporting many bicycles via other forms of transit if the public were so inclined).
James H Haury
04-26-08, 08:57 PM
What they said ,Plus they're neato Keen!
14R
04-26-08, 11:23 PM
Storage in, car, airplane, luggage.
No extra fees when traveling.
CE
[+1]
On top of that, your sex appeal increases aprox. 23% while riding folders.;)
No extra fees when traveling.
CE
[+1]
On top of that, your sex appeal increases aprox. 23% while riding folders.;)
Sixty Fiver
04-26-08, 11:26 PM
They are often rather unique...
http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/forrestnew45front.jpg
http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/forrestnew45front.jpg
Mr York
04-27-08, 12:21 AM
For me the appeal was that I lived in an apartment and had to walk up a steep flight of stairs with the bike. Had to store the bike in the apartment too. So having a bike that was physically small and light weight was very important to me.
I don't live in the city anymore and have since sold the folder and picked up a full size bike. But the folder still has a fond memory for me and I would buy another in a heart beat if I needed one again.
I don't live in the city anymore and have since sold the folder and picked up a full size bike. But the folder still has a fond memory for me and I would buy another in a heart beat if I needed one again.
Sixty Fiver
04-27-08, 12:36 AM
I don't need my folders... I have 10 other bikes and of those I could probably get by with one.
An injury put me on my folders more than I might have had I been able to ride my other bikes and over the months I find that I really appreciate their virtues and now know they give up very little, if anything to their bigger siblings.
I have no storage issues, I don't have them because I am a frequent flyer or subway user.
They are simply another well made bicycle that I really enjoy riding and the appeal lies more in their small wheels and performance than the fact they fold up... I do get some perverse pleasure when I can amaze other riders at how fast they are, how quickly they accelerate, and how incredibly nimble they are.
They do have the ability to be locked in such a way as to deter thieves which I do like.
http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/forrestfolded.jpg
And I am a tinkerer... these folders are a different kind of challenge and I enjoy seeing what I can do with a different kind of bike.
An injury put me on my folders more than I might have had I been able to ride my other bikes and over the months I find that I really appreciate their virtues and now know they give up very little, if anything to their bigger siblings.
I have no storage issues, I don't have them because I am a frequent flyer or subway user.
They are simply another well made bicycle that I really enjoy riding and the appeal lies more in their small wheels and performance than the fact they fold up... I do get some perverse pleasure when I can amaze other riders at how fast they are, how quickly they accelerate, and how incredibly nimble they are.
They do have the ability to be locked in such a way as to deter thieves which I do like.
http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/forrestfolded.jpg
And I am a tinkerer... these folders are a different kind of challenge and I enjoy seeing what I can do with a different kind of bike.
somnatash
04-27-08, 07:20 AM
You want to get enlightened? :D
Here you are:
Folding bikes are the future!
There is an entire world of collapsibles. The design principle of Foldability broadens the function of innumerable objects that fold out for use and fold back in again for storage. These objects show through form and function their two inherited meaningful states: active and passive. Folding bikes are characterised by this basic concept of adaptability. The human himself being physically and mentally able to change, needs and wishes alterable objects. The ability to adapt adequately to a given situation is at the same time a fundamental surviving strategy. Flexibility therefore means future and life.
Folding bikes point to beauty and wisdom!
It was in Japan the culture of constant search for beauty and wisdom, where the art of folding - origami - came into full blossom. Like the Lotus bud unfolds and develops to the flower of wisdom so unfolds the folding bike to provide one of the wisest, earth kind modes of transport: humanly powered.
One principle of beauty whether in art, architecture, music or nature is to echo, repeat and vary. (In a "normal" bike you find two wheels, this repeating causing part of the beauty).
The symbol of the wheel is in itself a powerful expression of movement and multiplicity. It is also the symbol of original immobility and of synthesis. Just so, it is the symbolic expression of expansion and concentration– of centrifugal energy, which moves from the centre to the periphery, and of centripetal energy, which returns to its centre.
In a folding bike this symbol of the wheel is reflected, doubled, varied and emphasised by the principle of the fold. The folding bike shrinks and draws back only to extend itself once more, following a universal law obeyed by the tides of the sea (ebb and flow) and the earth (condensation, expansion)–like the diastole and systole, the inhaling and exhaling, of the human being or the universe, that is - the microcosmos or the macrokosmos.
my not too serious answer and words were inspired and partly taken from:
www.geocities.com (http://www.geocities.com) "The Wheel Symbolic Image of the Cosmos"
and from: "Collapsibles A Design Album of Space-Saving Objects" by Per Mollerup
Here you are:
Folding bikes are the future!
There is an entire world of collapsibles. The design principle of Foldability broadens the function of innumerable objects that fold out for use and fold back in again for storage. These objects show through form and function their two inherited meaningful states: active and passive. Folding bikes are characterised by this basic concept of adaptability. The human himself being physically and mentally able to change, needs and wishes alterable objects. The ability to adapt adequately to a given situation is at the same time a fundamental surviving strategy. Flexibility therefore means future and life.
Folding bikes point to beauty and wisdom!
It was in Japan the culture of constant search for beauty and wisdom, where the art of folding - origami - came into full blossom. Like the Lotus bud unfolds and develops to the flower of wisdom so unfolds the folding bike to provide one of the wisest, earth kind modes of transport: humanly powered.
One principle of beauty whether in art, architecture, music or nature is to echo, repeat and vary. (In a "normal" bike you find two wheels, this repeating causing part of the beauty).
The symbol of the wheel is in itself a powerful expression of movement and multiplicity. It is also the symbol of original immobility and of synthesis. Just so, it is the symbolic expression of expansion and concentration– of centrifugal energy, which moves from the centre to the periphery, and of centripetal energy, which returns to its centre.
In a folding bike this symbol of the wheel is reflected, doubled, varied and emphasised by the principle of the fold. The folding bike shrinks and draws back only to extend itself once more, following a universal law obeyed by the tides of the sea (ebb and flow) and the earth (condensation, expansion)–like the diastole and systole, the inhaling and exhaling, of the human being or the universe, that is - the microcosmos or the macrokosmos.
my not too serious answer and words were inspired and partly taken from:
www.geocities.com (http://www.geocities.com) "The Wheel Symbolic Image of the Cosmos"
and from: "Collapsibles A Design Album of Space-Saving Objects" by Per Mollerup
invisiblehand
04-27-08, 08:07 AM
[+1]
On top of that, your sex appeal increases aprox. 23% while riding folders.;)
Actually R, I think that the folding bike is a real conversation starter in any group ride. In the college/HS parlance, it is a "chick/dude magnet".
On top of that, your sex appeal increases aprox. 23% while riding folders.;)
Actually R, I think that the folding bike is a real conversation starter in any group ride. In the college/HS parlance, it is a "chick/dude magnet".
PDR
04-27-08, 08:19 AM
I still get lots of people stop me and ask about my bike who (I suspect) would not approach me if I was with a normal big wheeled bike.
One of my work colleagues cycles into work and then carries his bike up to his office on the top floor of the building………. whereas I can just fold mine and place it in the lift with me!
One of my work colleagues cycles into work and then carries his bike up to his office on the top floor of the building………. whereas I can just fold mine and place it in the lift with me!
mulleady
04-27-08, 02:54 PM
Actually R, I think that the folding bike is a real conversation starter in any group ride. In the college/HS parlance, it is a "chick/dude magnet".
Lovely to see the contrasts of Somentash's philosophical prose and invisiblehand's chick/dude magnet street talk lol! :D
As a folding bike man, I hope I don't attract dudes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek:
When I get my new Brompton I'm looking forward to conquering the cosmos and labyrinth of London's streets..................
Lovely to see the contrasts of Somentash's philosophical prose and invisiblehand's chick/dude magnet street talk lol! :D
As a folding bike man, I hope I don't attract dudes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek:
When I get my new Brompton I'm looking forward to conquering the cosmos and labyrinth of London's streets..................
DVC45
04-27-08, 03:40 PM
Its easier to hitch a ride home with co-workers and/or friends (no need for them to have a bike rack on their cars) for when its pouring cats and dogs outside. ' happened to me once. ' lucky me, I got a folder, I got more than one offer for a ride home. :)
It also makes me look smart..... I think. :lol:
If an affordable (<$600), 18lbs folder (complete with rear rack and multi-gear) is available, it would be all the bike I'de own.
It also makes me look smart..... I think. :lol:
If an affordable (<$600), 18lbs folder (complete with rear rack and multi-gear) is available, it would be all the bike I'de own.
energyandair
04-27-08, 06:00 PM
Its easier to hitch a ride home with co-workers and/or friends (no need for them to have a bike rack on their cars) for when its pouring cats and dogs outside. ' happened to me once. ' lucky me, I got a folder, I got more than one offer for a ride home. :)
It also makes me look smart..... I think. :lol:
If an affordable (<$600), 18lbs folder (complete with rear rack and multi-gear) is available, it would be all the bike I'de own.
Can you get that combination in a non-folding bike?
My guess is that you would have to pay more money and/or live with a bit more weight.
David
It also makes me look smart..... I think. :lol:
If an affordable (<$600), 18lbs folder (complete with rear rack and multi-gear) is available, it would be all the bike I'de own.
Can you get that combination in a non-folding bike?
My guess is that you would have to pay more money and/or live with a bit more weight.
David
DVC45
04-27-08, 06:12 PM
Can you get that combination in a non-folding bike?
My guess is that you would have to pay more money and/or live with a bit more weight.
David
' sure can't. But with advances in frame componentry (material) and production efficiency, I wouldn't doubt that low cost, lightweight bikes will happen in the future.......I do hope that I could still ride when it happens though.
My guess is that you would have to pay more money and/or live with a bit more weight.
David
' sure can't. But with advances in frame componentry (material) and production efficiency, I wouldn't doubt that low cost, lightweight bikes will happen in the future.......I do hope that I could still ride when it happens though.
Scooper
04-27-08, 06:21 PM
I'm a long-time lover of all types of bikes, but I just don't get what the appeal is of a folding bike. Can anyone enlighten me?
Because I can take it anywhere.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/Brompton/Bromptonin172sm.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/Brompton/M6LinHardCase.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/Brompton/BromptonUnfoldedsm.jpg
Twenty-five posts, and the OP has yet to acknowledge any of them. :rolleyes:
Because I can take it anywhere.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/Brompton/Bromptonin172sm.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/Brompton/M6LinHardCase.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/k4drd/Bicycles/Brompton/BromptonUnfoldedsm.jpg
Twenty-five posts, and the OP has yet to acknowledge any of them. :rolleyes:
jur
04-27-08, 10:43 PM
Coz they're too cool. (http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t188/juried/swift_sm001.jpg)
Road bikes - boring. All frames are a double triangle. You have to watch it with toe overlap. They are the clumsiest inventions when you're NOT riding them. No innovation.
Road bikes - boring. All frames are a double triangle. You have to watch it with toe overlap. They are the clumsiest inventions when you're NOT riding them. No innovation.
makeinu
04-28-08, 06:30 AM
If an affordable (<$600), 18lbs folder (complete with rear rack and multi-gear) is available, it would be all the bike I'de own.
http://brandscycle.com/merchant/278/images/large/carryme2_lg.jpg
$695 at brandscycle.com with free shipping and no tax for texans.
http://brandscycle.com/merchant/278/images/large/carryme2_lg.jpg
$695 at brandscycle.com with free shipping and no tax for texans.
rhm
04-28-08, 09:12 AM
I'm a long-time lover of all types of bikes, but I just don't get what the appeal is of a folding bike. Can anyone enlighten me?
Appeal? I can't say I've ever found any folding bike that appealing. Well, the Swift is pretty cool looking; but it doesn't suit my needs.
The thing is, my folding bike gives me a level of independence I never experienced with a big-wheeled bike. I take it on a crowded rush-hour train to get to work every day. I take it into buildings without worrying about theft. If I meet up with a friend with a car, and we want to go somewhere, I can toss the bike in the trunk and go along in the car. I've even towed a canoe behind my folding bike, then put the bike in a canoe and paddled down a river.
Appeal? I can't say I've ever found any folding bike that appealing. Well, the Swift is pretty cool looking; but it doesn't suit my needs.
The thing is, my folding bike gives me a level of independence I never experienced with a big-wheeled bike. I take it on a crowded rush-hour train to get to work every day. I take it into buildings without worrying about theft. If I meet up with a friend with a car, and we want to go somewhere, I can toss the bike in the trunk and go along in the car. I've even towed a canoe behind my folding bike, then put the bike in a canoe and paddled down a river.
DVC45
04-28-08, 10:43 AM
http://brandscycle.com/merchant/278/images/large/carryme2_lg.jpg
$695 at brandscycle.com with free shipping and no tax for texans.
Wow! :eek: They do exist!
But how good are they? Is it multi geared?
Thanks Makeinu!
$695 at brandscycle.com with free shipping and no tax for texans.
Wow! :eek: They do exist!
But how good are they? Is it multi geared?
Thanks Makeinu!
DVC45
04-28-08, 10:45 AM
I've even towed a canoe behind my folding bike, then put the bike in a canoe and paddled down a river.
Way to go RHM! that's one heck of multi-mode commutting, eh? :D
Way to go RHM! that's one heck of multi-mode commutting, eh? :D
msincredible
04-28-08, 10:50 AM
I've even towed a canoe behind my folding bike, then put the bike in a canoe and paddled down a river.
Nice! :beer: I've been thinking about doing this with an inflatable kayak.
Nice! :beer: I've been thinking about doing this with an inflatable kayak.
veggie_lover
04-28-08, 12:06 PM
One word , flexibility. You can throw it in a co-workers trunk , bus, train, etc. without any worries. I find my Dahon D7 plenty fast, if not faster than a standard road bike. They are also unstealable, that fact alone is worth more than the price of the bike! last, they are a status symbol. My green Dahon turns more heads than a $100k+ italian sports car. Can't beat that for $300 , can you?
roadfix
04-28-08, 12:07 PM
I'm a long-time lover of all types of bikes, but I just don't get what the appeal is of a folding bike. Can anyone enlighten me?Why do you ride a fixed gear?
rhm
04-28-08, 12:25 PM
Way to go RHM! that's one heck of multi-mode commutting, eh? :D
Ha! I'm crazy, but I'm not crazy enough for that. Yet.
Nice! :beer: I've been thinking about doing this with an inflatable kayak.
Yeah, I just got an inflatable, I'm going to try that this summer. First I'm building a trailer for the Mini so I can put the inflatable on the trailer... I'll keep y'all posted.
BTW, here's the link if you want to know more about my first try!
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=324120&highlight=
Ha! I'm crazy, but I'm not crazy enough for that. Yet.
Nice! :beer: I've been thinking about doing this with an inflatable kayak.
Yeah, I just got an inflatable, I'm going to try that this summer. First I'm building a trailer for the Mini so I can put the inflatable on the trailer... I'll keep y'all posted.
BTW, here's the link if you want to know more about my first try!
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=324120&highlight=
sprockets
04-28-08, 12:32 PM
I have used my bike while on vacation, it packs into a standard sized suitcase, it rides about as well as my regular mountain bike. I rode it down Cotopaxi Volcano in Ecuador along side suspended mountain bikes and didn't suffer for it.
I ride to Union Station in Toronto and can ride the train 70km to the end of the line and ride another 5 km to my office. If, at the end of the day, I miss the train on the way home, a bus will take me to within 7 km of my house and I can ride back home.
If I ride to my girlfriend's place downtown and don't want to lock my bike up outside I can stuff it in a bag and bring it upstairs without her Condo Security giving me a hard time.
I ride to Union Station in Toronto and can ride the train 70km to the end of the line and ride another 5 km to my office. If, at the end of the day, I miss the train on the way home, a bus will take me to within 7 km of my house and I can ride back home.
If I ride to my girlfriend's place downtown and don't want to lock my bike up outside I can stuff it in a bag and bring it upstairs without her Condo Security giving me a hard time.
folder fanatic
04-28-08, 01:07 PM
I'm a long-time lover of all types of bikes, but I just don't get what the appeal is of a folding bike. Can anyone enlighten me?
The reasons for the appeal of the folding bike would span all my Web sites listed below. This will include all my research, photos, observations, and plain fun these bikes have offered me over almost 5 years now. These bikes have it over any and all the previous bikes I owned and borrowed in the past. See below for links:
The reasons for the appeal of the folding bike would span all my Web sites listed below. This will include all my research, photos, observations, and plain fun these bikes have offered me over almost 5 years now. These bikes have it over any and all the previous bikes I owned and borrowed in the past. See below for links:
makeinu
04-28-08, 01:25 PM
Wow! :eek: They do exist!
But how good are they? Is it multi geared?
Thanks Makeinu!
It's a two speed, so it's technically multigeared. I've got the single speed version and I love it, but see here for some more discussion of the dual speed:
http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=403455
But how good are they? Is it multi geared?
Thanks Makeinu!
It's a two speed, so it's technically multigeared. I've got the single speed version and I love it, but see here for some more discussion of the dual speed:
http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=403455
The Chemist
06-24-08, 10:38 PM
I bought mine because I wanted to avoid Shanghai's notorious bike theft problem, plus I'm a multi-mode commuter. And after discovering how great they are to ride, I'd never go back to a full sized bike. :)
golden_foldie
06-24-08, 11:18 PM
I'm 5'6" and my Downtube 8H is the first bike I've had (since I was a kid) that fits me. As an adult, I had a Schwinn Varsity-style ten-speed and a Mongoose mountain bike and I was never entirely comfortable on either of them. I also like being able to toss it in the trunk of my car or take it on BART. And, as so many others have stated above, folders are works of art! Best gadget-y thing I own!
Mr. Smith
06-25-08, 12:04 AM
Why not?
Easier storage inside an apartment. <- Yes
Allowed on most modes of public transport includng peak hours. <- Kind of
Also allowed in many buidings and workplaces and can be stowed away. Alleviates problem in cities with hight bicycle theft rates. Anyone can saw or snap the best locks in under 60 seconds. <- Yes
Bring with you abroad in a suitcase for touring <- laughable for most
Agile steering <- twitchy to most
Faster acceleration from a standing start <- yes
Quirkier <- I guess
Top end folding bikes match full sized ones on ride quality <- I call bullsh*t
More adaptable bikes all-round. Need any more reasons lol?
They do have their place and are extremely practical once you get over the strange looks when you wheel it into the grocery store or a restaurant. Still, it's not a save all. It's a bike with a specific purpose and role. I for one never will see it as a replacement to other types of bikes, such as road, mountain, or touring. It is great as a commuter bike and will get you there in a jam if traveling with or renting a fullsize bike abroad isn't appealing to you.
Easier storage inside an apartment. <- Yes
Allowed on most modes of public transport includng peak hours. <- Kind of
Also allowed in many buidings and workplaces and can be stowed away. Alleviates problem in cities with hight bicycle theft rates. Anyone can saw or snap the best locks in under 60 seconds. <- Yes
Bring with you abroad in a suitcase for touring <- laughable for most
Agile steering <- twitchy to most
Faster acceleration from a standing start <- yes
Quirkier <- I guess
Top end folding bikes match full sized ones on ride quality <- I call bullsh*t
More adaptable bikes all-round. Need any more reasons lol?
They do have their place and are extremely practical once you get over the strange looks when you wheel it into the grocery store or a restaurant. Still, it's not a save all. It's a bike with a specific purpose and role. I for one never will see it as a replacement to other types of bikes, such as road, mountain, or touring. It is great as a commuter bike and will get you there in a jam if traveling with or renting a fullsize bike abroad isn't appealing to you.
Mr. Smith
06-25-08, 12:09 AM
http://brandscycle.com/merchant/278/images/large/carryme2_lg.jpg
$695 at brandscycle.com with free shipping and no tax for texans.
This one is too much for me. I've ridden a Mobiky Genius and thought the term was used about as loosely as the guy at the Apple Store. Einstein is rolling in his grave at both uses of that sacred word.
$695 at brandscycle.com with free shipping and no tax for texans.
This one is too much for me. I've ridden a Mobiky Genius and thought the term was used about as loosely as the guy at the Apple Store. Einstein is rolling in his grave at both uses of that sacred word.
snafu21
06-25-08, 12:20 AM
The design inherent in folding bicycles increases non-Newtonian polarized hyperbaric throughput to over 70 petabytes/second. This is a first in a series of nano-molecular para-polarized transparent bicycle modifications required by international convention, soon to be standard in all bicycles worldwide.
These improvements enable polarized nanoscale quantum tunneling by using a custom transparent aluminum matrix to push parameterized vorgon particles through a dark fibre phase variant Heisenberg compensator, thus saving energy and eventually, the planet.
At the moment, only folding bicycles are thus equipped.
These improvements enable polarized nanoscale quantum tunneling by using a custom transparent aluminum matrix to push parameterized vorgon particles through a dark fibre phase variant Heisenberg compensator, thus saving energy and eventually, the planet.
At the moment, only folding bicycles are thus equipped.
maranen
06-25-08, 12:39 AM
They will develop you to be more social – you have to accept shouts like ”Cool bike”, accept women asking your phone number etc – or give up the bike. You will feel like a rock-star. There is the never ending challenge to improve the bike – no problems what to do on your spare time, and keep your brain cells active meditating how to solve the next problem. If you have too much money they are perfectly acceptable way to spend them – you’ll always find a good reason for a new one.
rhm
06-25-08, 06:12 AM
The design inherent in folding bicycles increases non-Newtonian polarized hyperbaric throughput to over 70 petabytes/second. This is a first in a series of nano-molecular para-polarized transparent bicycle modifications required by international convention, soon to be standard in all bicycles worldwide.
These improvements enable polarized nanoscale quantum tunneling by using a custom transparent aluminum matrix to push parameterized vorgon particles through a dark fibre phase variant Heisenberg compensator, thus saving energy and eventually, the planet.
At the moment, only folding bicycles are thus equipped.
Thank you. I knew it was something like that, but I only took one physics course in college and had forgotten some of the terminology.
These improvements enable polarized nanoscale quantum tunneling by using a custom transparent aluminum matrix to push parameterized vorgon particles through a dark fibre phase variant Heisenberg compensator, thus saving energy and eventually, the planet.
At the moment, only folding bicycles are thus equipped.
Thank you. I knew it was something like that, but I only took one physics course in college and had forgotten some of the terminology.
snafu21
06-25-08, 06:18 AM
Thank you. I knew it was something like that, but I only took one physics course in college and had forgotten some of the terminology.
You're quite welcome. Naturally, as a consequence of this, the orange ones are faster.
You're quite welcome. Naturally, as a consequence of this, the orange ones are faster.
jur
06-25-08, 06:36 AM
Ha! Now I know who wrote Star Trek Next Gen's Commander Data's script!
intrepidbiker
06-25-08, 06:36 AM
I'm actually interested in getting a folding bike. I'm looking at the Grasshopper folding recumbent by HP Velotechnik.
http://i.treehugger.com/images/2007/10/24/grasshopper-recumbent-bike1.jpg
The reason I want a folder is that I want a bike easily taken on a plane.
My question to you orgami lovers is, do you think that the grasshopper could be easily packed for airline travel and possibly avoid airline fees for bikes?
http://i.treehugger.com/images/2007/10/24/grasshopper-recumbent-bike1.jpg
The reason I want a folder is that I want a bike easily taken on a plane.
My question to you orgami lovers is, do you think that the grasshopper could be easily packed for airline travel and possibly avoid airline fees for bikes?
bykerouac
06-25-08, 07:30 AM
One word , flexibility. You can throw it in a co-workers trunk , bus, train, etc. without any worries. I find my Dahon D7 plenty fast, if not faster than a standard road bike. They are also unstealable, that fact alone is worth more than the price of the bike! last, they are a status symbol. My green Dahon turns more heads than a $100k+ italian sports car. Can't beat that for $300 , can you?
OK guys, which is the headturner here?
http://piofort.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p819235964-4.jpg
............
The reason I want a folder is that I want a bike easily taken on a plane.
My question to you orgami lovers is, do you think that the grasshopper could be easily packed for airline travel and possibly avoid airline fees for bikes?
Intrepid, without knowing the exact dimensions, I would think that the packed Grasshopper might be classified as oversized. I may be wrong though.
OK guys, which is the headturner here?
http://piofort.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p819235964-4.jpg
............
The reason I want a folder is that I want a bike easily taken on a plane.
My question to you orgami lovers is, do you think that the grasshopper could be easily packed for airline travel and possibly avoid airline fees for bikes?
Intrepid, without knowing the exact dimensions, I would think that the packed Grasshopper might be classified as oversized. I may be wrong though.
Lalato
06-25-08, 07:52 AM
I've looked at the Grasshopper online. Though a marvel of engineering, it does not appear to fold down enough for easy transport on a plane. It's more of a fold down so you can stow it in your trunk/boot kind of bike.
That said... I'm saying this without having any practical experience with the Grasshopper. Your best bet to find out if it's feasible would be to contact Velotechnik to see if they've been successful at packing it down for air travel. It's not a common enough bike that we hear about it on these forums... though I wish we did because it looks awesome.
--sam
That said... I'm saying this without having any practical experience with the Grasshopper. Your best bet to find out if it's feasible would be to contact Velotechnik to see if they've been successful at packing it down for air travel. It's not a common enough bike that we hear about it on these forums... though I wish we did because it looks awesome.
--sam
snafu21
06-25-08, 07:55 AM
OK guys, which is the headturner here?
The Ferrari, silly. Bromptons always look like they've been in a train wreck. :)
<runs away>
The Ferrari, silly. Bromptons always look like they've been in a train wreck. :)
<runs away>
DLBroox
06-25-08, 07:59 AM
They're just fun.