Folding Bikes - Do I need TWO folders?

The first question that ever should be asked when considering a bike purchase is 'what kind of biking do you want to do?' Fair enough and this is where I am undecided, or rather, I think I have two sufficiently different purposes for a folding bike.

Lately I have considered taking the train to work and then biking home in the evening. It's about a 13 mile commute, a little far for the morning but ideal for an afternoon workout. I think for this purpose I need a compact foldable with 16" wheels but that could handle a distance that far comfortably. My commute route is pretty flat (I live in Chicago) so gearing is not that important to me. Based on what I've read here I was thinking of a Downtube Mini but am not sure that it would be so comfortable over 13 miles.

I also travel sometimes for my job and I'd like to take a road-like bike with me to get some decent mileage in, say 30-40 miles (or more). I was thinking of a Dahon Speed D7 for this.

Do I need two folders or is there a bike that can handle intermediate distances of 10-20 miles and folds compactly enough (and quickly enough) to carry on public transportation? Your thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated.

** mp **

Yes the Birdy but having ridden a Dahon Jeststream today, I think this could fulfil all those purposes.

Do I need two folders or is there a bike that can handle intermediate distances of 10-20 miles and folds compactly enough (and quickly enough) to carry on public transportation?...
** mp **

My answer may be a little biased (cause I cant expect my 8 Speed brompton to arrive) but a brompton would be perfect for that, if it fits your anatomy. It surely gives by far the most compact fold an there are people who have travelled the world with it:

http://onmybrompton.wordpress.com/
http://ridethisbike.com/2007_07_01_archive.html
http://www.foldabikes.com/CurrentEvents/Story/Tibet.html

Somnetash what is the latest excuse? You still waiting for your modified B? so sorry to hear this :-(

Yes I agree with Somnetash. The Brompton can be easily ridden those distances with some minor upgrades but you really have to like the ride. Unbeatable for the fold of course but the Jetstream is a better compromise for all mplee's needs in my opinion. I rode one at the Hyde Park meet today and was really impressed with its suspension, handling and SRAM X7 gears. Ian the owner had upgraded the handlebars with a lovely trigger shift and Ergon grips. Cheaper than the Birdy but with these small upgraded, every bit as good and still has a decent fold for commutes. Can handle longer road trips and would even eat up trails.

If you are on a budget the Downtube 8H is a great option if you are below 6 feet tall.

Your question was: "do I need 2 folders?" I take it, that so far you don't even own 1 folder. Be careful, if you already wonder about two. Folders are addictive:eek: Here you meet boys who urgently need much more then 2.

Actually I think there are a lot of folders which can do so. The birdy, mulleady mentioned can go for some mild off-road...


OT:
Somnetash what is the latest excuse? You still waiting for your modified B? so sorry to hear this :-(Yeah, its still not here with me. But since yesterday (at least Ben said so) "in the making". So it cant take much longer. But thank you keeping your fingers crossed:thumb:

You need to consider the following issues:

How small does it have to fold? This will depend upon the available space on your train.

What are the road surfaces like and what is your tolerance for bumps and discomfort over a longer distance?

What are your expectations for speed and enjoyment when riding the bike? Practically any bike can be ridden for the distances you are discussing. Whether you wil want to ride it that far is another question.

Would you rather pay more for one bike that does everything you want reasonably well or have two cheaper bikes for specialized functions?

How much do you like the feel of a particular bike? One person's responsive is another person's twitchy. If at all possible, you should ride them beforehand. When test riding you need to remember that some bikes come in different configurations to suit people with a wider range of sizes and preferences. (eg Birdy and Bike Friday). If you test the wrong configuration you may draw very different conclusions from those you would have with a different configuration.

I chose a Birdy for its ability to do it all. In the right configuration, it would probably also work very well for you but it is not the least expensive bike and some other bikes may suit your particular needs.

David

Your question was: "do I need 2 folders?" I take it, that so far you don't even own 1 folder. Be careful, if you already wonder about two. Folders are addictive:eek: Here you meet boys who urgently need much more then 2.
Heh heh, I am one of those. For me the difficult part is figuring out which one to get before the other ones.

Heh heh, I am one of those. For me the difficult part is figuring out which one to get before the other ones.

Hear Hear Jur lol! Once you get the foldinitis virus you not only want to cycle your 1st more but you want more! I'm after the Dahon Groove now.....................

<Heavy sigh>

I wish I could only have 2 folders :(.

Got........to......... stop........ buying ........ folders.......

Got........to......... stop........ buying ........ folders.......

Got........to......... stop........ buying ........ folders.......



:o:o:o

<Heavy sigh>

I wish I could only have 2 folders :(.

Got........to......... stop........ buying ........ folders.......

Got........to......... stop........ buying ........ folders.......

Got........to......... stop........ buying ........ folders.......



:o:o:o

and stop modifying them all too SC lol!

<Heavy sigh>

I wish I could only have 2 folders :(.

Got........to......... stop........ buying ........ folders.......

:o:o:o

Maybe start a more realistic thread entitled 'If you had to limit yourself to having 10 Folding Bikes, what would they be?'

Maybe start a more realistic thread entitled 'If you had to limit yourself to having 10 Folding Bikes, what would they be?'

Hi Nigel. Nice to see you on the forums again. Sorry for the chang eof mind earlier but was a wise decision for me to get home in the end! ;) Very enjoyable day.

In no particular order and with the qualifier that they can fold or semi-fold:

1) My Brompton in raw lacquer
2) Dahon Groove
2) Birdy Rolhoff
4) Pacific Reach with new IF fold
5) Downtube FS H 2008
6) Dahon Mu XXV limited edition http://www.dahon.com/us/muxxv.htm
7) Xootr Swift
8) Dahon Cadenza 08
9) Airnimal Joey Explore Elite
10) UFB http://homepage.mac.com/lenrubin/PhotoAlbum1.html

If the Hammerhead could fold it would be a contender but wonderful bike you got for the money!

I'm in Chicago too. Are you commuting via Metra? If so, folding size, isn't very important as you can take full-sized normal bikes with you. If, however, you're commuting via the "L", then folding size will be extremely important as no bikes are allowed during rush hour. By that I mean, you can sneak on a fully folded bike, but some CTA folks won't allow you on the train. So, the smaller the fold, the better.

My fully folded Giant Halfway takes up the space of an extra person even when I straddle it, so getting on the "L" during rush hour can be tricky for me. If part of your commute includes the "L", I suggest making folded size a high priority.

If you haven't had the chance yet, get down to Rapid Transit Cycles in Chicago. They offer Dahon, Bike Friday, Brompton and Birdy. You'll be able to take a test ride to determine which bike is right for you.

--sam

p.s. I'm not affiliated with the shop, and in fact have never set foot in it.

If it's the L commute then the Brompton becomes the winner hands down!

A List of Ten? Humhm all my little dream bikes :hug:

Also in no particular order and with the qualifier that they can fold:

1) My soon be here Brompton in turkis (with 8Speed and pantour)
2) My "in the making" lightweight inspired by littlepixle Mercton colour not decided
2) Birdy Rolhoff
4) Strida
5) Xootr Swift
6) Dahon Mu XXV limited edition
7) GrassHopper fx
8) GoBike
9) Bike Friday Pocket Rocket
10) MCS Cruiser II

Only two? ;P

the Jetstream is a better compromise for all mplee's needs in my opinion. I rode one at the Hyde Park meet today and was really impressed with its suspension, handling and SRAM X7 gears. Ian the owner had upgraded the handlebars with a lovely trigger shift and Ergon grips. Cheaper than the Birdy but with these small upgraded, every bit as good and still has a decent fold for commutes. Can handle longer road trips and would even eat up trails.

Yes, I got the Jetstream because it handled and rode like a good hybrid, which is all I've been used to for about fifteen years, but nippier and more manoeuvrable. I guess all bikes are compromises to an extent, so you'll always wonder if you should have got something else. I've done over ten miles on it no problem, and though I do sometimes wonder if a more roadie-type folder would make a difference, it's not like I feel there's anything wrong with the performance I get for the effort I put in.

It's the right compromise for me, at any rate, a do-anything bike that makes me happy to go to work...

i had a funny feeling i might get this reaction to two folders. yes, it's true, i have three bikes but none of them fold (although a negligent driver did her best to "fold" a fourth bike, but that's another story).

thanks for the recommendations. i haven't heard of the jetstream so i'll investigate that one as well as the brompton. i am familiar with rapid transit cycles although i haven't visited their store yet. it was closed on memorial day. :-(
RTC will give me the opportunity to evaluate both bikes so guess where i'll be this weekend?

i fear, however, you're all right and soon i'll be revisiting the forum with "what should be my next folder?" :-)

** mp **

Help - like many of you wonderful people, I got Foldinitis! In the last 2 years, I bought 9 folders (+ 1 Surly) and am highly infectious... Sigh :( Somebody stop me!

My missus just complained yday that I'm a bit obsessive. Am I alone here?

http://lovethefold.blogspot.com/2008/06/true-story-about-foldinitis.html

Do you need TWO folders? No. Twenty would be about the right number to have.

I have to admit folders are addictive. I could not stop buying until I longer have place to put them. I am actually a Dahon fan with a Dahon Helios SL, Cadenza, Roo El, and Speed Pro. I also happen to own a Brompton M3L. I hate to say that for whatever the reason, I feel the Brompton is the most practical bike that I use the most even though all of my bikes share the equivalent of love. :love:

I need two but I can't ride both at the same time so for simultaneous use my wife takes one while I use the other.

Help - like many of you wonderful people, I got Foldinitis! In the last 2 years, I bought 9 folders (+ 1 Surly) and am highly infectious... Sigh :( Somebody stop me!

My missus just complained yday that I'm a bit obsessive. Am I alone here?

http://lovethefold.blogspot.com/2008/06/true-story-about-foldinitis.html

No, you are not obsessive. We are all not obsessive.

Today I saw an Airnimal. Only SGD4000 to SGD6800. I drooled at the Rohloff 14-speed hub on the SGD6800 one. You could get a very cool motorbike for that money.

Then I saw a Newton 16-inch bike (Dahon Licenced Tech), single speed. And I rode it too. The steel frame was soooo nice and fun to ride. I ended up checking if I could add a 3-speed Shimano internal hub (or a 3-speed Sturmey Archer hub) at the shop at my nearby office. Can be done!

I already have a Curve. And I am looking at a budget 16-inch Dahon OEM bike with the intention of getting it. Just because it would be cool to mod it. Just because.

Must. Resist. Urge. To. Get. More. Foldies..

Hahaha!

So no, we are not obsessive at all.

I only have five folders, but I could dispense with all but the Downtube Mini.

Since you already seem fairly sold on the Mini, I'd encourage you go ahead and get it, and see if it doesn't fill your needs. I think it will. I've never gone for a 40 mile ride on mine, but then again I haven't gone for a 40 mile ride on any bike since I've had it. Based on a 2-mile test ride of a Brompton (can't tell you the model, but its price was about $1400), I'd rather ride the Mini regardless of the distance.

No, you are not obsessive. We are all not obsessive.

Today I saw an Airnimal. Only SGD4000 to SGD6800. I drooled at the Rohloff 14-speed hub on the SGD6800 one. You could get a very cool motorbike for that money.

Then I saw a Newton 16-inch bike (Dahon Licenced Tech), single speed. And I rode it too. The steel frame was soooo nice and fun to ride. I ended up checking if I could add a 3-speed Shimano internal hub (or a 3-speed Sturmey Archer hub) at the shop at my nearby office. Can be done!

I already have a Curve. And I am looking at a budget 16-inch Dahon OEM bike with the intention of getting it. Just because it would be cool to mod it. Just because.

Must. Resist. Urge. To. Get. More. Foldies..

Hahaha!

So no, we are not obsessive at all.

Thks for those words of comfort and assurance Mr Brown... I like the Smooth Hound - classic look w delicious Brooks leather goodies. I saw the Newton and was quite impressed with it. Put yr 3 speed Curve hub on it, and then got good reason/excuse to upgrade to a better hub gear.

Maybe we shd start a folding bike library - that way we get to play with 20 different type of foldies or more. Won't that be fun? When I was in Perth, my son joined a toy library and every Sat saw him playing w a new one :)