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View Full Version : Folding bike for my friends mum.


awer1
07-02-08, 07:58 AM
Hello folding bike sub-forum!

I have tried searching but too much comes up so I don't know where to start so if you don't mind I'd like to ask my question directly to you ladies and gentlemen.

I have little experience with folding bikes except a Brompton which I have and I very much like. It is however too heavy for my recommendation to my friends mother who wants a bike and I think a folding bike would suit her.

Could anyone who has knowledge of the following criteria in relation to folding bicycles share a few recommendations for test rides for her?

She has money to spend but would like to keep the indulgence to a minimum although I have insisted she tries a Moulton/Pashley and if its head over heels better she will probably go for it. Anyway here's the factors to take into consideration.

* She is small 5ft or so.
* She lives on the 4th floor with no lift and would like to store the bike in her flat.
* She probably only needs a 3 speed.
* The bike will mainly [only] be used for short trips.
* Panniers and accessories would be good.
* Good warranty/after sales would be good [down to lbs I suppose].
* Clean components [internal hubs to reduce indoor dirt].

I think that's about it. Anyway sorry to drop in with questions that may already be answered in the forum but if you can guide me to the threads or answer in this one I'd be really grateful.

Cheers,

Jon

SesameCrunch
07-02-08, 08:31 AM
Ooooooh. This is a hard one...

If you could eliminate the need to carry it up 4 floors, this would be an easy question. But asking an older lady who's 5' tall to carry any bike up 4 floors regularly would be unpleasant.

The most eligible candidate I can think of is the CarryMe. I think it's 16 or 17 lbs. It is only one speed.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/sesamecrunch/carryme.jpg

The Strida is another possibility, although it's 21 lbs. I don't know if she wants to take that up 4 flights of stairs. Also single speed.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/sesamecrunch/stridafold1.jpg

The ride on both these bikes also take some adjusting to due to the small wheels. Absent the stairs requirement, there would be a lot of eligible and fun bikes she could try.

Dynocoaster
07-02-08, 08:46 AM
Downtube Mini with internal 8 speed hub. 24 lbs, smaller fold with 16" tires. Can be purchased in England.

awer1
07-02-08, 08:52 AM
Thanks sesamecrunch -

Interesting bikes thanks but i think that on knowing her I thinkshe would rule them both out on appearance. It is maybe a possibility that she can lock the bike at the bottom of the stairs just inside the communal corridor so there is some flexibility with this. So what might these fun bikes be???

jon

Dynocoaster
07-02-08, 08:58 AM
Dahon Curve 3 speed.

somnatash
07-02-08, 08:59 AM
Huch, well yes I think the CarryMe is a good choice for the weight, but if she wants a normal looking bike and since she "has money to spend" :D the Dahon MUXXV is as light as the CarryMe - more info here:
http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/dahon-launch-lightest-ever-folder-12312

SesameCrunch
07-02-08, 09:26 AM
Huch, well yes I think the CarryMe is a good choice for the weight, but if she wants a normal looking bike and since she "has money to spend" :D the Dahon MUXXV is as light as the CarryMe - more info here:
http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/dahon-launch-lightest-ever-folder-12312

Oh, good call. It's very light - 17 lbs. Great riding bike. Limited Edition. Expensive, though.

I have the XX Anniversary Dahon Helios. I can verify 17 lbs as the actual weight.

awer1
07-02-08, 10:32 AM
@ somnatash - wow that Dahon MUXXV is quite something but i think it might be a bit well... overkill for her.

I think the Dahon Curve looks good I'm pretty impressed overall by the range and quality of Dahons I can see her quite likeng the Curve maybe a Brooks on it or something to make it less generic. I've seen the 2007 going pretty cheap to on the interwebs.

I've got some catching up to do with fold up technology some of these bikes are amazing!

myfoldingbike
09-06-08, 12:29 AM
hello,
You can find moe information from this link