Folding Bikes - newbie question about most compact folder?

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superpants
07-18-08, 01:44 PM
so from reading up here it seems like the bromptons and downtube mini's are the most compact folders. with the brompton having a little more of an edge over the mini. the strida's seems to fold pretty nicely in a different way. but if i'm looking for a bike with more than one gear that folders really small the downtube mini and brompton seem like the way to go. Since this is still new to me i just wanted to see if i was missing anything?

Also i noticed how there are the bompton clones, merc and flamingo. are these easy to track down in the USA? i saw the merc ebay store but they don't have bikes right now.


Thanks

CaptainSpalding
07-18-08, 01:50 PM
Mobiky Genius folds pretty small. 3 gears.
Simple Simon
07-18-08, 02:58 PM
r&m Frog, Sinclair A-Bike both fold smaller.
But what would help you decide is what exactly will you be using it for? Is smallest size REALLY the most important aspect ? ( for example does it need to fit inside a small locker etc. ?). Are you ok about carrying it ? Even 22 lbs gets very heavy if you have to walk with it.
If small rectangular size is critical to you, then Brompton seems to be THE best compromise.

somnatash
07-18-08, 04:04 PM
i saw the merc ebay store but they don't have bikes right now....

Hi, if the ebay store is 123maddy (something like that) and its uk and you made up your mind that you need a merc, just pm Anita (maddy) and she sells the merc if she has one left. Very friendly. Also "gringogus" might still want to sell his merc, I am not sure.

BTW: The frog - is it still available?
Mr. Smith
07-19-08, 12:54 AM
so from reading up here it seems like the bromptons and downtube mini's are the most compact folders. with the brompton having a little more of an edge over the mini. the strida's seems to fold pretty nicely in a different way. but if i'm looking for a bike with more than one gear that folders really small the downtube mini and brompton seem like the way to go. Since this is still new to me i just wanted to see if i was missing anything?

Also i noticed how there are the bompton clones, merc and flamingo. are these easy to track down in the USA? i saw the merc ebay store but they don't have bikes right now.


Thanks

Birdy isn't too bad either with size. Hard to get in the U.S. unless there's a shop that carries them nearby.