Folding Bikes - Budget lightweight folding bike for a multimodal commute.

Hey everyone,
I'm looking at options for coworker who wants to get a folding bike for her commute. She's ridden my brommie, likes the tight fold, but 1) thinks it's a little pricey and 2) feels heavy and she's not sure she can carry it on her commute. Her commute would be a bus, to a subway station and a 1 mile ride to the office. On the bus/subway legs she would have to handcarry the bike, thus the need for a light folder She weighs about 130lbs.

The only bike I can think of was the Dahon MU. I remember it being around $600USD new. Any others? Prior year models would be ok, too. Thanks.

... carry it ...a bus, to a subway station and a 1 mile ride... bus/subway ... have to handcarry the bike, ... a light folder ...

Hi, sounds like a perfect job for the Pacific Carryme.

Hey everyone,
I'm looking at options for coworker who wants to get a folding bike for her commute. She's ridden my brommie, likes the tight fold, but 1) thinks it's a little pricey and 2) feels heavy and she's not sure she can carry it on her commute. Her commute would be a bus, to a subway station and a 1 mile ride to the office. On the bus/subway legs she would have to handcarry the bike, thus the need for a light folder She weighs about 130lbs.

The only bike I can think of was the Dahon MU. I remember it being around $600USD new. Any others? Prior models would be ok, too. Thanks.

In addition to the CarryMe, the Mobiky (http://www.mobikyusa.com/) Genius is being positioned for multi-modal commutes; whereas the CarryMe is light enough to be carried, the Mobiky is a compact but heavier package designed to be rolled, something like a baby stroller or carry-on suitcase with wheels and extended handle.

Smaller than the Dahon Mu are the Dahon Curve (also in SL model) and the Downtube Mini (http://www.downtube.com/mini_folding_bike_Sturmey_Archer_hub.html), but they might not be sufficiently multi-modal in compactness.

Regards
T

Hey everyone,
I'm looking at options for coworker who wants to get a folding bike for her commute. She's ridden my brommie, likes the tight fold, but 1) thinks it's a little pricey and 2) feels heavy and she's not sure she can carry it on her commute. Her commute would be a bus, to a subway station and a 1 mile ride to the office. On the bus/subway legs she would have to handcarry the bike, thus the need for a light folder She weighs about 130lbs.



For a "1 mile ride" to the office.. I wouldn't bother with the cost/weight/complexity/annoyance of any folding bike.. have her take a spin on a Xootr Scooter (http://www.xootr.com/xootr/nscooters.shtml) if she must roll to her destination... I use mine almost daily for 1 to 3 mile excursions ... under 10 lbs, unbeatable fold, safe to operate, and if it's a relatively smooth, flat trip, she could easily do 8 to 10mph..

http://www.xootr.com/xootr/images/mg-deployed-300.jpg

Or she might try this (http://www.amazon.co.uk/BV-Leisure-Folding-Pogo-Stick/dp/B000PKD8UY).

Regards
T

Hi, sounds like a perfect job for the Pacific Carryme.

+ 1

Also consider the Strida although it will cost more. If possible try both for a test ride first.

Smaller than the Dahon Mu are the Dahon Curve (also in SL model) and the Downtube Mini, but they might not be sufficiently multi-modal in compactness.

I have the Curve and I wouldn't recommend it for the type of journey you are talking about. It doesn't fold into a convenient package (i.e. it can't really be rolled when folded as well being a narrow shape like a umbrella which is more convenient for humans to move about), is heavy and is a bit of a faff to do the folding, unfolding in the first place. It's strengths are for longer journeys (around 5 miles although I reguarly do 9 mile commutes). It would be ok for the train as long as it's not too busy but I wouldn't myself even try to mess about with it on buses.

I don't own a Mini but would feel its a close match to the Curve to put it out of the contention for your friends needs.

Thanks for the replies.

I forgot to add there is a small ride to the bus stop (less than a full mile) AND this will be her only bike so she'd like something that can do long weekend rides. Those carry mes and mobiky bikes seem kinda gimmicky for that. I was thinking more along the lines of the curve or the DT mini that would weigh in around 20lbs. (to be able to be easily lifted). I'll research those options and take any other suggestions.

Dahon curve will definitely do the job, is tiny, and easy quick foldable.

Dahon curve will definitely do the job, is tiny, and easy quick foldable.

If she's not sure she can carry a Brompton then she definitely won't be able to carry the unwieldy Curve (especially if it's the sub $900 25+ pound one) and even if she could it would be way more trouble than just walking the mile between the station and work.

Thanks for the replies.

I forgot to add there is a small ride to the bus stop (less than a full mile) AND this will be her only bike so she'd like something that can do long weekend rides. Those carry mes and mobiky bikes seem kinda gimmicky for that. I was thinking more along the lines of the curve or the DT mini that would weigh in around 20lbs. (to be able to be easily lifted). I'll research those options and take any other suggestions.

You're not going to get a 20 pound folder for near $600 without significantly smaller wheels and/or extremely limited gearing.

If weekend fun rides are what she's really looking for then within that budget she'd probably be best with a used nonfolding road bike and a scooter or a pair of running shoes to get to work, but she's not going to have her cake and eat it too. You know it, or else you would have bought her dream bike instead of your expensive Brommie.

That being said, the next line in the "I want the miracle bike" script is for us to suggest that she skips the bus and rides all the way to the subway. For that commute along with weekend rides the Curve or DT Mini could be excellent choices.

Yep, my brommi is smaller than Dahon Curve SL (magnesium = 22,4 lbs) rollable and only slightly heavier (with rack and also 8Spd) but for that daily job I would definitely prefer my light (18-19 lbs) and easier to be rolled Carryme.

As an all-around bike in that price range, I suggest the Dahon Curve or the Downtube Mini. For a bike that is perfect for the commuting needs noted, my vote is the CarryMe. It sounds perfect for the situation described.

Why not get the CarryMe for the commute... and get a used and relatively inexpensive big-wheeled bike for weekend rides?

Thanks for the replies.

I forgot to add there is a small ride to the bus stop (less than a full mile) AND this will be her only bike so she'd like something that can do long weekend rides. Those carry mes and mobiky bikes seem kinda gimmicky for that. I was thinking more along the lines of the curve or the DT mini that would weigh in around 20lbs. (to be able to be easily lifted). I'll research those options and take any other suggestions.

Can you give more information on what a long weekend ride is for you? miles, terrain etc.

If she's not sure she can carry a Brompton then she definitely won't be able to carry the unwieldy Curve (especially if it's the sub $900 25+ pound one) and even if she could it would be way more trouble than just walking the mile between the station and work.

+1

Why not get the CarryMe for the commute... and get a used and relatively inexpensive big-wheeled bike for weekend rides?

Again +1 (but do also check out the Strida, alot of riders in asia do long pleasure rides on them, just check youtube to see. Also, have a look at this video of the Strida 3 vs A Bike. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=kVVgsQt1DK4 It will give your co-worker a good idea of what the Strida is all about. Be aware that this is the older model Strida)

Thanks for the replies.

I forgot to add there is a small ride to the bus stop (less than a full mile) AND this will be her only bike so she'd like something that can do long weekend rides. Those carry mes and mobiky bikes seem kinda gimmicky for that. I was thinking more along the lines of the curve or the DT mini that would weigh in around 20lbs. (to be able to be easily lifted). I'll research those options and take any other suggestions.

Can you give more information on what a long weekend ride is for you? miles, terrain etc.

If she's not sure she can carry a Brompton then she definitely won't be able to carry the unwieldy Curve (especially if it's the sub $900 25+ pound one) and even if she could it would be way more trouble than just walking the mile between the station and work.

+1

Why not get the CarryMe for the commute... and get a used and relatively inexpensive big-wheeled bike for weekend rides?

Again +1 (but do also check out the Strida, alot of riders in asia do long pleasure rides on them, just check youtube to see. Also, have a look at this video of the Strida 3 vs A Bike. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=kVVgsQt1DK4 It will give your co-worker a good idea of what the Strida is all about. Be aware that this is the older model Strida)

I would imagine the weekend rides would be 10-15 miles primarily on paved trails with some hills, but nothing San Francisco like. BTW, we've got some great trails in DC if you don't mind dodging the peds (shameless plug). Those small wheeled bikes would probably would not work because of the numerous potholes here. The Strida looks good, but I remember the multispeed version being close to $1000.

Ditto, for such a short ride CarryMe.

I would imagine the weekend rides would be 10-15 miles primarily on paved trails with some hills, but nothing San Francisco like. BTW, we've got some great trails in DC if you don't mind dodging the peds (shameless plug). Those small wheeled bikes would probably would not work because of the numerous potholes here. The Strida looks good, but I remember the multispeed version being close to $1000.

I personally have not found the Carryme's small wheels to be a problem when it comes to even the worst potholes and I've posted elsewhere why I think the entire small wheel vs pothole issue is way overblown (or even ridiculous in light of the fact that far less maneuverable 12" wheeled motorized scooters seem to tackle said potholes well enough along with 4" wheeled rollerbladers alike).

Thanks for the replies.

I forgot to add there is a small ride to the bus stop (less than a full mile) AND this will be her only bike so she'd like something that can do long weekend rides. Those carry mes and mobiky bikes seem kinda gimmicky for that. I was thinking more along the lines of the curve or the DT mini that would weigh in around 20lbs. (to be able to be easily lifted). I'll research those options and take any other suggestions.

What Downtube Mini weighs around 20 lbs.? I thought that Yan stopped selling the Capreo version. You can upgrade the Mini to a lighter bike but that probably will blow out the $600 budget.

That written, I enjoy my Mini.

I would imagine the weekend rides would be 10-15 miles primarily on paved trails with some hills, but nothing San Francisco like. BTW, we've got some great trails in DC if you don't mind dodging the peds (shameless plug). Those small wheeled bikes would probably would not work because of the numerous potholes here. The Strida looks good, but I remember the multispeed version being close to $1000.

I'd have to say then that I would agree with the below statement again to be my final advice

Why not get the CarryMe for the commute... and get a used and relatively inexpensive big-wheeled bike for weekend rides?

They would get the best of both worlds. Makeinu would disagree with me but coming from my Curve experience, I really wouldn't want to do very long journeys on a Carry Me. Ignoring the whole pothole debate, I don't think anybody would say a Carry Me is a distance machine (At least not without quite a few upgrades). My Curve has a sprung Brooks saddle, Eargon grips and Big Apple tires ridden on their lowest approved pressure and is fine for the distances you mention. The Carry Me will not be as comfy over that distance.I someone will know say 'I've ridden the Tour De France on mine and was fine'! but realistically, Carry Me is the best multi-modal commutes and that's were it's strenthes are and buying a cheap/2nd hand 'normal' bike will meet with their other needs.

^^^ what joose said.

Split the budget, get an A-bike or carryme. Then get another cheap bike for longer rides.