Folding Bikes - folding fixies

anybody converted folding bikes into fixies?
so far ive seen a Downtube, an Airnimal Chameleon, and a Brompton... and a few Bike Fridays
i am specifically interested in bikes where the rear triangle folds under the bike and have non-integrated rear triangles.
I am looking for solutions for the change in chain legnth...
I have an airnimal Joey that I am thinking of converting, but because of the chainging chain lenght, I would have to drop the chain or loosen the rear hub every time I folded it.
i saw a bromton fixie that actually used a chain tensioner, but i am afraid with the way the Joey is, a chasin tensioner would be wrenched off on the first skid...
anyways, I was wondering if anybody had any thought or experience with this...

The Swift is a popular fixie bike, the entire rear triangle swivels so chain length is not an issue. Plus the rear "dropout" is actually a track end WITH a derailer hanger, very nicely designed, so it is completely versatile for literally anything. Plus the frame is superbly stiff, just what you want with a fixie. I my biased opinion it makes a better fixie than a old steel roadie frame. Check out James Swift, he has one.

The Swift is also available in a steel frame from Peter Reich, the designer.

Both the creators of the fixed Chameleon and fixed Brompton you refer to are, or have been contributors here (Mintyai and LittlePixel respectively) - hopefully they will chime in...

Personally I'd avoid avoid converting a folder that has a rear triangle that pivots under when folding. That said, LittlePixel's Brompton/Merc set-up (with tensioner) seems to work fine.

Personally I'd avoid avoid converting a folder that has a rear triangle that pivots under when folding. That said, LittlePixel's Brompton/Merc set-up (with tensioner) seems to work fine.

...not to mention how gorgeous it looks. Single speed setup yields such clean lines...

I had a dahon boardwalk that I converted to fixed gear. It was an inexpensive ride and one I kinda wish I didn't sell. $199 for the bike, another $60 for the fixed rear wheel. The bike came set up as a single speed with coaster brake so the conversion was pretty easy to do. I would suggest it again and the price was certainly right.

hmm... no one's mentioned the Cadenza Solo (http://www.dahon.com/us/cadenzasolo.htm)? Of course, it's folded size is significantly bigger than the ones mentioned above.

Seconded on both the boardwalk and the swift.
I have a mostly stock geared swift and love it; I can see how it'd make a good fixie. I've also got the Dahon mentioned above-- the boardwalk S1, which has horizontal dropouts. Great deal, decent ride-- but you'll have to do some modification to change the riding position if you don't want to sit dutch-style.

Both the creators of the fixed Chameleon and fixed Brompton you refer to are, or have been contributors here (Mintyai and LittlePixel respectively) - hopefully they will chime in...

Personally I'd avoid avoid converting a folder that has a rear triangle that pivots under when folding. That said, LittlePixel's Brompton/Merc set-up (with tensioner) seems to work fine.

are you concerned that the bike will fold whilst skidding or heavy leg braking?
has anyone ever heard of this actually happening?
on my airnimal the lever that holds the rear triangle in place locks down pretty tight. even when un locked, the bike has to be lifted off the ground for it to fold...

are you concerned that the bike will fold whilst skidding or heavy leg braking?
has anyone ever heard of this actually happening?
on my airnimal the lever that holds the rear triangle in place locks down pretty tight. even when un locked, the bike has to be lifted off the ground for it to fold...

Not sure about Little pixels brompton and its a different story but with non fixed brommis some use heavy frontbraking as a start for an "ultra quick fold".

are you concerned that the bike will fold whilst skidding or heavy leg braking?
has anyone ever heard of this actually happening?
on my airnimal the lever that holds the rear triangle in place locks down pretty tight. even when un locked, the bike has to be lifted off the ground for it to fold...

No, I don't think that would happen. If you had a tensioner and you were skidding/skipping/leg braking heavily a tensioner would not last very long...

Under exteme braking the rear of the Brompton can tuck under, but as they now come with the option of fastening the rear triangle, it's not really a problem.

I don't know enough about the Joey to comment, but why don't you get a flip/flop rear hub and see how it goes. If fixed is a no, no, you can always go single speed.

yeah. im looking into the possibility of a quick realease, eccentric rear hub... but when i think about it it just seems crazy
alternatively, i can just carry around my 15mm spanner all the time, and just grin and bear it :)

yeah man! that Xootr is NICE!
one of the reasons I chose the Joey, though, is that I fly around the world alot for work, and i want to take my biek with me! The airnimals fit into a suitcase very easily just taking the wheels off.
now if i can just get the quick release eccentric hub, ill be a happy folding fixer indeed!