Folding Bikes - Brompton V Tikit..

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tudorowen1
03-06-09, 03:29 AM
I bought a Brompton S6R last year and thought it was wonderful..The fold of it was incredible..There is no better bike that folds..I rode about 600 miles on it in the last year..including one ride of 53 miles..However a short while ago there was a Tikit model T on ebay that i bought.I had to sell my beloved Brompton to finance the buying of the Tikit..Compared to a Brompton the fold of the Tikit ,although quicker and easier , is not very compact..I think it takes up more room than a 20inch wheeled Dahon I had a couple of years ago...But oh boy!..the ride of the Tikit is so much better than a Brompton..The Tikit is just so much easier,quicker,and more fun..I would go so far as to say it rides better than my Bike Friday NWT..in fact much better..The NWT feels sluggish and heavy in comparison..I have now sold my Brompton...I miss it in someways..perhaps because it was a little piece of England..but when I am on the Tikit I have a smile on my face..
Good compact opinion! :) Confirming many others' about the merits of the Brompton and the Tikit.
Now, if they could design a Brompton with a tikit's ride... wouldn't that steal the market? :)
Dahon.Steve
03-06-09, 04:16 AM
It's not fair to compare both bikes since they were designed for different purposes. I've said it before that you buy a folder based upon your multimode transportation needs. Since you didn't have the need to board a bus or packed train, then any folder would do. However, if you needed to board a packed subway or commuter train each morning, then only the smallest folded package would do. Are there any members who are board the bus each morning with the Tikit?
wahoonc
03-06-09, 05:10 AM
Unfortunately in the folder market you have to compare apples, oranges and bananas...:p I have been contemplating folders for over a year. Each bike has it's strong points and weak points and you have to choose what will work for you. A Dahon 16" wheeled folder cannot be made to fit me comfortably, a Dahon 20" is borderline, but then you lose the more compact fold of the 16". Brompton and Tikit no problem, but at an added premium.
BTW Thanks for the review, every little bit of information helps. I live in a virtual desert when it comes to being able to test ride folders.
Aaron:)
It's not fair to compare both bikes since they were designed for different purposes.
Sure ya can. Watch:
As I've said elsewhere, I am of the opinion that the Tikit basically spanks the Brompton in more or less every category but one: folded size. It rides more stably and smoother and handles much better. It has many better gearing options and better brakes. It uses standard parts and so has far more options both at the factory and after the fact. And of course, it folds and unfolds much faster. But the big one is: with three sizes and easy modifications, the Tikit can be made to fit you like a real bike. The Brompton has one size, about that of the smallest Tikit (!), which made it an upright, inefficient, and uncomfortable ride for me (and I'm average height).
But that one advantage -- folded size -- can be paramount. It's not an uncommon tradeoff among folding bikes, and it is not to be discounted, particularly in dense commuter settings. So if you need to fold down to about 3/5 the size of the Tikit, the Brompton is the clear choice.
Okay, we'll throw the Brompton one more plus: its non-telescoping stem is stiffer.
I think it takes up more room than a 20inch wheeled Dahon I had a couple of years ago
Likely. When folded, my tikit is longer (by a few inches) than my 20" Dahons, but they're a bit taller.
invisiblehand
03-06-09, 09:08 AM
Now, if they could design a Brompton with a tikit's ride... wouldn't that steal the market? :)
There was a prototype that had an extra hinge in the monotube to get a more compact fold. I have no recollection of any specifics regarding the folded size and such. But there is a picture of Alan Scholz on the bike -- in Japan I believe -- where you can distinctly see the extra hinge.
Another forum member posted the link to the old Foldable Flyer with the pic.
EDIT: Here you go ...
http://img333.imageshack.us/img333/2161/tikit1dj7.jpg
It is an excerpt from the Fall 2005 Foldable Flyer. Actually, the person wrote "newsletter" so perhaps it is something other than the foldable flyer. You might be able to find a higher resolution version elsewhere.
EDIT 2: Here is the old thread ...
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=3569020#poststop
EastBiker
03-06-09, 10:00 AM
Sure ya can. Watch:
As I've said elsewhere, I am of the opinion that the Tikit basically spanks the Brompton in more or less every category but one: folded size. It rides more stably and smoother and handles much better. It has many better gearing options and better brakes. It uses standard parts and so has far more options both at the factory and after the fact. And of course, it folds and unfolds much faster. But the big one is: with three sizes and easy modifications, the Tikit can be made to fit you like a real bike. The Brompton has one size, about that of the smallest Tikit (!), which made it an upright, inefficient, and uncomfortable ride for me (and I'm average height).
LOL. At least the OP of this thread used both bikes extensively. You, on the other hand, spent several months on a Tikit, and an hour on a Brompton, and then considered yourself an expert on both. LOL.
LOL. At least the OP of this thread used both bikes extensively. You, on the other hand, spent several months on a Tikit, and an hour on a Brompton, and then considered yourself an expert on both. LOL.
Are you debating any of my conclusions or just swiping at yet another a strawman? You seem to do that with some frequency (http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=8270748&postcount=33).
poboxnyc
03-06-09, 10:36 AM
.the ride of the Tikit is so much better than a Brompton..The Tikit is just so much easier,quicker,and more fun..I would go so far as to say it rides better than my Bike Friday NWT..in fact much better..The NWT feels sluggish and heavy in comparison..I have now sold my Brompton...I miss it in someways..perhaps because it was a little piece of England..but when I am on the Tikit I have a smile on my face..[/QUOTE]
Agree with you re: ride of Tiket vs Brompton. Rode both and bought the Brompton last year-- absolutely no regrets-- for my needs in NYC/Brooklyn, it's a perfect bike. The folding and compactness is very important and no folder comes close, in my opinion.
If I were to buy another folder just for performance, would by a Swift Folder -- as a folder in another category--- it would in no way replace my Brompton.
...I would go so far as to say it rides better than my Bike Friday NWT..in fact much better..The NWT feels sluggish and heavy in comparison..
The Tikit has 16" wheels, right? No problem with the smaller wheel (compared to NWT 20")? Is 16" large enough to have a decent long ride over rough surfaces?
Kam
However, if you needed to board a packed subway or commuter train each morning, then only the smallest folded package would do. Are there any members who board the bus each morning with the Tikit?
Every personal situation is different, but no problems with my tikit on my two train commute.
(10km bike -> light rail -> commuter rail -> 8km bike morning, reverse evening)
I can't imagine how packed the train would have to get before I rode those 36km on a CarryMe!
Best,
tcs
I currently own two bromptons and a tikit. The only thing that bugs me about my bike friday is how flexy the stem and seat post are, and the only thing that bugs me about my brompton is the upright riding position. I really like both bikes though and if I had to pick just one... well... I wouldn't want to have to do that :-)
The only thing that bugs me about my bike friday is how flexy the stem and seat post are.
Me too. But some of it can be remedied: what size is your tikit?
makeinu
03-06-09, 04:16 PM
Sure ya can. Watch:
As I've said elsewhere, I am of the opinion that the Tikit basically spanks the Brompton in more or less every category but one: folded size. It rides more stably and smoother and handles much better. It has many better gearing options and better brakes. It uses standard parts and so has far more options both at the factory and after the fact. And of course, it folds and unfolds much faster. But the big one is: with three sizes and easy modifications, the Tikit can be made to fit you like a real bike. The Brompton has one size, about that of the smallest Tikit (!), which made it an upright, inefficient, and uncomfortable ride for me (and I'm average height).
But that one advantage -- folded size -- can be paramount. It's not an uncommon tradeoff among folding bikes, and it is not to be discounted, particularly in dense commuter settings. So if you need to fold down to about 3/5 the size of the Tikit, the Brompton is the clear choice.
Okay, we'll throw the Brompton one more plus: its non-telescoping stem is stiffer.
Though I may be repeating myself (aren't we all? :) ), I don't think a 3/5 reduction in folded size is even such an issue in dense settings because in dynamically changing situations you're just as likely to find a wheelchair area already cleared of passengers due to some other luggage or find yourself standing in the vestibule due to not having time to make it to a seat as you are to find that perfect Brompton sized nook. Now I'm sure some people will claim that they've been riding the same bus every day for 20 years with the same fellow passengers and using the same Brompton sized nook, but, british rail cars excepted, I think if your commute is that consistent then you'd be able to find a 5/3 larger nook too.
What I find to be more significant (on top of the serviceability and ride qualities) is how much quicker the tikit folds and the way the Brompton can be pushed along in a stable position without needing to be balanced. Whereas, in time, a few inches here or there becomes less noticeable, I think appreciation for these attributes grows.
Both are excellent bikes/folders, but I ultimately decided against both because they're still too inconvenient to babysit all the time and too expensive to lock outside.
Every personal situation is different, but no problems with my tikit on my two train commute.
(10km bike -> light rail -> commuter rail -> 8km bike morning, reverse evening)
I can't imagine how packed the train would have to get before I rode those 36km on a CarryMe!
Yikes! Ever think of moving? Real estate is another thing that's more trouble than it's worth. It limits your earning potential, limits your exposure to other people and experiences, forces you to travel more, and, lately, annihilates your equity.
folder fanatic
03-06-09, 08:45 PM
Selection of a folding bike-or any bike for that matter-is a very personal, subjective one. I can only describe what made the Brompton my number one choice even over the better riding one of the tikit. I chose the Brompton for a very important feature that most other bikes don't have now-the simple rubber cone suspension. My father had a Mini Cooper in the mid-1960s. Later my old flame had several ones in his personal collection in the 1980s. So I grew up with the little import cars. As an adult, I drove not one but several ones that were available to me. And I was lucky enough to see one being built up from parts salvaged from the local dump-bare frame to fully restored beauty. I wanted a bike that reflected these little cars. I found that in my Brompton. It's handling characteristics (allowing for the bike rather than a car) was the same feel to me. The rubber cone suspension made sense rather than some over-the-top fancy gizmo found on newer bikes. And in a fine British made package. Plus the unique most compact fold around and I found my personal heaven.
I hope others will find the bike for them just like I did.
:p
I can only describe what made the Brompton my number one choice even over the better riding one of the tikit. I chose the Brompton for a very important feature that most other bikes don't have now-the simple rubber cone suspension. My father had a Mini Cooper in the mid-1960s...
And we all know who designed the Mini's rubber suspension: Dr. Alex Moulton (http://www.moultonbicycles.co.uk/heritage.html#originator).
tcs
JimBeans83
03-07-09, 02:58 AM
Few other points for the Brompton here: it's a well tested design with a long track record and easy to secure spares. Tikit folding design is complicated and has already had several minor modifications. Tikit is better toward standard parts with the 130mm droupout width in rear.
wahoonc
03-07-09, 08:45 AM
I have yet to be able to compare a Brompton and a Tikit in a side by side comparison...hope to remedy that (http://bfold.com/index.htm) in the not to distant future. Most of my day to day riding is done on an upright bike, with the occasional weekend foray done on drop bar tour bike, but it is set up with the handlebars just above saddle height. I am not a particularly aggressive rider, more the kick back and smell the roses type.:p
I already know that Dahon is most likely not going to work for me due to sizing restrictions.
So the search saga continues...
Aaron:)
Me too. But some of it can be remedied: what size is your tikit?
My tikit is a medium and I would definitely be interested in hearing how I can reduce some of the flex.
My tikit is a medium and I would definitely be interested in hearing how I can reduce some of the flex.
I first had a large, then it was replaced with a medium, and I found the medium to be significantly more flexy. The reason is that BF uses thinner tubing in the medium and small. The biggest difference is in the handlebar stem, but also quite a lot in the seatmast. They do this, I imagine, to soften the bike up for lighter (and weaker) bikers on the smaller bikes. I think it's a mistake, and it complicates their inventory.
BF agreed to let me keep the size-Large silver portion of the handlebar stem (the upper part), which is 0.1" vs 0.065" in tube wall thickness. That stiffened up the stem a fair bit. Note that the size-Large stem is longer, which means that unless you cut it down you'll have a bit more fun removing the handlebar for packing (you'll need to loosen the horizontal stem connection). No biggie.
I also convinced them to throw in a replacement seatmast mid-portion (the red part in this picture (http://cs.gmu.edu/~sean/stuff/tikit/frankentikit.jpg), it pops out easily), which is 0.055" on the Large and 0.04" on the Medium. That resulted in a lot less bounce. Note that mine is also an odd length: I wanted it low enough that I could add a Thudbuster in the future. The other major difference can't be replaced so easily: specifically the lower (black) seatmast portion (0.065" vs 0.05").
Call BF up and see how much it would be to get at least the size-Large thickness handlebar stem, if not the seatmast. Or just go to a bike store and order a chunk of equivalent tube.
If you have a hyperfold, you should also make sure that you have (1) the single cable mechanism and (2) that you've got it at the right tension, which is a big deal. There's a window of tension between maximum stiffness of the joint and the seat pin resisting going into the latch. BTW, to tighten, the nut is a 10mm and the hexagonal hyperfold cable housing is a 5.5mm. You can get these sizes in a "midget" wrench set at Sears.
All this aside, you're not going to approach the Brompton's stem stiffness: it's got a non-telescoping tube. But you can certainly improve from your current situation.
JimBeans83
03-08-09, 05:23 PM
They do this, I imagine, to soften the bike up for lighter (and weaker) bikers on the smaller bikes. I think it's a mistake, and it complicates their inventory.
Why would this be beneficial for anyone? No one would want flex at these points, and as people in the US market are typically "denser" than in other places, and the torques that people would unknowingly place on long parts on a folder.. ???
Weight savings potential: 2 ounces?
Dahon.Steve
03-08-09, 09:28 PM
I first had a large, then it was replaced with a medium, and I found the medium to be significantly more flexy. That resulted in a lot less bounce. Note that mine is also an odd length: I wanted it low enough that I could add a Thudbuster in the future. The other major difference can't be replaced so easily: specifically the lower (black) seatmast portion (0.065" vs 0.05").
Wait a second.
There's excessive flex in the stem? Now you have to add a Thudbuster because the bike's too uncomfortable? LOL!
I guess that's why people like me are are keeping our Bromptons. In fact, I can't remember when if I ever saw a Brompton with a Thudbuser. It doesn't need one because it's one of the most comfortable 16' inch wheel folders on the market. Probably on the Birdy and Maulton offer better suspension but at a premium. I haven't had to make on change on my Brompton. It's perfect.
There's excessive flex in the stem? Now you have to add a Thudbuster because the bike's too uncomfortable? LOL!
I don't have a Thudbuster, or anything like it. I asked for that modification (a size-Large thickness seatmast tube but a size-Medium seatmast height) because I may soon take the tikit on the the 335 mile C&O Canal (http://bikewashington.org/canal/) + Great Allegheny Passage (http://bikewashington.org/trails/gap/index.htm) trail and I might want something like that on whatever bike I ride it with, including my mountain bike.
I guess that's why people like me are are keeping our Bromptons. In fact, I can't remember when if I ever saw a Brompton with a Thudbuser. It doesn't need one because it's one of the most comfortable 16' inch wheel folders on the market.
Then you've not looked very hard (http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-329813.html). :-)
I've not ridden the Brompton enough to state this with any finality but: when I test-rode Brompton and brought along my Tikit I fully expected the Brompton to have a smoother, less harsh ride given its rear elastomer. But that wasn't the case. The Tikit was less harsh. Tire choice? The tikit's frame design? Who knows. But the Brompton was, for me, definitely the not the smoothness winner.
makeinu
03-09-09, 12:11 AM
Horses for courses, fine tuning things for one rider will always necessarily make them worse for another. Try getting Brompton Co to give you a choice of tubing thickness or length.
I'm as glad that Steve loves his Brompton as I am that I love my Carryme, but we can't expect the same bike to work for everyone even for the same purpose.
Folders are like fine wines, while there are many good choices, we each have an obligation to limit our selection because overindulging would just be improper (or maybe I'm just cheap :) ).
EastBiker
03-09-09, 05:21 AM
Are you debating any of my conclusions or just swiping at yet another a strawman? You seem to do that with some frequency (http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=8270748&postcount=33).
Whatever manner I call your attention to, you still can't dismiss the fact that you think you're an authority on Brompton despite having spent less than an hour on it. Recommend the Tikit, sure, as you have extensive experience on it, but to single out the Brompton claiming that it is a far inferior bike than what you have, all I can say is LOL!
Whatever ..... all I can say is LOL!
It's original definition was "Laughing out loud" (also written occasionally as "Lots of Laughs"), used as a brief acronym to denote great amusement in chat conversations.
Now, it is overused to the point where nobody laughs out loud when they say it. In fact, they probably don't even give a **** about what you just wrote. More accurately, the acronym "lol" should be redefined as "Lack of laughter."
Depending on the chatter, its definition may vary. The list of its meanings includes, but is not limited to:
1) "I have nothing worthwhile to contribute to this conversation."
2) "I'm too lazy to read what you just wrote so I'm typing something useless in hopes that you'll think I'm still paying attention."
3) "Your statement lacks even the vaguest trace of humor but I'll pretend I'm amused."
4) "This is a pointless acronym I'm sticking in my sentence just because it's become so engraved into my mind that when chatting, I MUST use the meaningless sentence-filler LOL'"
:rolleyes:
Whatever manner I call your attention to, you still can't dismiss the fact that you think you're an authority on Brompton despite having spent less than an hour on it.
I shouldn't be responding to trolls. But I'll try once more. You appear to be unable to counter any specific claim I made, and are just reduced to attacking me personally.
I think my conclusions were correct. But I would be willing to modify my opinion of the Brompton and Tikit in the face of any objective claim you can make.
invisiblehand
03-09-09, 10:26 AM
Why would this be beneficial for anyone? No one would want flex at these points, and as people in the US market are typically "denser" than in other places, and the torques that people would unknowingly place on long parts on a folder.. ???
Weight savings potential: 2 ounces?
:lol:
Yeah ... but people go through all sorts of contortions to lose two ounces on their bike. But you have me wondering whether the large versus medium components really amount to such a small difference. I don't have it handy, but I recall that the base weights for the models (small, medium, large) were more different than that. Of course I can't identify the effects of length versus gauge.
I guess that's why people like me are are keeping our Bromptons. In fact, I can't remember when if I ever saw a Brompton with a Thudbuser. It doesn't need one because it's one of the most comfortable 16' inch wheel folders on the market. Probably on the Birdy and Maulton offer better suspension but at a premium. I haven't had to make on change on my Brompton. It's perfect.
Obviously I can't write specifically about you, but when applied to the general population, some of what you observe is endogenous. That is, before one jumps onto the Brompton bandwagon there is an understanding that making changes is either more difficult or has a big impact on the compact fold. Moreover, there is probably a good understanding of its basic limitations/trade-offs. Before one purchases one, he/she probably accepts these "conditions" and is more like to ride an unmodified bike whereas a tikit's perk is that it is more easily modified.
I believe that the heavily modified Bromptons demonstrates -- as well as other brands -- as one moves towards a bike that is more all-purpose, broadly writing there are more modifications.
I've not ridden the Brompton enough to state this with any finality but: when I test-rode Brompton and brought along my Tikit I fully expected the Brompton to have a smoother, less harsh ride given its rear elastomer. But that wasn't the case. The Tikit was less harsh. Tire choice? The tikit's frame design? Who knows. But the Brompton was, for me, definitely the not the smoothness winner.
I figure that the long seat mast/post would flex some -- like a fork with rake -- acting like suspension. I also think that bike fit affects the perception of "smoothness". Since the tikit is more ergonomically accommodating it doesn't surprise me at all.
I think that Bike Friday made a mistake in not designing the tikit accommodate ERTO 355 tires. Given the wide tires available in ERTO 355 but unavailable in ERTO 349, it would make it a much better "all-rounder", IMO. Although I should note that I am no bike building expert so there might be some hidden complications.
EastBiker
03-25-09, 03:01 AM
I shouldn't be responding to trolls. But I'll try once more. You appear to be unable to counter any specific claim I made, and are just reduced to attacking me personally.
I think my conclusions were correct. But I would be willing to modify my opinion of the Brompton and Tikit in the face of any objective claim you can make.
Let me explain it to you again since you don't seem to comprehend. You spent months with a Tikit, and you spent less than an hour with a Brompton. And you expect your findings to be objective?????? Your comparison with the Tikit Vs the Brompton is laughable. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Brompton and Tikit are very different bikes. One aspect that has not been discussed is parts availability. Here in the UK dealers like http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/category-Brompton-766.htm can supply any part for a Brompton that I might need within a day or two.
I do like some of the Bike Friday models (BF Pocket Llama) but there are very few BF dealers in the UK and who knows how long the wait would be for a BF specific part?
fmattheus
03-25-09, 06:49 AM
One aspect that has not been discussed is parts availability.
...
how long the wait would be for a BF specific part?
That's one of the great things about Bike Fridays ... there are very few BF specific parts!
Of course in North America the availability of parts issue is reversed as well ...
That's one of the great things about Bike Fridays ... there are very few BF specific parts!
Of course in North America the availability of parts issue is reversed as well ...
+1 the ability to use std bike parts and to get a frame in my size [58cm] were key factors in me getting a Tikit.
BF doesn't have much custom, but since you're asking: I've requested a vial of touch-up paint ($5), some replacement latch rings (free), and the new, thicker stem catch (free). All arrived within two or three days to my door. BF also replaced my entire bike (there was minor a frame problem) with a turnaround of about week. But I have no idea how long it takes to send stuff internationally, or the cost. I do know that BF has a very good reputation for working with international situations, since their market has been people taking bikes on planes. Call them up or send them email and they'll let you know.
I think my conclusions were correct. But I would be willing to modify my opinion of the Brompton and Tikit in the face of any objective claim you can make.
Let me explain it to you again since you don't seem to comprehend. You spent months with a Tikit, and you spent less than an hour with a Brompton. And you expect your findings to be objective?????? Your comparison with the Tikit Vs the Brompton is laughable. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So... that's a "I got nothing" then?
Good compact opinion! :) Confirming many others' about the merits of the Brompton and the Tikit.
Now, if they could design a Brompton with a tikit's ride... wouldn't that steal the market? :)
I wounder if adding an s and s coupling could do this to some extent as the tikits tubes are standard?
If I lived in the USA, then yes I would buy a Bike Friday without hesitation... but here in the UK I would have to travel over 100 miles to visit a BF dealer to try the bikes for size, whereas I have a Brompton dealer just 3 miles from home.
Another factor to consider is the current state of the weak £ and the import duty / taxes that we get hit with, making BF’s more than double the price of what you guys pay in the States. I probably will buy a BF at some point but at the moment I have a specific need for the compact size that only the Brompton can achieve.
I wounder if adding an s and s coupling could do this to some extent as the tikits tubes are standard?
The Tikit's frame is not suitable for S&S couplers. The main tube is not round and S&S won't authorize couplers to be installed on a monotube frame. Besides the install would cost you $600+ with a repaint....not much point on a bike that folds fast and easily packs into a suitcase.
I have small bar ends (Titec) to fit to my Brompton L6. It makes a considerable improvement to control and comfort. I should imagine the touring bars would offer yet more hand rest positions but for the time being the bar ends are good :). They don't affect folding as they are quite small but you don't need huge long ones any way. I fitted them to my previous L6. Unfortunately it was stolen. :cry:
Dahon.Steve
03-25-09, 09:44 PM
I figure that the long seat mast/post would flex some -- like a fork with rake -- acting like suspension. I also think that bike fit affects the perception of "smoothness". Since the tikit is more ergonomically accommodating it doesn't surprise me at all.
There's the contradiction!
If the seat mast and post provided enough flex, acting like suspension, why is he buying a heavy duty Thudbuster? An Ergonomically accommodating frame cannot replace a suspension seat post. This is why I found his comment saying the Tickit was more comfortable than the Brompton contradictory since he needs buy a Thudbuster. If you need to buy a suspension seat post, it's because the bike is not comfortable.
If the seat mast and post provided enough flex, acting like suspension, why is he buying a heavy duty Thudbuster?
You seem to have missed my earlier response (http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=8494042&postcount=23). I don't own a Thudbuster and am not buying one. I wanted to have the option of having one on any bike I own in case I decide to take that bike on a specific 335-mile adventure. There are few folding bikes I'd consider taking on something like that. The Tikit is one of them.
The Tikit's frame is not suitable for S&S couplers. The main tube is not round and S&S won't authorize couplers to be installed on a monotube frame. Besides the install would cost you $600+ with a repaint....not much point on a bike that folds fast and easily packs into a suitcase.
I stand correct over the posssible compatability with the tikit tubing.
However the design might lend its self to this treatment.Not as an aftermarket add on but as an oringinal. Picking up Jurs point that a Tikit that folded as compact as a Brompton would sell like hot cakes.
Even at $600, Brompton owners can spend that for TI frame bits and multi gearing options that still fails to address the tikits reported better ride.
fmattheus
03-26-09, 04:47 AM
Picking up Jurs point that a Tikit that folded as compact as a Brompton would sell like hot cakes.
I couldn't imagine a separated tikit to be as compact or manageable as a brompton, though. I honestly don't see that as the tikit's area of expertise ... If you want something to fold THAT small you're going to have to give up on something (performance, use of standard parts ... )
I couldn't imagine a separated tikit to be as compact or manageable as a brompton, though. I honestly don't see that as the tikit's area of expertise ... If you want something to fold THAT small you're going to have to give up on something (performance, use of standard parts ... )
Yes, sorry I thought the s and s coupling folded rather than seperated. I think I ve seen some others than do ,but I might be mistaken. Judging by my track record its very likely!
It also occured to me that the tikit has an internal cable to facilitate the quick fold. So the main tube can't fold or seperate anyway without modifiing/compilcating the design.
I will try to consider my posts more carefully ,promises ,promises...............
It also occured to me that the tikit has an internal cable to facilitate the quick fold. So the main tube can't fold or seperate anyway without modifiing/compilcating the design.
Actually, the cable is outside the main tube. And an early version of the Tikit broke the main tube and folded basically like a Brompton!
Early Tikits should sell like hot cakes then!
folderfan
04-03-09, 08:26 AM
The Tikit has 16" wheels, right? No problem with the smaller wheel (compared to NWT 20")? Is 16" large enough to have a decent long ride over rough surfaces?
Kam
Not only is the ride "decent", it is comfortable, enjoyable and makes me want to ride it over and over. FWIW, I have the ti mast on my Tikit.
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