Folding Bikes - Need a folding bike recommendation

I currently have a Downtube 8H, and while there are things that I like about it, I really need something more convenient for the train. I ride the MARC and not only is it very crowded, but it's four very steep steps from my station onto the car. I need something that will fold up smaller and stay folded, rather than having my legs half get caught inside the fold when I try to get it up the steps onto the train. It would be great if it could fit between the seats on the train, because MARC has nowhere to put folding bikes. It would be nice to cut down on weight, but it isn't really necessary.

I'm currently using gears 1-6 on the DT. My commute is pretty hilly and I'm not in the best shape. I ride about 4 miles on suburban roads and about a mile in the city.

I'm small (5'4", 135) so size is not really an issue. My budget is about $1500. I'm not handy, and the thought of upgrading a new bike is pretty daunting.

I know that Bromptons have the smallest, tightest fold, but I'm concerned about the gearing. I can't find comparable gearing numbers to see if I will be able to get up the hills. What else might work for me?

Thanks for any advice!

Since you have the budget - a small sized Bike Friday tikit should fill the bill.

But the tikit does not fold small, so that disqualifies it.

Dahon Curve SL is my best pick.

and that rules out the Sinclair A-Bike which is the smallest and lightest when folded...carry me will not cut in either as it is a single speed bike.

I hear (slightly modified for hills) Brompton.

maybe a bike friday tikit will work for you.

But the tikit does not fold small, so that disqualifies it.

Dahon Curve SL is my best pick.

+1

Ciao,
o^o

Thanks, I will definitely check out the Curve SL.

I looked at a tikit when I bought the DT but the fold was pretty big.

I currently have a Downtube 8H, and while there are things that I like about it, I really need something more convenient for the train. I ride the MARC and not only is it very crowded, but it's four very steep steps from my station onto the car. I need something that will fold up smaller and stay folded, rather than having my legs half get caught inside the fold when I try to get it up the steps onto the train. It would be great if it could fit between the seats on the train, because MARC has nowhere to put folding bikes. It would be nice to cut down on weight, but it isn't really necessary.

I'm currently using gears 1-6 on the DT. My commute is pretty hilly and I'm not in the best shape. I ride about 4 miles on suburban roads and about a mile in the city.

I'm small (5'4", 135) so size is not really an issue. My budget is about $1500. I'm not handy, and the thought of upgrading a new bike is pretty daunting.

I know that Bromptons have the smallest, tightest fold, but I'm concerned about the gearing. I can't find comparable gearing numbers to see if I will be able to get up the hills. What else might work for me?

Thanks for any advice!

When I first started to use internal hub gearing drivetrain instead of derailleurs, I was really concerned about whether or not I can use the bike in the hilly terrain surrounding my residence and most of the LA area I usually ride in. I found that concern generally not applicable here. I have used all my 3 speed bikes here 99% of the time with ease going up (and down) these hills. And many of these hills are rather steep. I am not young anymore (past 50) and about your size and weight.

The best bike for me turned out to be my faithful Brompton. It's gearing is perfect for these hills and other terrain issues at 46t chain ring and 13t rear cog. And I take this bike anywhere-including very crowded trains with steep stairs (at least 2 or more stories up to the platform), usually crowded buses with no spare space for odd luggage, in crowded restaurants (underneath tables), visiting friends and relatives (package in it's bag), and in high security zones (bagged yet always available for inspections). Whichever is the case for you, don't be put of which how many gears the bike is supposed to have. the question is how useful or appropriate is the gearing reflects your own need to go up hills with ease. The new system of the 6 speed Brompton with the new Sturmey-Archer rear hub is something to look into more. I know I will the next time I am in the market for another Brompton. For me, that will be next year probably as the economy improves (I hope).

Bromptons you can customize to fit your own needs without incurring more cost beyond the cost of the part at the time of the order. Dahons are rather limiting since they cannot be customized at the company. The bike shop might do yours for a rather large extra cost (part(s) plus labor) after purchase. I know from personal experience since I own both makes and had both bikes customized in the matter described previously. Your budget probably will allow for a nice customize Brompton to your own specifications.

For photos see below:

I know I will the next time I am in the market for another Brompton. For me, that will be next year...

I thought you wanted to repair perpetually.

I've got a Dahon Speed P8 which I love dearly but it doesn't like to stay folded. It always wants to swing open. I finally got smart and threw a velcro strap in the seat bag and use it to hold it together.

My Dahon Jetstream XP is a different story. It folds very securely and quickly. It has 24 gears and uses the SRAM Dual Drive which I love dearly.

Lastly I have a Dahon Speed TR which is comfortable and the gear range is remarkable. I can pretty easily climb the steepest hills with it however it has front and rear racks, I have panniers on it and all manner of other stuff mounted to it. In that configuration it's not light and very portable.

John

John

I currently have a Downtube 8H, and while there are things that I like about it, I really need something more convenient for the train. I ride the MARC and not only is it very crowded, but it's four very steep steps from my station onto the car. I need something that will fold up smaller and stay folded, rather than having my legs half get caught inside the fold when I try to get it up the steps onto the train. It would be great if it could fit between the seats on the train, because MARC has nowhere to put folding bikes. It would be nice to cut down on weight, but it isn't really necessary.

I'm currently using gears 1-6 on the DT. My commute is pretty hilly and I'm not in the best shape. I ride about 4 miles on suburban roads and about a mile in the city.

I'm small (5'4", 135) so size is not really an issue. My budget is about $1500. I'm not handy, and the thought of upgrading a new bike is pretty daunting.

I know that Bromptons have the smallest, tightest fold, but I'm concerned about the gearing. I can't find comparable gearing numbers to see if I will be able to get up the hills. What else might work for me?

Thanks for any advice!

Ahhhh the MARC. There are a few people who use folding bikes on the MARC that regularly post on a local Washington DC forum. There are two Brompton, one Dahon, and perhaps one tikit user that I can think of off the top of my head. You might want to ask the question there. I also seem to recall that there is some work being done on accommodating cyclists and folding bikes more. They might be able to pass along relevant news.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BikeWashingtonDC/

A Brompton is a pretty good bet. Although I am not particularly familiar with MARC cars and it isn't clear me that the ergonomics of a Brompton would be best for you. However, it is great at carrying stuff, it does fold small, and there are some options to give you a really wide gear range (Schlumpf). Although I think that a six speed Brompton can cover gears 1-6 on a SA8. Particularly with the new wide range three speed.

The person with the Dahon Speed TT regularly uses the MARC during rush hour so I suspect that the tikit would be fine. You might just want to ask what he/she does to cope.

The best thing is that Mt Airy/College Park Bicycles carries Brompton, Bike Friday and Dahon models. Soooo you can test ride them all. Larry Black has a ridiculously good test ride/return policy. Although you don't get any discounts there.

So test ride to your heart's content. $1500 will get you a lot of attention at Mt. Airy ... although call ahead to find out which models are at which store.

I thought you wanted to repair perpetually.

Not exactly. I decided to get another nice proven bike in the near future. I always prefer to have at least 2 good bikes on hand I can depend on as long as I have been using bikes for transportation. Especially if one is at the bike shop for repairs. No one else I know in my social group still rides a bike of any type anymore (after all, this is Southern California). And I really don't care to go rent/hire a car for that purpose. Or carpool or take public transport if I can help it.

Besides, I think some of those same friends might be developing a desire to ride the Brompton C Type. And I don't wish to put off a budding chance to ride the Companion one since I will have this other one available for my own use soon as I can manage it. And the new one will have that new 6 speeds drivetrain for sure. Plus all those new little improvements that have been springing up for the last 3 years (or more since I will purchase next year or later as finances permit) since I bought mine already installed.

Another recommendation for a Brompton, it currently has the best fold hands down.

As far as gearing, you may be able to get the 3 speed model and mod it with an 8-speed internal hub. Not sure about DC, but in New York City there's a Brompton expert, www.bfold.com who may be able to work with you.