Fifty Plus (50+) - I think I already know the answer

I like others have already posted here in the spirit of 'Should I buy xxxx'

The answers, delightfully, have always been 'course you should, picture it in front of a garage door with a recipe for gooseberry pie'. Fair enough

Last few summers, spouse and I have joined in tours with good friends in Europe. This year, for a varity of economic reasons, no tour planned, and I want to plan one for just the two of us.

Options - bag up our bikes and pay a lot (as every economically troubled airline now charges a lot for bike transport) and risk damage

Or buy a couple of these in UK for only a little more than the current airline price for full size bike transport, sling 'em on a train, get to South of France, tour Provence, and then bring 'em back to the middle east to use in Sri Lanka and Goa and Nepal on future trips.

I like the look of this one

http://www.dahon.com/intl/speedprott.htm

I await your fully reasoned objective views!

I have thought about folding bikes for a Euro trip or even to take on a cruise. There is a couple in the bay area who took folders to Europe and had a great time. These guys are very strong cyclists and we have ridden with them.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=450555

Sounds doable!

http://k43.pbase.com/g6/85/557985/2/77392232.MHiJ2vgO.jpg

http://k41.pbase.com/g4/85/557985/2/63243826.tvQ8Rw8D.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/85/557985/2/63242549.pZJd63jJ.jpg

I have though about getting folding bikes for travel but have been on the fence. I would like something that easily folds and packs for putting on a plane and taking on public transportation but that also rides like a dream. In other words, I want it all :) The Brompton folds great but I test rode one for about ten miles and didn't think it would be ideal for 20-30 mile rides. I have heard Bike Friday is a great rider (andy?) but it sounds like it doesn't fold small in a flash for hopping on a bus. The Ticket? Maybe.

Does this Dahon meet the bill for all around quality and ease?

If you do decide to pack a bike and fly it over I am told the proper response to the question "What's in the bag sir?" is "Bike Parts". There are many threads on the touring section where this comes up, you may want to do some digging over there and see if there might be a way to make it work with your current equipment - that is, unless you want an excuse for N+1+1.

If you do decide to pack a bike and fly it over I am told the proper response to the question "What's in the bag sir?" is "Bike Parts".

Thanks cyclinfool,

I'll have to remember that when I fly with my DaHon Curve. I thought the correct was response was "exercise equipment" but I guess I was wrong!

Rick / OCRR

unless you want an excuse for N+1+1.

And there, Mr By no means a cyclinfool, you cut to the heart of the question!;)

There is also the option of cutting a regular bike into two pieces and reattaching them with S&S couplers. The two pieces and wheels will fit in a airline regulation 26" suitcase.

The couplers restore the bike perfectly.

There is also the Ritchey Breakaway which breaks down into luggage size.

N+1 is just a law of the universe, like the speed of light. It needs no justification -- it just is.

Paul

Does this Dahon meet the bill for all around quality and ease?

Not quite sure, all I know is from the website. From there I learn that this particular machine gives more rideability at the expense of instant folding. Will collapse to be suitable for busses and trains quite quickly, will take 5 minutes with an allen key to reduce to minimum size for a flight.

There's also a similar machine called the Speed TR (Touring) with racks. Might be even better for what I'm looking for.

But, I don't know what's in the range in 2009, and I think that Dahon upgrade and alter their range regularly, so maybe those bikes are history now. However, I've asked this question of a UK Dahon dealer, so it's more than an idle speculation

If you haven't had the chance yet, head sideways to the folding bike forum on bikeforums. I was curious about folders and found a ton of useful info there.

If you haven't had the chance yet, head sideways to the folding bike form on bikeforums. I was curious about folders and found a ton of useful info there.

+1

Those wheels may be small but small wheels are amazingly rugged.

My LBS sells a lot of folders and they carry the Dahon and Moulton range of bikes. They are just setting up a Moulton with a BOB trailer for a customer that wishes to do similar to you. His idea is to tour with all equipment- but catch a coach down to Gibraltar and then cycle Back. And although I have never tried them- The few I have come across on Century rides have not been at any disadvantage to the average rider.

Im sure im not the only stay at home that enjoys reading the posts of folks dreaming of travel over the world and the folks who do bike the world over .Be sure and tell the adventures many of us love to read them Kenneth:thumb:

I just saw that TT folder in the LBS Saturday. It was real hard not buying it on the spot. Remember the 2008 version is steel and the 2009 is Al.

As to airlines, as an environmental consultant, I tell them that the bag contains "environmental equipment".

Ha hA ha you smoke what kind of road side weed in N.Cal no thanks no sawing of the Trek in half:crash::twitchy:

THAT is some machine Andycrist /Kenneth:thumb:

Im sure im not the only stay at home that enjoys reading the posts of folks dreaming of travel over the world and the folks who do bike the world over .Be sure and tell the adventures many of us love to read them Kenneth:thumb:

I was about to mention the joys of domestic travel, but Kenneth has it right.

There is also the option of cutting a regular bike into two pieces and reattaching them with S&S couplers. The two pieces and wheels will fit in a airline regulation 26" suitcase.
.

Retrofititng is possible but (http://www.sandsmachine.com/#install)

"# Retrofitting BTCs™ to your existing frame can be arranged through a retailer but it is more commonly done by going direct to a framebuilder."
"# BTCs™ are sold only to professional bicycle framebuilders. We're sorry but couplings are not sold to amateur framebuilders."
"# S and S Machine does not sell bikes or retrofit bikes, we only make the couplings which we sell to professional bicycle framebuilders."

I'm bumping a dormant thread - I hope that's ok - but I'm getting closer to choosing a couple of folding bikes for spouse and me to take on a tour this summer in Europe and future India/SE Asia trips

From my research so far

www.independent.co.uk/.../the-wheel-thing-will-self-on-the-brompton-bike-926741.html
-
A rather quirky and informative article about a popular (in UK) make of very easy folding bike

With folders, the compromise seems to be between ease and speed of
folding versus pleasure of riding. As I don't foresee 4 folds a day
for a daily commute including trains, I'm more in favour of one of
these - doesn't fold as small or as fast, but apparently great to ride

www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s19p428

Both available In London, where we're going in a month or so. I think I'll clear the credit cards for action!!

Congratulations, the Airnimal is a great choice. The larger wheels make for a much more normal feel, and more normal acceleration. I think you will be very happy.