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06-27-09, 02:47 PM
Better than a Birdy, Brompton or Dahon?
Our bikes are certainly lower quality, heavier and slower. But they allow us to ride. This is our story.
We are semi-retired and have limited but comfortable income. Several years ago we purchased and restored a 1978 Boler 1700 travel trailer - not the little 'egg' you see so often but the 17' model with bathroom, hot water, etc. We camp every second weekend when possible. We walk a lot and this spring we also purchased good quality mountain bikes from the LBS and try to ride at least 2 or 3 times per week.
The problem - there is no room to take the mountain bikes camping. So we picked up some used and inexpensive folders, fixed and tuned them, dressed them up a bit and voila - bikes that fit into our camper when we travel! Our campground bikes are old and low-end bikes. The yellow/silver bike is circa 2001, 6 speed SIS, made in Taiwan. The green bike is circa 1980, 5 speed Shimano Eagle II, and from Germany. Our total investment is under $250.
So are they better than a Birdy, Brompton or Dahon that so many here own? Not 'better' but they fit our budget, are perfect 'campground' bikes, and we get to ride whenever we want to!
Our bikes are certainly lower quality, heavier and slower. But they allow us to ride. This is our story.
We are semi-retired and have limited but comfortable income. Several years ago we purchased and restored a 1978 Boler 1700 travel trailer - not the little 'egg' you see so often but the 17' model with bathroom, hot water, etc. We camp every second weekend when possible. We walk a lot and this spring we also purchased good quality mountain bikes from the LBS and try to ride at least 2 or 3 times per week.
The problem - there is no room to take the mountain bikes camping. So we picked up some used and inexpensive folders, fixed and tuned them, dressed them up a bit and voila - bikes that fit into our camper when we travel! Our campground bikes are old and low-end bikes. The yellow/silver bike is circa 2001, 6 speed SIS, made in Taiwan. The green bike is circa 1980, 5 speed Shimano Eagle II, and from Germany. Our total investment is under $250.
So are they better than a Birdy, Brompton or Dahon that so many here own? Not 'better' but they fit our budget, are perfect 'campground' bikes, and we get to ride whenever we want to!