Folding Bikes - Article - Popular Mechanics tests folding bikes

Not sure if this was posted here already.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/transportation/4323353.html

I like that Swiss MT and it's pretty cheap!

I find this article pretty terribad. They compare a fast folding road bike, versus a 16" folder of touring pedigree, versus a low end folding mountain bike. They conclude the low end folding mountain bike is for serious cyclists.

The argument for why the Dahon fails is because it received a flat after two weeks. The reason why the BF fails is because it seems week and only meant for jaunts around the neighborhood. The reason the MT is made of win is because it's the SUV of the bunch.

Designing a folder is a compromise between rideability and foldability. The PM article gives higher weight for rideability and thus prefers the SwissBike ('rides smoother'). Problem is that for its foldability is insufficient for many folder applications, including mine (too big, too heavy, requires wheel dismount).

Kam

I didn't get the impression that they preferred the Swissbike. They list their likes and dislikes for all three bikes and, although seem to like wide tires, they also seem to have the false impression that you can't get them without buying a whole new bike.

Other PM articles recommended by their website:

Cadillac SRX vs Lexus RX350 Comparison Test: Can GM’s Best Topple Lexus?
Does Save A Blade Work? As Seen on TV Lab Test
Top 5 Billy Mays Infomercial Products

So naturally they've got insights on anything related to bicycling :roflmao2:

The first 'reader comment' struck me as strange:

I'm glad to see the results of this review. I just made the switch from a Dahon to a Montague SwissBike and also found the SwissBike folding bike to have a better quality ride. It's unreal how a bike that costs half as much as the other two can compete let alone beat on such a vital factor.

Almost like its worded to rank high on a search engine. 'Scuse me *cough * cough * shill * cough *

The opinions of "ordinary folk" can be quite different from enthusiasts.

I find this article pretty terribad. They compare a fast folding road bike, versus a 16" folder of touring pedigree, versus a low end folding mountain bike. They conclude the low end folding mountain bike is for serious cyclists.

The argument for why the Dahon fails is because it received a flat after two weeks. The reason why the BF fails is because it seems week and only meant for jaunts around the neighborhood. The reason the MT is made of win is because it's the SUV of the bunch.

+1

This article was useless becuase the folding mountain bike should not have been used in the comparison. To do a proper comparison, you start with bikes that have similar wheel size followed by drive train.

i posted my comment on the PM website.
the review is crap

I knew as soon as I seen this topic, that it would "ruffle some feathers". I don't particularly think the review was either great or bad. It's intention was more to give the reader an introduction of what's "out there" in folding bikes, and not an in depth evaluation of any specific brands or models. That kind of review is what industry specific publications, and online resources are for.

Also, I do appreciate opinions from non cyclists as they are far less prejudiced, and will write what exact impressions they got from testing the products.

My two cents for what it's worth.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

I knew as soon as I seen this topic, that it would "ruffle some feathers". I don't particularly think the review was either great or bad. It's intention was more to give the reader an introduction of what's "out there" in folding bikes, and not an in depth evaluation of any specific brands or models. That kind of review is what industry specific publications, and online resources are for.

Also, I do appreciate opinions from non cyclists as they are far less prejudiced, and will write what exact impressions they got from testing the products.

My two cents for what it's worth.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

I think feathers are more disturbed by the huckster-like tone of this "review" rather its content. For instance the conclusion drawn on the SwissBike:

This is one foldable bike that means business, and it rides more smoothly than the previous two. The gears change without a glitch, and the grips are a nice touch. Riding through the streets with the SwissBike was dangerous simply because we felt invincible while riding it. Pedestrians and passing vehicles beware. That confidence comes at a price, however: At 30 pounds, the SwissBike TX was the heaviest we tested, making it more awkward for walk-up apartments and trips on the subway.


While this might be real "opinions of non-cyclists", it sounds a lot like marketing copy, including the faint damn following the glowing praise. In fact I'm not bothered by it much at all, if PM's audience is silly enough to fall for this carp, let 'em have their fill.

The review title begins with "Folding Bikes" but then includes "Collapsible Bicycles" at the end of the title. To the general cyclist, for whom this article was written, this doesn't matter. I think most of here know otherwise.

I think feathers are more disturbed by the huckster-like tone of this "review" rather its content. For instance the conclusion drawn on the SwissBike:

This is one foldable bike that means business, and it rides more smoothly than the previous two. The gears change without a glitch, and the grips are a nice touch. Riding through the streets with the SwissBike was dangerous simply because we felt invincible while riding it. Pedestrians and passing vehicles beware. That confidence comes at a price, however: At 30 pounds, the SwissBike TX was the heaviest we tested, making it more awkward for walk-up apartments and trips on the subway.


While this might be real "opinions of non-cyclists", it sounds a lot like marketing copy, including the faint damn following the glowing praise. In fact I'm not bothered by it much at all, if PM's audience is silly enough to fall for this carp, let 'em have their fill.

How does it sound like a marketing copy when the last sentence mentions how poorly it performs at exactly the thing which causes folks to seek a folding bike?

Well I think your reply just reinforces my comment about the "ruffled feathers". Apparently no one can make positive comments, or find good things about any bike that sells for under $700 without being accused of being a "huckster", as if though that was going to make the reviewer rich or famous. Notice two things, he didn't dismiss totally the Mu SL or the Tikit, and he did find one fault with the Swiss bike which was it's heftier weight.

Based upon the type of riding the reviewer was subjecting the bikes to, it's not hard to see why the Swiss bike with it's more robust frame, longer wheelbase, and 26" wheels would compare very favorably against the much more expensive competition.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder






I think feathers are more disturbed by the huckster-like tone of this "review" rather its content. For instance the conclusion drawn on the SwissBike:

This is one foldable bike that means business, and it rides more smoothly than the previous two. The gears change without a glitch, and the grips are a nice touch. Riding through the streets with the SwissBike was dangerous simply because we felt invincible while riding it. Pedestrians and passing vehicles beware. That confidence comes at a price, however: At 30 pounds, the SwissBike TX was the heaviest we tested, making it more awkward for walk-up apartments and trips on the subway.


While this might be real "opinions of non-cyclists", it sounds a lot like marketing copy, including the faint damn following the glowing praise. In fact I'm not bothered by it much at all, if PM's audience is silly enough to fall for this carp, let 'em have their fill.

I definitely agree that the target audience of this article is geared towards the general cyclist community and not for folder enthusiasts.

Well I think your reply just reinforces my comment about the "ruffled feathers". Apparently no one can make positive comments, or find good things about any bike that sells for under $700 without being accused of being a "huckster", as if though that was going to make the reviewer rich or famous. Notice two things, he didn't dismiss totally the Mu SL or the Tikit, and he did find one fault with the Swiss bike which was it's heftier weight.

Based upon the type of riding the reviewer was subjecting the bikes to, it's not hard to see why the Swiss bike with it's more robust frame, longer wheelbase, and 26" wheels would compare very favorably against the much more expensive competition.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder

Which is why I used the phrase "For instance". Actually I think all 3 reviews stink, but what do I know. Maybe PM's review writers are just over-zealous to the point they only sound like they're regurgitating marketing literature. I suppose to some people its unimaginable a magazine writer could gain anything by promoting somebody's products.

So what does the $700 pricepoint have to do with anything? MSRP for a SwissBike TX is over $800. You looked up SALE prices Ed, thats the 2008 TX closeouts you're seeing for $630. So that pretty well screws your price angle. Whats more, the SwissBike X0 model lists for OVER $2K. Following your reasoning, that makes it lower performer than the TX. Doesn't scan.

And I just have to ask, with you being such a proud "5-speed Qile Duo" owner, and $630 being a bit more that what you were apparently willing to spend, why do you even care? There's anti-snobs and then there's you, Ed. Geez, go buy a clue. Maybe you can get one on credit.

Other PM articles recommended by their website:

Cadillac SRX vs Lexus RX350 Comparison Test: Can GM’s Best Topple Lexus?
Does Save A Blade Work? As Seen on TV Lab Test
Top 5 Billy Mays Infomercial Products

So naturally they've got insights on anything related to bicycling :roflmao2:

The first 'reader comment' struck me as strange:

I'm glad to see the results of this review. I just made the switch from a Dahon to a Montague SwissBike and also found the SwissBike folding bike to have a better quality ride. It's unreal how a bike that costs half as much as the other two can compete let alone beat on such a vital factor.

Almost like its worded to rank high on a search engine. 'Scuse me *cough * cough * shill * cough *


This thread is developing nicely into something that has bothered me for quite some time (ever since I started to post here and elsewhere plus on my Website series). I did not dawn on me until recently that choosing to cycle as well as what type of bike to use or own is something so personal, so subjective that others must respect each others choices in life, not condemed or congradulate someone on. This includes something as personal as a very portable folding bike.


I find this article pretty terribad. They compare a fast folding road bike, versus a 16" folder of touring pedigree, versus a low end folding mountain bike. They conclude the low end folding mountain bike is for serious cyclists.

The argument for why the Dahon fails is because it received a flat after two weeks. The reason why the BF fails is because it seems week and only meant for jaunts around the neighborhood. The reason the MT is made of win is because it's the SUV of the bunch.

Apples and oranges comparisons I see here. These bikes were compared against each other rather than a simple evaluation of each one's strong and weak points.


The opinions of "ordinary folk" can be quite different from enthusiasts.


+1

This article was useless becuase the folding mountain bike should not have been used in the comparison. To do a proper comparison, you start with bikes that have similar wheel size followed by drive train.


i posted my comment on the PM website.
the review is crap

I think the direction of the review was poorly chosen rather than the individual bikes themselves. As invisiblehand pointed out, there is a very heavy line between the average rider and the enthusiasts. I did finally learned to adjust my evalution between the two groups.


I definitely agree that the target audience of this article is geared towards the general cyclist community and not for folder enthusiasts.

And where do you think the money to maintain excitement and more models of folders to choose from will be? Why from the general cycling community-that's who! Do think back in your own lives. At one time all of us who ride and are crazy about their folding bikes were once hailed from the regular cycling community (in my mind this includes roadies, mountain bikers, BMX riders, etc.) or the average person who just joined the ranks of cyclists. I try to tone down my new postings and material on my Websites as not to scare off these new arrivals into the world of folding bikes, yet offer new ideas and room to grow in anyone's knowledge of these bikes for all levels and interests.

Apples and oranges comparisons I see here. These bikes were compared against each other rather than a simple evaluation of each one's strong and weak points.

I can't agree more. Clearly they were comparing a Toyota Camry to a Mazda Miata to a Honda CRV. Of course if you're a mom with three kids to haul to soccer practices CRV is the way to go, and no way a Miata would work for that purpose. But all three of them are good cars with their own merits. :rolleyes:

My comments were not directed to anyone in particular, and yet you target your reply directly to me! You don't have to stoop so low as to question my choice of ride, or my common sense. Though I'll be the first to admit that you made a couple of good points inside of your reply, it was flushed down the toilet when you closed the post the way you did. That's why I'm disregarding it, and I'll make a couple of remarks that you may not like.

My Qile Duo folder is actually a useful tool, and doesn't live to impress anyone with expensive, derailleurs, shifters, or fancy wheel sets. It gets me from point A to point B, dependably and safely. Can I ask for any more regardless of how much I paid for it? Second of all, I don't need to "buy a clue". I get them for FREE, and so can anyone else who keeps an open mind. But we both know open minds can sometimes be scarce...right?

You believe there are "anti snobs", and that I'm even worse. But look who is more vocal about issues relating to product selection based on name brand, price, and even prestige on this forum. Nobody should have to sound apologetic or feel questioned about inquiring on a budget priced folder, and yet I see a lot of that here. Do you think I still need to "buy a clue"?

Consider this conversation closed.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder
(Proudly owned for the past 15 months and 4,500 miles!)







Which is why I used the phrase "For instance". Actually I think all 3 reviews stink, but what do I know. Maybe PM's review writers are just over-zealous to the point they only sound like they're regurgitating marketing literature. I suppose to some people its unimaginable a magazine writer could gain anything by promoting somebody's products.

So what does the $700 pricepoint have to do with anything? MSRP for a SwissBike TX is over $800. You looked up SALE prices Ed, thats the 2008 TX closeouts you're seeing for $630. So that pretty well screws your price angle. Whats more, the SwissBike X0 model lists for OVER $2K. Following your reasoning, that makes it lower performer than the TX. Doesn't scan.

And I just have to ask, with you being such a proud "5-speed Qile Duo" owner, and $630 being a bit more that what you were apparently willing to spend, why do you even care? There's anti-snobs and then there's you, Ed. Geez, go buy a clue. Maybe you can get one on credit.