Folding Bikes - looking for folding bike ideas

Hi guys,

I am thinking about purchasing a folding bike for ease of transporting my bike when necessary. I have a few requirements:

quite light weight - the lighter the better, but I am not prepared to pay a huge premium.
drop bars / moustache bars / similar as I prefer the hand orientation (I like the look of the bars on the bike frida Express tikit)
not really bothered about IGH / derailleur (prefer derailleur with drop bars though)
good folded size

Does anyone have any suggestions as to which make to go for and whether or not something like this can be purchased off the shelf or if it would be better for me to modify it?

Thanks

Daven

If your intent is to transport the bike occasionally by car rather than everyday by train, then then a couple of options to consider would be:

http://www.airnimal.com/Chameleon.php
http://www.jimlangley.net/ride/airnimal_chameleon_full.jpg
or a moulton TSR:
http://www.moultonbicycles.co.uk/images/models/TSR30_Main.jpg
http://www.moultonbicycles.co.uk/models/TSR30.html

Neither of these carry much of a premium over a similarly equipped full sized performance bike - but that still means £1000-£1500 (Bike Friday prices are similar). If you want to spent less - DIY conversion to drops might well be the way to go.

nothing wrong with a tikit. here's a link to a photo of a BF tikit with drops on vik's blog :
http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/2009/01/18/bike-friday-walter/

thanks for those - they are a bit pricey though I think.

Would it be easy to convert a standard flatbar folder into one with bullhorns or will there be component issues? I have already converted my flatbar hybrid to a drop bar so the mechanics is fine just wondering about the logistics!

Thanks

Daven

You will need bars that fit your stem and a comfortable width, new brake levers, new handlebar tape and new brake cables. If you have linear pull/V brakes you will need levers that work with that kind of brake. Roger

how much do you want to spend? what do you consider lightweight?

Hi

I am in the UK and my preferences are for a 20" wheel folder, I am hoping the weight will not be that heavy compared to most 26" mtb.
I am looking on ebay for local pick-up. I want one for my daughter too, so an old 3 speed may be a good cheap option.
My idea of expensive is anything above £80. There is always the option of spraying a second hand bike. Ralaigh/Ikea 20" bikes look practical and strong.

G

Do a search on R20 in this forum, you`ll see great stuff. This is Lego for adults. Problem is you are going to end up an addict like the rest of us. Not cheap as you thought it would be but we solve that by not counting, just pretend you forgot.

Two folding bikes on Craigslist in Leeds 40 pounds each
http://leeds.craigslist.co.uk/bik/1299146881.html