Folding Bikes - Mid Life Crisis

I seem to be going through a delayed mid life crisis, i have a deep yearing to buy a two seater sports car (which i dont really need), I'm thinking of a first series Mercedes SLK, the one with the mechanical roof, & i was just wondering if anyone had any experience with these in regard to what folder would fit in the boot ?

The only bicycle that fits a mid-life crisis is a Molton. It might not fit in the boot of a SLK, so you might be better off with a Brompton (or a different car).

I personally would go for a mid life crisis bike, and work the car around it, not the other way around. :)

Guess I'm at the other end of the spectrum. I have the 2-seater and five folders, and need to start divesting myself of the car and and several non-folders. When we consolidate back into one place, we won't have room for three cars, a folding trailer and eight bikes!!!

Suggest you get a sports car that is both bullet-proof mechanically and affordable.

My 1974 Alfa Spider (purchased new in 1975) has 139,000 miles on it and has never been overhauled. Still runs very strong, but you know it is a 35 yr old car. I think my Dahon S1 would fit in the trunk, but I have not tried it.

I guess I'm past the "car" phase and would rather ride a bike these days. (Alfa Will be for sale when we return to the NW.)

Have fun in your adventure!

Lou

How about a Bilenky? I got one on order... the wife will not let me get a new car

How about the Len Rubin's Ultimate Folding Bike ? The so called Super Brompton http://www.ufbusa.com/ . . . Now that's is the perfect match for the SLK!

I used to work at a bike shop and the lady owner had an SLK. She couldnt get anything in it so got a Jeep instead. Could get loads in that.

Get an Audi TT and put the folder in the back seat.

I can carry two folders with 16 inch wheels in the cargo space of my Corvette coupe, no lie. Leave the targa top at home for an open air ride.

I personally would go for a mid life crisis bike, and work the car around it, not the other way around. :)

+1 for starting with the important stuff.

Here is a video that demonstrates this concept http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hTteyEKWNo

Kam

Here's the trunk space you have with the SLK.

Note that the 'folding' metal top resides in the trunk area.

Also, read where a major redesign of the SLK is expected with the 2011 model.

My guess is that you will want/need a folder that has a "cache" appropriate for one driving an SLK - likely not a Dahon or below.

Lou

Thanks for all the input fellas, I have calmed down a bit now and the issue is under some sort of control. Having been to the Bradford -upon-Avon weekend a couple of times, I can confirm that the Moulton space frame is the mid-life crisis bike of choice, no other make hits the spot quite as well. And strangely, I'm wondering if a seperable Moulton might not be slipped into the SLK letter box boot, may be have to take the wheels and seat post off though. I looked at Honda 2000, Audi TT, Boxster, but they all have tiny boots. The Alfa Spider is an odd one out, all versions seem to have an ideal sized boot, but alas in the UK the weather defeats Alfas. I'm hoping to get round to the Merc dealers armed with a tape measure sometine soon, I'll keep you all updated. many thanks, once again.

Mercedes are bringing out a folding bike. So maybe you could get one to match your car. :)

I looked at Honda 2000, Audi TT, Boxster, but they all have tiny boots.

An Audi TT Coupe should take a separable Moulton with no problem.

Kam

A separable Moulton will definitely fit into an Alfa Spider trunk:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4216631686_61354f7afc.jpg

Also, lots of Dahons with inside fold handleposts :

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/220/512308437_9fe9f0ea0f.jpg

The only bicycle that fits a mid-life crisis is a Moulton.

Hmm, that is exactly what I told my wife when I got my Double Pylon ... lucky for me she has absolutely no clue what it cost ...