Folding Bikes - First Official Folding Bike Thread!! :) Name Your Bike!

Put at least 20 km on the "Velocycle" today as my ex picked me up for a meeting we had down-town and having things to do afterwards put the bike in the trunk and when were finished pulled it out and was on my way in minutes as the folding and unfolding is rather quick.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/2012velocyclesaturn.JPG

Installed a Sachs half ratchet thumbie to replace the flaky Microshift and this has improved the shifting considerably and changed the 13-21 block for a 13-24 (another Shimano 600 freewheel) to give me a little more bottom end with that 50 tooth ring.

Folded up at my physiotherapist's office... it is no Brompton but it isn't bad and I like how the Superflash tucks in perfectly under the rack to keep it from getting smashed up.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/2012velocyclefold.JPG

Locked up... it is a very secure area so I felt no need to take my saddle and post with me and will see how a slightly longer shackle works as I'd like to go through both tyres and the frame and lock up to things which is something my Krypto just isn't big enough for.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/2012velocyclelockup.JPG

Since I am at physio three times a week I could just leave an extra lock there...

Plan to swap the steel post for an alloy one and see if I can't swap the crank for a lighter one and still retain the chain guide and guard as that is quite useful... that should knock a few pounds off the bike as the cranks and post are steel.

Do you know the final weight of the bike now that you've done all the mods?

Do you know the final weight of the bike now that you've done all the mods?

29 pounds with the rack and kickstand.... it's not a bike I would want to carry for any long distance but is still quite tossable.

(It is a steel frame with steel fenders.)

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My first Brompton

Sixty Fiver,sounds nice,glad you got some time in on it too! :thumb: Doesn't sound too awful heavy for what it is either,sweet :love:

TeddyUK,NICE! :thumb:

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My first Brompton

Even though I have never liked the Brompton ride - wise as much as I do mine and other folders, I appreciate the excellent construction and brilliant design of the bicycle and if I needed to do a lot of multi modal commuting could see the benefits.

Sixty Fiver,sounds nice,glad you got some time in on it too! :thumb: Doesn't sound too awful heavy for what it is either,sweet :love:


If I pulled the rack and fenders it would be a speck over 27 pounds which is not bad for what it is. Lightening up the tyres and changing the crank made a world of difference.

I love my Downtube Front Suspension folding bike. I've configured it for commuting and loaded touring. I rarely ride my vintage road bike or my full-suspension mountain bike as the DT is so versatile.

For the past year-and-a-half, I have ridden it at least 400 miles a month on a 33-mile round-trip commute. It also did well on a club ride in Napa and some touring on the California coast.

It is very easy to customize with standard parts off Ebay or Amazon.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6015/5906686626_7c5149b4f0_b.jpg

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261957261957

I had an expensive haircut yesterday.........

I was threaten at razor point to buy some unwanted bike equipment from the back of the barbers. Sweeney Todd, the butcher of Yorkshire, tried to force a tandem frame on to me, but I begged for mercy. I explained that after preaching how much better my upgraded Mezzo is than other makes of folding bikes I had no friends left to ride a tandem with.

After hearing this, he wickly turned his attention a pre-heresy abomination near by and started to play his banjo. I screamed that I would never join the "dark side of the force".
Lucky we were disturbed by a menacing elderly hoodie in need of a haircut and I left found myself being thrown out by an invisible, but unstoppable force. I dragged the mysterious lump of ancient metal, (as both tyres were flat), a short distance to safety.

Mean while shocked passer-by all shouted "Juddus!".

Before nailing the object in to plain crate, never to be found again at the back of a massive warehouse, I noticed that 2 set of Teflon linned kelvar brake outers, Teflon inner cables, and "Koolstop" salmon brake blocks had somehow disappeared from my spares box.

I quickly and secretly archived the object, ( then accidently placed it on a world wide public forum).

It appears to be a 5 speed, cheap copy of a Merc or famingo bike, of inferior design to a popular folding bike called a Mezzo.
If ever I find myself accidently sleep walk riding the device I will remain strong in reminding the weak of faith about true path of the Mezzo way, and the woes of falling for evil manufacturer, media, or grapevine hype". It might just be possible for other members of the family to experiement for supervised short periods without converting to Darth Vader.

Must log of as I am running out of psychotropic medication, and the emperor is coming..........

"Sanfu21" please help meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.......................

^^
I wish I had your bike mechanic skills!

My foldie squeaks and creaks. Wish I could sort it out. I fear I might end up buying a new one though I wonder if I can use a derailleur after my simple Nexus 3 hub (noob cyclist here).

Try putting oil in the hinges.

Try putting oil in the hinges.

Noob question: any specific bicycle oil?

My b-max as of today. I'll be looking for a 28 hole internal dynamo hub and LED headlight.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/7643184758_cc45735b9a.jpg

This is a nice looking bike. It seems that these bikes are not available in the United States as far as I can tell from some quick web searches. How does it ride?

Enjoying Portland...

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/family/PDXsummer2012/pdx2012summerforrestspirit.JPG

Hi, I'm really new to this. I don't understand threads, so I hope this is going to the right forum.?? I purchased a Ross 16" 5 speed Folding bike to give to my Granddaughter. I had the tires,tubes,brake pads,pedals & handle bar grips replaced so far. There is a chunk out of the 5th gear & that needs replacing. This is the problem. I can't find anything about this bike. I have scanned though pages & pages in forum & haven't seen a bike that folds as this one does or pics of one. And no I don't have a pic either. If some one has info on bike so that I'll know what we have & where to get parts, or interchange parts, it would be appreciated. Most bikes break & swing folding wheels together. This has a magnet &

Have any of you heard of a 26" UC Cycle folding mountain bike? I can't find anything about the brand online. I'm looking at possibly buying one, but wanted to read some reviews/specs first. It has U.C CYCLE printed on the side. I would really appreciate any information if you know anything - thanks!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7260/7701091494_795d73c38e_c.jpg

My new Speed Uno. Loving it so far. Front brake on order and thinking about either going fixed or Sram A2.

^^
That is one lovely looking bike....

Hi, I'm really new to this. I don't understand threads, so I hope this is going to the right forum.?? I purchased a Ross 16" 5 speed Folding bike to give to my Granddaughter. I had the tires,tubes,brake pads,pedals & handle bar grips replaced so far. There is a chunk out of the 5th gear & that needs replacing. This is the problem. I can't find anything about this bike. I have scanned though pages & pages in forum & haven't seen a bike that folds as this one does or pics of one. And no I don't have a pic either. If some one has info on bike so that I'll know what we have & where to get parts, or interchange parts, it would be appreciated. Most bikes break & swing folding wheels together. This has a magnet &


Have any of you heard of a 26" UC Cycle folding mountain bike? I can't find anything about the brand online. I'm looking at possibly buying one, but wanted to read some reviews/specs first. It has U.C CYCLE printed on the side. I would really appreciate any information if you know anything - thanks!

I advise you both to start new threads in the folding bike forum, that will get you the most attention and answers.

This thread is for drooling.

Chigger is my new to me Bike Friday Metro. This picture is from this weeks rides.

I advise you both to start new threads in the folding bike forum, that will get you the most attention and answers.

This thread is for drooling.

Or saying hello , or laughing,

noob here...my baby bridgestone one touch picnica 14in
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Another noob here - not to cycling, but to the forum, been going just over a year on my itsy bitsy Dahon D3 (about 25 years on non foldies :) ), I look utterly ridiculaous on it as it's so tiny but really love it. Had a few troubles with it, as it's an old model i rescued, but with a few mods i think he'll be fine. Still considering an upgrade though as i've been thoroughly converted to the world of foldies (brommie vs Mezzo vs better dahon vs BF - age old dilemma) - love them.

This is Bob...
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Enjoying Summer in Kanagawa. Did 75km on my Curve SL along the very hilly, and amazingly scenic, Miura Peninsula coastline on Monday.


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8432/7773282948_ae4e7d5eeb_b.jpg

Beautiful pics as always, owenfinn.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/7629939918_12c3cc2835_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/44332608@N03/7629939918/)
DSCF1403 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/44332608@N03/7629939918/) by 1nterceptor (http://www.flickr.com/people/44332608@N03/), on Flickr

I got this folding bike thinking my significant other would use it and also to bring w/ me when I travel.
Well my wife is just happy spinning on her stationary bike and I did bring the bike when I went to China
but I only had time to ride it maybe 3 times:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi0156wPqe0&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi0156wPqe0&feature=relmfu

So in the 6 months that I had this bike I used it maybe 6 times. Maybe it's better if I sell it,
anybody interested? I can probably let it go for US$150, will throw in a few extras; front and
rear light + Kryptonite U lock. Bike can be seen in New York City(Manhattan) or Northern
New Jersey(West New York 07093).

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8428/7792159766_922a07da70_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/44332608@N03/7792159766/)
DSCF1457 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/44332608@N03/7792159766/) by 1nterceptor (http://www.flickr.com/people/44332608@N03/), on Flickr

Pacific Carryme in Yokohama

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8430/7636553738_6d4f3bb1f0_c.jpg

Picked up my Dahon photo contest prize today - an ivy green Boardwalk D7. Thanks Dahon!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/7822612016_15382b4bf1_c.jpg

I have a beixo compact 7-speed chainless which I ordered online at beixo.com. It probably wasn't the best choice for my needs, but after living in the Netherlands for 3 1/2 years, I really wanted a Dutch souvenir and I wanted a folding bike for my commute. I was attracted by the chainless tech so I passed on the only other Dutch-made folding bike in the market, made by Batavus. Dutch industry leader Gazelle no longer makes folding bikes for some reason, maybe because brompton dominates the folding market there. In spite of that, you can find a jillion different makes on any given day if you hang out in one of the big train stations during rush hours. Anyway, I've been lurking and I've enjoyed what I've read. I've also recently unfolded with my thumb inside the main hinge, nearly snipping off the end of the finger. Duh. Anyway, Fold On!
268607

I didn't even know they made a folding bike with a shaft drive. How's the ride?

I didn't even know they made a folding bike with a shaft drive. How's the ride?

I have not experienced any problems or issues except for tightening a loose nut when I heard some noise. Gear shifting is similar in smoothness to chain shifting, maybe a little less clack-clack overall.

No other issues so far that I can report. I guess the big plus is no chain grease when you're picking it up and carrying it, nor can you pop the chain off by accident (does that ever actually happen?).

Dynamic also makes a folding chainless bike here in the USA: http://www.dynamicbicycles.com/bicycles/sidekick8.php

Cheers, Martin

Here's my Brompton with my new DIY folding trailer...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8177/7952190452_87555db1cf_c.jpg

I need trailer that to carry my guitar down the street where I practice! Can you describe how you made it?

I just rode it for the first time yesterday. I love it but the gear shifter doesn't respond very well. It feels stiff. There's no derailer, just the internal hub. Anyone know what may be wrong?

I need trailer that to carry my guitar down the street where I practice! Can you describe how you made it?
I used a folding hand truck I had.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8177/7952190452_87555db1cf_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8310/7952213302_6d4f115d4d_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8318/7952208474_0b393cdc53_c.jpg

Burley Travoy seatpost hitch and a round tube trailer flex connector. The tube is a 27.2mm seatpost that I cut and the end clamped to the trailer is the handlebar clamp from a 26mm stem. The seatpost tube is pressed into the stem. I plan on replacing the center bolt with something low profile and replacing one of the stem screw with a knob for loosening for easier folding.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8442/7952195632_df56b3e3e1_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8312/7952198028_c823ee04aa_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8314/7952205770_107683c4e4_c.jpg

I still need to figure out a front kickstand, since the bigger wheels make it sit taller. All in all, I'm pretty happy with it...very stable when towing.

Don't have a before, but looked like this...
http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/additional_images/23771_2_lg.jpg

Here's the back side. Using clevis pins for a quick release. (Don't mind the washers...used them to figure out spacer size for a tight fit)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/7933638206_1e56fd79ab_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/7933643214_e460195cea_z.jpg


Wheels and clevis pins removed...
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8317/7933650180_eeb92c4dde_z.jpg


Folded with wheels removed...
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7933672230_7c27117e75_z.jpg


Folded with wheels attached for the heck of it...
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8181/7933676390_c93458ce6c_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8040/7933693014_1506bcd2f3_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8449/7933697794_23e6b78467_z.jpg


More to come. Still working on the hitch components since Amazon is taking forever with my Burley hitch parts.

This is my z-bike I got off of ebay for $60. I’ve put around $200 into it so far

Extended seatpost
Extended bar stem
5-speed freewheel cogset
16 x 1.5 road tires
60t chainring and 170mm crankset
V-brakes
Head tube extended by 1 ½ inches
All metal short cage Shimano derailleur

It's no Moulton but I’m pretty happy with it. The folding joint is a bad design since all the frame load is taken by the pins only and not the bracket. The holes have already elongated after a month of riding. Gotta fix that. I’m thinking about building out a 16” wheel using a Shimano Capreo hub (http://sheldonbrown.com/capreo/index.html). That will get me to a 60/9. Despite my tiny tire rollout, at 100 rpm I should be able to hit 30mph.

Anybody using the Capreo hub on either a 16” or 20” ?

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Owner of a folding bike again, after a break of 6 or 7 years.. Had a Dahon Presto P3 in London which was good for commuting and weekend rides on the country side. Bought this last week, second hand but in great condition. A Dahon Mu P8. To be used occationally for riding to work (5 km one-way), and will bring it in my sailboat, and for some longer daytrips and possibly weekend touring. I've ordered front and rear racks. Will also buy Schwalbe Big Apple tyres which are great for ride comfort.

271961

Great pictures! Thanks so much

Our new Dahon Boardwalk D7. Not sure what happened to the photo above.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7265/7837250356_00e68e54f4_b.jpg

This is my z-bike I got off of ebay for $60. I’ve put around $200 into it so far

Extended seatpost
Extended bar stem
5-speed freewheel cogset
16 x 1.5 road tires
60t chainring and 170mm crankset
V-brakes
Head tube extended by 1 ½ inches
All metal short cage Shimano derailleur

It's no Moulton but I’m pretty happy with it. The folding joint is a bad design since all the frame load is taken by the pins only and not the bracket. The holes have already elongated after a month of riding. Gotta fix that. I’m thinking about building out a 16” wheel using a Shimano Capreo hub (http://sheldonbrown.com/capreo/index.html). That will get me to a 60/9. Despite my tiny tire rollout, at 100 rpm I should be able to hit 30mph.

Anybody using the Capreo hub on either a 16” or 20” ?

271943271944

Good work, but slightly mad !!!

G'day folding people,
I have two folders. It's a long story but briefly, I was looking at a Birdy and saw a Bike Friday Tikit (16" wheels) for sale. A 2nd hand Tikit is a rare machine so bought it.
When looking for the ad, to take a screen shot, I saw a Birdy with 20" wheels (usually 18") and a 14sp Rolloff Hub !!
Well wot would u do ? Off to the bank for a loan. Still paying it off but worth it.
I just like small wheels.
The Birdy replaces a road bike, 120psi tyres with small travel dual suspension, just right. I could put on Big Apple touring tyres but with the bigger wheels there would not be much clearance for mud. (note for people wanting to "upgrade" to bigger wheels (why) ?! It also adds to step-over height & raises the centre of gravity).
The Tikit is a great local & beyond tourer. 7 sp is just enuf & folds realy quickly. I just fold it & stand it in an out of the way place in the shop. I even have a pic of me with bike in one hand, beer in the other & (trying) to chat up a bar lady manager.
Everyone says the small wheels are slower..... well they just have to be , don't they ? Well no actually. I did 80km/hr by accident on the Tikit and a 70k day ride.
Smaller wheels and geometry of these bikes makes for twichy-er handling but they can handle rougher than bitumen and off road nearly as well as bigger wheels & tyres.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQscBxx7wLE&feature=player_embedded

Get in first with a comment like "funny bike coming thru".

I finally finished Little Red yesterday. My wife wanted a folder so she can take the bus and subway one way of her 15 mile commute if she gets cold and/or tired. So this was my solution.

I found the Fuji (non-Marlboro "Fuji America" headbadge, so presumably it was bought in a bike shop?) frameset at Neighborhood Bike Works in South Philly. See the thread specifically about these at http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/242586-Fuji-Marlboro-folding-MTB-Or-does-it?p=14751298&highlight=#post14751298. The frame and fork on these things are nice 4130 Cr-Mo, designed by Montague, with a total frame and fork weight of 7lbs. The stock kit that these came with was low-end MTB, and clearly holding them back! So I decided to build this one up as a fast tourer. The only original things on this "Marlboro" are the frame, fork, headset, seat/frame clamp, and canti guide stop!

She is one fast, sweet ride. A little too small for me, but should be perfect for her! I hope she appreciates the difference between this and a "normal" folder!

Here's the build:
Drivetrain: Sora 8-speed brifters, Sora FD, Deore XT RD, black Taya chain, 165mm Bulletproof cranks with 50/36, 12-24 cluster (planning to throw on a much bigger top cog for a bailout gear)
Brakes: Deore LX cantis with Kool Stop salmon pads
Wheels: Bontrager Select Aero 650c 20-spoke (to keep the weight down, standover height low, and folded size small)
Tires: Tufo CS33 26" Special "tubeless" tubular clinchers with sealant inside (should be able to ride these things till the treads wear through without ever flatting)
Pedals: Plastic folding platform pedals that I got off a friend. Not sure what make, but they seem beefier and grippier than the Dahon ones I've seen before
Saddle: WTB Leisure She
Seatpost: Avenir alloy micro-adjust
Bars: Icon 39cm alloy
Quill: Nashbar 1" quill to 1 1/8" theadless adapter
Stem: CS adjustable 90mm with bolts removed and replaced with quick release skewers (used brake bolts to create a flat surface to clamp against)
Rack: Bor Yueh Urban (attaches to both sides of the seat/folding clamp, under the quick release, and does not interfere with the fold). Should be able to strap my Nashbar Bike Bag (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_174818_-1___) to the top for easy bagability.

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My lastest in my collection, an Araya Handy Duck. Alloy frame.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8312/8010616658_0bbac3f715.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/8010610089_01cda81796.jpg

Great looking bike Sancycles!

Bike Friday NWT and the wife's Crusoe

http://www.selfpropelledadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9090819.jpg

Great pic! Where was it taken (body of water)?

Forrest and I spent a few days in Fairhaven / Bellingham... finally got my fenders installed and added a BM Lumotec that I have yet to power up.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/2012bellinghamforrest1.JPG

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/2012bellinghamforrestsunset1.JPG

Bike Friday NWT and the wife's Crusoe

http://www.selfpropelledadventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P9090819.jpg

Really nice... those Edmonton bikes do get around.

:)