Folding Bikes - Folder for 270 lb. man?

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Jerrys88
06-19-12, 08:15 AM
Someone I know is interested in buying a folding bike (interest piqued by my Brompton). However, he weighs 270 lb. He investigated but didn't find any that were rated for his weight.

Are there any folding bikes you know of that have a weight limit of 270 or above?

Thanks!

Dynocoaster
06-19-12, 08:23 AM
Bike Friday has an upgrade to 260 pounds, but you might check with them to see if they have done more than that.
http://www.bikefriday.com/bicycles/mountain/1297
alhedges
06-19-12, 09:26 AM
Bike Friday has an upgrade to 260 pounds, but you might check with them to see if they have done more than that.
http://www.bikefriday.com/bicycles/mountain/1297

A friend looked into this a little while ago and bike friday can go above 260. 260 is the "standard" heavy rider upgrade; they can do more.


However, Fridays and bromptons occupy opposite ends of the folder spectrum, and being impressed with the brompton doesn't mean he'll like the Friday.

Ozonation
06-19-12, 11:08 AM
Does anybody know how much tolerance there is on the stated weight limits of folders in general? They seem to range between 220 lbs to 250 lbs max. I'm 10 to 25 lbs under the stated max, but when I start to factor in gear - especially camera equipment - the weight starts to really add up and I'm wondering just how much the bike can actually support, particularly in dynamic situations.
fietsbob
06-19-12, 11:29 AM
I would put more stuff in a bike trailer, then, when rider weight in the saddle
is already up there..

I got a Carry Freedom-City, trailer, to accompany my Brompton ..




I'd think the heavier rider need to stay on top of wheel maintenance ,
and frame structural inspections, over time .. More..
It's a Metal Fatigue issue.
MadCityCyclist
06-19-12, 05:08 PM
There's a stock Worksman folder that goes up to 250 lbs, they might be able to upgrade it to 270 lbs (or you could probably ride it at 270 without any trouble if you took it easy). The tires look much wider than a normal folders and they have a high spoke count:

http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/page21.html

Bike Friday has personalized bikes for clydes before, recommending specific models and certain upgrades like using double walled rims. You might want to give them a call.
jur
06-19-12, 05:23 PM
The only one I would put forwards as in the FAQ is a Raleigh 20 with BMX wheels.