DLBroox

I've enjoyed the stories and comments. It's really helped me brush off what was a stupid, insensitive comment and just enjoy my bike. I don't know why it mattered at that moment but it did. But I can honestly say I adore my Mu and want to only ride that bike right now...until I buy a mini velo someday...

bhkyte

I have several small wheeled folders. Some upgraded. They mainly get praised. Comments are often almost gushing when I fold it and take it in to work training sessions with me and I frequently find myself replying "it comes in handy" as modestly as I can.

Sometimes I get people stare at the unusual bike/rider(?), make positive comments also. Frequently children say look at that little bike.

I do get comments like they are slow,wobbly,unsafe, limited top speed etc due to small wheels. Usually I explain how this is not the case. I like converting folders to road race set ups.

So small wheeled folders are cool when folding and less cool when ridding them seems to be the general perception.

I am freezing I need to put a jumper on...........or step away from my folded bikes.....

hatrack71

I have a Dahon Stowaway from the 80's that I mounted a really cool front bag and rear basket to. One of my buddies refuses to ride with me when I'm on it. Probably because he's afraid I'll drop him. I actually did once not on purpose. The 20" Dahon with the 53 front chainring can go alot faster than is probably safe. But yeah, same thing, my small wheel bikes are my favorite to ride. They actually make me feel like a kid again. Although some would debate I never grew up. :^) And I'm OK with that because it is for the most part true. Of course...if anyone gives me crap about my Bike Friday..well... c'mon. You either know about bikes or you don't. It's obvious just by looking at a BF that it is a very well made frame and nothing ordinary in the least. Sure wish I had an Alex Moulton space frame though. Damn!

I also just scored a Radius Hornet 2 short wheel base under seat steer recumbent. That's a mouthful. It sort of looks like some sort of insect- I kinda see the hornet inspiration.. I'm gonna look even more ridiculous on this thing. Because that is my first thought when I see someone riding one. And here we come full circle. But..I'm getting older so I tend to care less and less about "how I look" anyway.

bhkyte

3 of us went cycling a while a go.
I went on a birdie.
Friend on a folding hybrid that looked like a rigid bike.
Another on a folding, recumbent.
The recumbent got all the attention at the cafe.

DLBroox

Hatrack71, I also feel just like a kid on my Mu too! That's why I love to ride it. I never felt that way on a full size bike. I'm a small gal, only 5-3, and 700c wheels are just a lot of bike to push. I always felt like I was riding through mud! But the small wheels turn so easily and I can get a lot of speed up so much easier that I am having a lot of fun again.

towndock

I live in a coastal town - visiting boaters on a folding bike are not an uncommon site. Mostly, I get envious comments re my Dahon Helios XL. It is both good looking and fun to ride. Sure, one occaisionally gets the "clown bike" thing. I just have fun with it. I have "full" sized bikes too. I like 'em all.

I'm not sure I have a favorite bike - I have several I adore. But if I did, that Helios would be hard not to pick. The quick handling is a joy, and the components and tires give it decent speed. It makes me smile every time.

jur

I once got a comment, "get a real bike!" I had the presence of mind to shoot back, "You're right, this bike is unreal!"

BikeLite

Nice response.

bargainguy

No, my friends think I'm ridiculous. They could care less about my bikes.

True story: Several years ago, I'm riding my Bike Friday Pocket Rocket up a hill here in Milwaukee. I pass a couple of teens struggling to get up the same hill on their BMX bikes. As I pass them, I hear "cool bike." Ultimate teen street cred.

1nterceptor

"Does anybody care what others think of their small wheel bikes?"

On the surface; No. But deep down inside; Maybe.

Lights on my Brompton by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

Velocivixen

My only folding bike is a 1971 Raleigh Twenty. They seem to be impressed that I built 451 modern wheels, disassembled, cleaned and reassembled the Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub, used my cotter press to remove cotter pins and repack the bottom bracket....etc.

So, there's really nothing to laugh at. Mostly people are interested in it though. It's been slightly modified and powder coated.

tmac100

Yup - ours is not to wonder why. Ours is just to do - and enjoy the benefits of doing what pleases us (but does not harm others - on purpose.

A couple of days ago I spoke on Skype with a long-time friend who has been semi-retired for a couple of years and who lives in Canadian suburbia. He knows I teach the locals here in Doha, Qatar. I told him about finishing my bicycle tour across Australia this past July-August. I also spoke of my (upcoming) week-long tour of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (Bangladesh) during the last week of April.

He asked why I was doing this at the age of 67 or 68. I replied "Because I can and because I have the health to do so!"

He paused and said it was good that I was able to keep following dreams. My reply was that I was not materialistically burdened and not afraid of "what could happen, and so ... Yee Haw."

Seriously, follow your heart and follow your dreams as best you can. You are not in a practice run. Enjoy what you are doing and "phtooey" to the opposition.

bhkyte

I often express that people should get the bike to fit their car and not the other way around.

Not having a practical small wheeled folder is ridiculous.

From a cycling ride opportunity and frequently a practical perceptive like picking a car up from a garage. Taking two cars , when you can take a spare car key and meet later on a folder, puting a bike in the boot just incase that place looks nice for a ride..........

Let the world catch up........
Somebody stop me...........

bicyclridr4life

my friends think I'm ridiculous for riding a bicycle period.

fietsbob

Probably Envy..

edelay

I get a wide variety of responses to my Dahon Curve.

1) My wife and daughter affectionately tease me and call it a nerd bike
2) Small children love the bike
3) Some cyclists with astonishment that the bike can move quickly or climb hills. More than once I've flown past someone and heard "That thing is fast...". I'm not usually witty and fast enough to say "It is the legs not the bike".
4) A small percentage of people are attracted to the bike and intrigued by it. Either because they love folding bikes or unusual things in general.

Looking at the picture below, I do look a bit like a monkey on a clown bike... though a cool one though with combat boots.