Which folder for commuting via train
#26
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Sound advice.
I will try out a Brompton but the price and small wheel size do put me off a bit. The Birdy looks interesting as the frame doesn't actually fold, just the wheels but at over £1000 for the basic bike, that's way way off my budget and I'd guess a secondhand Birdy will cost me at least £500, which I'd rather not pay for a secondhand bike.
Thanks to everyone for their feedback.
Johno
I will try out a Brompton but the price and small wheel size do put me off a bit. The Birdy looks interesting as the frame doesn't actually fold, just the wheels but at over £1000 for the basic bike, that's way way off my budget and I'd guess a secondhand Birdy will cost me at least £500, which I'd rather not pay for a secondhand bike.
Thanks to everyone for their feedback.
Johno
#27
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Originally Posted by giskard
I will try out a Brompton but the price and small wheel size do put me off a bit.
Johno
Johno
You may think they'd be worse on bumps; but I haven't found that to be the case.
The real advantage of small wheels is in inertia. Among other things, you can get up to cruising speed with less effort, which is a big plus if your commute has a lot of traffic stops.
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While it's true that 16" wheels don't work well with a derailleur, they work very nicely with an internally geared hub or, as in the case of the Strida, a single speed
Thanks to everyone for your feedback, it's been very helpful.
Cheers
John
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The 20' inch wheel is safer than a 16' inch wheel. I've changed my opinion and will say that get the best bicycle that fits someone your size. You'll ride it more and have more confidence. Don't forget to buy the bag or you may not be allowed to board.
#30
To fold or not to fold?
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Originally Posted by rhm
While it's true that 16" wheels don't work well with a derailleur, they work very nicely with an internally geared hub or, as in the case of the Strida, a single speed.
Originally Posted by rhm
The real advantage of small wheels is in inertia. Among other things, you can get up to cruising speed with less effort, which is a big plus if your commute has a lot of traffic stops.
#31
To fold or not to fold?
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If you're still set on a Mu P8, worth checking out https://www.wiggle.co.uk/?ProdID=5360...referid=offer6 - what Wiggle claim is effectively a rebadged P8 for only £399. Might be worth a look.
#32
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I take the Mezzo on the hideously crowded North London Line every morning and hammer it on London's pot-holey streets every day as well. No problems at all. Almost as small as a Brompton but faster, stiffer and better gearing. Look much more go-faster. And fun. Can't recommend enough. Though I like my DTFS, it stays in the garage even when I'm not multimodalling around...check one out - Cycle Surgery branches certainly have them to try, I guess some of other big retailers do as well.
The mezzo has a higher extending seatpost as standard and therefore you may not need to fork put more for an extended seatpost if you opt for the bromton.I thick it is possible to find more companies making seatpost options for the Mezzo as the bromptom is unusal in the diameter and the mushroom end.The mushroomed end does however make the seat and post nearly theift proof.
However you may prefer the front bag on a Brompton as it does not need taking of so early in the folding process. I find it easier to put the rear Mezzo computer bag on when I get off the train as I can easily carry my mezzo up the stairs with it fitted. Something that is more difficult with the Brompton therefore I always attach the bag last. This means I cary a soulder bag and a bike upstairs. The Mezzo is rear heavy but better to carry with the bag attached I find. However bromptons can take afront plus a rear bag, a Mezzo can not in standard form. I prefer to shop on a Brompton because of the ability to half fold and park easier with out debagging. But I enjoy the ride back home more on my Mezzo!
I found a Diblasi a great commuting bike for the train. Expensive new, but I paid £80 on ebay, used it loads and sold it for about the same money. It is not a great ride and is heavy and is not really a fun bike for leisure use. But it folds instantly, is rock solid, and stands on its end to take up less space than either my Brompton or Mezzo on the train. Plus you can leave the rear bag attached when folded!!
However this bike is best suited for short journeys and for people under 5 foot 10. So it maybe no goer.
Last edited by bhkyte; 10-19-08 at 11:45 AM.
#34
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sorry I read thread as this year and current, my mistake. but some information about brompton and Mezzo luggage might interest someone?
No, your right possibly not!
No, your right possibly not!
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no need to apologize, thats the internet and you added some timeless points ;-)