Raxel

This one is the full size folding bike, my montague hummer.
I got the cheap TX model at $260 from eBay (Spent a lot of $$$ for shipping though)
I got the image from their web site. This is the stock model which weighs a ton (actually 14.5kg, 32lbs)



It had shimano 21-speed gearing and cheap & heavy components everywhere.
So I planed to swap all of its components with better ones including SID fork and shimano XT components.



With this setting, the bike weighed 10.2kg (22.4lbs), lighter than most hardtail MTBs around.
I used to ride this bike on near singletrack with other guys riding conventional MTBs. This bike is stiff and strong, and it feels just like 'normal' with no flex or noise.





This is current cyclocross setup. Carbon fork, drop bars, road shifters, derailleurs, cassettes, Road compact crank, Travel agent.
It weighs 9.5kg (21lbs) now with offroad tires, and can be shaved down to 8.8kg with 1" slick tire and lighter components.

IMO montague bikes are best full-sized folding bikes so far. They are very stiff and strong and accept ordinary MTB parts (unlike most folders).
Only drawback is the stock components are very cheap ones. It'll be great if they offer frame only kit.

Comments welcome.

spambait11

Maybe for off-road.

But if you don't ride off-road, so what?

folder fanatic

It is a beautiful bike. The only problem I have with Montaque bikes is they are all have alumimun frames. That is fine for light rather limited riding-like going around the block or neighborhood. Or military purposes where all equipment is intended to be throwaway and disposible. I would not sink very much money in components for a frame that will probably fail far sooner than a steel one. And when it does fail, it it will probably fail quickly and all at once with no warning. Otherwise, if it stays off the trails, it will last far longer and in nicer condition too.

msincredible

Nice photo!

nowheels

I had one last year.... I rode it almost everywhere.... but it was god awful heavy and wasn not that compact. I liked the ride... but as I do not travel anymore.... I just sold it as I wanted a lighter bike.

Simple Simon

Love the look of that bike ! a bit like the early Klein Mantra. But I dont like the fold - or rather dismantle - you have to take the front wheel off !

4cmd3

s/Hummer/Tonka/

It's hard to see anything past that logo. Nice bike though!

jur

Very nice! My compliments!

invisiblehand

Sweet bike.

I wonder whether you could fit a 700c wheel on the back ...

pismocycleguy

Raxel
Really nice looking bike in the cycle-cross configuration!
I can't believe that you got the weight down to 21 lbs. I wondered how much the stock components weighed. The suspension fork that comes with the bike must be a lunker! I thought of doing the same set up using the Montague Swiss TX as a starting point. I like the lighter looking main triangle.
Where did you get the carbon fork? Which manufacturer?
Don't let the anti-aluminum geeks get you down!
PCG

Dahon.Steve

That's a very pretty bike.

I'm still waiting for the Revo gas powered front wheel to become a reality. Should that wheel ever go into production, I'll look at getting a full size folder like yours. I envy you.

Raxel

Actually the frame weighs 2610g. Typical good aluminium frame weighs 1600g, Crmo frame weighs around 2000g. So there are less than 1kg weight penalty for folding. Not that big I think...

Carbon fork is a budget one from 'mosso' brand (Which is around $80, weighs 670g)
There are lighter full carbon fork which weighs 450g, but they are more expensive. Anyway if you have enough money and weightweenie spirit, you can build some 8kg bike using this frame.

BTW you can use 700c wheelset on MTB frame if you can cope with brake problems. There are some solutions available but IMO there are little advantage switching to 700c.

invisiblehand

Interesting ... I was just thinking that perhaps the bike could be made into a regular road bike. Personally, I would want the 700c wheels for the better selection of tires for that purpose.

I guess you would have to get a set of Paul Components brakes for the rear ... https://www.paulcomp.com/frmbrakes.html

pismocycleguy

Raxel
When you replaced the suspension fork on your Montague bike did you replace it with a standard length fork or an extended length fork to replicate the length of the original suspension fork? I believe they call this a suspension corrected fork?
If you used a standard length fork, how much shorter was it than the suspension fork? I notice that nonsuspension replacement forks are offered in an extended length to supposedly compensate for the suspension specific geometry of the suspension frame.
Did you notice much difference in the geometry of your bike? Was the sterring quicker or more twitchy? Would you recommend using a longer length nonsuspension fork if you were replacing a suspension fork?
Thanks,
PCG

Raxel

I think that is a suspension corrected one. (Compare two photos)
I could not feel any difference in handling after I switched the fork too.

mr_chambo

I have a Montague too, must say the fold is great - I'm really pleased with how small it folds for a 26" it fits perfectly into the boot/trunk of my VW Golf. Other full size folders just wouldn't and its stable.

Anyway saw this one modded (not mine)



https://site.swissbike.com/blog/

bestfoldingbike

I am interested in getting a folding bike to bring on the lirr and ride in nyc. I was wondering if u looked at any other folding bikes before u purchased a hummer and what your thoughts and opinions of the other full size folding bikes.

I tried the dahon cadenza and matrix, i like the ride of them both but found the folding to be too large especially the bag at the store. i think i'll try again because i don't think they knew how 2 fold it right.

i was looking at the paratrooper, the swiss bike lx and the hummer lx. i'm going to test the hummer out later this week, but i was wondering if u are familiar with any of the bikes or even had another suggestion.

i already have a cannondale for road, so the bike i'm interested in would be primarily 4 getting around the city.

any suggestions, ideas or comments by you or anyone else who has experience with full size folding bikes would be greatly appreciated.

by the way, i love your set up. thanks in advance.

rob

Raxel

I have seen cadenza and matrix.
They are very good city bikes (I like cadenza alot).
They have very good components and has high potential to upgrade
(Cadena even uses a elliptical BB shell.. you know what it means!)
However their folding mechanism looks a bit fragile for mountain biking uses.
Montague bikes are mountain bikes which can bear some serious beating. I know many guys who has ridden their montague bikes on singletraks for years without problem.

mr_chambo

Can't see how they could get the fold wrong, they kinda just fold in half. Couldn't fit it in my car, so went for the Motague.

https://www.armybikes.com/images/swissfoldedsml.jpg

Raxel

Recent update: now 7910gr.

jur

Less than 8kg! That is just amazing.

Lassy

I've tried a regular Montague and agree its a nice stiff frame, great for putting in the trunk, add decent components, and its a perfect traveller bike, putting it in a bag holds the front wheel with bike.
Absolutely amazing !!

I'd ditch the heavy 26" wheels and put on a decent set of 700c's - hey you might even get it down below 5 Kg ! ditch the double chain wheel and you may even crack 4Kg

caotropheus

Absolutely amazing!

And what are those brakes? Any link?

SesameCrunch

My jaw hurts from hitting the desk whenever I see Raxel's pictures....

fmattheus

Always love your pics, Raxel!

What are the pedals?