Are Folding Bicycles Still Needed With This Rent/Hire-A-Bike Program In The UK?
01-01-09, 04:23 PM
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Are Folding Bicycles Still Needed With This Rent/Hire-A-Bike Program In The UK?
London's urban bike sharing scheme with retro-styled bicycles
https://www.retrotogo.com/2008/02/londons-urban-b.html
I was wondering that folding bikes are still needed and useful in London with this new bike usage option available for Londoners soon (if not already introduced)?
https://www.retrotogo.com/2008/02/londons-urban-b.html
I was wondering that folding bikes are still needed and useful in London with this new bike usage option available for Londoners soon (if not already introduced)?
01-01-09, 06:56 PM
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They already have a scheme like this in Washington DC and in the future I expect to see more and better creative solutions like it for integrating traditional bicycles into society.
That being said, IMHO it doesn't necessarily make folding bicycles obsolete because, for me, one of the most appealing aspects of cycling is the unprecedented independence it affords. If you own a bicycle then the only thing you need is your health and you can go anywhere, but bicycle sharing schemes like this force you to rely on other people who may not always be relied upon.
However, for typical daily usage I agree schemes like this do basically eliminate the need for folding bicycles, except for microfolders like the Carryme which are quicker to use and more pleasant to ride than these granny bikes. After all, the granny bikes used in the bike sharing programs of Paris, Washington DC, and now London weigh upwards of 40 pounds and still need to be locked, so a sub 9kg folder that's small enough to have even in those situations where all the available rental bikes are checked out is still useful.
That being said, IMHO it doesn't necessarily make folding bicycles obsolete because, for me, one of the most appealing aspects of cycling is the unprecedented independence it affords. If you own a bicycle then the only thing you need is your health and you can go anywhere, but bicycle sharing schemes like this force you to rely on other people who may not always be relied upon.
However, for typical daily usage I agree schemes like this do basically eliminate the need for folding bicycles, except for microfolders like the Carryme which are quicker to use and more pleasant to ride than these granny bikes. After all, the granny bikes used in the bike sharing programs of Paris, Washington DC, and now London weigh upwards of 40 pounds and still need to be locked, so a sub 9kg folder that's small enough to have even in those situations where all the available rental bikes are checked out is still useful.
01-01-09, 07:15 PM
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I have not seen (other than pictures) or ridden any of the rental bikes. However I suspect they are typical in their size range and won't fit people very well outside of the accepted norm. I don't like a bike that doesn't fit me properly. When I spend the money on a folder, it will because it is what I want and it will fit me, so it will get used, even if rental bikes are available. FWIW IIRC there was a surge in bike sales in Paris after the Velolib took off. I don't know if it is an issue or not (I have heard that it is in Paris) there won't be bikes available, so the folder would win again.
I don't think that folders will ever be completely supplanted by rental bikes, bike cars on trains, bike friendly buildings, etc. There will always be a place for them. Look at folder usage in places like Denmark and the Netherlands. They have massive usage of bikes, but you still see the folders in use.
Aaron
I don't think that folders will ever be completely supplanted by rental bikes, bike cars on trains, bike friendly buildings, etc. There will always be a place for them. Look at folder usage in places like Denmark and the Netherlands. They have massive usage of bikes, but you still see the folders in use.
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
01-02-09, 07:07 AM
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If you live and/or work near one of the racks where these bikes are available, then these public bikes might be all you need. But I live and work on the Virginia side of the Potomac from Washington, and I haven't even seen one of the public rentals. Still looking to buy a folder.
