jagatron

These are cool too, for "parking" and for antitheft

https://www2.oredon.com/freelock.php

Someone else had posted a reference to sheldon b's idea of using a clamp at base of the steerer tube, which allows the rotation to take place without adjusting the aheadset. The jack's shim over the steer tube is keyed, so you can't turn it or you'll need to readjust the headset again too.

AntwerpGuy

They didn't. I checked these out before I even discovered this Bikeforum. I did contact the designer and he was very nice and helpful. He pointed me towards Humpert and indeed, I found this on their website:
https://www.humpert.com/de/bikeparts/...ukt=298&bild=3

jdmitch

Yeah, I discovered those Oredon's a couple of weeks ago (though completely forgot about it until you posted). Pretty neat concept.

As far as the other bit you're talking about, it sounds similar to the Problems Solvers - Locking Headset Spacers

Interesting, do those rotate as the swing? Oy! I found it in English. May have to try those...

cyclistjohn

How old is the child in question?

https://www.itchair.info/

for info' on what appears to me (& several owners; I haven't personally seen it, but am about to make a diy one just to try out the concept) a great idea for a Brompton.

It's quite clear to me reading BF posts that riding folding bicycles is a different experience for almost every rider :-) For example, last year at "Spezi" show in Germany I test rode an Airnimal, followed by a ride on a Dahon. In neither case did I find out *which* model I rode, but the Dahon was a nicer ride, & felt faster, to me! I'm unconvinced that a bigger wheel size is very significant to comfort, but I suspect (good) suspension is, which may be important for you two on Antwerp's old, but very pleasant to the eye, cobblestones!

We (my wife & I) have Stridas, a Brompton M3L for me, a Dahon MuSL for her, & although her MuSL is much lighter than my M3L, her Dahon becomes a pain when it comes to going to places where a small fold is critical. It's much bigger (folded) than the Brompton, & awkward to move around or carry. Also, maybe important for you two, after rain, & or going through muddy water, because a Brompton doesn't "sit" on its wheels when folded, but rather its small mudguard mounted rollers, the home floor stays cleaner when it's stored :-) However, just like the advert says, her MuSL does bring a smile to her face when she needs to lift it over a fence, say :-)

The Downtube (I forgot, I have a IXFS DT too :-)) is a comfortable ride, but pretty heavy (> the Brompton even :-) ) & a pretty grim "fold", no better than Dahon's.

I have ridden a Pacific Reach & it was fine, although it takes a while to fold - not a problem for you two, it seems?

I regularly ride the Brompton for > 40 kms trips now, find it quite comfortable, & *very* practical.

Our Stridas are our fun bikes, great in all weathers (no rust, floods no problem for the good hub brakes, fast (un)folding, slim but tall fold, simple to repair punctures) & very little maintenance. I often need to carry heavy, bulky stuff now though, so the Brompton's useful for that.

The next "Spezi" show is next month, so perhaps you could both take a train there, try out some bicycles, & chat with enthusiasts to get some ideas?


HTH,
john

Aguila281

Hi AntwerpGuy

Me hiel aantwaarepe moa nie me moa hey! Yes I live and work there too.:-)

Personally I would take something like a Dahon. Nothing too fancy or expensive. Would you leave a brompton behind outside a cafe and have drink without being able to keep your eye on it? I wouldn't.

For your length I'd suggest a 20 inch. 16 inch usually won't cut it. I tried a curve and naaah (I'm 1m88)

Personally I use a Batavus (in fact very much like a Dahon MU) for fun rides, to take it in the car or on trains off-peak. Not on buses or crowded trams (messy chain). Don't underestimate the size and weight of a folded bike!!
Whether you take a hub or derailler is up to you. A hub is a bit heavier, deraillers are faster and a bit lighter. But their chains pick up dirt easily. Anyhow, I would take at least five gears (headwind and bridges). And yes, Big Apples make a large difference. My bike came with Stelvio's. They were fast and rock hard. But you get jangled to bits when riding them anywhere else but in Holland.

If you fold the steering column you'll save a lot of space in the stair-case.
If compactness is a big issue (use on public transport) there's only one winner: the Brompton. You can see herds of them every morning at the railway stations.

As for an address: online is always cheaper. I bought mine in Holland.

Have fun with your folder, and let us know what we need to look out for!

Cheers

Michael

makeinu

Airnimal is definitely the narrowest and shorter and lighter than the Swift; Plus the build quality is superb.

Although, of course, the cranks are the widest part of every folder; if you discount them then I think the Airnimal has the smallest volume of all folders...you can slip it under your arm like a bag of dry cleaning.


Note: if you keep the narrow tires you can jam the back wheel under without taking the front off.

On the other hand, the small wheels, folding pedals, and rotateable handlebars found on most folders save a lot of space even if you ignore the frame hinges. So there's no need to spend so much money on an Airnimal or ride around on skinny tires.