Folder needed for a anal guy
04-05-09, 11:59 AM
#26
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Jim Langley gave the Airnimal an excellent review. I think his personal travel bike is a Pocket Rocket Pro--steel framed. The steel vs aluminum thing could be a factor-- I never know--as design totality seems more of a factor. He also has a good review on the web from 2006 on the Rocket Pro. You might email or call and ask his opinion.
My brother and his wife are serious cyclists--- they can keep up with the best--- they swear by their Pocket Rocket Pro for travel--- they've gone all over the world with the Rockets on grueling tours.
They are not inexpensive, though.
My brother and his wife are serious cyclists--- they can keep up with the best--- they swear by their Pocket Rocket Pro for travel--- they've gone all over the world with the Rockets on grueling tours.
They are not inexpensive, though.
04-05-09, 01:22 PM
#27
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[QUOTE=SesameCrunch;8668649]I think the Dahon SpeedPro TT might also work for this case.
QUOTE]
Sorry, I forgotten the Dahon speed TT that inspired my Downtube mods!
QUOTE]
Sorry, I forgotten the Dahon speed TT that inspired my Downtube mods!
04-05-09, 03:42 PM
#28
Mr Bill, oh nooo!
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I've only had my Bike Friday Pocket Sport out twice now, both 30 mile trips, but I'm convinced that it rides as well as any of my "full size" carbon bikes. I race so I understand the ego issue, but trust me, riding in a fast paceline on a properly geared folder is the quickest way to destroy the other riders ego.
04-05-09, 08:03 PM
#29
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Clearly the OP should give Bike Friday a call. Their entire business is centered on catering to people like him.
Why do we even accept queries on full sized wheeled bikes around here when everyone inevitably chooses the small wheels?
Why do we even accept queries on full sized wheeled bikes around here when everyone inevitably chooses the small wheels?
04-06-09, 02:04 AM
#30
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Seriously, are their not even more options in the preformance "packagable" bike market ?
I have had a look on the web, but could not find them again. But I have seen other expensive (£2000 or more) folders with dropped bars other than Bike Friday,moulton and Airnimal. I am not talking about prototypes.
04-06-09, 02:09 PM
#31
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I'm starting to re-think my original post. Traveling with a full size folder (even if I didn’t have to pay the oversize fare) would not be practical because of what I need to bring with me. I’m limited to 2 50# checked bags and one carry on. I typically travel with 3 bags. A backpack (as my carry on) and 2 checked bags.
1) In the small - about carry on size – bag - I'm an EE - so in this bag I carry the tools I need for the job - meters, a few hand tools, com cables for different devices, steel toe boots (most sites I go to are industrial), and drawings for the job. About 38 pounds
2) In a large bag - Clothes, running shoes, workout gear, protein powder (it's notable, because it's heavy), books, toiletries etc. about 45 pounds.
I figure, if I get past the ego issue of riding a small wheel bike, I can fit it in with what I carry now (but having 2 large bags), with a bit of redistribution, and stream lining what I carry on a trip.
Realistically, a full size bike would not work – I would be pushing size limits from the start – plus the hotels I stay in may not appreciate me wheeling a full size bike to and from my room – so I will need it to fold quickly.
The bike I will need would have to be similar to my Specialized Tri-cross. I use this as my commuter when I’m in town. I have done a century on it, ridden single track, mount studs on it in the winter – is a do all bike that performs well.
I have looked at the Dahon and Friday sites a bit – any specific suggestions?
1) In the small - about carry on size – bag - I'm an EE - so in this bag I carry the tools I need for the job - meters, a few hand tools, com cables for different devices, steel toe boots (most sites I go to are industrial), and drawings for the job. About 38 pounds
2) In a large bag - Clothes, running shoes, workout gear, protein powder (it's notable, because it's heavy), books, toiletries etc. about 45 pounds.
I figure, if I get past the ego issue of riding a small wheel bike, I can fit it in with what I carry now (but having 2 large bags), with a bit of redistribution, and stream lining what I carry on a trip.
Realistically, a full size bike would not work – I would be pushing size limits from the start – plus the hotels I stay in may not appreciate me wheeling a full size bike to and from my room – so I will need it to fold quickly.
The bike I will need would have to be similar to my Specialized Tri-cross. I use this as my commuter when I’m in town. I have done a century on it, ridden single track, mount studs on it in the winter – is a do all bike that performs well.
I have looked at the Dahon and Friday sites a bit – any specific suggestions?
A Rocket Llama (Pocket Llama with drop bars) or a Pocket Rocket would be equivalent to the Tri-cross depending upon how wide of tires you want to be able to use. The Pocket Rocket will take up to 1 3/8" or 35mm tires.
04-13-09, 01:34 AM
#32
Fool O' crap
Thread Starter
I really appritiate all the reponses. usualy the back end of my jobs get a little hectic, so I did not have much time to post. But I'm back at home now. I am thinking about a Friday, on their website they had a used fixed pocket rocket - minimal and small. I rode fixed many years ago - I figure that with a fatter punture resitant tire (armadillo type - in a 20) - front brake with a couple of free wheels (and a rear brake) and tire options. Are the bikes tough enough to hope curbs at speed, take small drops?
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04-13-09, 02:14 AM
#34
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ever considered a Tikit?
04-13-09, 02:27 AM
#35
Fool O' crap
Thread Starter
So far many of you have suggested foldables with suspension. I have done research - I am willing to, possibly, take the leap into 20" bikes. However - suspension is probably out of the question. I have raced mtnbikes for years - Last year at the CCP 100, I was challenged to race a 6 and 6 bike, previously - many years ago I did it on a hard tail. I was told and sold on all the new technology that I would be faster on the new steed. This was a bit of a promotional deal, so I did not pay near retail for the bike (specialzed enduro pro carbon) - I have to say I am back to hard tail with a 4 to 5 inch fork for aggressive off-road. For full on downhill I will own and ride a FS bike, but probably not an option for a folder or anything else.
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04-13-09, 02:29 AM
#36
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I really appritiate all the reponses. usualy the back end of my jobs get a little hectic, so I did not have much time to post. But I'm back at home now. I am thinking about a Friday, on their website they had a used fixed pocket rocket - minimal and small. I rode fixed many years ago - I figure that with a fatter punture resitant tire (armadillo type - in a 20) - front brake with a couple of free wheels (and a rear brake) and tire options. Are the bikes tough enough to hope curbs at speed, take small drops?
The lighter use bikes like the NWT and Rocket, I don't know. I would be skeptical of using the rocket in a rough manner for sure, its designed as a road bike. Won't be able to take real fat tires either.
04-13-09, 07:19 AM
#37
Senior Member
I know you don't want suspension, but you should search for forum member FoldsinHalf. He's posted some great pics of his Dahon Jetstream during some great trail rides.
05-02-09, 04:20 PM
#39
Fool O' crap
Thread Starter
OK - I've narrowed it down. I rode a Tikit (finally) and was way impressed with the ride. Did some wheelies, stoppies and hopped a couple of curbs. Very nice ride.
The other bike bike I have been eyeing is the Xootr Swift. Unfortinatly I will not be able to ride one berfore the purchase. I hear many good things about the ride. Either bike I get will be heavily modified after the purchase. I am leaning towards the Swift at this point because of cost, rave reviews from people that seem like they ride a bunch, work with standard parts and the no questions asked return policy (for 30 days). I will be heading to Portland OR for a week - figured a good place to run it through its paces. Any thoughts.
The other bike bike I have been eyeing is the Xootr Swift. Unfortinatly I will not be able to ride one berfore the purchase. I hear many good things about the ride. Either bike I get will be heavily modified after the purchase. I am leaning towards the Swift at this point because of cost, rave reviews from people that seem like they ride a bunch, work with standard parts and the no questions asked return policy (for 30 days). I will be heading to Portland OR for a week - figured a good place to run it through its paces. Any thoughts.
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05-02-09, 09:37 PM
#40
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Good luck, hope it works out. My folder has helped me keep my sanity on all my business trips. 
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05-02-09, 10:17 PM
#41
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I am leaning towards the Swift at this point because of cost, rave reviews from people that seem like they ride a bunch, work with standard parts and the no questions asked return policy (for 30 days). I will be heading to Portland OR for a week - figured a good place to run it through its paces. Any thoughts.
I would not buy a bike without trying it first. My suggestion is that you purchase the Swift and compare directly against the Tikit you've been trying. If you like the Swift better (and/or can't afford the Tikit), keep it. Otherwise return it and get the Tikit. Either way I think you'll like your bike.
05-03-09, 02:45 AM
#42
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IMHO, the Swift really comes into it's own after modding it a bit.
I don't have a ton of experience with other folders, so I don't have anything to compare it to. But, once I swapped the tyres out for something a bit lighter (schwalbe kojaks), got rid of the horrible stock saddle, and swapped the bars out for bullhorns, the bike really came into it's own for me. The first couple of rides with it stock, I wasn't super impressed with it's performance. I could instantly tell it had "good bones" though. I'm not mentioning this to put you off the Swift. Far from it. I think it has the potential of being a good roadie machine. Just not out of the box.
The ride is a bit on the harsh side, but I don't find it unbearable by a long shot.
The forums are full of examples of people who have modded Swifts to do pretty much what you looking for.
I don't have a ton of experience with other folders, so I don't have anything to compare it to. But, once I swapped the tyres out for something a bit lighter (schwalbe kojaks), got rid of the horrible stock saddle, and swapped the bars out for bullhorns, the bike really came into it's own for me. The first couple of rides with it stock, I wasn't super impressed with it's performance. I could instantly tell it had "good bones" though. I'm not mentioning this to put you off the Swift. Far from it. I think it has the potential of being a good roadie machine. Just not out of the box.
The ride is a bit on the harsh side, but I don't find it unbearable by a long shot.
The forums are full of examples of people who have modded Swifts to do pretty much what you looking for.
05-03-09, 02:50 AM
#43
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sscyco, you can use a regular full suspension bike 4 linkage and mount a quick release to the rear suspension. Take out the wheels and swing the rear in. See Nikolai Helios CC Travel, but this works with many other frames too. To reduce folded packet size you can switch to 24" wheels.
Another option: Supercross Envy lightweight BMX frame plus Trigon 20" carbon fork. This does not fold but the disassembled package is quite long and thin so it has much better dimensions. Also this is the strongest and lightest option available, you can get this below 7kg as a singlespeed/fixie.
Another very good travel companion would be a Dahon Mu fixed gear, such as this mod.
Another option: Supercross Envy lightweight BMX frame plus Trigon 20" carbon fork. This does not fold but the disassembled package is quite long and thin so it has much better dimensions. Also this is the strongest and lightest option available, you can get this below 7kg as a singlespeed/fixie.
Another very good travel companion would be a Dahon Mu fixed gear, such as this mod.
05-03-09, 08:15 AM
#44
Fool O' crap
Thread Starter
See Nikolai Helios CC Travel
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05-03-09, 11:53 AM
#45
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You should try and test ride a Moulton space frame to see how the suspension compares to your MTB experience. It is a totally different setup designed to get the best from small wheels.
Moultons are not high performance "for a small wheeled bike", they are just plain high performance holding several speed records. They have also built a reputation as capable global touring bikes.
Moultons are not high performance "for a small wheeled bike", they are just plain high performance holding several speed records. They have also built a reputation as capable global touring bikes.
05-03-09, 04:22 PM
#46
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Regarding Swift: bear in mind that you need to disassemble the frame to make the fold suitcase sized. Also it is relatively heavy (I think due to the steel fork).
05-03-09, 06:15 PM
#47
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The Swift can quite easily be built into a light version - see my sig linky for mine. Currently it is around 8.6kg (pedals and saddle included, but all else off). You can see from the parts I have on it that they aren't special in any way, except the seatpost which is a special carbon fibre 34mm one from PZ Racing bought from Speedmatrixdepot in Singapore.
05-04-09, 05:46 PM
#48
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The Swift can quite easily be built into a light version - see my sig linky for mine. Currently it is around 8.6kg (pedals and saddle included, but all else off). You can see from the parts I have on it that they aren't special in any way, except the seatpost which is a special carbon fibre 34mm one from PZ Racing bought from Speedmatrixdepot in Singapore.
Compared to a Supercross frame + Trigon fork this is approx twice as much weight.
05-05-09, 09:31 AM
#50
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Any reason in particular? To my mind, the idea of "not considering" something is a little silly in any context, but in this context it makes no sense whatsoever. It's kinda like saying "I want a super light bike but will not consider aluminum, titanium, or carbon." Is your phobia informed by some experience with small wheels, or is it just a plain old prejudice?
Last edited by rhm; 05-05-09 at 09:39 AM.