EZV

Hi, Im interested in buying a folding bike for my daily commute but im a bit confused about which one to buy I hope you can help

I cycle a 10 mile commute thats a round trip of 20 miles on roads for the whole journey but part of my journey is along 4 miles of rough cycle track (its about 50 years old and has never been resurfaced) its not full of potholes but when i used a old racer to ride it, it was awful, i currently use a mountain bike with the front shock locked out for the whole journey and the big tyres seem more than enough to cope with the roughness. However the mountain bike is very slow going and after the rough 4 miles the rest of the trip is on fairly smooth roads

Now comes the question of folding. I want the ability to get an occasional (1-2 times a week) lift from a friend home and put the bike into the boot. I will very occasionally want to take it on a train but i dont think i will even need to fold it for that as its only a quick trip!

So I want a fast bike that can fold into a car boot and can take a bit of a rough ride

The main bike i like is the Dahon MU SL 2009 as it fits the fast and folds into a boot but is it tough enough for the rough cycle track? I also like the Cadenza 8 but i think as ill be folding the bike fairly regular that it looks like a pain and will it be small enough to fit in the boot? also is it fast being a mountain bike hybrid type??

Thanks for your time reading this, i look forward to your replys

Dynocoaster 

Welcome to the fold. The bike that came to mind for the road you described is the Jetstream P8. https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/current/jetstream.htm

EZV

Thanks ill try that one out as well as the MU

snafu21

Mu SL could be harsh on the bumps. My Hammerhead was. Theyr'e designed for speed, not utility.

Also have a look at the Downtube FH- suspension either end. I haven't ridden the Mu, but I have owned the Downtube.

Or get the Mu, and road-ride.

vmaniqui

or check this one out..... https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/2009/speedtr.htm

badrad

my daily commute is 20 km each way, and i am riding my MuSL. of the trip, about 4 km goes over gravel paths, and one part of the paved road is not particularly well maintained with a few bad potholes - which i had run into a few times in the dark.

when i first switched over from my Jack to the SL, i was very cautious - worried about the delicate nature of the lightweight bike, the rims and the thinner kojak tires, compared to the Big Apples on the Jack. but now after 5 months of commuting with the SL, it's not anything i consider anymore, i just get on the SL and get on to work.

the Jack was good and comfortable, not particularly fast, but i gradually dread the end of each trip to carry it up the flight of stairs. that just wore me down. the SL has been a breath of fresh air and the run up the stairs is such a sweet effortless conclusion to my rides.

folder fanatic

I would stick with the 20 inch bikes as they are an all rounder types for most uses. Unless you are very young or powerful rider (which a single speed would work), make sure you have a multiple gearing that is chosen for your needs and terrain it will be used on. And don't skimp on tires. I would go for a good quality puncture resistant ones.

bored117 

2nd that
Went off roading by not reading map right once and while I was sliding all over place due to lack of traction, the bike handled great for about 4 miles of lost in middle of no where...
It can also be plenty speedy with stable up to 35 mph (didn't try more... I was getting nervous at the speed) as well as efortless climber with wide gear range.
It won't be as light as Mu SL but definitely more versatile. Another plus is it comes with Big Apple 20x2 tires which seems to be great combination of speed and comfort.
I am loving mine... - (Using it for daily commute and everything else)

davecriswell

I don't have as long a commute as you do but I ride my Montague Swissbike X70 to the train station everyday (disclosure - I also work for the company and fold it up for the train ride. It's a full-size mountain bike so I am also able to do some trail riding on the weekends with it. I don't think it folds to as compact a size as the SL but I can fit mine in the car trunk (boot) easily.

EZV

Thanks for all your advice Guys, im going to try out the Mu and the speed in a local shop, im also going to have a go of the swiss bike but i am concerned it might be to big...I think my problem is there is too much choice!!

Im also thinking about drifting away from the folding bikes and (chickening out!) getting a cannondale Bad Boy 700 that way i will be forced into cycling home as well as in to work and get fitter!?

My other problem with a folding bike is that im a heavy (overweight!) guy and im worried about them breaking on me, however that will be solved as i get fitter with riding!

Anyway thanks again for all your help, ill try the folding bikes you suggested and ill tell you what i get :-)

Folding-Bikes

Looks like its the good old Dahon's (Mu, Speed Pro TT) vs Swift vs Pacific Reach.

Any of this 3 bikes will do a good job but.


I also comute 20+miles every day, and I wouldnt swap my Reach for anything, even my full size racing bike.. its dual suspension is the best suspension on a folding bike, and when you cycle long distances on small wheels, it really helps!!

When you try the Dahon take a hand off the handlebar to signal right or left, does it feel stable?


https://www.facebook.com/MyPacificReach?v=photos





Best of luck!!