creativityrules

This is my first post but I've been reading a lot of the threads in the past...
I'm debating between the IFmove vs the Brompton (M3L or S3L) to use as a multimodal commuting bike.
I take the train and light rail for my commute, and there's a 3 mile (5 km) gap between the two stations.
The terrain is mostly flat within the two commuting points and the weather is mostly sunny in Southern California.
I'd also like to optionally take my bike and cruise around town on days I don't work.
Between the two what would be the preferred bike and would you recommend any other bike (i.e. Tern Verge, Strida Evo)?
Unfortunately I can't test ride any of the two bikes as none are available locally...

Features I'm looking for:
- Quick/easy fold
- Roll when folded
- Compactness
- Comfortable ride/steer
- Light weight
- Has at least 3 gears

jur

I haven't ridden an IFMove, but have a Brompton and several other folders. I would go with a Brompton. The convenience is a big winner and the ride quality is good. The Brommie is more versatile and takes luggage as is, whereas the IFMove requires a seatpost rack.

creativityrules

Thanks for the comment!
I'll be carrying a small backpack so I don't really need luggage carrying capabilities.

fietsbob

The Roll when folded Q? how Far, how fast? I have a Brompton M3L, the easy wheels are smooth enough,
but they just are not very big.. get the Rack version and you do have 4 EZ wheels option.

Bike Fridays Tikit you roll it on its front wheel when folded..

creativityrules

Furthest distance would be off the platform which is only about hundred meters or so. Speed depends on if I'm running late, but typically just walking.
I had the impression that the back rack adds additional weight of I'm not planning on using it? I know it adds 4 wheels and reduces the risk of breaking the rear fender... My concern is that the wheel is small that it'll get stuck in the gap between the platform and the subway?

Realistically how quickly can the brompton fold be achieved before being able to roll?

Folding-Bikes

My opinion doesnt count because its obviously biased.


Go to the store and try them both! I've tried them both and I know which one I would go for!





Personal opinion:

- Quick/easy fold - IF win (No question)

- Roll when folded - IF win (While having extra little wheels on a rack is great for smooth surfaces getting in and out of trains and down stairs is not very useful, this is IMO where the iF wins hans down, the magnet that holds the wheels together is very strong and you can easily bounce the bike from step to step, this is a must have for me in the london underground.)

- Compactness - Brompton win (No question)
- Comfortable ride/steer Personal choice
- Light weight about the same
- Has at least 3 gears - Component wise, Sram with brake disk make the iF win




Best of luck!




Juan

bhkyte

test ride them both, you might hate the riding position of either bike.
they are very different. Folders really need test riding as they are very different generally.

Lots of people love Brommies, but lots of people dont get on with them.
Neither heard a bad word about IFmode but less of them around and I have never ridden one.

fietsbob

half minute.. you pull up the seatpost, to release the 3 folds, turn 2 T knobs.

BF Tikit 'hyperfold' cuts the time .. as you fold the seat mast up, a cable pulls the handlebar mast lock, closed.

BassNotBass

2_i 

With a Brompton you buy a system where designers have thought of things that you have not yet thought. With IFmove I am afraid you buy a me-too, I also can fold even if in an ingenious manner.