edwong3

Hi Guys, and Gals,

It's been a while since I've written anything about my Greenzone VE. I have been riding the bike whenever I get a chance during the week, and weekend. I'm still impressed with the bike's efficiency getting my muscle power to the ground, unlike my older folder which seems like a portion of the energy I put into the cranks, gets "lost in space".

I've also added some accessories to the Greenzone which make it more versatile. I bought these items from diverse sources such as my LBS, eBay, and Amazon depending on where I could get the most for my money.

Anyway, today Sunday (Nov 11) was just gorgeous, and couldn't help but get some fresh air on my bike, besides taking some photos so that you all can see what I added since it arrived.


Squint your eyes a bit, and it almost looks like a Dahon Speed "Something".


This photo shows I was by a pond. The neighborhood is called 'Baldwin Park".


Rearview at an angle.


Got this headlight that is actually a flashlight on a handlebar mount through eBay for under $10 shipped! The brand is "Cree", and puts out 240 lumens. It's plenty bright enough to see the road besides being seen.


Of course you have to be seen from behind, and this light was under $3 shipped.


This is a Cateye "Urban" Wireless cyclometer which I purchased locally. The wireless sensor range is far more than adecuate for the unit to get the signal. I like the large display. Great for "middle aged" eyes.


Not that it's that important but I decided to replace the bell that came with the bike with this one. The stock bell's ring was just too "wimpy". This one looks like, and rings as loud as an "Incredibell" that usually sells for as much as $10. The cost of two of these? Less than $2 shipped. Also from eBay.


(Continued)_

edwong3

I wanted a rack bag that could carry a lot of stuff if, and when I can take any long day trips. This Avenir "Excursion" is big, and has 4 external compartments besides being able to expand to increase interior room. About $34 through Amazon.


Oh, I nearly forgot the "Mirricle Mirror". These are one of the best in the market in my humble opinion. It doesn't seem affected by road vibration, and the image is sharp. I got a good price for about $13, and change shipped through eBay.


The End!


Not really!
Ed

smallwheeler

nice set up, ed. youre right, its looks like just like a speed TR...

edwong3

Thanks!

Ed

edwong3

I forgot to mention that I am expecting more accessories that I ordered about the same time as the other items such as a tire pump, a complete tire repair kit, a multi-tool, and even another light set.

Ed

smallwheeler

you're almost ready for the apocalypse...

edwong3

I didn't want to start a thread just for this but tonight (November 18), I just happened to go to Greenzone's website, and noticed that the Value Edition like the one I bought is back down to $199! That's a great price for a quality folder in that range. The alloy framed Premium Edition has also been lowered as well to $349! So for anyone asking, "Which budget folding bike?", these should be added to their list as possible "candidates".

By the way, I'm a happy, and satisfied customer, and don't have any personal or financial interest in Greenzone Bikes.

Have a great week!

Ed

john426

Dear Ed:
Thanks for the updates. I saw the inexpensivly priced GreenZone and was wondering if I should get one. With your glowing review I feel much more confident. I am thinking of going carless so a folder would make it much easier for me to take public transportation.

I do have one question; as some people tour with folders, do you think your greenzone would be a good tourer on road surfaces? If the bike is "twitchy" it would not be fun to tour on such a nervous bike.

edwong3

Hello John!

First of all, I want to thank you for posting in my thread!

Let me clarify a few things before I answer your question. It is not my intention to try to portray the Greenzone Value Edition as somehow being in the same league as some of the more celebrated brands such as Bikefriday, Brompton, Tern or even Dahon.

I do believe that for the money, the Greenzone is good enough to be called a quality folding bicycle. It does what it's supposed to, and that is to transport you quickly, efficiently, and with the confidence that you are not riding a fragile, low quality bicycle.

With that out of the way, I believe it's possible to tour on the GZ VE or it's more expensive alloy framed sibling, the GZ PE. Now touring can mean different things to different people, and that will determine whether or not this bike is a good choice for the job.

I mentioned that I would like to do some touring on this bike, however touring for me is not the "grand" way some people are thinking such as fully self supported, loaded down with panniers both front, and back, and covering really long distances of 500, 1,000 miles or more. For that, something like a Bikefriday such as a Pocket Llama or a NWT might be better suited just because they were designed with the traveler in mind.

I think however that the GZ is ideal for light duty touring or what is called "day trips" in which you can explore local towns, and cities, or even catch a train or plane to more distant locations. You can use a large capacity rack "trunk" that is expandable, and or a handlebar bag to carry essentials.

To carry large panniers on this bike, you'd have to get an appropriate rack which must be taller so that the bags won't strike your heels as you pedal. This would require extra long struts for the front of the rack to connect to the frame. Just look at some pictures of 20" folding/travel bikes with that type of rack, and you'll see what I mean. Alternatively, you can also install a front rack, and carry small panniers there. And lastly, you could also pull a trailer. You wouldn't have to worry about changing or installing new racks on the bike.

Now, speaking of the "twitchy" steering, the GZ does indeed have a very responsive front end but I wouldn't describe it as "twitchy" or "nervous". Once you get it up to speed, it feels plenty stable to me.

Geometry may be part of it, but also the GZ comes with narrow upper mid pressure tires that might contribute to the responsive steering. I mean, you'll get used to it but quite frankly, I have ridden small folders that had a bit more docile front end. The common denominator in those other bikes that I can tell was the fact they used lower pressure, 1.75 or 1.95 inch wide tires.

So there is nothing really that would deter me from riding this bike for some considerable distances carrying a moderate load of gear. Keep in mind that the gear ratios that come stock on this bike are quite suitable for city/urban riding, and going up bridges, and highway overpasses will not be a problem. However if your route is challenging with lots of climbs, then you could buy, and install a 7 speed "Megarange" freewheel. They usually run about $20 to $25 on eBay or other bike related commercial websites. You'll still have the higher gear range like the stock freewheel, and a huge "granny gear" for the tough hills. The upgrade will be worth the money in my opinion.

One more worthwhile upgrade would be to replace the stock folding pedals with non folding platform type such as those made by MKS. Some models are unique in that can be removed without using tools. They are somewhat expensive however, but an alternative could be platform type BMX pedals. The purpose for this upgrade is to provide you with a much more firm pedal to push hard on if required to climb hills, etc.

Well I got long winded, and felt in the mood for writing. I just wanted to give you an idea of what I feel is needed to equip this bike for distance riding. By the way, the saddle that came installed on the bike is perfect for me. It is quite comfortable, but that is of course a variable amongst different riders. It works for me.

And keep in mind that making mods, and changing equipment such as components, accessories, etc, to make a bike more suitable is quite common even among people who spend many hundreds, or thousands of dollars on a bike.

For all around use as a commuter, an errand runner, a fitness bike, the GZ will work perfectly in it's stock configuration. I think most people will be happy with it, and the price is right.

Now I'll shut up!

Ed

john426

Dear Ed:

Thanks so much for your complete answer to my questions! I just want to let you know that I just got my Green Zone bike today. My delay in ordering was my cheapness. I spent the last month looking on Craigslist for a used folder. Sadly when a good one would come up, it was gone before I could see it. Some people had old folders that were being sold as “collector’s pieces” with outrageous prices. You will be happy to know that this is the first new bike I have ever bought. Bike prices are so out of sight that I never buy ANYTHING new. I have been fortunate enough to get lighting, racks, panniers and fenders all used at fire sale prices.

I am quite happy with the bike. I will follow your advice and get some BMX petals to replace the folding petals. I plan on using the bike as a commuter for any public transportation trips and perhaps to take while camping or at the beach. Maybe even a short “credit card touring” sort of situation. I am thinking of going to Montreal and the train does not allow bikes, but it does list folders as an exception.

Thanks again for your thread and you’re well thought out reply.

John

PS I got the black bike.

edwong3

Oh, I answered your PM first before I noticed you had posted in this thread!

It sounds like you have some plans for this bike. There's few pleasures in life as good as an adventure on your bike. I haven't done my "epic" journey yet on my Greenzone even though I was on Xmas vacation for 10 days (Went back to work today) so you might do it before me.

Keep us posted, and if you can...pics please!

Ed

P.S. As a side note, Greenzone is going to be introducing a 3 speed version soon. It will come in the 20 inch tire configuration. I was hoping that Alan was planning on coming out with a 16 inch model similar to the Dahon Curve D3 but it's not on the horizon.

BassNotBass

I was intrigued by your review and quite frankly the fact that it has a steel frame, double walled rims, decent gearing out of the box and a straight tubed frame gave me an itchy trigger finger but I hesitated for too long... it looks like the steel framed model with a EGH hub is no longer available. Although I'm very happy with my Miami I liked the frame geometry of the Greenzone more because it looks like it would fit into a luggage case a little easier when folded for overseas travel. Oh well, ya snooze ya loose. Congrats on getting a bike you really enjoy... that's what it's all about.

BTW, I too was on a 10 day vacation over the holidays and went out to the midwest to visit family. I took my Miami along to go on some rides and as usual really enjoyed it despite temps being in the single digits to mid 20s (fahrenheit).

darukhan

Hi Ed,

Great reviews and updates of your Greenzone in this thread! I'm curious, when you were shopping for this bike, did you compare it to any of the offerings from Citizen Bikes? If so, what made you choose the Greenzone over a Citizen?

john426

Dear Bass:

When I ordered my bike on Christmas Eve they said they were low on stock, but they would have them in again. I had to get the black bike because they were out of the red. The bike does fold up into a quite small size.

Dear Darukhan:

I looked at quite a few folders in Philadelphia: Brompton (way too expensive), Dahon (I did not like the folding joint, there is no way to fix it when it wears out), Tern (essentially a Dahon with a better folding bracket) Citizen (I saw too many for sale on Craigslist, one honest owner told me he felt they were too "twitchy" to ride for any distance) and another nameless brand I can't remember. I chose the Greenzone becuase the frame was steel (I LOVE steel bikes) and the hubs. Also Ed's glowing review was the final thing to help me decide on the bike. I also have to admit that I like the price. My sister used to live in Texas and said that she had a few friends who had a Greenzone and they were happy. John

edwong3

Hi Darukhan!

Like John426, I took a good hard look at what was available on the market within my budget. I am a stickler for value for dollar whenever I make a purchase.

To me, I felt the Greenzone Value Edition (There's that word again (Value)) offered the most bang for the buck! I mean it has features that usually come on bikes costing twice as much. One thing I think I forgot to mention in my original review is that it does come with a carry bag printed with the company's logo; an accessory that usually sells separately for $30 to $40 with other brands of folding bikes.

Nothing against the Citizenbike by the way. I believe it's worth the asking price, and the frame style, and the selection of colors make it a very attractive folder. I just think my decision favoring the Greenzone was a no brainer given that both bikes are selling for the same price of $199.

The only thing I wish the Greenzone had come with is a mechanism to keep it together when folded like the magnets on the Dahon bikes for example. But it's no big deal. A bungee cord is a cheap, effective, albeit slower way to accomplish that.

And speaking of the bike folded, you can roll it that way if you leave the seatpost a little extended to use as a handle to guide it. That is good as the GZ VE is not exactly light if you had to carry it for any significant distance. That said, the VE pedals with little effort feeling like a lighter bike.

Lastly, the folder looks, and rides better than it's price would suggest. In no way would it look "cheap" even next to a Dahon.

All in all a nice bike for the money. It looks like a new model is due to come out soon so keep your eyes peeled on Greenzone's website.

Thanks for posting.

Ed