MrSchwinn

Hi everyone! Getting back into cycling after a long hiatus. Just picked up this little gem off CL. 14" wheels! Rides a little twitchy but that's to be expected with this size of bike, I'm sure. Solid feel, I'm pushing 235 lbs. and it seems to ride fine. Came with no decals, anyone like to make a guess as to what it is? (New iPad, don't know why pics are upside down, sorry.)

smallwheeler

it's called "roll n' fold". enjoy it.

MrSchwinn

Excellent! Thanks so much for the info. I tend to be an information hound and consequently try to find out all I can about my purchases. Would probably be more logical to do it prior to purchase, but where's the fun in that? Thanks again, small wheeler!

rhenning

Mr Schwinn is there any reason you put the pictures in upside down Are you from down under maybe or is it just to make it harder to help you. Roger

MrSchwinn

Hi rhenning! As I mentioned in my original post, I was using a new iPad for taking the pictures, when I loaded them thats how they came out. I have not mastered the technique of turning pictures around, one of many skills I am still working on. Soon I will be able to snatch the pebble from the Master's hand...

Hey, this is the same as an Adventurer?


And the pic is right-side-up!

smallwheeler

yep.

landhere

Why not just post pics upside down and claim you have a gravity defying bike?

MrSchwinn

Actually, I was just testing everyone's spatial IQ!

BassNotBass

It's a 50/50 shot that you'd get the pics right side up but since I'm usually subject to those "Charlie Brown" odds yet fail I certainly won't judge. So, is the frame steel? It would appear so from the small welds and I can tell you that the handlebar stem hinge is one of my favorite designs. Not very sleek (attractive?) but very functional and robust.

MrSchwinn

It is steel. The design seems to be solid. I rode it a couple miles today, only thing I noticed was the need for a better saddle. I work in downtown Indianapolis and park several blocks from where I work, this will be perfect for my little bike ride. I think a tire upgrade might be nice, as well. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I like the way it looks, just a nice, simple, basic design.

landhere

The upgrade bug bites another victim! It starts with one thing, but you won't be able to stop. Let's all have a moment of silence for your wallet.

MrSchwinn

The wallet should be fine... I am fortunate in having a Chief Financial Officer that is quick to remind me of any cash flow limitations.

smallwheeler

and so it begins.. you will have a difficult time finding an "upgrade" tire to replace those sluggish knobby kid's bike tires. kenda makes a 14 x 1.2 tire but, good luck ordering it from Chiner...

https://www.banggood.com/Kenda-Bicycl...e-p-76065.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Kenda...911894512.html

you could consider upgrading to a 16" (305) wheelset with a skinny tire like a primo comet...

fietsbob

If its using a steel wheel rim , you have a Fair Weather Bike , keep it Dry.

At least it wont take up room all winter when you store it till Summer .

MrSchwinn

I think this is what I will go with. I found somewhere that it inflates to 45 lbs should roll better than the 35lb tire I got.

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...-inch-tire-254

fietsbob, the roads are usually not bad here in Indy. Right after a storm, sure. But they clean 'em up pretty quick.

Azreal911

not sure if your frame will accept this width of a tire but it's the best thing out there for your 14 inchers:

https://www.schwalbetires.com/node/3545

smallwheeler

oh snap! forgot about this.. you should definitely go with this option!

MrSchwinn

That is a nice option, however two tires would cost almost as much as I paid for the bike! This one is just for fun. Actually, now that I know I like folding bikes, I will put any significant sum towards a quality folder. Stay tuned...

MrSchwinn

Smallwheeler, thanks for the PM. Getting a little off topic, but if I was to spend the money on a Brompton, would I not be better off to go for a 6 speed? With that kind of investment I would look to do some touring or at least some long local explore-the-midwest rides.

smallwheeler

you could. but, you will not find a used 6 speed brompton for less than 1000usd. for the price of the bike i showed you, you could the buy the 6 speed wheel conversion and still spend less than half the price of a used brompton that comes 6 speed as stock..

sreten

Hi,

I doubt those BMX tyres will roll much better than the tyres you have.
Pump up the rear much harder than the front, go over 35 psi if needed.

TBH for a road tyre on the cheap you best bet is to sand off most of
central bumps of the tyres. Do the rear, swap with the front, repeat.
Leave some bumps towards the outside of the tires, its simply easier
to do and can help a lot on softer ground.

rgds, sreten.

MrSchwinn

Small wheeler, good advice! Will have to see if I can scratch up cash.
sreten, good to know how I can "customize" my tires. I'll roll with it as is for a while and see if it is worth the time and effort.
Greatly appreciate everyone's advice and interest in this little bike! Y'all are super!!!

Azreal911

You are right, if the tires cost as much as the bike there's no point. Especially since you already got your feet wet and kind of hooked looking to upgrade someone better already. But take your time with the research and consider the condition of the roads you are riding on as well as what you want to do with it before you plunk down alot of cash. Touring on the Brompton's 16 inch wheels won't be the best thing if some of your trails get rough. But if it's just pavement it should be ok but there are higher geared options, unless you really really want a Brompton.... then you might as well get it cause it'll bug you in the back of your mind forever! that's the disease alot of folderisits have on these forums, once they have their mind set on a particular brand and model getting anything else is a compromise!

MrSchwinn

I am seeing a plethora of nice bikes, lots of options. Fortunately I have no pressing need to make a decision, so I can use the time to research and even make some test rides. The LBS near where I work has Bromptons and I noticed they have a bike marked "demo"... hmmmm.
I am pretty sure all my folder riding will be on pavement, so that make the decision somewhat easier, questions are just how exactly will I utilize it. I am envisioning train rides to surrounding cities and using the folder to see the sites, museums, parks, sporting events, etc. Nice to have options!

BassNotBass

I'd have to disagree to a point with this generalization. I got a lot of really good stuff on the cheap or for free so that way of thinking just didn't apply. If someone gave you a Moulton, do you refrain from buying replacement tires because you paid nothing for it?

If the bike is a keeper and is worth good tires, then get them. After all what matters is the worth in terms of functionality for the user that counts... not the monetary worth if one were to sell the item or what one paid for it. Of course that's all based on the individual's perception.

But I do see that since MrSchwinn is already looking for another bike, then getting new tires for the "Roll-N-Fold" wouldn't be advisable. In fact I'd agree with sreten's advice (no, hell didn't freeze over) and modify the existing tires. Except that instead of sanding I have used a safety blade to cut the knobbys off of an MTB tire to make it more road-worthy.