foldingbike_js

Hi All - thinking of getting a folder for commuting on public transport in Syd.

Only in the $500 price range.

Looking at a Sonar Transit but struggling to find any key specs on the web. Here is some stuff that I found :

Frame - 6061 Aluminium
Fork - Steel w/" threaded steerer
Crankset - Alloy 165mm arms, 46T w/replaceable hanger
Bottom Bracket -Three piece loose ball type
Rear Derailleur - Shimano Tourney 6 Speed
Shifter - Shimano Revo RS5 SIS, 6-speed
Freewheel - 14-28T, 6-speed index
Chain - KMC Z-33 index
Wheelset - Alloy 36H nutted w/stainless spokes w/Alloy rims w/wear line
Tyres - 20"x1.75 City w/whte line
Brake Set - Alloy V Brake
Brake Levers - Alloy V Brake
Headset - 1" Threaded alloy w/seals and spacer
Handlebar - Alloy flat 560mm wide
Stem - Alloy folding type w/height adjust
Tape/grips - Kraton 110mm
Saddle - Comfort with steel rails
Seatpost - Micro-adjust alloy, 580mm long
Seat Clamp - Quick Release Alloy
Pedals - Plastic Folding Type
Extras - Alloy adjustable kick stand
3/4 length fenders
Rear dérailleur protector
Rear carry rack

I'd love to hear from anyone who has one, has ridden one, has seen one.

1. What height rider can they accommodate? I'm 6'1"..long legs.
2. What's the weight of the bike?
3. Folded dimensions?
4. Any good or bad points (for a bike in this low price bracket) ?

Thanks in advance.

jur

I see one on ebay. It looks like a generic Chinese folding bike. It will get you from A to B. What sort of riding experience do you have?

foldingbike_js

Plenty....years of traithlon and mtb riding. My main concern with getting any folder (I'm looking at the Giant Expressway too) is whether or not if folds small enough to take it on trains (..or sneak it onto buses). Also whether the weight is reasonable to haul it in and out of stations etc. My commute would only be a 4km ride to the station followed by another 4-5kms from my destination station to work. So not far.

Parts are easy enough to upgrade...to something higher quality I guess....but the frame/bars/forks need to be rigid, not flexy.

jur

There are certain rules about folders on buses and trains. Not sure about Syd, but here in Melb, the bike needs to be covered for bus travel. Syd trains are a bit crowded but a bike that size will be OK in the vestibule I guess.

But my main concern is the bike will disappoint you. It is extremely generic with bottom of the range componentry. The Giant is not much better.

I cut my teeth on a bike like that. But I upgraded it soon after getting it. 9 speed. Ended up touring around Tassie with it.

The gearing range of the bike you have in mind is pretty basic too. 14-28T in the back, with 46T in the front, and small wheels, you'll see the gearing is way too low.

Weight wise, it'll be about 12-14kg. Foldies are rather heavy. But it will easily do the 2x4km, that's for sure. And it will be quite flexy as well. Those frames twist quite a bit under pedalling torque.

Have a look at Jur's cycling photo albums/photo essays for my journey into foldies.