RubeRad

Once again, Christmas is bearing down upon us, and as usual, I have no idea what to get for my parents.

However, they just bought themselves a pair of folders (Dahon Mu P8). Any ideas from the folder crowd of what might be useful accessories for them?

Unfortunately, their needs are very limited. They don't commute or haul on them (don't need racks), would never ride them in the rain (don't need fenders), only ride them on paved lake paths or beach boardwalks (don't need lights/reflective/safety gear), and never far or fast (no need for performance clothing or accessories)

All I can think are wireless cyclocomputers (wired could be awkward for a folder, right?)

Any other bright ideas?

fietsbob

Folding Money?

RubeRad

Ha, that's funny! You mean like this?

fietsbob

Back in the day we had coins that were worth carrying . But Origami is an Art worth pursuing..

Ozonation

How about something they can use at their destination, like a bike friendly picnic basket?

RubeRad

That's an idea, I'll look into it. Do you have any links for ones that fit well on a folder? Do folders generally need folder-specific racks&bags&such, or are they designed to use regular-bike stuff usually?

I also found the Dahon Accessories page, and now I'm thinking about folding pedals. Are cheap ones ok for casual-riding old people that don't stomp too hard?

ThorUSA

you know that on that Dahon Accesory page .....
Its the International page ....
50 % of items on that page is vapourware ..... Not available anywhere
30 % of the rest .... is not available in the USA, as the accessory page is International and notcountry specific
10 % is out of stock ...
the rest : much luck finding a dealer who actually stocks it ....

lol
But there are a few nice ideas which work fine on the Mu P 8
https://www.thorusa.com/images/dahon/...ies/bart1a.jpg

maybe some waterbottle holders and nifty thermo flasks

:-)
Thor

RubeRad

Thx, I was also thinking they need waterbottle cages/holders, actually. I think I can see standard bosses on the top of the frame. Does a Mu fold OK if a standard cage is installed there?

Did you mean to just link to a tiny picture?

Pinigis 

Wireless bike computers are sometimes difficult to use on folders because the distance from the transmitter (at the wheel) to the computer (on the handlebar) can be too far (the limit is often 16"). Check the specifications of the device before purchasing, or opt for a wired version.

RubeRad

Thx for the info. I saw one that required 60cm or less distance, and I thought that might be a problem for tiny wheels. With a wired one, is there any special way to keep the wire from interfering with folding/unfolding? I guess the standard method of coiling around the front brake cable should work.

Foldable Two

Being 'old folks with folders' ourselves (early 70's), let me offer some tips:

Actually, a rack is good, especially to carry the previously suggested picnic basket, or something they bought along the way, or to hold some jackets?

Bells are nice to warn walkers you are coming up behind them - surely they ride faster than folks walking.

At least a decent cable lock for security, if they stop to go into a shop or two.

Lights can be handy for safety if they get caught out at dusk, or later.

Water bottles and WB holders were already mentioned - needed items.

Underseat bags to hold a basic bike tool, rider's ID & emergency info, lip balm, cell phone, etc.

Bike mirrors - we use Mirrycle Mountain Bike Mirrors on all of our bikes, except my vintage schwinn tiger.

They will also need a home tire pump, if they don't already have one.

FYI: I use a small (also, about 7 yrs old) Garmin GPS on my bike to determine distance and speed.

Hope that helps.

Lou

ThorUSA

yes the mu has bolts on the top tube
However, even I catch myself trampling all over the cage or bottle, plus the bottles I have drip a little laying on the side, hence I took cage off and use velcro bottle cage on handlebar post ...

yes cable around the brake will work fine usually, I like the Sigma wireless units, as all of them I have mounted gave me no trouble. Its a little finicky to do that, so you might need to install them for your parents.

yes I only attached a small pic
as I am selling that stuff .I do NOT provide a link or have a link in my signature, which is forbidden by some administators ..although some of the regular peeps do. but I want to play by the rules

RubeRad

Yes, that is very helpful. Some of those things they have from previous non-folding bikes, but that gives me a lot of good ideas, especially bells, as their favorite lake-loop must have them dodging joggers&strollers.

RubeRad

Ah, that makes sense. It's good to respect the rules.

Thx for tip on velcro bottle cage, that's good to know.

fietsbob

Bottle cage Bolts on Top of the main frame tube? that's where the carry pouch for my Abus Bordo Folding Link lock goes .(on my BiFri.)

easy lock to carry, good spot for it.

pampera

Watch the size of any gps/ speed meter, maybe it's not easy to see the small numbers or the small screen.

What about a nice lunch for three after a ride as a gift? The time you share with them is a thousand times more valuable than any piece of bikery you can buy. And they will remember it more, with a nice framed photo of you and them.

RubeRad

That's a nice idea; and I'm a pretty good cook...

12boy

I do think that a blinky is a good idea as it never hurts to alert others to your presence, and a good light is good too, in case you don't get home for some reason and it does get dark. The new lights are easily detached and make very powerful flashlights. I always thought fenders were unnecessary unless it is raining but i did put some on my Brompton and not only do I stay cleaner but my brakes do too, which is nice. A big bag is a good thing so you can put your jacket/gloves/hat in there if the temps change while riding around.

Foldable Two

Why not go on a ride with your parents, and you can stop for lunch along the way, rather than cooking yourself?

We ride with our daughter and grandson (age 17) when ever possible (and son-in-law, too, when we can get him out on one of his bikes.) - They all have folders, along with other bikes.

If they have not been riding regularly (or not at all for a long time like many older folks) sharing your experience could also be helpful.

Lou
(Age 72, in 3 weeks)

tcs

Christmas + new bikes = suggestions that are a little more whimsical/elegant than usual.

Bells: I like the Spurcycle, Lion, Crane Suzu and of course the classic Tokyo San Esu Universal Sound Bell.

Bottle cage: There's always the King Cage Oliver or Mud Flask.

A Carradice, Rivendell or Zimbale saddle bag is equal parts spiffy and handy.

The actuarial tables suggest you'll outlive your parents. How'd you like to inherit a quality floor pump? For small wheel bike I like press-and-lock heads better than screw-on heads. There's the SKS Rennkompressor and Zefal Alaskan, both quality items from old line European companies that offer rebuild kits. Or maybe just a nice little light duty electric compressor with pancake tank from Harbor Freight and an elegant gage?

RubeRad

That is indeed an elegant gauge, I like the leather wrap -- probably too elegant for me to consider it worth the money, though.

Tinacha2

That's a great idea - this would be cool:

Amazon.com : Rixen & Kaul - KLICKfix "Wicker" Bicycle Basket : Biking Quick Releases : Sports & Outdoors

ThorUSA

thats a super low price as well.... we are selling them out ... take p too much room ..lol
keep in mind that you will need a tern truss with this ... stay away from the old Dahon truss, as they tend to break the ears off ...

tcs.... I am a little dissapoined that you forgot the excellent German made Reich Bells ... :-)

Best Thor

tcs

There's also the avant garde Sogreni bell from Denmark!

Pinigis 

You got it. Just follow the front brake cable.