New to folding bikes, can't choose? Read this FIRST

[speedy101]

cool folding bikes..........

[dreamcatcher32]

i was commuting yesterday and it was very confusing, so i think im gonna just stick with my folding bike as well as the others(!!!)
the gears of progression are getting greased up so im hopeful.
plz update soon!!!

ctf

[jur]

Due to a kind BFer, I learned something today - the FAQ was duly corrected, see the last question. It's about pressure and sidewall stress in narrow vs wide tyres.

[wamdue_castle]

How views on a Challenge: Tornado

How much does it weigh? and how easy is it to carry? (when you need to)

How quickly can it be put together?

Thanks

[Dynocoaster]

do you mean this: http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/current/tournado.htm

[wamdue_castle]

no this one

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v1...RTcyPg0_12.jpg

actually the carry thing, can folding bikes be wheeled when folded?

[Dynocoaster]

Not familiar with this folder but it looks heavy.

[jur]

Not familiar with this folder but it looks heavy.

The name says it all: A challenge to fold & carry, only a tornado could do it. Handlepost does not fold... I'd stay away from it - it only folds in half for storage.

[wamdue_castle]

The name says it all: A challenge to fold & carry, only a tornado could do it. Handlepost does not fold... I'd stay away from it - it only folds in half for storage.

thanks, ill avoid it then.

[Gdashizal]

Do you think This* (Below) bike would be safe for occasional off road and jumps?

This* - http://www.amazon.com/COLUMBA-Double...=1LVLABHV04OB4

[jur]

Do you think This* (Below) bike would be safe for occasional off road and jumps?

This* - http://www.amazon.com/COLUMBA-Double...=1LVLABHV04OB4

These bikes although sporting full suspension were not necessarily designed & manufactured with jumps in mind. So while the suspension will absorb bumps and jumps, it is not certain how the frame and componentry will hold up against such impacts. Often these are marked with "Don't use for MTBing" or something similar, to cover themselves. I would use caution.

[Abundantearth]

well now I feel that I have the choice of two folding bikes Brompton or Dahon , I am interested in new Dahon V10 , just looking for something lightweight ,like both manufacturers ,favour 20 inch wheeels , would value comments ,my use tends to be half road towns but also cycle tracks ,

[rudypyatt]

FYI all, I emailed Worksman about the FMB folder, and this is response I got:

"we absolutely will offer the 2 speed kickback to the folding bike. Adds $100 to cost of the single speed.
We are NOT open on the weekends though..sorry."

Shucks. I wanted to go over there from Brooklyn some weekend soon. But the kickback sounds like a good option.

[MartinOne]

My wife and I just bought a Brompton and Birdy. I'm new to folders, and this site and thread have been useful. Here's some biographical info for other newb's. If it fits, wear it. Obviously, your mileage may vary.

I'm in NYC 2 yrs. Ready for a bike. Folders? Who knew? Holy whoop! These things cost $7-800. At least the ones that aren't the cheaper ones. OK. I can do that. But some cost more. What's the diff? What are the decision-making rules?

Well, I may be new to folders, but I'm not new to . . .cars, guitars, espresso machines, cameras, to mention just a few lifelong passions. Is there anything transferable about buying these other "products" and buying folding bikes, about which I know nothing?

1. Bang for the buck. Here, the point of focus seemed to be the Dahon MU XL Sport. Originally around $1100, but getting dropped from the Dahon line, and couple of shops offering it for around $850. A fine ride, reasonably compact when folded, within a pound or two of anything not titanium. There's really nothing about more expensive bikes that is "that much" better to justify a cost factor of 2 or 3x. And yet . . .

2. "It's the delta" Years ago I had a contractor doing some remodeling. His mantra was, "it's the delta"----or, what's difference between what you must have and what you really want. "You gotta have a toilet. So subtract the cheapest toilet you can live with from the cost of the toilet you really want." That's the delta. That's the actual cost.

So I bought the Birdy. The delta was about $1200, and I got finish, quality upgrades, extra (if marginal) performance, status (the coolness factor,) long-term satisfaction before GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome.) My wife's Brompton choice followed a similar process, but different factors.

This isn't a recommendation for a bike, but a process.

[Abundantearth]

thanks for those who replied and still looking BUT found Dahon new range Vector X10 , it won awards ,so tried to get my hands on one ,sorry we are NOT going to be exporting outside US , what is point of producing bike and winning awards then restricting access ,so please help and email Dahon US , stopping messing about and export!!! However back to bike question anymore folders 20inch wheels to recommend thanks

[giatros]

great post!

I really want your assistance! I am currently living in the Netherlands and it is much more fortable for me since i frequently use trains, to buy a folder bike.

Unfortunately, I am a tall guy. 6'4-6'5 and about 195 pounds. Is it going to be possible to ride or not?

PS: Sometimes I prefer instead of ****ting and pedaling to pedal in an upright position for more speed( plus I dont feel my butt after a while:-P ) Is this doable with a folder bike?


Thank you in advance!

[Dynocoaster]

Hi Giatros, welcome to the fold if you do a search there are several tall gentlemen on this site that use the Brompton with a longer seat post. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...tall+seat+post

[giatros]

Hi Giatros, welcome to the fold if you do a search there are several tall gentlemen on this site that use the Brompton with a longer seat post. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...tall+seat+post

Thx for the link!

It seems that I might be able to ride them afterall, or I hope at least

The thing is that Brompton are very expensive for my pocket.

I would consider something like this.Would u recommend it?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=55561

[Dynocoaster]

Seems like a nice bike and the three speed is nice.

[MartinOne]

I have very little confidence that my "rating" of fit to body height can be separated from all sorts of other factors. For that matter, no single factor seems so important that it ought to toss out all the other variables that matter.

Trying to isolate body-height fit from the other factors is next to impossible even with a reasonable (say, one hour each) test ride of each bike considered. Bikes simply feel different after owning them for a while, and it's most likely that your preference will shift to favor they bike you bought.

My ratings (these differences are all slight):
Solid, responsive, robust ride: Birdy and BF Ticket (largest of 3 frame choices); next, Brompton; next, Dahon
Tall-person ride: Birdy; next, BF Ticket; next, Dahon; next, Brompton.
Longer, unhurried, flat ride: Birdy; next, Dahon; next Brompton; next BF Ticket.
Foldability, storage, convenience: Brompton---nothing else close.

[giatros]

I have very little confidence that my "rating" of fit to body height can be separated from all sorts of other factors. For that matter, no single factor seems so important that it ought to toss out all the other variables that matter.

Trying to isolate body-height fit from the other factors is next to impossible even with a reasonable (say, one hour each) test ride of each bike considered. Bikes simply feel different after owning them for a while, and it's most likely that your preference will shift to favor they bike you bought.

My ratings (these differences are all slight):
Solid, responsive, robust ride: Birdy and BF Ticket (largest of 3 frame choices); next, Brompton; next, Dahon
Tall-person ride: Birdy; next, BF Ticket; next, Dahon; next, Brompton.
Longer, unhurried, flat ride: Birdy; next, Dahon; next Brompton; next BF Ticket.
Foldability, storage, convenience: Brompton---nothing else close.

Interesting answer

However, I cant afford a bike like Birdy And for the Oyama although it looks nice and in a special offer, I cant find a telespope(longer) seat.

PS: do u know if its possible to ride but not sit? To pedal, i mean, and stand in the pedals,for going faster?

[Dynocoaster]

I would find out what size the seat post is and see how long a seat post is available. Dahon use to have a 2 piece seat post like Brompton has for taller riders. Is your length in your torso or legs?

[Dynocoaster]

Found this on Craigslist Amsterdam http://amsterdam.en.craigslist.org/bik/2397166085.html good deal and has a 7 speed IGH.

[nothingbutrich]

I'm 5/11 and 225lbs and need a foldable bike. Everything i have seen as a limit of 180-200 lbs

[Folding-Bikes]

I'm 5/11 and 225lbs and need a foldable bike. Everything i have seen as a limit of 180-200 lbs

There are many with a 100kg+ limit, this tend to be the less "generic folders" ie not just cut in half with a hinge.


Source

AIRNIMAL JOEY http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/airnimal_joey.htm
Max Rider Weight – 102kgs/225lbs;
AIRNIMAL CHAMELEON FIXIE [special order] http://www.airnimal.eu/News/Home.php
Max Rider Weight – 102kgs/225lbs;
AIRNIMAL RHINO http://www.airnimalfoldingbikes.com/RhinoStreet.php (Single-Speed!)
Max Rider Weight – 109kgs/240lbs;
BIKE FRIDAY http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/bf_road.htm
Max Rider Weight – 100kgs/220lbs, or 118kgs/260lbs heavy rider option;
BIRDY http://www.en.r-m.de/products/produc...ltgenie/birdy/
Max Rider Weight – 111kgs/245lbs (incl. luggage);
BROMPTON http://www.brompton.co.uk/content.asp?p=3&l=1
Max Rider Weight - 110kgs/242lbs [plus extra 20kgs/44lbs of luggage only; NOT EXTRA RIDER WEIGHT]
DAHON Mu Uno http://www.dahon.com/bikes/2010/mu-uno
Max Rider Weight – 105kgs/230lbs;
KANSI 1twenty http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/kansi_...white_grey.htm
Max Rider Weight - 101kgs/223lbs; [inclusive of luggage/baggage]
MEZZO http://www.mezzobikes.com/spec.htm
Max Rider Weight – 110kgs/242lbs (incl. luggage);
MONTAGU Boston (Swissbike) http://www.montaguebikes.com/boston-...peed-bike.html
Max Rider Weight - 105kgs/230lbs
MOULTON http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/moulto...off_fbspec.htm
Max Rider Weight – 101kgs/224lbs
PACIFIC CYCLES REACH http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/pacific_reach.htm;
http://lightenupbikes.com/pacific-cy...per-light.aspx; http://www.pacific-cycles.com/;
Max Rider Weight – 110kgs/242lbs (incl. luggage);
XOOTR SWIFT http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/xootr_swift.htm
Max Rider Weight - 118kgs/260lbs

Pacific CarryMe: 224lbs www.pacific-cycles.com
Pacific iF Mode 224lbs www.pacific-cycles.com


Happy hunting.

Juan