jameswoo360

2 months back, I asked for opinions on this forum about getting a folding bike on a budget.

So I finally got myself one. Looks like a knock off from a popular brand with entry level bits & pieces.

There was an annoying squeaking noise that came from the main hinge area when I first rode it. A bit concern at first. After putting some lubricating oil the noise went away.

Brakes are entry level tektro but good stopping power.

7 speeds is just adequate. Once I started riding around, I realise my neighborhood is quite hilly. I used all the gear ratios for the few km I rode. I also tested the granny gear up a steep section to see if it ratio is low enough. Okay for the moment. Hopefully when I get stronger through more regular riding, it should be more than enough.

Since I'm used to friction and trigger shifters, didn't quite get the hang of twist shifter. After about 5 km, I think it is quite alright once I got used to it.

The not so good

The ride is a bit bumpy. Could be the Kenda tires or tire pressure. Suggested pressure is 40 to 65 psi. It is pumped up to 50 psi. May need to reduce the pressure a bit

Seems to have some noise from the rear cogs in 4th gear. Hope it will go away with some running it. Crank also gave some noise in certain gear during certain pedaling effort, sort of on every revolution. Will need to look into this too.

Saddle - comfortable at first. After a few km, it sort of cut into my butt. I think it needs to be tilted down towards the front a bit. Didn't have the suitably size allen key on hand.

ttakata73

Looks pretty sweet to me.
The frame hinges can usually be adjusted, you want to make sure it's at its tightest but obviously allow operation of the hinge.
I bring this up because if this is budget bike, then some chimpanzee probably set the hinge.
If it was squeaking, something may be loose or its the frame rubbing from a loose hinge which it shouldn't.

Pinigis 

Is that a steel frame?

jameswoo360

ttakata73 - thx for the advice, the hinge is tight & I think it is just right. Got it from a reputable LBS. I asked them & they said they checked through the bike before selling em. The noise could be from the spring loaded pin of the latch. Will keep an ear on it.

Pinigis - its an alloy frame

violini

Iron or aluminum alloy? If it weighs 14 Kg or more, it's most likely steel frame. Put your fingers on the junction box while sit on and off the saddle, you should not feel any movement at all at the joint. Many junction box are not precision cast/machined, that's the problem.

Your bike looks similar to Irland Camaro (divide by 30 to get US$ value)
https://goods.ruten.com.tw/item/show?21101171853628

bbmike

If the bike squeaks when latched- I'd return it or at least have the LBS adjust it until it does not. Squeak means movement and just lubricating it will only mask the issue until the hinge wars off.

jameswoo360

violini - I took a strong magnet to it. The magnet did not stick to the frame but did stick to the fork. Guess it is alloy frame & with steel fork. Thx for the tip though, I didn't feel any movement when I took it for a 10km ride today.

Btw - it looks similar to the Camaro, however the frame design is different. On my bike, the seat stays go past the seat tube. Photo below will show that

bbmike - thanks. I'll keep that it mind & keep an eye and ear out. I didn't feel any movement between the two halves of the joint when it is closed. Will put my hand there the next time I ride.

Question - should I oil the new chain or wait till it is 200km or so?

thanks for all the help & concern. You guys are great

violini

It is a good folding bike over all for the price. Enjoy your biking and don't worry about the noise, the bike will not fall apart any way, even those over $1000 big name bikes are not noise free. After doing quite a bit of research and comparison earlier this year, I bought two cheap bikes in Taiwan: GOAL GT1 (NT$2,500) and MEXLLER BAHIS B3 (NT$7,900). I used B3 on a 250 KM tour along east coast of Taiwan and had no problem at all. After brought the bikes back to Canada, I sold B3 just because I didn't like the C-brake. I will keep GT1 and plan to add a 3-gear crank and replace the steel forks.

bbmike

Your bike's hinge is entirely flat which means that bulk of forces will be concentrated on the pivot and that's probably where the squeak was coming from. If you google Tern and Dahon hinges you'll see that they have bumps and groves through which one side interracts with another putting less stress on the pivot.

BikeKraft

very good and simple explanation. I've been trying to figure out how to improve the none too stellar hinge on our CitizenBike.
Food for thought.

violini

There are two holes on each side of the mating surface. Install 2 tight fitting steel or aluminum studs would help.

jameswoo360

Yeah, I don't think the bike will fall apart anytime & will surely enjoy it.

bbmike - ahh, that why people pay more for Dahons & Terns I never looked at Dahon's hinges in person but I agree bumps & grooves do help with various forces acting through the hinge

Installing studs to take some of the forces sounds like a good idea. Maybe 2 rounded ends studs with some strong epoxy glue like Araldite . .

bbmike

Protrusions need to be small since they would engage on a radius - not a straight fit. It would be interesting to see what tolerances dahon and tern hinges have. I see number of variables at play: you don't want to the protrusions to be too tight so vibrations don't fatigue the joint and you want them to engage evenly, otherwise they would wear out one by one. Maybe a flat surface is not that bad