mmw

I am looking to travel for the next 2-3+ years and will only be taking a small backpack.

I would like to also bring a folding bicycle. I only want to keep my backpack, no panniers etc.

The bike would mostly be used for riding around medium and large sized cities. Maybe some limited touring as well.

I plan on taking flights but a lot more public buses and some privately owned cars as well.

I am initially thinking a 16" folder for space savings and don't want to bring any other luggage to carry the bicycle in except for maybe my first International flight out of the USA.

Is this even possible? Do any of you guys just throw these around on transportation often with no box, bags etc etc?

I'm assuming I won't be able bring it with me on a lot of planes and buses. Can you really trust them putting a $1,000 bicycle underneath and out of my sight and hoping it will be there when I arrive at my destination 1-10 hours later?

Any ideas or thoughts?

Tourist in MSN

I suggest you ask your question on this page:
Folding Bikes - Bike Forums

The people that watch that sub-forum are very competent at a wide variety of folding bikes and transporting them.

Some brands of folders have a lot of proprietary parts while some brands use more off the shelf standard bike parts. That might also be something to keep in mind, as obtaining parts and spares may be of an issue.

fietsbob

You are asking variations of the same question all over this forum.

Bike Fridays Travel bikes are already used by people touring around the planet.

they use a 406_20" wheel which is a very common tire size to find spares around the world.

The company in Eugene Oregon makes their bikes in 8 sizes, and puts most any components on you want.

They also offer refurbed , 'Pre-Loved' bikes , but of course there you are buying someone else's picks ..



I bought a Pocket Llama, that the Custom ordering buyer did not like the Color, so refused delivery.

It was a Good deal considering all the premium components they chose..

the company put it up on eBay, but I asked they deal with me direct, and they did.




...

fietsbob

Oh and New, from them is the Pak-it, the bike goes into a backpack.., purchased separately from them.

It, like their Travel bikes it comes apart , and folds, in combinations..

the others have a suitcase fit. and have a trailer kit for that suitcase..

their Tikit folds fast , but weighs more and its fold is wider , than Brompton's.

my friend has been using his in SEA.. Thailand, Viet Nam, etc.


...

axolotl

I've toured in many countries with my Bike Friday New World Tourist. I've taken it on many buses and trains, sometimes folded but mostly not. However, I would not recommend handing any folding bike over to an airline without it being packed into something which will protect it.