Originally Posted by
Ron Damon
You may wish to consider building the four bikes identically or quite similarly so the spare parts that you will carry on tour are interchangeable among them, thereby reducing the number, weight and bulk of the spare parts.
How would I play it? Four chromoly 20" (406) bi-folders with fattish tires; a 1x derailer transmission; wheels with no fewer than 28, 2x spokes; and Shimano hydraulics no lower than Deore with 180mm rotors front & back. All four bikes nearly identical save for individual fitment at the saddle, handlepost, grips and handlebar. KISS.
You know, this was the original plan, at least the 4 identical bike part. But we are on a steep learning curve regarding folders and especially folders that kids can travel with, ride, fold and carry themselves. My 9 year old daughter is a skinny lil thing. We must also take into account that us grownups will need to pack and carry more than our own share as the kids will do less.
Then there is the fact that very few folders are available for purchase - much less test ride - here in Mexico, and none at all in Chiapas.
So Im in the process of sourcing and building up at least 4 different folding bikes to test here with the family on short outings and overnight camping trips. If we end up with an extra bike or two I really don’t mind! 😃
We have arrived at similar conclusions as yourself regarding fame material, brakes and tire size. I think after this initial big tour we may even decide to all switch to one model of bike, or perhaps two, or keeping a small stable
to choose from depending on the trip.
Two of the bikes that are available for purchase online in Mexico are the Zizzio Forte and the Dahon Mariner 40th anniversary edition. Neither are steel and neither have disc brakes though. We also can’t test either before buying.
So far we’ve purchased an Origami Swift - which is great! Big tires, hydro disc brakes, cromoly frame and a fast - albeit larger - fold. But it does fit into a wheelchair bag and I’m sure would be fine on trains and such. Maybe even as checked baggage. Ride quality and luggage carrying capacity are excellent. The frame is too tall for the kids to ride it though.
We are also waiting on an FnHon Storm frame, based on you very own! It is for the Storm that we are considering the SA dual drive hub. This *should* be short enough for the kids to ride and hopefully manageable enough to fold and carry. But we will see.
We also ordered a 20” Takachia Tiime trifold from
Singapore. That should arrive in a couple weeks. It is cromoly steel but has caliper brakes and can only for 1.35” tires. So we will see how that goes.
Anyway we are looking forward to testing and reviewing all these bikes, and are also very open to suggestions!