Originally Posted by
timo888
You've ignored my point that weight alone does not determine how easy or difficult it is to carry or maneuver a folding bike while on foot. The size/shape/weight distribution/method of carrying while folded are not to be overlooked.
Simple experiment: try holding a gallon of milk in two hands with your arms outstretched. Now bring it closer to your body.
I'll wager that a Mobiky despite its 30 pounds is a lot easier to maneuver in a subway or on an escalator than my relatively light Swift or a folded Dahon Mu.
Regards
T
I've ridden a Mobiky a short distance at a bike show, but didn't lift it as the booth selling it weren't too sure about folding etc., & I actually own & ride a Strida now & then.
The other day I carried a 26 pounds Brompton through an Ikea store, swapping hands about half way around. It didn't *feel* any heavier really than my 22 pounds Strida (although I'd usually stroll that) & yesterday I hooked the saddle of the same Brompton over my shoulder with the rear triangle just dropped down my back, so I could walk up & down a rail crossing type bridge. Again it felt ok, & didn't take up much space, even semi folded.
A Downtube FSIX however, by comparison, I find so awkward a fold that I hardly ever "folded" it & that does feel heavy (ICR what its weight is) so I agree to a large extent that weight distribution is important, both folded & unfolded, for carrying purposes. A bike's stability when folded or unfolded during carrying & or strolling is significant to the weight perception.
It's going to be very hard to find a folder anywhere near 15 pounds, so if the OP can find a store which allows lots of folders to be carted & strolled around the store, she may find one that she can lift more easily than the rest, in spite of its weight. Some in particular will actually be easier to carry unfolded, if say the back & shoulders can be used to carry some of the weight.