Hello,
I've been researching many of the posts here re. Bromptons vs. Tikits vs. Dahon which have been going on for the past 2-3 years. I've gotten a lot of info, but wanted to get some additional advice. I also wonder if things have changed/improved recently.
Although, I'm asking about a Brompton, I was very close to ordering the Hyperfold Tikit, but found out that BF is out of the medium sized frames for the next 2-3 weeks and wanted to reconsider my decision. I had the chance to testride a tikit locally and like the feel and ride of the bike in general. My reservations are mainly centered on the folded bike. It looks easy to roll around like in this video in the grocery store,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSSgk...rom=PL&index=6
but I found it very awkward to balance. Also the Tikit now has a brace on it to prevent cracks which makes it harder to hold onto the handle (especially if you're left handed). I had asked them if they could put it on the right side but w/out luck. I suppose I could see it as a chance to work out my right arm, but it's going to be tough to wheel it around subway stations, shopping malls, work etc.
Looking around, I found this video of a Brompton which just struck me as great.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bkro...BF907&index=53
Is this truly that easy to move the bike around folded w/ one hand?
Say you're wheeling it around to your table at a restaurant, can you just drop the seat post and you're neatly folded?
My concern regarding the Brompton from various posts on this board: it's not good for hills, has poor brakes, the rear wheel is very difficult to remove in case of a flat, has propietary parts which make repairs difficult in the U.S.
I'm not concerned about the less aero upright position of the Brompton as I would intentionally get the medium sized Tikit to provide the same fit. I also have looked at the gear ranges and the weight of the Brompton 6ML and it seems pretty close to the Tikit. Also I've heard that Brompton's brakes have been improved w/ their recent models? Alas there is no test ride available.
I am 5'11", 190lbs. I plan to mainly ride for local errands around 5-6 miles. Most of this riding will be along highways w/ a nice shoulder w/ 10-12% slopes so getting up the hills and having braking power will be key. Why do I want a silly folding bike? Because my previous bike was stolen and I want to keep the bike w/ me. The Tikit also didn't seem any more awkward than my previous bike. I want to also take a bike when I go on vacation by plane next year (Tucson, Chicago) to continue riding.
I know these type of posts come up often, but I really appreciate any advice I can get. I'm hoping to be persuaded that the Brompton is really great and can handle this kind of riding... or that the Tikit isn't such a pain to lug around in a store/subway?