Vintage folding bikes

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11-24-09 | 11:01 PM

KtotheF

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From: NYC

Bikes: Scott CR1, 1986 Guerciotti SLX, Mystery Ti Bike, 1990 Diamondback EX fixie

Vintage folding bikes

Any of you guys have one of these? I see one on campus occasionally, it's really interesting, sort of like a mixte combined with a bridge, I kinda want one.

11-24-09 | 11:11 PM

Mos6502

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Bikes: 1972 Columbia Tourist Expert III, Columbia Roadster

Is it an old Sears Tote:

11-25-09 | 12:00 AM

spymaster

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Quote:

Originally Posted by KtotheF

Any of you guys have one of these? I see one on campus occasionally, it's really interesting, sort of like a mixte combined with a bridge, I kinda want one.

I don't have one but my friend's got a Dahon folder from the late 80s. A 30 pound bike with 16" wheels, Sturmey Archer 3 speed and sprung saddle. The ride position is very upright and thus comfortable. All in all an interesting machine. Makes me want to get a folder as well, if I can find a used one for cheap.

For my use, a folder isn't very practical though. I live in a house and have room to store full-sized bikes, and I still find it most efficient to commute on my 80s road bike. So a typical folder provides no real advantage. But again I'm only speaking for myself. For people that live in apartments or take their bikes on trains/buses, folders are the best things to have.

11-25-09 | 12:09 AM

KtotheF

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From: NYC

Bikes: Scott CR1, 1986 Guerciotti SLX, Mystery Ti Bike, 1990 Diamondback EX fixie

Quote:

Originally Posted by spymaster

For my use, a folder isn't very practical though. I live in a house and have room to store full-sized bikes, and I still find it most efficient to commute on my 80s road bike. So a typical folder provides no real advantage. But again I'm only speaking for myself. For people that live in apartments or take their bikes on trains/buses, folders are the best things to have.

Agreed, I don't have much real use for one either, although in the future I might move somewhere forcing me to add a train ride to my commute, in which case I might get one.

I went through about 20 pages of google image search, and wasn't able to find a single picture that looked like the folder I mentioned. I'm starting to think its a one-off or a very small company. Its got these weird diagonal supports going in between the tubes.

11-25-09 | 12:17 AM

cudak888

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From: Southern Florida

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Quote:

Originally Posted by KtotheF

Any of you guys have one of these? I see one on campus occasionally, it's really interesting, sort of like a mixte combined with a bridge, I kinda want one.

Obsessed with Raleigh Twenties at this end (though I'd love to try a Moulton). Only one of the fleet is complete, a '70:

In the pipe is a '75 with a bent headtube, and a white '68/9 frameset that is due for customization.

A friend's '75:

-Kurt

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11-25-09 | 03:43 AM

KtotheF

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From: NYC

Bikes: Scott CR1, 1986 Guerciotti SLX, Mystery Ti Bike, 1990 Diamondback EX fixie

Quote:

Originally Posted by KtotheF

ah ha! I finally figured out what it was, an Alex Moulton

some pics from the web (Moulton AM7):

https://www.flickr.com/photos/bakapucka/3564819507/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/bakapucka/3565567296/

isn't that cool?

11-25-09 | 06:36 AM

Mos6502

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Bikes: 1972 Columbia Tourist Expert III, Columbia Roadster

The Moulton isn't actually a folding bike. Just a small wheeled bike with a suspension system.

11-25-09 | 07:02 AM

wrk101

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From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert

Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more

I've been looking for a deal on a Raleigh 20 for a while. No practical use, but I have always wanted one since my rich cousin had one back in the 1960s.

There's a nice Raleigh RSW 16 on fleabay right now.

Last edited by wrk101; 11-25-09 at 07:05 AM.

11-25-09 | 06:06 PM

wahoonc

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From: On the road-USA

Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG

Just a few around here...technically the Columbia isn't a folder, but it does break down for compact storage.

Aaron

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