I was unsure of whether to put this in the commuting or folding bike forum.

I am car-free and commute everyday. I have a decked out winter bike that is suitable for riding in an ice castle, and a 700c bike for the other 3 seasons.

I was looking at Bromptons and thought it might be nice to own one as a third bike. Has anyone around here regularly commuted on a bike like this? I was just wondering how the smaller tires and strange geometry contribute to the comfort of regular commuting.

My folding bike is not a Brompton, or even Brompton-like. And it doesn't fold.
But it has 20 inch tires. If you're riding on relatively smooth surfaces (paved roads), then I don't see any drawbacks to a smaller wheel. I guess some folks find them rougher when rolling over obstacles, but I haven't noticed that. In fact, due to some geometry issues of my bike plus the lower center of gravity, sometimes I prefer it when I know I'm heading for rougher than normal terrain.

Basically I find that my 700c bike feels faster and is definitely more comfortable on longer rides, but when actually timing my commute, the differences are minimal. I have a friend who tours on a small wheeled bike and likes it fine.

More than wheel size, I'd pay attention to geometry. I would definitely take that question to the folding forum. Just like full-sized bikes, folding bikes come with just about any kind of riding in mind, but, given their role in multi-modal travel, I think many of them are geared towards shorter, more relaxed rides. Mine, while able to haul a surprising amount and while incredibly comfortable over the short term, will never be a "zippy" bike, and the very upright position begins to wear on me after an hour or so in the saddle as I find there's very little ability to stretch or change position. But that's my bike. However I think a lot of folding bikes are made with short-term comfort as the priority, and for a lot of uses, that's perfect. But their are also faster folding bikes, touring folding bikes, etc.

If you want another resource for Brompton bikes, check out The Path Less Pedaled, where they are currently touring on Bromptons, which speaks well to their comfort and suitability over the long haul. They also post on BikeForums at times as well, so you may be able to hit them up with specific questions.

I commute on a folding bike and it works well for my route, i.e. 6.5 miles from home to the Metro train station, fold bike and get on train, ride Metro train for 10 mi., exit train, un-fold bike, ride 1.1 mi. to work.

My bike has 16" wheels, and for sure the ride quality is different from my 700C wheel bikes. However, the small fold size works well since the bike doesn't take up much room on the Metro. You don't say whether a train (or subway) is part of your commute, but if so, the folding bikes makes the most sense (unless your train has specific bike parking accommodations).

I have it set up to fit me well, and while I would never think about riding a century on it, the folding bike is remarkably nimble, very well geared (Shimano Nexus 8-speed) and easy to live with on a day to day basis. My bike is a DaHon Curve SL and I've added a rack (also DaHon) and a rack trunk. The only spec. change I've made is to replace the standard MKS pedals with Shimano SPD.

Attached photos of my DaHon in folded and un-folded modes!
Rick / OCRR

I commuted for years on my Bike Friday folding bike although I never used the folding feature for the commute. It just happened to be the bike that had the necessary bags and fenders on it so it was more convenient to use it instead of one of the 'regular' bikes. I've also used it for some loaded tours and century rides and find it rides almost the same as my 700c bikes - but it does go through tires quite a bit faster.

Big benefit of a folding bike, I find, is realized when combined with other modes..
Train/bus/carpool 1 way, and the ability to take it inside, on the ends of the trip.

If security is an issue parking it outside, it doesn't have to stay there..

got a Brompton 3 speed , I really like how it uses the headtube to mount it's luggage.
A lot can be packed in the bags that are made to go on the front carrier block.

then I found a deal I liked on a Bike Friday , 20" wheel, IGH.. fold is not as small,
[Brompton folds rear under, BF folds alongside the main portion]
but it retains the low step over of the top tube.

steering Geometry, is appropriate to the wheel size, and their, lower trail and front loading,
are a good combination,
I wished for a similar single large bag, but BF puts the headbadge there, instead.
so I got their pannier rack instead, and use small dry bags, Paired .

BF offers you the benefit of a wide range of bike types, Brompton, a range of variations
on the 1 frame type and size, but they are both top quality options.

I used my Birdy during my trip to South Texas last summer (bike,train, bus,bike) with no problem.
Well, the strap on my bike bag broke, but that was it.




My Nova




They ride kinda twichy at first, but then you get used to it after a few minutes.

' love my foldies. I'm glad I have them.

I'm on a folder for the time I'm working/living in NYC. It's a da Hon Helios. It's working out great as a commuter. Especially good in a city where you might need/want to take it inside, take it on a plane, a train, throw in the trunk of a cab etc. It moves along too. I have few complaints about using a folder every day.

Not bad if you are doing a multi-mode commute like I do. I find the 20" wheels to be a bit much when I am doing a park and ride and the total distance is over 20 miles round trip. the fit is really important... I have tweaked my giant expressway a lot to make it comfortable for longer hauls. Because the bar folds on the outside I can use a treking bar vs. just a flat bar, and that makes a difference.

I have a Dahon Speed P8 which I use as a part-time commuter. It rides like a normal bike and the 20x2" big apple tires soak up the bumps as well any road bike. It's a little slower than my main commuter (about 10% slower), but it's really nice to be able to fold it and put it in the trunk of a car or bring it on a train. I've ridden it up to 30 miles at a stretch and could comfortably ride it further.

2008 Dahon Curve SL by sudoshift, on Flickr

My commute is 14 miles each way with various terrain and elevation changes. I start off in the urban jungle and end up at the beach.


20-Inch Folding Bike With Fenders and Schwalbe Marathon Racers by sudoshift, on Flickr

I prefer my 20 inch wheel folding bike than my 16" Curve SL only because the steel frame on the bigger folder absorbs the bumps better.