fourknees

I didn't see anything when searching, but maybe this has been discussed. Is there a big reason why the fold in half style bikes like Dahon, tern, downtube, origami, etc all fold leaving the drive side (chain) exposed.

It seems to me that maybe the fold wouldn't be as compact and handle bars may need to fold to the outside, but it seems that this would have many benefits such as protecting derailleurs, and not getting chain grease on clothes when folded.

Am I missing something?

Amt0571

I think it would be more complicated to fit the derailleur and the handlebars between both frame parts. And my Dahon has a SRAM Dualdrive with a protruding clickbox that would make the fold less compact.

To avoid grease on clothes I just pick the bike from the other side

bhkyte

It tends to prevent cables getting caught on derailler and chain ring bending issues in my experience. Which happen more often with my mezzo,birdie and former brompton due to them folding over the drive side.

(Dualdrive click box's can be slimed down by removing some of the casing)

fietsbob

ITK some one else's Why..

Brompton, OTOH, folds the front wheel over the right side covering the drivetrain.

Clownbike

Front wheel of Birdy also folds to drive side, and rear wheel swivels up, under, and towards the opposite side of the frame tube, There is no hinge on the frame.

Pinigis 

I cannot speak for the others, but at Origami we prefer the chain side exposed so the we can nest the handlebar within the folded frame without getting the grips greasy. This also prevents the derailleur from interfering with the fold or getting banned out of adjustment by the fork.