I'm looking at getting a folding bike for when I return to uni for my PhD and am trying to give myself plenty of time to decide. Was hoping you guys could give a bit of help.

I'd like something as simple and light as possible and so I'm thinking a single speed. I like the look of the bike fridays for their 20" wheels and ability to fold without removing anything, also I'm hoping I'll be able to get a lightweight road frame with disc brakes as they'll all custom. If there's any alternative that fits this description please let me know as I'd love to know what else is out there.

I'm wondering though what the lightest anyone has managed to build a bike friday is. Do you guys think it would be possible to get one down to under 7kg?

Thanks for any help you can give.

BF Super Pro gets under 7kg ... with a single speed, lighter still..

Go Direct... Converse with the sales reps 1-800-777-0258 (toll free USA & Canada)

Thanks. I'd heard about that model but for some silly reason thought I'd remembered hearing it was still over 7kg. In that case I wonder if under 6kg might be possible

Yea, stripped to a single speed .. nothing weighs less than a part not installed ..

Unfortunately I'm in the UK. I might drop them an email at some point. As I say, am also half wondering if anything else that has 20" wheels (or bigger, as long as it can still fold without disassembly) can compete weight wise, hence, posting here. Thanks for the help though.

There is a is the UK representative for Bi Fri there ..

the new NWT folds with an above the BB pivot , which was first done with the Tikit ,their a 349 16" wheel (uses all Brompton compatible tire spares )

which is their Engineered to fold, Quick, bike , the 20" wheel travel bikes are made more to fold occasionally to pack small for travel ,
not necessarily to be folded daily to get on IC rail, 'the Tube' Or a Bus.

I don't need it to fold for taking on transport, merely for carrying up tight stairs and taking up less room in my apartment. Maybe to tuck down the side of the lab depending how much space there is but that's less important.

Well tight stairs, you realize the rear section comes along side the front , so doubles width while reducing Length ..

but in General, the small wheels will take up less room in little apartments, than bigger wheels ..
Minivelos which are lighter due to lack of hinge structures, will beat folders for low weight..

Hard to beat Brompton for the small compact fold, because the rear fold is Underneath , not along side ..

Pocket Rocket I think is still the hinged behind the BB like my P Llama,

that fold lets the chain drape , so you need a sacrificial throw rug(or a cover bag) to take the black chain Smunge
where you park it folded ..

Looking at folding videos it seems to be folded behind the BB. The tight stairs in most of the buildings I'm likely to be in length is more of a problem as they spiral.

I've looked at minivelos but they're not enough of a size reduction for my liking.

The main thing which I can't find about the bikefriday folders is if there is anything holding the back wheel up or if it just flops back down when carrying. Ease of getting up stairs is one of my main concerns. After a year of having to try and get my cyclocross bike up and down every day I need a big change.

Just got a Dahon Mu Uno for similar reasons. It's a single speed, twenty two pounds and I carry it folded up stairs, that have turns, to my little apartment.

Funnily enough that's what I currently have, but I'd really like something a bit lighter and although I could trim off some weight with after market components I think the frame may always limit the potential.

Got The Brommy X version with the Titanium fork and rear section Parts?

Oddly no one is willing to pony Up the costs of making the UFB* like Main frame Portion In Titanium ..

*( Len Rubin's " Ultimate Folding Bike " only 1 prototype ]

https://ufbusa.ishopserver.com/Sites.../PICT0027.jpeg

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images...FB_Folded.jpeg

I started using dry wax chain lube on my BF for that very reason. Not only is there no issue indoors, but if the chain comes off I can replace with my hand and end up grease free after. Requires a more frequent application, but work better than grease imo.

Sorry, that was in reply to DLBroox post regarding the Dahon. I have strongly considered a Brompton ti but would really quite like discs.

You seen the Disc brake forks made in Glasgow by Ben Cooper for Bromptons? Use with Alfine or R'off Hubs

Thanks, that's good to know. I really hadn't realised how much aftermarket stuff designed for Bromptons there is. That makes them really quite appealing, I do love tinkering after all. I wonder how light I could get it

I Light weight is your main Priority , have you considered a Unicycle?

Well light weight and the ability to ride in traffic without dying. I can't help that my arms are weak

lmao!

They made a change at some point. Although they might be producing both since -- just based on anecdotes -- it appears that it's harder to pack the new design.

You're the ideal candidate for a Ti Swift.

I've looked at that bike but am not a huge fan of either the looks or the fold.

Tbh after reading more on this forum and elsewhere I'm tempted to just try and put my Mu on a radical diet.

Too bad you're not on this side of the pond.. I have a Rolf front wheel and a new Dahon carbon seatpost.. that would shave an easy kg or more..

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...