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Looking for a folding bike for very tall rider... (196cm, 6ft5)

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Old 05-15-18 | 12:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Imetomi
What do you guys think of this one? www.ternbicycles.com/us/bikes/472/node-d8 I saw a german review with a 6ft4 tall guy, he said it is very well built for taller cyclist. Do have any comments on this one?
That's a good option. Its a solid bike with a good reputation.
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Old 05-15-18 | 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Imetomi
What do you guys think of this one? www.ternbicycles.com/us/bikes/472/node-d8 I saw a German review with a 6ft4 tall guy, he said it is very well built for taller cyclists. Do have any comments on this one?
I also think it's a good option. I'd check it out if I were you,...

PS: How about a Zizzo Swiss Alps folding bike? Not too expensive, and should work well enough for daily rides. And, the parts are upgradeable.
https://zizzo.bike/pages/shop-swiss-alps
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Old 05-15-18 | 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by ChilledOut

I am 6’7” and 17.5 stone and have just bought a Brompton with the extended seatpost and the “H” handlebars and find it perfect. Initially I was put off by the 16” wheels but the ride was as good or better than my Dahon with 20” wheels.
When you order a Brompton you can get the gears as “standard” or you can get the gearing changed for speed or hill climbing. Unfortunately it may be above your budget but I suggest finding a dealer and have a test ride.
Good to know I am not alone! I started to look for some used Bromptons. At first I thought these bikes would not fit me... Do they have different frame sizes? I like my saddle and my handlebar to be on the same level, can a Brompton ensure that with my height? And one more question: how hard is it to upgrade from a 3 gear to a 6 gear system, are these made by the manufacturers or you can modify it easily? (I found one with 3 gears, just curious if I could modufy it...)
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Old 05-15-18 | 02:28 PM
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frame length is 60cm no alternates there.

the seat post in the 2 stage telescoping version is tall enough single tube extended length is OK
i have one it sticks up a bit more when folded all the way down..

and handle bar masts come in 4 styles, as offered above, H might be OK..

Bromptons 6 speed is 2 external gears and 3 internal ones.. those 3 [BWR] are a bit wider apart
than the standard 3 speed [BSR] ,

Best to order the 6 speed in the beginning.

a 2 chainring crank can replace the 1 ring type they fit, stock..

After you own it ..



,..

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Old 05-15-18 | 02:49 PM
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Originally Posted by fietsbob
frame length is 60cm no alternates there.

the seat post in the 2 stage telescoping version is tall enough single tube extended length is OK
i have one it sticks up a bit more when folded all the way down..

and handle bar masts come in 4 styles, as offered above, H might be OK..

Bromptons 6 speed is 2 external gears and 3 internal ones.. those 3 [BWR] are a bit wider apart
than the standard 3 speed [BSR] ,

Best to order the 6 speed in the beginning.

a 2 chainring crank can replace the 1 ring type they fit, stock..

After you own it ..



,..
Wow, I am getting biased... I read so many positive reviews from other tall riders. Just found a M5R for an affordable price, I think I could upgrade that easily after ordering extra parts like an H handlebar and a telescopic seat. Or are these M5R models too old?

Last edited by Imetomi; 05-15-18 at 02:52 PM.
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Old 05-15-18 | 02:53 PM
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Have you even considered a Dahon Espresso? Great full sized folder, sm/md/lg frame sizes available, and strong frame to boot.
https://usa.dahon.com/bikes/espresso-d21-3/
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Old 05-15-18 | 03:10 PM
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yea 5 speed is type 2 frame era, 2 cable shifted,,, pull chains on both sides of the hub*
no fitting brazed under the R chainstay tube for the 'gear pusher',
the derailleur in Brompton uses is pushing the pulley it self sideways, from over one gear to the other

* I used to have a Mk2 3T.. circa 94, it had the fittings for the left shift chain and pulley,

>>they're shorter too , <<
steel hubs .. bars wont take newer Ergon grips,

sold it (Can't offer measurements) and got a used Mk4 M3L
Different hinge plate redesign , old one was fillet butt brazed, repirts were the brazing was OK
but a skilled job done by hand , if the brazing had issues someone with those skills could fix it.
newer the hinge pieces fit over the tubes, so faster to braze ,
make more bikes in less time.


Oh, and buying separate frame parts, though they are backwards Compatible, are rather expensive..



...

Last edited by fietsbob; 05-15-18 at 03:21 PM.
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Old 05-15-18 | 03:14 PM
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Originally Posted by tds101
Have you even considered a Dahon Espresso? Great full sized folder, sm/md/lg frame sizes available, and strong frame to boot. usa.dahon.com/bikes/espresso-d21-3/
I like this one too, but it is too big when folded. So many choices, I think I will have to organize everything in Excel.
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Old 05-15-18 | 03:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Imetomi
I like this one too, but it is too big when folded. So many choices, I think I will have to organize everything in Excel.
Do know that the new Dahon Espresso's have a handlebar stem that allows a slim fold.
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Old 05-15-18 | 04:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Imetomi
Good to know I am not alone! I started to look for some used Bromptons. At first I thought these bikes would not fit me... Do they have different frame sizes? I like my saddle and my handlebar to be on the same level, can a Brompton ensure that with my height? And one more question: how hard is it to upgrade from a 3 gear to a 6 gear system, are these made by the manufacturers or you can modify it easily? (I found one with 3 gears, just curious if I could modufy it...)
All Bromptons have the same frame size. I have the H height handlebars but they do a taller one which look as if you can use them at two heights - these I think are called the P range.
I am sure it would be possible to upgrade from 3 to 6 gears but I think it would be expensive... you keep the three speed hub and have to add a Brompton derailleur as well. I think it best to ask a dealer about costings before you buy a 3 speed hoping to upgrade to 6 speed.
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Old 05-15-18 | 05:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Imetomi
What do you guys think of this one? www.ternbicycles.com/us/bikes/472/node-d8 I saw a German review with a 6ft4 tall guy, he said it is very well built for taller cyclists. Do have any comments on this one?
Sorry, but I don't have direct experience with this bike, but it does seem rather "generic" and is a branded Tern, so I would not expect it to differ much in functional riding (ie. should be good, maybe not high end level in terms of ride/speed)
The frame does seem to have more allowance for a longer handlebar post as its placed higher.

I actually see no reason why a typical folding Dahon/Tern can't be "sized up" with longer seatpost, handbar extension (for height), longer handlebar post, so do look at those as well.
You might want to just ask about it in the local shop or via messaging/email to an online store.


Maybe a Dahon Qix can work too since it folds and rolls differently and a longer handlebar post won't be too much of a problem.
https://dahon.com/bikes/qix-d8-2/
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Old 05-16-18 | 01:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Imetomi
Good to know I am not alone! I started to look for some used Bromptons. At first I thought these bikes would not fit me... Do they have different frame sizes? I like my saddle and my handlebar to be on the same level, can a Brompton ensure that with my height? And one more question: how hard is it to upgrade from a 3 gear to a 6 gear system, are these made by the manufacturers or you can modify it easily? (I found one with 3 gears, just curious if I could modufy it...)
My Brompton is now 5x2 gears. It ia all about weight money and knowledge. Peopel put 8 speed hubs and more on theyr B`s.


Originally Posted by Imetomi
Wow, I am getting biased... I read so many positive reviews from other tall riders. Just found a M5R for an affordable price, I think I could upgrade that easily after ordering extra parts like an H handlebar and a telescopic seat. Or are these M5R models too old?
No Brompton is "too old", it depends how it was treated and stored. My B is one of the old 5 speed ones. Mine was not used more than a few kms in almost 15 yrs, kept inside a camper van. The older B`s have a slightly shorter frame, could be something to look into for you. If the hub has got two wires it is not so good as the left chain (the one in the middle of the axel used to shift the hub) can easily get squashed when folded. This is the reason I bought a modern 5 speed hub. Also the 5 speed bikes did not have the right braze on to add the rear der to shift between the two cogs. I bought a new (used) rear triangle for my bike. On my sons bike we plan to have the a local welder add what is needed, using my bike as a guide.

https://www.cultofmac.com/286290/brompton-folding-bike/

Last edited by badmother; 05-16-18 at 02:28 AM.
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Old 05-16-18 | 02:04 AM
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Originally Posted by ChilledOut

All Bromptons have the same frame size. I have the H height handlebars but they do a taller one which look as if you can use them at two heights - these I think are called the P range.
I am sure it would be possible to upgrade from 3 to 6 gears but I think it would be expensive... you keep the three speed hub and have to add a Brompton derailleur as well. I think it best to ask a dealer about costings before you buy a 3 speed hoping to upgrade to 6 speed.
Older frames are shorter so not the same size. The 3 speed hubs used on a three speed Brompton is not the same as the 3 speed hub used (stock) in a 6 speed B. the one used on a 6 speed B is wide range.
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Old 05-16-18 | 02:18 AM
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Originally Posted by pinholecam
What about a Montague?
Its a full sized roadbike styled bike that folds.

.

You are way tall for most most folding bikes.
That said, you might be able to find a 2nd hand Bike Friday that was also made very large and hard for the seller to find a buyer.
Not going to happen. One of many limitation of being tall. He's more likely to find a needle in a haystack.
Else one of those 26" folding bikes from Dahon or Tern
Finding a tall bike is one thing but you must also consider your riding style, environment, and distance. The 26" fb isn't as compact, lightweight (or easily foldable), but they make for a better ride all around.
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Old 05-16-18 | 05:49 AM
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Originally Posted by KraneXL
Not going to happen. One of many limitation of being tall. He's more likely to find a needle in a haystack. Finding a tall bike is one thing but you must also consider your riding style, environment, and distance. The 26" fb isn't as compact, lightweight (or easily foldable), but they make for a better ride all around.

What about this 58cm one?
I got no idea what a 196cm person needs btw.


https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-b...e-frame-21692/
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Old 05-16-18 | 06:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Imetomi
Good to know I am not alone! I started to look for some used Bromptons. At first I thought these bikes would not fit me... Do they have different frame sizes? I like my saddle and my handlebar to be on the same level, can a Brompton ensure that with my height? And one more question: how hard is it to upgrade from a 3 gear to a 6 gear system, are these made by the manufacturers or you can modify it easily? (I found one with 3 gears, just curious if I could modufy it...)
You need the H if you go with Brompton. It has the hightest handlebar.
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Old 05-16-18 | 06:20 AM
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Originally Posted by pinholecam
What about this 58cm one?
I got no idea what a 196cm person needs btw.


https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-b...e-frame-21692/
Its a tall people thing. But TS should specify how he intends (distance, terrain, etc.) to use it.
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Old 05-16-18 | 06:25 AM
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A few more questions...

Originally Posted by Pinigis
The Origami Mantis was designed for taller riders, up to 6'5"
I will have a few more questions:

1. Do you still ship in black? (I don't really like the two color options)
2. Can I carry a larger backpack on the rear rack with the Mantis? I weigh 205 pounds. Can this bike handle 50 more pounds on the rack?
3. Is there an option to setup a front rack?
4. How hard is it to modify the bike? (Changing handlebar, tyres, etc...)
5. How would this bike perform on a longer tour?
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Old 05-16-18 | 07:44 AM
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1. We do not have the Mantis in black, only pearl orange and metallic mocha
2. Yes, the bike can carry 260 pounds. I know that the rack can carry 72 cans of beer. :-)
3. There are front racks that can mount to the brake lugs. I have one in my car and can take a photo later
4. It is as simple to modify as any other bike.
5. I have not used a Mantis on a longer tour (not more than 25 miles or so), but it would depend upon the terrain and your demands.
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Old 05-16-18 | 09:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Pinigis
3. There are front racks that can mount to the brake lugs. I have one in my car and can take a photo later
If this si the kind of rack I had on my folder (it is made to support a front basket) I would not think this is what the OP is after. You can not safely hang front paniers from it. it can be used to support a clickfix bag hanging from a caddy or similar mounted to the stem (so you can load up more than 7 kg in the bag since it has support under). https://www.amazon.ca/M-Wave-Front-P.../dp/B007Y5EPUA

I would expect a Dahon front rack can fit this bike as we are using them on several non Dahon 20" bikes.
https://www.google.com/search?q=daho...w=1354&bih=619

Is there no way to atatch a Brompton block or a Clickfix or Dahon bracket on your bikes?

Last edited by badmother; 05-16-18 at 09:19 AM.
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Old 05-16-18 | 09:21 AM
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Originally Posted by badmother
If this si the kind of rack I had on my folder (it is made to support a front basket) I would not think this is what the OP is after. You can not safely hang front paniers from it. it can be used to support a clickfix bag hanging from a caddy or similar mounted to the stem (so you can load up more than 7 kg in the bag since it has support under). I would expect a Dahon front rack can fit this bike as we are using them on several non Dahon 20" bikes.

Is there no way to atatch a Brompton block or a Clickfix or Dahon bracket on your bikes?
The rack that I have is small and not meant for panniers. We don't currently have a mount for Click or Dahnon brackets.
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Old 05-16-18 | 09:27 AM
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Originally Posted by Pinigis
We don't currently have a mount for Click or Dahnon brackets.
You need to fix that- NOW!
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