Do all folders wobble? First time rider.
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Do all folders wobble? First time rider.
I just started to realize the advantage of a fold-able bike. Funny that it took all this time.
So I am quite interested in picking one (or two) up.
My first trial was at Canadian Tire with the cheap Schwinn Tango that they sell.
Because I am used to only triangle frames, I found this bike quiet unstable (flexible).
Is this the typical feel for most folders?
I think that I am taller and heavier than the Tango wants to bear.
Would something like the Dahon Classic III or Bike Friday heavy rider versions have more of a stable cruiser feel for me?
Thank you for suggestions.
So I am quite interested in picking one (or two) up.
My first trial was at Canadian Tire with the cheap Schwinn Tango that they sell.
Because I am used to only triangle frames, I found this bike quiet unstable (flexible).
Is this the typical feel for most folders?
I think that I am taller and heavier than the Tango wants to bear.
Would something like the Dahon Classic III or Bike Friday heavy rider versions have more of a stable cruiser feel for me?
Thank you for suggestions.
#2
Senior Member
I just started to realize the advantage of a fold-able bike. Funny that it took all this time.
So I am quite interested in picking one (or two) up.
My first trial was at Canadian Tire with the cheap Schwinn Tango that they sell.
Because I am used to only triangle frames, I found this bike quiet unstable (flexible).
Is this the typical feel for most folders?
I think that I am taller and heavier than the Tango wants to bear.
Would something like the Dahon Classic III or Bike Friday heavy rider versions have more of a stable cruiser feel for me?
Thank you for suggestions.
So I am quite interested in picking one (or two) up.
My first trial was at Canadian Tire with the cheap Schwinn Tango that they sell.
Because I am used to only triangle frames, I found this bike quiet unstable (flexible).
Is this the typical feel for most folders?
I think that I am taller and heavier than the Tango wants to bear.
Would something like the Dahon Classic III or Bike Friday heavy rider versions have more of a stable cruiser feel for me?
Thank you for suggestions.
Not all folders fold in the middle, or with a single hinge in the middle. The folder below has a traditional geometry, and two hinges.
* Disclosure - the only single-tube folders I've ridden are FSIRs.
Last edited by Abu Mahendra; 05-19-18 at 08:28 PM.
#4
Senior Member
They'll all feel weird to you at first because of the small wheels and quick handling. You'll need to try a few to see what works, I've been happy with the ride and handling of numerous Dahons.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 3,460
Bikes: Trident Spike 2 recumbent trike w/ e-assist
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1321 Post(s)
Liked 374 Times
in
288 Posts
There are two things at play in your experience. One, anyone riding a small wheeled bike the first few times is going to oversteer and that can be interpreted as "wobbly". It takes getting used to and then it isn't noticeable at all to the rider. Two, a cheap bike is going to ride badly regardless of size, but a cheap folding bike (assuming it has a hinge design) is going to magnify all those issues. Find a bike shop that carries a name brand or two and ride them for more than 10 minutes.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Henrico, VA
Posts: 1,480
Bikes: Origami Gazelle, Origami Crane 8, Origami Cricket 7
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 452 Post(s)
Liked 405 Times
in
241 Posts
No! A folding bike should never feel wobbly. If it does, the hinge latch may need to be adjusted. If it feels wobbly, it may not be safe to ride. Contact the seller of manufacturer for assistance.
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My wife's aluminum (non folding) step through has the same wobbly feel to me. She thinks so too so she usually rides her Cannondale.
Locally there are some options. I guess that I should just keep trying them out.
Thank you for your input.
Abu Mahendra, I know this Dahon. Really quite expensive. I will look for a cheaper alternative.
Locally there are some options. I guess that I should just keep trying them out.
Thank you for your input.
Abu Mahendra, I know this Dahon. Really quite expensive. I will look for a cheaper alternative.
#8
Senior Member
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 247
Bikes: Tyrell CSI, Dahon Mu LT11, Doppelganger Aurora 219
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 149 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Well there is your problem... Clown bikes are for clowns
But seriously look at the design of that frame, of course its not going to be remotely strong. Try a more standard folding bike. I have owned two folding bikes, they have issues but stiffness isnt really one of them unless riding hard. Like punning hard on the bars while accelerating can cause flex in the handle stem which is annoying, but I have never really felt frame flex.
But seriously look at the design of that frame, of course its not going to be remotely strong. Try a more standard folding bike. I have owned two folding bikes, they have issues but stiffness isnt really one of them unless riding hard. Like punning hard on the bars while accelerating can cause flex in the handle stem which is annoying, but I have never really felt frame flex.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 11,094
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
Mentioned: 47 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3417 Post(s)
Liked 1,434 Times
in
1,119 Posts
I am not familiar with the bike you tried.
But I can say that my folder (Airnimal Joey) has a very tall seatpost and seatpost extension. At first I noticed a lot of fore and aft flex at the saddle that made me somewhat concerned. But after several hundred miles on the bike I do not notice that at all.
But I can say that my folder (Airnimal Joey) has a very tall seatpost and seatpost extension. At first I noticed a lot of fore and aft flex at the saddle that made me somewhat concerned. But after several hundred miles on the bike I do not notice that at all.
#11
Banned
The trail length , steering geometry, of small wheel bikes is pretty short.
but front loading , weight in panniers or a low mount front bag,
steadies that light front end nicely ..
(Brompton puts it on a headtube QR mount),
+ you get to bring useful things with you..
....
but front loading , weight in panniers or a low mount front bag,
steadies that light front end nicely ..
(Brompton puts it on a headtube QR mount),
+ you get to bring useful things with you..
....
#12
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,261
Bikes: 9+,...
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1083 Post(s)
Liked 819 Times
in
568 Posts
My wife's aluminum (non folding) step through has the same wobbly feel to me. She thinks so too so she usually rides her Cannondale.
Locally there are some options. I guess that I should just keep trying them out.
Thank you for your input.
Abu Mahendra, I know this Dahon. Really quite expensive. I will look for a cheaper alternative.
Locally there are some options. I guess that I should just keep trying them out.
Thank you for your input.
Abu Mahendra, I know this Dahon. Really quite expensive. I will look for a cheaper alternative.
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
#13
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You can't base your opinion of all folding bikes based on riding a cheap Schwinn folder that's designed to be bottom of the barrel. If you stated height, weight, and your location, maybe we could help you locate some places for you to test ride a real, quality folding bike.
210lbs
Vancouver Island Canada
Fairfield Cycle has Brompton and Tern but are closed tomorrow for the stat holiday.
#15
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,261
Bikes: 9+,...
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1083 Post(s)
Liked 819 Times
in
568 Posts
Then, after the holiday, start test riding. You should be able to notice a difference,... That schwinn you rode is considered one of the worst folding bikes.
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Bangkok: hottest average temperature :(
Posts: 628
Bikes: *1998 GT Forte Ti 700c, Totem KDS-D 26" fatbike, BirdyGT 18", Brompton M2LX 16"
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 88 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
Try a Brompton, Birdy, Bike Friday or Moulton if you can just to feel what the top end can be like. These 4 can't have any frame play by design; just make sure the clamps are tight and feel the stiffness. A side folder like a Dahon/Tern that isn't set up correctly might have some hinge play or 2 piece stem flex. Side folders can be adjusted stiff, but you wouldn't know unless you ask the dealer to test ride it before you and they are competent enough to recognize the hinge adjuster is loose. I can't see any flex in the BB on my Birdy, but my classic 700c road bike's BB sways a few mm under power.
#17
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,261
Bikes: 9+,...
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1083 Post(s)
Liked 819 Times
in
568 Posts
Both of my steel Dahon (P8 & Speed 3i custom) folders have no flex/play whatsoever. The Dahon Curve has a small bit in the telescoping handlepost. None of them wobble,...
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Port Dover Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,540
Bikes: 1965 Dilecta Le Blanc, 1956 Royal Nord, 1972 Raleigh Sports, 1972 CCM Turismo,1976 SuperCycle Excalibur, 2014 Salsa Vaya, 2017 Felt DD70, 2019 Giant Lafree and others
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 349 Post(s)
Liked 573 Times
in
225 Posts
Very familiar with the CTC Schwinn Tango. A few years ago my wife and I used them on our camping trips. They are not great bikes and use the cheapest parts available. We sold them to some occasional users and purchased a Giant "Expressway" and Giant "Halfway" (now out of production) What a difference, after 6years they are still one of our favorite rides. Last year my Halfway saw 500 miles in March alone. The only upgrade was to Schwalbe Marathons to prevent the flatting problems with the Kendas. I'm 6' 205 lbs and the bike is very stable.
__________________
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
#19
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,261
Bikes: 9+,...
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1083 Post(s)
Liked 819 Times
in
568 Posts
My full sized folding bike (TernJoeP24) rides like any full sized bike as well. And it has a higher weight limit,...I believe 264lbs. My Dahon's all have a 230lb weight limit,...but can easily handle more.
PS: I weigh 230lbs,...I would definitely know if my bike was wobbly or flexing.
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
Last edited by tds101; 05-31-18 at 12:01 PM.
#20
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thank you for all the responses.
I stayed away from any bike $1800+ (sorry Brompton).
MEC store was sold out both times that I went. They build them up and sell them out usually on weekends. They will give me a call when one is built.
That leaves Tern Link.
As soon as I got on it and powered in I could feel a slight flex and with each bump that I hit.
The weird thing though is that after 45 seconds of riding I didn't notice it anymore. Maybe I just got accustomed to the different feel.
Rides fine.
I stayed away from any bike $1800+ (sorry Brompton).
MEC store was sold out both times that I went. They build them up and sell them out usually on weekends. They will give me a call when one is built.
That leaves Tern Link.
As soon as I got on it and powered in I could feel a slight flex and with each bump that I hit.
The weird thing though is that after 45 seconds of riding I didn't notice it anymore. Maybe I just got accustomed to the different feel.
Rides fine.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Chicago area
Posts: 2,535
Bikes: Airborne "Carpe Diem", Motobecane "Mirage", Trek 6000, Strida 2, Dahon "Helios XL", Dahon "Mu XL", Tern "Verge S11i"
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 972 Post(s)
Liked 572 Times
in
393 Posts
I also have an older Dahon Mu XL, which has a remarkably stiff frame. The only flex is from the handlepost which is an extendable type.
FWIW, I'm around 210 pounds and carry a backpack.
#23
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 18
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Mine has flex
I have a 3speed workman with no flex at all.
I also have a UNIS,has flex on trails and makes for a softer ride,I love it.
I also have a UNIS,has flex on trails and makes for a softer ride,I love it.
#24
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I took the wife to try out the MEC bike. 34 lbs and the steering geometry seems wrong.
The wife said the same.
We both liked the Tern Link.
I think that the MEC bikes, which also have Tern parts, are popular because of price.
Still looking though. Probably need 2 now.
The wife said the same.
We both liked the Tern Link.
I think that the MEC bikes, which also have Tern parts, are popular because of price.
Still looking though. Probably need 2 now.
#25
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
OP
I bought a Dahon Vitesse i7 20inch, 26lbs, Shimano Nexus 7-speed.
This seems to be a quality product. It is also nice that a tall guy like myself and a short gal like my wife both can ride this comfortably.
Actually perfect for her. I could use just a little higher handlebar.
I bought a Dahon Vitesse i7 20inch, 26lbs, Shimano Nexus 7-speed.
This seems to be a quality product. It is also nice that a tall guy like myself and a short gal like my wife both can ride this comfortably.
Actually perfect for her. I could use just a little higher handlebar.