jpjuggler

hi,
this might be a contradictory request... is there a folding bike that also has its handlebars high enough that one can ride in a "sitting up" position? I am aware of the brompton and the "h" handlebars and looking forward to trying it out, but would also like to know other options. I don't do well if I'm bent over and there is strain on my wrists. In fact I'm normally ride a recumbent with under the seat steering... but would like to also have a compact folding bike too. thanks.

Abu Mahendra

So long as the bikes stem/handlepost has a standard 25.4mm or 31.6mm clamp diameter, you can install any handlebar of those sizes and extensiob. Brompton or Brompton parts are hardly your only option. There should be plenty of BMX or townie bars to fit your need.

Schwinnsta

I believe Bike Friday will make theirs as high as you would like. You can look at the models on their site and give them a call to discuss it. They are pricey, but nice. I have an H type Brompton which is upright.

Joe Remi

Just about any Dahon with a telescoping handlepost should work. Get it up high, and - as others have said - swap in a riser bar if you need even more height. I'm 5'-7" and my Dahon Mariner can get the bars much higher than the saddle.

pacificaslim

fietsbob

Few years back I saw a 406 wheel ,Copenhagen made, version of a Dursley Pedersen.
[as pictured]

it was a brief knock down, rather than quick fold , but the upright ride must be excellent.
Id want one.





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Blackstrida_A_

Strida - what else...

jpjuggler

thanks for your info... with regards to H type brompton, may I ask how tall you are such that you are upright with the H type?

jpjuggler

thanks for the info. forgive my ignorance, but what is a riser bar?

Schwinnsta

5"-10"

Joe Remi

Sorry, mountain bikes used to all come with flat bars like on most Dahons, then they started making them with 1- or 2-inches of rise, hence, "riser bars".

Winfried

https://www.ebay.com/bhp/riser-bars

linberl

I wouldn't recommend the Bike Friday pakit for a totally upright position (I test rode one set up that way and did not like the steering). My Bike Friday NWT however rides perfectly in an upright position. It's an older style set up wtih a Nitto technomics quill stem, which allows me to adjust from a sporty riding position to fully upright with a simple hex key (threadless stems are ugly and not nearly as flexible in use, or as elegant). But for ultimate ramrod straight riding, I'd say go with the brompton. I see people riding them every day, sitting like their backs are fused.

ttakata73

I'd also say the Strida is the most vertical posture, but it has a unique ride quality because of this. Then a Brompton H would probably be second. Every bike, especially folding bikes have tradeoffs. Putting higher bars on any bike might affect the fold.

mlau

My Xootr swift is currently set up for very upright riding.
north road bars. Thudbuster. Adjustable stem.

Thing is, I really miss my original configuration.
It's a pretty sweet bike stock.

Otherwise, bike Friday comes to mind.
Or something like a Raleigh 20.

Strida imho is like getting your crotch kicked multiple times. It hurts.

mlau

Hmmm. On rereading your request, I think a bike Friday is the most reliable way to get a compact, upright ride.

My Xootr isn't compact at all.
Bromptons are compact, but may not fit...not very adaptable.
Dahon et Al will need significant modification to feel right, and won't be so compact.

Bike friday will build the bike to fit you.

linberl

You will have no problem getting a 20" Bike Friday to ride upright. I kitted mine out with Nitto Allrounder bars (a narrower North Roads style) and a Brooks saddle, and it rides very comfortably. You can even get ergonomic grips made for swept back bars to add to the wrist comfort. But - the 20" BF's are not made for daily multi-modal commuting, they are folding for packing/travel purposes. It depends on what your needs are. If you want upright and fast folding/multi-modal, I personally don't think BF is going to be
the solution for you. The Packit needs a somewhat aggressive rider position to put the weight in proper balance for handling (makes a difference when the bike is sub-20 lbs)
but I believe the upright position is fine on the heavier Brompton.

fietsbob

the H is a taller version of an M from Brompton..

The newer frames are longer than the Mk2..

but you adapt the bike with adjustments and seat/bar mast choices

Generally folding bikes are a product, you buy as they are..

only Bike Friday has flexibility in its production tooling..




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