MooGroc

I agree that this is a very reasonable way to go. I'll keep watching CL, but am not optimistic of finding a deal close enough to me.

mirfi

Downtube. 16" and 8sp internal hub.

MooGroc

Thanks for the videos and recommendation but the Curl video recommends against purchasing one.
In any case, it's too expensive for me right now.

fietsbob

... in which Port ?

Hinge

Yes, the website does leave something to be desired. LOL. True, the wheels are 20" but the folded size difference between it and a 16" folder may not be that significant, but then again maybe it will be, what do I know? 20" wheels do have advantages though. Call/email them and I'm sure they'll be happy to give you the exact folded size.

Or you could go with Bruce's idea. $100 disposable bike. Can't go wrong with that. However, I would suggest dunking it in a vat of cosmoline first.

tds101 

No problem,...I totally understand,...LOL!

1 bike that's actually geared towards boat owners is the Downtube Mini. It's an 8 speed igh, and it's a complete package that's aimed at boat owners, RV'ers, and people who live in seaside environments, like me. I own 1, and it's quite good. I'm just waiting to have my knee surgery, so I can really get to ride it more. For $399 it's a solid deal. Downtube.com

​

MooGroc

Thanks for the recommendation. The Downtube Mini, the Origami Wasp and the Greenzone Premium Edition 16 are all on my short list. I'm pretty sure I couldn't go far wrong with any of them.

BikeKraft

I have the Downtube mini, it's a good bike.
I would have gone with the Greenzone if I had known about it. $140 less than the mini when you add the shipping.
Also it looks like the Greenzone has a better handlebar stem that includes the quick release for the handlebar.
For folding, the position of the brake levers can be a pain. This handlebar stem takes care of that.
If front fender is important the Greenzone has one.

mlau

Hey Moogroc,

1. How tall/heavy are you?
2. What do you need for the bike to do? Just get you places in under 10 mi rides? Race?
3. Where are nearby ports?

Personally, I think any folding bike (Dahon or smaller, 20" or smaller) should work fine for you.

Buy a used one (if you're near ports, you can reach out ahead of time or look for used bike stores).
Use it.
Sell it at minimal loss.

Having had a Xootr Swift (rides really well, folds not great) and a Brompton (folds really well, rides decent), I'd say that it really depends on your needs.
If you can swing the space, any Dahon should work (except the non-folding ones).

bikebikebike

Downtube is best value, Brompton for size, Bike friday for ride, Citzen for cheap
20"if you can afford the space

linberl

Bike Friday/Brompton are steel (there is a BF for $700 that comes up on craigslist near you). This, however is aluminum, very lightweight, and a very well regarded bike. https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/b...819168939.html If you can get to NY to test ride it, you might just love it. I personally own a Bike Friday as my main bike, but I snagged a Dahon Mu Uno (same as the one in NY except single speed) and I am astounded on what a great bike it is! Rock solid, lightweight, and it is now my rainy day bike since it is pretty much impervious to bad weather (saving my BF from getting wet). I just hose it off when I come back from a wet muddy ride and it shrugs it off with no ill effects. That's a great price on the Dahon Mu P8....they sell in my area (S.F.) for $600 used.

linberl

Or, if you don't like that one, BF is selling a new OSATA (fully adjustable frame length) for $499! https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-b...ble-frame-bike

MooGroc

I ordered and received a Greenzone. It has been way too cold and snowy to give it
a proper test drive but based on what I see in my living room I'm happy with my
choice. I'm sure there are other options that would have also worked well.

I'll post some pictures and a review once I've had a chance to put a few miles on it.

tds101 

I can't wait to see what you think of it. It's quite a nice little bike.

kraftwerk 

What kind of sail boat? It seems like a wonderful plan... Hills are an issue in some coastal towns but usually it's nearly flat near the coast, so you might get away with a single-speed cog. In any case: use case... air tight to store the thing, to keep the salt air off of it..

MooGroc

It's a 36 foot cutter. The bike will stay down below in the bag that came with it. It's always dry down bellow.

I've taken the Greenzone on only a very short test drive and I think the 3 speed will
work well for me. The 16" wheels will take some getting used to but that was to be expected.

MooGroc

I have the bike with me on the boat and used it a several times already. Overall,
I'm very happy with my choice. It's exactly what I wanted - an inexpensive bike
for short shore excursions. It's perfect for exploring new villages and running
to the supermarket for supplies.

The only serious complaint I have is that while it was rated for a rider
up to 6'0, and I'm a average frame 6'0, I find it too small. I can't extend my knees
as far as I should. I could not easily do 10+ miles on the bike.

I've never had a folder before so I have nothing to compare it too. I suspect
something like a Brompton or Friday would be much higher quality but the
Greenzone is good enough considering the low price. The included bag, kick
stand and back rack are particularly useful to me.

I'm a happy customer. I hope it stands the test of time.

2bridges1bike

You don’t really need to test drive a folder since most of them are “one size fits all”. Otherrwise the guidance in size based on height from the bike grands website usually works well. Fit is only super critical for roadies that spend hours in hunched over racing positions. What are your needs anyway? Do you need a small fold? Bigger wheels? Cargo hauling capacity?

tds101 

The original poster of the thread already purchased a bike. You didn't bother to read the last post.

mirfi

MooGroc,

Lack of seatpost height in folders is a problem for me also. 5'11" but ride tall. Super tall seatposts are not commercially available and if are are too expensive. I have a Metal Superstore near by and stopped in with my last bike and they fixed me right up.

Or go find a machine shop.

Have fun.

gleearch

Tern makes an adjustable seat post for taller riders. It should fit most folders.

berlinonaut

That is a very curagouos statement. Tern seatposts have typically 33,9mm diameter and while this is common with Tern and Dahon bikes it is definitively not what "most folders" are using. There will no doubt be some using 33,9 as well but more where such a post won't fit. Checking the diameter of the existing post before going on the hunt for a longer one is the only valid option.

mirfi

I built an extended seat post for a Vilano Urbana

Vilano Urbana Single Speed Folding Bike

Check out the #14 post on it (don't have the skill to have you link straight to it)

Note:
Common seat post sizes
27.2 mm = 1.07inch = 1 1/16
28.6 mm = 1.125984 = 1 1/8
30.4 mm = 1.19685 = 1 13/64
31.8 mm = 1.252 = 1 1/4
33.9 mm = 1.335inch = 1 21/64 (close to 1 5/16)Common shim sizes

Shim sizes
33.9 - 27.2
33.9 - 31.8


Miscellaneous lengths

600mm = 24"
640mm = 25 " ThorUSA LOOONG standard $38