'U' shaped folders - Need advice
11-09-05, 04:17 PM
#1
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'U' shaped folders - Need advice
I've noticed quite alot of folding bikes that has a 'U' shape frame. (Some old, some new).
I would appreciate if someone ca help me with the following questions:
- How well is their handling ?
- Can they carry heavy stuff ?
- Are they strong ?
If you have additional info - feel free !
I would appreciate if someone ca help me with the following questions:
- How well is their handling ?
- Can they carry heavy stuff ?
- Are they strong ?
If you have additional info - feel free !
11-09-05, 05:40 PM
#2
Hauja
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I had one it was not too bad the gearing was wrong. If i knew then what i know now i would have kept it and modified it.
11-11-05, 03:12 AM
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The U-shaped frame is definitely "retro." There is certainly an elegance about the design. I have only seen one in person. It was an Italian make that I'd never seen before, a Di Blasi Safari. It didn't seem flimsy to me at all, but it was heavy.
I snapped a picture of it on my cell phone, but I'm unable to upload. Here is a modern facsimile.
I snapped a picture of it on my cell phone, but I'm unable to upload. Here is a modern facsimile.
__________________
I came to say I must be folding . . .
Dahon Jetstream XP
Dahon Helios SL
Strida 5.0
Twenty project
— or not . . .
Fisher Mt. Tam (c.1988)
Merlin Road flat bar project
Schwinn Twinn Deluxe
I came to say I must be folding . . .
Dahon Jetstream XP
Dahon Helios SL
Strida 5.0
Twenty project
— or not . . .
Fisher Mt. Tam (c.1988)
Merlin Road flat bar project
Schwinn Twinn Deluxe
11-11-05, 03:52 AM
#4
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Bikes: 2003 KHS F20-Westwood folding & enough parts to make several more bikes...
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If you're talking about the type of bike I think you are...
Some links:
https://www.yellowjersey.org/aq.html
https://www.mopedarmy.com/photos/brand/144/2588/ (the motorized version of the previous one)
https://www.biria.com/bicycles/ez/ Biria makes folding and non-folding "EZ" frames. (as in "easy boarding")
I had a Peugeot folder years ago that qualified. Liked it fine.
Dahon will be introducing the "Ciao!" for 2006. Looks nice. I believe it's won some awards already.
Generally, for a given frame stiffness, you have to build a bike slightly heavier if you rely on this type of geometry, or just accept a slightly less stiff frame. (more "fore/aft" flex)
Material technology has come a long way these days - better alloys, computer modelling - so the impact on frame weight shouldn't be huge.
In short, if you really want a low step-over height, don't hesitate to look at this style of bike. I'd be surprised if they were any different in handling or payload than any other bike - they may weight a pound more to start though. (but that's just a theory)
Some links:
https://www.yellowjersey.org/aq.html
https://www.mopedarmy.com/photos/brand/144/2588/ (the motorized version of the previous one)
https://www.biria.com/bicycles/ez/ Biria makes folding and non-folding "EZ" frames. (as in "easy boarding")
I had a Peugeot folder years ago that qualified. Liked it fine.
Dahon will be introducing the "Ciao!" for 2006. Looks nice. I believe it's won some awards already.
Generally, for a given frame stiffness, you have to build a bike slightly heavier if you rely on this type of geometry, or just accept a slightly less stiff frame. (more "fore/aft" flex)
Material technology has come a long way these days - better alloys, computer modelling - so the impact on frame weight shouldn't be huge.
In short, if you really want a low step-over height, don't hesitate to look at this style of bike. I'd be surprised if they were any different in handling or payload than any other bike - they may weight a pound more to start though. (but that's just a theory)
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11-11-05, 11:45 AM
#5
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That Bianchi Aquiletta is exactly what I was referring to. The integrated rack forming a rear rectangle is the distinguishing feature. The one I saw wasn't a Bianchi. I would have remembered it if it were. Even in pink its a cool bike.
__________________
I came to say I must be folding . . .
Dahon Jetstream XP
Dahon Helios SL
Strida 5.0
Twenty project
— or not . . .
Fisher Mt. Tam (c.1988)
Merlin Road flat bar project
Schwinn Twinn Deluxe
I came to say I must be folding . . .
Dahon Jetstream XP
Dahon Helios SL
Strida 5.0
Twenty project
— or not . . .
Fisher Mt. Tam (c.1988)
Merlin Road flat bar project
Schwinn Twinn Deluxe
11-11-05, 05:08 PM
#6
Pedalpower
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I've got one and it is a reliable commuter hack. I found the frame in a dumpster and built the bike to meet my needs so gearing, riding position, etc are all good foer me. Handling is fine for a shortish wheelbase: fast and predictable (altough I wouldn't ride it without hands!). The frame is strong and it can carry quite a heavy load, but it must be spreaded between the rear (short chainstays) and the front( I've added a front rack since the pic was taken). It doesn't fold as compact as modern ones do but it's very close there.
Roberto
Roberto
11-11-05, 07:30 PM
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In my experience (i owned one) many of the cheap U -frames are not good, mine failed totally right where the frame flex the most and i am not a heavy guy. But this has IMO! most to do with the materials and lack of workmanship as well as some with the design. I don't think most will hold up too long, though there are exceptions, like Clayfaces bike, that frame is of a different caliber (from what i can see on the pciture) than most of the ones i come across.
