Flying Pigeon!!!
01-18-09, 10:55 PM
#51
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Hi bettybl,
Fancy seeing you in this thread!
To be perfectly honest, I am not familiar with the Dahon MU P8, at least by personal experience. I probably know as much as you do, and we both have access to Dahon's website to read up on this, and other models they make.
Now the I am qualified to talk about the Flying Pigeon. There is also another forum participant, "Ricky in Jersey" who bought one, and you'll notice that he has posted several responses. You can read his impressions about the bike, and who knows, maybe he can chime in further.
The FP does use hand brake levers mounted to the handlebar that activate linear pull brakes. They work very well as long as they are properly adjusted.
I think that the MU P8, and the FP are about the same weight. That's remarkable given that the Dahon is several times the price of the Flying Pigeon.
Again, I want to stress that the Dahon does use higher end parts. That is party why the huge price difference. But in my humble opinion, it is also brand recognition. The Dahons are very much in demand, and that allows the company to charge premium prices. They do it because "they can" in other words.
You asked about the ride quality. The FP has a stiff magnesium alloy frame. The Dahon's frame is aluminum alloy, and should be fairly stiff as well. The ride on the FP will be firm, but if you wish to soften the ride a little, you can do so by running the tires at a moderate air pressure. I think on the FP, you can run the tires with as low as 40 psi safely. Any lower than that, and the ease with which the tires roll will decrease, and the bike will require more effort to pedal. This applies to any bike you get by the way. But if you really want more comfort, you can of course invest in a suspension seat post.
And whether or not you would prefer one bike over the other at the end of the day depends on you. There is no way anyone can answer that until you have ridden both bikes. My advice to you is to find a Dahon dealer that is close by, and see if they have an MU P8 in stock, and try it out.
To try a Flying Pigeon you'll have to order one of course. It's so inexpensive that if you decide you don't like it, you can always sell it, and get 70-75% of what you paid, and then buy either the Dahon or another bike.
But definitely consider how you are going to carry your future bike up, and down all those flights of stairs. Pick a bike that fills your needs, and situation first, rather then worry purely about price, brand, or features.
Regards,
Edward
Fancy seeing you in this thread!
To be perfectly honest, I am not familiar with the Dahon MU P8, at least by personal experience. I probably know as much as you do, and we both have access to Dahon's website to read up on this, and other models they make.
Now the I am qualified to talk about the Flying Pigeon. There is also another forum participant, "Ricky in Jersey" who bought one, and you'll notice that he has posted several responses. You can read his impressions about the bike, and who knows, maybe he can chime in further.
The FP does use hand brake levers mounted to the handlebar that activate linear pull brakes. They work very well as long as they are properly adjusted.
I think that the MU P8, and the FP are about the same weight. That's remarkable given that the Dahon is several times the price of the Flying Pigeon.
Again, I want to stress that the Dahon does use higher end parts. That is party why the huge price difference. But in my humble opinion, it is also brand recognition. The Dahons are very much in demand, and that allows the company to charge premium prices. They do it because "they can" in other words.
You asked about the ride quality. The FP has a stiff magnesium alloy frame. The Dahon's frame is aluminum alloy, and should be fairly stiff as well. The ride on the FP will be firm, but if you wish to soften the ride a little, you can do so by running the tires at a moderate air pressure. I think on the FP, you can run the tires with as low as 40 psi safely. Any lower than that, and the ease with which the tires roll will decrease, and the bike will require more effort to pedal. This applies to any bike you get by the way. But if you really want more comfort, you can of course invest in a suspension seat post.
And whether or not you would prefer one bike over the other at the end of the day depends on you. There is no way anyone can answer that until you have ridden both bikes. My advice to you is to find a Dahon dealer that is close by, and see if they have an MU P8 in stock, and try it out.
To try a Flying Pigeon you'll have to order one of course. It's so inexpensive that if you decide you don't like it, you can always sell it, and get 70-75% of what you paid, and then buy either the Dahon or another bike.
But definitely consider how you are going to carry your future bike up, and down all those flights of stairs. Pick a bike that fills your needs, and situation first, rather then worry purely about price, brand, or features.
Regards,
Edward
I'm adding on to this subject now! In my quest for my 1st bike since I was a kid, I'm down to 2 bikes:
Flying Pigeon
Dahon Mu P8
Obviously, the price difference is too big to even compare the 2 in a fair manner, but nevertheless, I would like to compare it and see how they fare.
I posted in another post before, but I'm 5'2" female living in 6 floor walk-up, to be using the bike on weekends for recreational riding only (around Central Park & NYC Greenway). I won't be riding on the streets at all since I'm not exactly an expert in riding and I don't feel confident enough to do that.
That said, my biggest concern is weight first, and then I'll evaluate the other stuff. I have a feel questions.
1) The Dahon Mu P8 has a weight of 24.7 on its official site. If I'm going to strip the Flying Pigeon of the rack & fenders (the Mu P8 also doesn't have either) & any other easy stuff I can strip away (I'm really working on the weight issue), FP is only 24 pounds, so it's actually lighter than the Dahon? Wow.
2) Does the flying pigeon brake w/ a bar on the handle? I cannot manage bikes where you have to pedal backwards to break.
3) What is the biggest difference between the Flying Pigeon & the Dahon Mu P8 given its price point? Is it due to brand name? I know Dahon has an extra gear, but I don't care about that. Does the difference in the wheels actually make much of a difference? Will I feel every little bump and pebble on the Flying Pigeon?
3) I googled the mileage for Central Park & the NYC Greenway. They say the NYC Greenway is 32 miles *mind boggles*!!!! How do you think the bikes will fare w/ that kind of riding in one day (well, maybe 15 miles - not sure if I can do entire 32 miles)? Would I regret not getting one over the other at day's end?
4) Lastly, blue or red bike? Both look adorable.
Thank you for your help
Flying Pigeon
Dahon Mu P8
Obviously, the price difference is too big to even compare the 2 in a fair manner, but nevertheless, I would like to compare it and see how they fare.
I posted in another post before, but I'm 5'2" female living in 6 floor walk-up, to be using the bike on weekends for recreational riding only (around Central Park & NYC Greenway). I won't be riding on the streets at all since I'm not exactly an expert in riding and I don't feel confident enough to do that.
That said, my biggest concern is weight first, and then I'll evaluate the other stuff. I have a feel questions.
1) The Dahon Mu P8 has a weight of 24.7 on its official site. If I'm going to strip the Flying Pigeon of the rack & fenders (the Mu P8 also doesn't have either) & any other easy stuff I can strip away (I'm really working on the weight issue), FP is only 24 pounds, so it's actually lighter than the Dahon? Wow.
2) Does the flying pigeon brake w/ a bar on the handle? I cannot manage bikes where you have to pedal backwards to break.
3) What is the biggest difference between the Flying Pigeon & the Dahon Mu P8 given its price point? Is it due to brand name? I know Dahon has an extra gear, but I don't care about that. Does the difference in the wheels actually make much of a difference? Will I feel every little bump and pebble on the Flying Pigeon?
3) I googled the mileage for Central Park & the NYC Greenway. They say the NYC Greenway is 32 miles *mind boggles*!!!! How do you think the bikes will fare w/ that kind of riding in one day (well, maybe 15 miles - not sure if I can do entire 32 miles)? Would I regret not getting one over the other at day's end?
4) Lastly, blue or red bike? Both look adorable.
Thank you for your help
Last edited by edwong3; 01-19-09 at 03:46 PM.
01-19-09, 01:18 PM
#52
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Thanks for your answers Edward Ricky, I hope to see a picture of your red bike so I can decide on blue or red. I think I am definitely going for a Flying Pigeon. As a starter recreational biker, I feel it is a bit spendy to shell out $600 on something I might give up in a few months time. If I really do enjoy it, then I'll consider spending even more and go for the Dahon Mu SL (19 pounds only!!)
Ricky, I hope to see a picture of your red bike so I can decide on blue or red. I think I am definitely going for a Flying Pigeon. As a starter recreational biker, I feel it is a bit spendy to shell out $600 on something I might give up in a few months time. If I really do enjoy it, then I'll consider spending even more and go for the Dahon Mu SL (19 pounds only!!)
01-19-09, 04:21 PM
#53
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Thanks for your answers Edward Ricky, I hope to see a picture of your red bike so I can decide on blue or red. I think I am definitely going for a Flying Pigeon. As a starter recreational biker, I feel it is a bit spendy to shell out $600 on something I might give up in a few months time. If I really do enjoy it, then I'll consider spending even more and go for the Dahon Mu SL (19 pounds only!!)
Ricky, I hope to see a picture of your red bike so I can decide on blue or red. I think I am definitely going for a Flying Pigeon. As a starter recreational biker, I feel it is a bit spendy to shell out $600 on something I might give up in a few months time. If I really do enjoy it, then I'll consider spending even more and go for the Dahon Mu SL (19 pounds only!!)I think this is a picture of the red one:
https://cntjfeige.en.alibaba.com/prod...able_bike.html
01-19-09, 04:51 PM
#54
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Thread Starter
Ha! Ha!, harlond you beat me to it
I was just about to post that very same photo that I actually obtained directly from Flying Pigeon's corporate website. Good job!
Edward
I was just about to post that very same photo that I actually obtained directly from Flying Pigeon's corporate website. Good job!Edward
Bingo.
I think this is a picture of the red one:
https://cntjfeige.en.alibaba.com/prod...able_bike.html
I think this is a picture of the red one:
https://cntjfeige.en.alibaba.com/prod...able_bike.html
01-19-09, 04:55 PM
#55
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Thread Starter
Good deal bettybl! Keep us posted on what you finally decide. I believe you'll like the bike especially for the money paid. And if the "folder bug bites", you can always move up to a higher end model.
Regards,
Edward
Regards,
Edward
Thanks for your answers Edward Ricky, I hope to see a picture of your red bike so I can decide on blue or red. I think I am definitely going for a Flying Pigeon. As a starter recreational biker, I feel it is a bit spendy to shell out $600 on something I might give up in a few months time. If I really do enjoy it, then I'll consider spending even more and go for the Dahon Mu SL (19 pounds only!!)
Ricky, I hope to see a picture of your red bike so I can decide on blue or red. I think I am definitely going for a Flying Pigeon. As a starter recreational biker, I feel it is a bit spendy to shell out $600 on something I might give up in a few months time. If I really do enjoy it, then I'll consider spending even more and go for the Dahon Mu SL (19 pounds only!!)
01-19-09, 08:22 PM
#56
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Oh yes, last question. Is the Flying Pigeon an upright sitting bike?
01-19-09, 09:54 PM
#57
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If you are referring to the angle of your upper body on the bike, the answer would have to be yes for you. Let me explain. The height of the handle post is fixed. In my case, I am taller than you, so I have the seat at nearly the height of the handle bar stem. I do sit at a slight forward angle but no where near the more extreme position of a road, or mountain bike. The wrists are lightly loaded.
Since your seat would be set at a lower height than mine, your position on the bike would definitely be more upright than me. If your concern is whether or not you'll be "hunched" over the handlebar, that won't happen.
Hope that helps.
Edward
Since your seat would be set at a lower height than mine, your position on the bike would definitely be more upright than me. If your concern is whether or not you'll be "hunched" over the handlebar, that won't happen.
Hope that helps.
Edward
01-19-09, 10:32 PM
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exactly what I was asking about. Thanks a bunch once again edwong.
I checked ebay and they raised the price of the bike to 119 now? I could have sworn it was 109 the previous day.
I checked ebay and they raised the price of the bike to 119 now? I could have sworn it was 109 the previous day.
01-20-09, 01:12 AM
#59
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Thread Starter
That's what I paid, $119.95 plus $49 for shipping. I think "Ricky in Jersey" paid less since he made an offer on it instead of using the "Buy It Now" option like I did.
Regards,
Edward
Regards,
Edward
01-20-09, 05:05 PM
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Hey folks, more Pigeon info
I happen to agree with Mr. Wong, since I've never riden the Dahon in question, I will not comment. I will say however that the Dahon seems to be the folder of choice in NYC. I work in downtown Manhattan and would venture to say that 60% of the folder's I see are Dahon's. They must be doing something right.
I have yet to ride my Pigeon in NYC or in other parts of the five boro's. Like I stated before, I had a Downtube, and rode it along the Riverside Drive bike path from Grant's Tomb up the the GWB. I also rode it quite extensively in Flushing Meadow Park in Queens near the old World's Fair site and Shea Stadium. The mood in that region is more low keyed and mellow. I play softball up in Central Park, and the bike rider's up there are very intense. Mostly you see expensive road bikes and the folks are really flying by. In order to get to the ball fields near 79th Steet, You have to cross a bike path that has a traffic light that no one pays attention to! The rider's are going down a long hill and are probably going upwards of 30-35 mph, if not more! I would feel a little intiminated to ride there on any folder.
The geometrics of the Pigeon are very similiar to the Downtube. The Downtube had a longer seat post which allows a rider to bend over more. My girl is about 5 feet 4 inches and likes to ride more uprite as well. She likes the ride of the Pigeon. The Pigeon doesn't have any shocks (in my opinion a plus) but the 20 inch (406) x 1.75 tires provide a very adequate cushion on my local streets. I pumped mine up at a local gas station to about 70 pounds of pressure, and they remain solid with no loss of air. The red Pigeon posted is exactly the same except for the writing on the side. Mine says PIGEON with the small letters of "flying" under it. I hope this helps out a little.....
I have yet to ride my Pigeon in NYC or in other parts of the five boro's. Like I stated before, I had a Downtube, and rode it along the Riverside Drive bike path from Grant's Tomb up the the GWB. I also rode it quite extensively in Flushing Meadow Park in Queens near the old World's Fair site and Shea Stadium. The mood in that region is more low keyed and mellow. I play softball up in Central Park, and the bike rider's up there are very intense. Mostly you see expensive road bikes and the folks are really flying by. In order to get to the ball fields near 79th Steet, You have to cross a bike path that has a traffic light that no one pays attention to! The rider's are going down a long hill and are probably going upwards of 30-35 mph, if not more! I would feel a little intiminated to ride there on any folder.
The geometrics of the Pigeon are very similiar to the Downtube. The Downtube had a longer seat post which allows a rider to bend over more. My girl is about 5 feet 4 inches and likes to ride more uprite as well. She likes the ride of the Pigeon. The Pigeon doesn't have any shocks (in my opinion a plus) but the 20 inch (406) x 1.75 tires provide a very adequate cushion on my local streets. I pumped mine up at a local gas station to about 70 pounds of pressure, and they remain solid with no loss of air. The red Pigeon posted is exactly the same except for the writing on the side. Mine says PIGEON with the small letters of "flying" under it. I hope this helps out a little.....
01-21-09, 10:38 AM
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I did it. I placed an order for a Flying Pigeon I tried to offer $105, but they rejected it, so I paid $109.95+ $41.00 shipping = $151. Hopefully I'll be able to get the red color. Even though I ordered it now (mainly because I'm scared it'll be out of stock when I do want it), I don't think I will be able to experience the bike until probably very least March when it's not icy or too chilly out.
I know nothing about bikes, so it'll probably be hilarious trying to adjust it. Probably need to pay $50 more for a professional to adjust it, fix it, and take out the rack and fenders.
I tried to offer $105, but they rejected it, so I paid $109.95+ $41.00 shipping = $151. Hopefully I'll be able to get the red color. Even though I ordered it now (mainly because I'm scared it'll be out of stock when I do want it), I don't think I will be able to experience the bike until probably very least March when it's not icy or too chilly out.I know nothing about bikes, so it'll probably be hilarious trying to adjust it. Probably need to pay $50 more for a professional to adjust it, fix it, and take out the rack and fenders.
01-21-09, 01:32 PM
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Way to go Bette!! It will probably arrive in 3-5 days...it was very quick for me.
The bike is very simple, which is good. It is basically all put together except for the seatpost which is basic. The most important adjustment you'll have to make is the brakes. They are "V-style" and very common. They are quite simple to adjust once you get the knack of it. In my case (as with most bikes that are new) they were rubbing on the wheels. Their are some great videos on "You-Tube" that will visually instruct you how to adjust these.
My gears and derailler were pretty much perfect right out of the box. There is a little adjustment knob where the cable connects to the rear wheel mechanism that will need to be "tweeked" a little. Remember, just a little adjustment.
You can then adjust the length and angle of the seat and seatpost that suits you the best. You'll also be able to adjust the angle of the handlebars a little to what best suits your needs.
After some basic tightening of the other components (brake hand lever, hand gear lever) you'll be ready to go! I'm also considering buying another one, because I know my girl will want to ride mine all the time. Keep everyone posted!
The bike is very simple, which is good. It is basically all put together except for the seatpost which is basic. The most important adjustment you'll have to make is the brakes. They are "V-style" and very common. They are quite simple to adjust once you get the knack of it. In my case (as with most bikes that are new) they were rubbing on the wheels. Their are some great videos on "You-Tube" that will visually instruct you how to adjust these.
My gears and derailler were pretty much perfect right out of the box. There is a little adjustment knob where the cable connects to the rear wheel mechanism that will need to be "tweeked" a little. Remember, just a little adjustment.
You can then adjust the length and angle of the seat and seatpost that suits you the best. You'll also be able to adjust the angle of the handlebars a little to what best suits your needs.
After some basic tightening of the other components (brake hand lever, hand gear lever) you'll be ready to go! I'm also considering buying another one, because I know my girl will want to ride mine all the time. Keep everyone posted!
01-21-09, 02:28 PM
#63
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Congrats Bettybl!
You still paid $10 less for the bike, and $8 less for shipping than I did , so you made out very well.
It took a little bit longer for me to get my bike because it was "smack" in the middle of the holidays. Like Ricky said, you should see yours in about 5 days or less. The seller had emailed me a tracking number, and I was able to watch the arrival, and departure times on the UPS website.
I echo Ricky's advice about adjustments, and making sure everything is tightened. If you are really not sure about these, I do think taking the bike to a professional to do it for you would indeed be a great idea. Even a cheap department store bike can be made to perform much better if only professionals put them together. No worry though, because the Flying Pigeon is a very good quality bike in it's price range.
By the way, you'll be very impressed with how the bike is packaged. There are several layers of cardboard to protect it during shipping. It's almost like a mini crate! Take your sweet time unpackaging it. In my case, part of the quick release for the handlepost was missing only to find it in the box. That is probably very rare for something like that to happen. I just wanted to alert you about that.
Have fun!
Edward
You still paid $10 less for the bike, and $8 less for shipping than I did , so you made out very well.
It took a little bit longer for me to get my bike because it was "smack" in the middle of the holidays. Like Ricky said, you should see yours in about 5 days or less. The seller had emailed me a tracking number, and I was able to watch the arrival, and departure times on the UPS website.
I echo Ricky's advice about adjustments, and making sure everything is tightened. If you are really not sure about these, I do think taking the bike to a professional to do it for you would indeed be a great idea. Even a cheap department store bike can be made to perform much better if only professionals put them together. No worry though, because the Flying Pigeon is a very good quality bike in it's price range.
By the way, you'll be very impressed with how the bike is packaged. There are several layers of cardboard to protect it during shipping. It's almost like a mini crate! Take your sweet time unpackaging it. In my case, part of the quick release for the handlepost was missing only to find it in the box. That is probably very rare for something like that to happen. I just wanted to alert you about that.
Have fun!
Edward
I did it. I placed an order for a Flying Pigeon I tried to offer $105, but they rejected it, so I paid $109.95+ $41.00 shipping = $151. Hopefully I'll be able to get the red color. Even though I ordered it now (mainly because I'm scared it'll be out of stock when I do want it), I don't think I will be able to experience the bike until probably very least March when it's not icy or too chilly out.
I know nothing about bikes, so it'll probably be hilarious trying to adjust it. Probably need to pay $50 more for a professional to adjust it, fix it, and take out the rack and fenders.
I tried to offer $105, but they rejected it, so I paid $109.95+ $41.00 shipping = $151. Hopefully I'll be able to get the red color. Even though I ordered it now (mainly because I'm scared it'll be out of stock when I do want it), I don't think I will be able to experience the bike until probably very least March when it's not icy or too chilly out.I know nothing about bikes, so it'll probably be hilarious trying to adjust it. Probably need to pay $50 more for a professional to adjust it, fix it, and take out the rack and fenders.
01-22-09, 08:01 AM
#64
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I too subscribe to Edward's and Ricky's advice: If you don't know much about bikes, have it looked over by a bike shop. If you take it into a shop and they sneer at the price and quality, no problem, take it to another one. Almost certainly the brakes and derailleurs should be adjusted; but they may also find that the headset or wheel or crank bearings are too tight or too loose, or any number of things weren't assembled quite right, and it's no big deal to correct these things at the outset. If you wait until later, you may damage something --on the bike or on yourself.
$50 sounds about right to me. Oh, and don't take the rack and fenders off the bike! I wouldn't ride a bike without fenders, and a rack is always a big plus.
$50 sounds about right to me. Oh, and don't take the rack and fenders off the bike! I wouldn't ride a bike without fenders, and a rack is always a big plus.
01-22-09, 08:39 AM
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I too subscribe to Edward's and Ricky's advice: If you don't know much about bikes, have it looked over by a bike shop. If you take it into a shop and they sneer at the price and quality, no problem, take it to another one. Almost certainly the brakes and derailleurs should be adjusted; but they may also find that the headset or wheel or crank bearings are too tight or too loose, or any number of things weren't assembled quite right, and it's no big deal to correct these things at the outset. If you wait until later, you may damage something --on the bike or on yourself.
$50 sounds about right to me. Oh, and don't take the rack and fenders off the bike! I wouldn't ride a bike without fenders, and a rack is always a big plus.
$50 sounds about right to me. Oh, and don't take the rack and fenders off the bike! I wouldn't ride a bike without fenders, and a rack is always a big plus.
I'm only doing recreational riding with it and weight is really important to me as far as carrying the bike up my apt, so I'm definitely taking the rack off. As for fenders, I'm not sure how much they would weigh, but if I only ride during dry days, I shouldn't have to worry about need for them right? They only protect from mud right, or am I sorely wrong?
01-22-09, 08:52 AM
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No, you're quite right... but the thing is, if you go over anything wet on the road, whether it's a puddle of nice clean water or a pile of some unmentionable, your tires have a tendency to pick it up and throw it. The front wheel will throw it at the bottom of the bike, no big deal. The back wheel will throw it on your back. Ride a block on wet pavement and you will have a brown stripe up your back, very fashionable!
01-22-09, 09:06 AM
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I once got dog **** thrown into my face when riding without mudguards. It's a bad idea.
Last edited by EvilV; 01-22-09 at 09:10 AM.
01-22-09, 09:06 AM
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definitely keep the rack on hand, as after learining to ride you rbike in the park, you may find it VERY practical for getting groceries, visiting friends accross town, or riding into brooklyn for a day trip!
01-22-09, 09:08 AM
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I am holding the fenders that came off the Flying Pigeon in my hands. I am not very good at estimating weight; but I'd say that the two together weigh more than 1 lbs. They are steel, though the mounting rods are aluminum. Maybe you could consider keeping the fenders since they don't add a whole lot of weight. It is up to you.
The rack is very heavy. It is definitely more than 2 1/2 - 3 lbs., but it's built very strong too. I bet it could support 40 lbs. or even more easily.
Like "bettybl", my intention was to use the Flying Pigeon for purely recreational riding, and that's why I took those accessories off. I wanted it to be as light as possible without spending $$$ to "mod" it with lighter components. However with the rack and fenders, the Flying Pigeon would make an ideal "shopper", or commuter, as it is still not very heavy at 28 lbs. (give or take) with those accessories.
Regards,
Edward
The rack is very heavy. It is definitely more than 2 1/2 - 3 lbs., but it's built very strong too. I bet it could support 40 lbs. or even more easily.
Like "bettybl", my intention was to use the Flying Pigeon for purely recreational riding, and that's why I took those accessories off. I wanted it to be as light as possible without spending $$$ to "mod" it with lighter components. However with the rack and fenders, the Flying Pigeon would make an ideal "shopper", or commuter, as it is still not very heavy at 28 lbs. (give or take) with those accessories.
Regards,
Edward
Thanks for the advice I'm only doing recreational riding with it and weight is really important to me as far as carrying the bike up my apt, so I'm definitely taking the rack off. As for fenders, I'm not sure how much they would weigh, but if I only ride during dry days, I shouldn't have to worry about need for them right? They only protect from mud right, or am I sorely wrong?
I'm only doing recreational riding with it and weight is really important to me as far as carrying the bike up my apt, so I'm definitely taking the rack off. As for fenders, I'm not sure how much they would weigh, but if I only ride during dry days, I shouldn't have to worry about need for them right? They only protect from mud right, or am I sorely wrong?
01-22-09, 09:14 AM
#70
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Ah - that's heavier than was said earlier in the thread. I do hope that Bettybl will be ok with carrying it up all those stairs. Six floors walking up with a 28 pound bike would make a lot of men think twice about taking it out very often. As I recall, bettybl is a lady of about 5'2".
01-22-09, 09:54 AM
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Ah - that's heavier than was said earlier in the thread. I do hope that Bettybl will be ok with carrying it up all those stairs. Six floors walking up with a 28 pound bike would make a lot of men think twice about taking it out very often. As I recall, bettybl is a lady of about 5'2".
01-22-09, 10:16 AM
#72
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I am originally from NYC, but I haven't lived there since 1978...so I've forgotten how good the public transportation system really is.
Definitely a bike there can be used for purely recreational purposes, so it's not necessary to have all those accessories. The "KISS" principal applies here
Edward
Definitely a bike there can be used for purely recreational purposes, so it's not necessary to have all those accessories. The "KISS" principal applies here
Edward
01-22-09, 10:17 AM
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25.2 pounds on my buddies meat scale at the local Shop Rite...and that's with a gel seat, minus the rack and fenders. Pretty much as accurate as possible.
I live on the third floor of a five story walk-up. The benefit of my place is that the stairwells are very wide and the landings between floors are ample as well. My hall is about twelve feet wide so it is very
"bike friendly" geting into and out of my place. My "regular" bike is a 2005 Fuji Sagres, flat bar, that I put 700 x 28 Continental City tires on. It weighs about 26 pounds. There is a certain way that I carry it, that makes it very easy to get up and down the stairs. I pick it up about 1/2 way between the seat post clamp and the bottom bracket right where the water bottle would be. I lift it straight up, and rest the bottom of my seat on my right shoulder. Accordingly, most of the weight is then directed to my back and shoulder. I'm able to walk up and down the stairs with no problems. I'm not sure that an orthopedic specialist would reccommend this, but it works for me. I'm able to do this at my place based on the roominess of the halls and stairwells. I realize in the city you may not have this option based on the limited space.
Getting the Pigeon in and out of my place is even easier. I keep it folded in my hall closet, and before I walk down the stairs I unfold it and get it in riding position in my apartment. On the mainframe, right near the seatpost clamp, there is an "upside down V". I just pick it up at this point, and it is much like carrying luggage. If I want even more mobility, I can put the seat all the way down, then readjust when I get it outside.
Hopefully this will help a little.
I live on the third floor of a five story walk-up. The benefit of my place is that the stairwells are very wide and the landings between floors are ample as well. My hall is about twelve feet wide so it is very
"bike friendly" geting into and out of my place. My "regular" bike is a 2005 Fuji Sagres, flat bar, that I put 700 x 28 Continental City tires on. It weighs about 26 pounds. There is a certain way that I carry it, that makes it very easy to get up and down the stairs. I pick it up about 1/2 way between the seat post clamp and the bottom bracket right where the water bottle would be. I lift it straight up, and rest the bottom of my seat on my right shoulder. Accordingly, most of the weight is then directed to my back and shoulder. I'm able to walk up and down the stairs with no problems. I'm not sure that an orthopedic specialist would reccommend this, but it works for me. I'm able to do this at my place based on the roominess of the halls and stairwells. I realize in the city you may not have this option based on the limited space.
Getting the Pigeon in and out of my place is even easier. I keep it folded in my hall closet, and before I walk down the stairs I unfold it and get it in riding position in my apartment. On the mainframe, right near the seatpost clamp, there is an "upside down V". I just pick it up at this point, and it is much like carrying luggage. If I want even more mobility, I can put the seat all the way down, then readjust when I get it outside.
Hopefully this will help a little.
01-22-09, 10:28 AM
#74
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Thread Starter
Ricky,
Is that an actual gel seat, or one of those gel COVERS that you put over a regular saddle? I know that they weigh somewhat. I just have the original saddle on my Pigeon, minus fenders, and rack like yours, and the whole bike weighs less than 25 lbs.
By the way, I carry my Pigeon the same way you describe, by picking it up by the frame in that same area. It's like carrying a brief case.
Regards,
Edward
Is that an actual gel seat, or one of those gel COVERS that you put over a regular saddle? I know that they weigh somewhat. I just have the original saddle on my Pigeon, minus fenders, and rack like yours, and the whole bike weighs less than 25 lbs.
By the way, I carry my Pigeon the same way you describe, by picking it up by the frame in that same area. It's like carrying a brief case.
Regards,
Edward
25.2 pounds on my buddies meat scale at the local Shop Rite...and that's with a gel seat, minus the rack and fenders. Pretty much as accurate as possible.
I live on the third floor of a five story walk-up. The benefit of my place is that the stairwells are very wide and the landings between floors are ample as well. My hall is about twelve feet wide so it is very
"bike friendly" geting into and out of my place. My "regular" bike is a 2005 Fuji Sagres, flat bar, that I put 700 x 28 Continental City tires on. It weighs about 26 pounds. There is a certain way that I carry it, that makes it very easy to get up and down the stairs. I pick it up about 1/2 way between the seat post clamp and the bottom bracket right where the water bottle would be. I lift it straight up, and rest the bottom of my seat on my right shoulder. Accordingly, most of the weight is then directed to my back and shoulder. I'm able to walk up and down the stairs with no problems. I'm not sure that an orthopedic specialist would reccommend this, but it works for me. I'm able to do this at my place based on the roominess of the halls and stairwells. I realize in the city you may not have this option based on the limited space.
Getting the Pigeon in and out of my place is even easier. I keep it folded in my hall closet, and before I walk down the stairs I unfold it and get it in riding position in my apartment. On the mainframe, right near the seatpost clamp, there is an "upside down V". I just pick it up at this point, and it is much like carrying luggage. If I want even more mobility, I can put the seat all the way down, then readjust when I get it outside.
Hopefully this will help a little.
I live on the third floor of a five story walk-up. The benefit of my place is that the stairwells are very wide and the landings between floors are ample as well. My hall is about twelve feet wide so it is very
"bike friendly" geting into and out of my place. My "regular" bike is a 2005 Fuji Sagres, flat bar, that I put 700 x 28 Continental City tires on. It weighs about 26 pounds. There is a certain way that I carry it, that makes it very easy to get up and down the stairs. I pick it up about 1/2 way between the seat post clamp and the bottom bracket right where the water bottle would be. I lift it straight up, and rest the bottom of my seat on my right shoulder. Accordingly, most of the weight is then directed to my back and shoulder. I'm able to walk up and down the stairs with no problems. I'm not sure that an orthopedic specialist would reccommend this, but it works for me. I'm able to do this at my place based on the roominess of the halls and stairwells. I realize in the city you may not have this option based on the limited space.
Getting the Pigeon in and out of my place is even easier. I keep it folded in my hall closet, and before I walk down the stairs I unfold it and get it in riding position in my apartment. On the mainframe, right near the seatpost clamp, there is an "upside down V". I just pick it up at this point, and it is much like carrying luggage. If I want even more mobility, I can put the seat all the way down, then readjust when I get it outside.
Hopefully this will help a little.
01-22-09, 01:19 PM
#75
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Hey Edward,
It's a "Bell" gel seat cover. I use it to give me an extra inch of height on the seat. Like I said before, I am about an inch over the "safety", and with the inch with the gel seat cover, the bike fits me perfect.
When I place it side by side with my Fuji, the seat height, handlebar height, and length from the seat to the handlebars are identical.
Post more "beautiful Orlando" pics. We need it up here in the north. Where in the city did you live? 1978 was a memorable year for NYC! The blackout in 1977, financial collapse, Son of Sam, Yanks World Series, etc.....
It's a "Bell" gel seat cover. I use it to give me an extra inch of height on the seat. Like I said before, I am about an inch over the "safety", and with the inch with the gel seat cover, the bike fits me perfect.
When I place it side by side with my Fuji, the seat height, handlebar height, and length from the seat to the handlebars are identical.
Post more "beautiful Orlando" pics. We need it up here in the north. Where in the city did you live? 1978 was a memorable year for NYC! The blackout in 1977, financial collapse, Son of Sam, Yanks World Series, etc.....