I just got my first folder for my multi-modal commute, a Dahon speed d7 from craigslist. Thing is I need a bag to take it on the train at rush hour. Any recommendations for bags other than just grabbing a dahon one? Wondering if there might be some clever 3rd party ones out there.

Thanks!

If you're looking for something that is cheap and easy, some folks have reported success with using an Ikea shopping bag.

I don't think there have been any clever designs made out there, though there are certainly cheaper bags than the Dahon ones. Try the stickied thread above for Backpacks and Rucksacks.

--sam

I have a Speed D7 and I am skeptical that the bike would fit in an IKEA bag. If you really really need to bag it, go with the Dahon bag. Better yet, try to befriend the train conductor(s) on your route and see if they'll look the other way about the bag rule. Bagging the bike (or, I should say, folding up and carrying the empty bag) is a PITA.

I would make absolutely sure that a bag is listed as required for a folder. In Maryland's MARC and DC's METRO it is not. Nor does AMTRAK, but you could easily be living somewhere not so enlightened. If the, the Dahon bag would be fine folded and bungee corded to your rack when riding. If you find something different, visualize how it will go when you are riding.

From what I've been getting from locals, the metra isn't even very happy about non-zipping bags like the older dahon one. I'm really traveling on the shoulder of rush hours anyways so I might try taking it on without bagging it and see if they say anything. I'm sort of hoping I can get away with a open bottom bag that's more of a cover than a bag and I can still roll the bike with it on.

I have the MuSL and i have tried bagging it with the IKEA bag. it will cover the wheels and will wrap around the crank, but the seatpost cannot be fully down, and the handle post sticks outside of the bag. it might be adequate to say that is its bagged, but is a bit awkward to handle. compared to the El Bosa, the proper bag does make a big difference.
I had contemplated cutting a hole in the IKEA bag and using it upside down with the seat post sticking through it to push it along. that might work allowing you to push the bike.









I'm sorry about the images, my first post with pics. I will try to do it better next time.

In Chicago? I rode the Metra for a couple of years (it's the reason I got a folding bike)... and as long as you're not in the thick of rush hour, you should be allowed on the train as long as you fold the bike. Same for the L.

All bets are off during rush hour though. You'll need to bag it or hope the conductor doesn't see you. Lucky for me I was rarely on the trains during the worst part of rush hour so it wasn't much of an issue. Yay for reverse commutes.

The DC metro official rule could be read two ways:
During rush hour, the bicycle must be "folded or (disassembled and enclosed in carrying bags)"
During rush hour, the bicycle must be "(folded or disassembled) and enclosed in carrying bags"

I have been yelled at by the station manager after I rolled my bike into the station intending to fold/bag my bike on the platform before boarding the train. The policy is only for inside rail cars, not the platform. I do a reverse commute and there is really no need for this ridiculous policy.

DC Metro's policy:
Metro allows non-collapsible, conventional operational bicycles, as well as tandems, electric powered, and "opened" folding bicycles that meet the size restrictions inside railcars from Monday through Friday at any time except 7-10 a.m. and 4-7 p.m., all day on Saturday and Sunday, and all day on the following holidays: Martin Luther King's Birthday observed, Washington's Birthday observed, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day observed, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. These bicycles shall not be allowed inside railcars on July 4th.

Folding bicycles and non-collapsible bicycles of all types that are folded or disassembled and enclosed in carrying bags, cases or boxes are deemed "luggage" items and are permitted inside railcars at all times. The carrying bags or cases must be made of a sturdy material such as canvas, nylon or leather-type materials.

I took the bike on in a garbage bag this morning. The conductor let me on, but at one point told me I needed to get a real bag. I'm on the edge of rush hour though. My train gets in at 9:21 and supposedly any train after 9:30 can have non-folders on it. I imagine a lot of how they react will be what side they got out of bed on in the morning. I just don't want to get stranded because I can't follow the letter of the rules. I ended up ordering one of the new dahon carry-on bags (the one that packs into a seat-post bag) from Thor. We're pretty close so I should have it in the next day or two.

One thing I should note. If you're riding the trains every day, get to know your conductors. Some are quite nice... and the more you get to know them, the more likely they will let you on without a bag. The Metra conductors are mostly good folks... though there are a couple that can be a pain in the ass.

The last time I rode Metra was last summer (2009) just before I moved. I'm certain there are no differences between the conductors from just last year... so try to always have a smile and say hello. It will go a long way in making your Metra experience a good one.


--sam

I cant comment on its suitability for a Dahon, but Airnimal do sell a range of bags to take their bikes on trains/buses. There is a Carradice first fold bag & Lightweight first fold bag, which I have just purchased with an Airnimal Rhino, but I havent used the bag yet.

I don't know if it's available for sale, but Giant has a nifty little bag for their Halfway folding bike. It hangs on the handlebars with velcro straps. It was really easy to use when I was riding the Halfway in downtown Chicago... and it seemed to be pretty sturdy.

Folder Fanatic has a couple of sewing patterns for folding bikes. I'd PM her and ask for them if you feel up to making your own.

The Dahon Carry on just came. Its pretty slick. It comes in a saddle pack, so its always with you. Down side being that you can't lower the post as much with it on. Not really much of a problem. Anyhow, you whip it out and pull it inside out. There are two strap you run through the wheels and frame, through a plastic hoop bit, and then velcro to itself. The bag then folds back over the bike and has a drawstring at the bottom. reverse the process to get it off. Pretty quick. I was also able to get the bag back in the pack without any specific folding. You can just stuff it in, and it'll fit. It should be noted that is in no way makes the bike and sort of luggage. The fabric is thing, and there is zero padding, but it should satisfy the metra conductors.

Dimpa Storage Case US $4.99
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20117004

Product information (copied from their own Web page.)

Suitable for storing e.g. garden chair cushions and spare comforters.
Protects contents against moisture and dirt.

IKEA of Sweden
roduct dimensions
Width: 39 "
Depth: 26 "
Height: 9 "

Width: 100 cm
Depth: 65 cm
Height: 22 cm

care instructions
Do not wash.
Do not bleach.
Do not tumble dry.
Do not iron.
Do not dryclean.
product description & measurements
Bag/ Webbing: 100 % polypropylene
Other parts: 100 % polyethylene


The longer version of the above Dimpa storage case should be fine for the 20" Dahon models. I like the slightly smaller one for my own Brompton. I usually sew my own though. I feel more comfortable about bringing aboard folding bikes if they are properly covered as to protect myself, other passengers, and even the cabin from markings & grime from the bike's wheels and chain.

Incorrect. The DC metro allows bikes of all kinds outside or rush hours but explicitly requires a bag if your folder is to be taken on the train during rush hour. It is true that the MARC doesn't require bags for folders, nor does the VRE.

I don't think so, for three reasons:

1. In English, I think it's usually the case that 'and' has higher operator precedence over 'or', though it's tenuous I admit.

2. The explicit discussion of luggage as justification makes it clear, to my mind anyway, that everything must be bagged but that they realized that some "folding" bikes are disassembled and others are folded.

3. #1 and #2 above notwithstanding, the ultimate arbiter of the rules is the station manager, not the rider. So you have to take the most pessimistic interpretation regardless. Which is: bag your bike.

Your Local Thrift Store! Don't overlook this place as a possibility of finding a cheap high quality carrying bag. Yesterday, I was looking thru a large Bin in our neighborhood thrift store where all the used backpacks, cargo bags ect are displayed and at the bottom, I found a large, super high quality black Canvas Bag more then suitable for my Dahon Folder. The Quality is, IMO, equal to or higher then the Factory Dahon Bag. It has a padded Shoulder carrying strap as well as two Nylon, heavy duty Carrying handles. Its shaped like a large deep black duffle bag only it has a full length Zipper down the middle. I may have to make a little modification(or two) but at the Price of only $9.95, no problem. It has the Logo from some High School Athletic Team so I believe it was used for Sporting gear storage/ transportation in its prior life. Athletic Teams usually always have super heavy duty gear bags. I am thinking School Athletic Departments would be a good place to check and see if they have old ones they want to sell or give away. Costs nothing to ask,,,