best vintage folder for tall person?
 

hi, i'd like to buy a vintage (3-speed or more) folder. i've been looking at: auto-mini, a peugeot and a raleigh 20. i wanted to get an idea of what might be best for someone with about a 34 inch rise. i know i should go and try it our first but wanted to find out if i should just rule any out as it involves a lot of running around and coordinating with sellers (also if you have any other suggestions...) i've done some research and i think that the raleigh 20 might be too small. i'd like 20 inch wheels which is why i've focused on those three (although i think the peugeots are a bit bigger) thanks so much. i'm in the ny area btw. and thanks for your patience if this is a simple question. i'm a novice although i have tried to do my research.

I am 6'-2" with long legs and arms, the Raleigh Twenty has been my best bet so far...at least is is the easiest to get pieces for. It folds but it is not a very compact fold, but with some modifications part of that can be overcome. Picture below will give you an idea of the fit range on our two Twentys.

Aaron :)

http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/43...600x600Q85.jpg

My P20 folder gets a lot of test pilots and they have ranged in size from four and a half feet to six foot five... with a longer seat post mine can handle someone with a 36 inch inseam.

The Twenty is still one of the nicest riding folders out there and is every bit as nice as it's full size counterparts which is something you cannot say about all folders and I find mine to be a better ride than my friend's Brompton. The Twenty is also about as bombproof a bike that was ever made.

The Peugeot is a nice bike but the tyres can be harder to find as few shops will stock them... I may be getting one and do have spare tyres for it already.

The 20 lends itself to some interesting modifications...

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikep...est5speed4.JPG

http://www.amazon.com/Origin8-400mm-.../dp/B0006B7K5Q 400mm Seatpost of the Twenty

thanks everyone! a raleigh 20 it is. if wahoon c likes them at 6'2" it should be fine for my long-legged 5'10" frame. i used to have a lovely grand non-folding gazelle but had to leave her in the UK when i moved.

Sheldon Brown was 6'3" and used to need a small seatpost on top of the stock Twenty one. This is no longer a problem thanks to mountain bikes and oversized designs. You will find a Twenty will more than fit you. Good luck!

Would a 400 mm seatpost be of adequate length on a Twenty for riders no taller than @6 feet/180cm or so?

BTW, Peugeot folders in OZ have 22" wheels, tyres/tires are available, but not very common.

I am almost 6'5" and have a really old R-20 that has been modded a bit with some welding, a rear folding "rack/basket, and a front hub with a drum brake. Did I mention alloy rims - front and back and a Brooks B 17 saddle?

Mind you, my son (6' 3") likes the Brommie M6L I got (used) for him when passing thru London in January - but he is young, takes it into his class and stores it under his bed..

You won't go wrong with an R-20. In future, if you decide you were wrong then there are lots of folks who will gladly buy it from you..

Yes, that is what I use I run mine just over the minimum insertion marks and get the leg extension that I need. I would prefer a 450mm seat post but have yet to find one of those in the correct diameter.

Aaron:)