I'd love to get a crank forward bike next but those damn things are as big as houses.

So I started to wonder if there was a crank forward folder and there is. Besides the etta (which I don't think is even in production) I found that KHS makes a crank forward folder.

See below:

https://https://www.khsbicycles.com/09_iped_09.htm


At a MSRP of $379 I'm not considering this folder any time soon. Also there's a weird feature about it. The front tire is 12 inches but the back is 16 inches.

Any ideas as to why that is so?

Off hand I didn't see any reviews about this folder here but I'm wondering if any one has had any experiences with this folder that they want to share.

Yes, the front wheel is small because of the crank forward design. If the wheel were 16", you'd hit a foot on the front tire when turning. I test rode an i-Ped once, and it's less stable than other small-wheeled bicycles. It would be unpleasant to ride for more than a few miles, I think. It appears very well built and it's cute, but I wouldn't want one.

Thanks for the reply GeorgePaul.

Yep, I can see what you mean by your foot hitting the wheel in a turn. Too bad about the instability. Not good news for any type of bike.

That 12 inch front wheel though also doesn't give me the impression that you would be cycling very far at all. Too bad.

Oh well, I'll just wait and see what the future will hold for this type of folder.

I tried this bike out at last year's folding bike parade and I remember really enjoying how it rode, very comfortable. And certainly a new bike less than $400 is pretty cheap.

Wow!!!! Two differant takes on the same bike. Can we get a tide breaker here?

WOW, At $379 New--that barely gets you into a half decent folder of a major brand unless you get a single speed or a Used Raliegh 20 classic! Pretty reasonable IMO.

miamimike: Have you actually tried to ride this bicycle?

SunnyFlorida: There is a reason why there are so few adult bicycles with 12" wheels.

miamimike - Price is tempting but price isn't everything. See below.

GeorgePaul - Yeah I see your point - again! I also keep coming back to that 12 inch wheel too. I just can't imagine going very far with this bike and far for me is anything beyond 1 mile. Any bike I have has to earn their bike grease and be workhorses, which is what my beloved trike and my new folder are or will be.

I'd just like a bike where I can have the proper leg extension for pedaling but still be on the saddle with my feet on the ground.

Oh well, I'm sure they'll perfect a fast/efficient crank forward folder that won't cost an arm and a leg to get - soon.

P.S. I think my game plan is to have a small stable of bikes. Three to be precise:

1. a trike - for utiliy hauling - HAVE
2. a speedy folder - for commuting - HAVE
3. a crank forward folder - My "going out"/ recreational/backup commuter bike. - Do Not Have