What's with the 230 lb weight limit on most folders? Presumably they won't collapse if I put my 250 lbs plus 10 lbs of stuff on it.

The small wheels should be quite strong so what is the common failure point or issue to be aware of?

One can only assume why, but I'm sure of one thing -- a disclaimer. Companies are afraid of law suites that could put them right out of business, so they have to put some sort of warning. I have read articles in the Bicycling magazine where people who are excessively overweight have turned to cycling as a way of loosing weight and getting back into shape, especially where the heart is concerned, and I'm sure are over the limit as far as what the manufacturer recommends, but imagine a person who is 400+ lbs and climbs on a bike that eventually collapses due to the pressure on the frame that has no warning label regarding weight limitations. That person could sue the manufacturer and perhaps win the case, but if the manufacturer puts a weight restriction like what you mention, the manufacturer has a secure case if brought to court. It's called "company covering their donkey".

I can't advise you on what to do in this case, because for one thing, I don't want to see you get injured. Perhaps a call or email to the companies tech department would be in order.

That's for sure and it's why there is no point asking the companies involved: there's no benefit to them in saying anything outside their stated official policy. And, btw, the irony wasn't lost on me that the next post down dealt with a snapped hinge.

Just looking for some advice as to whether this is a specifically serious issue with folders and what the common failure points are (if any).

For what its worth, I have an Origami Cricket thats rated at 240 pounds. I weigh 248 pounds and it seems strong as an ox other then the pedals which are easily upgraded.

Hard to generalize about all folders here. For ex., Bike Friday uses different thickness tubes for different purposes, thinner in the Petite series for lightweight riders.

I wouldn't assume any small wheel on a folder is strong. Wheels flex with heavier riders, often leading to broken spokes, cracked hubs and the like. Hence some manufacturers spec double-wall rims to limit flex. Having even and correct spoke tension helps a great deal.

get some big apples .. maybe a thudbuster as well. That will eliminate hard "poundings" off the bike. Have the wheels checked after lets say 100 to 200 miles and carefully re tuned. Try to look for substantial latches and not too many adjustability functions like the handlepost for example. Splurge in a good set of pedals.
Dont ride down curbs (or Kerbs for our British friends )
carry the extra weight on a backpack to keep it suspended

:-)

no... I didnt say its alright .... love my business.... lawyers not so much

thor

I don't think the issue is the wheels. Many folders have a long, freestanding seatpost that tends to be angled slightly back; this will act as a lever and put a lot more stress on where it attaches to the frame than in a conventional bike.

This. Also,the hinges.

oh I forgot .. most Terns are rated at 242 lbs

On seat post there is often an telescopic seat post option to keep the frame stronger with more insert inside the frame.

There is no extending seatpost option for my mezzo , but there are items on ebay with the correct diameters.

I use a kogna extending seatpost that I use with a standard supsension seatpost on the inner.

I use this for off road riding and it softens the ride nicely, and presumerably spreads the load better.

I might look for a thudbuster that would work with a number of my bikes in this manner.

Heavy Rider Option is available on the Bike Friday Pocket Llama.. I own one.


But , in General, think Metal fatigue .. heavy will = a shorter time before if weakens .
hard use also shortens the usable life span, of course.

so keep a more careful eye on the inspections for signs of fatigue, then replace..

I have an Island Hopper. Rated 300lbs. They make mostly motorized bikes but their regular 6 speed looks like a Dahon and rides like a dream.

https://www.motorizedfoldupbikes.com/

This is my Island Hopper. Its rated for 300lbs..I am 249lbs and losing weight. This is a 6speed and drives like a dream. I have had 5 folders...4 European, 1 American. I like this one best! I have since put a rear rack on and always have a nice looking backpack grade case for my swimming gear...groceries...whatever. I have also switched out the handlebars for BMX style bars...just something I like.

I have also had a WORKSMAN...made in America...very sturdy foldup.

https://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_s...ml/page21.html

Island Hopper rated 300 lbs .... Hmmm .. compared to other foldies I see a lot of things which are quite in contrast with the weight limit they so proudly display on their website ... Mind you that exactly the point which I suggest for a more sturdy folder are NOT done on this bike. Besides some other substandard items which will most likely break under normal use.
Usually dont talk bad aboput other products ... they just have no business being mentioned under this thread title ..

Thor

And I could not find any bicycle warranty information on their website. Caveat Emptor!

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

I am certain you know EVERYTHINg there is to know.

I bought my bike used. Ergo no warranty. It rides like a dream.

:-)
YUP .... you got it ... dont want to argue the point you makin ....

19 posts and already I have one person upset, people arguing and I had to do a clean up.

Please take your arguing to PMs and not here on the public forum.

Consider yourself lucky. My 16" Chinese folder is marked for 50kg (~110 lbs)