TweedleDee

I am seriously thinking about getting a folder and beginning to commute on the city bus. My commute would be about 30 miles on the bus followed by 7 miles on the bike. I'm looking for recommendations on how to store your bike on the bus and whether you think a 16" wheel size is important. I am 6'1" tall with long legs and from what I've read, finding a budget 16" wheel size folding bike that fits is tricky. Are you able to fit your bike in the seat next to you? Or do you set it in the aisle next to your seat?

fietsbob

Some have a wheel chair space, then you can use that space ..Did You Ask Tri Met Yet?

some have a 2 bike rack in the front so folding is not needed BMX 20" wheels seen on that rack all the time
with the kid on the Bus ..

but you May be bike No. 3 ..


Clever Cycles in Portland Rents Bromptons to see how it goes.. there you need a 4 figure budget. to buy them

6 foot the H version would be adequate, thats who they make it to fit (I, 5'9, have an M, bars 6Cm lower. )

Dahon.Steve

This is a good question.

The best bike for a 7 mile commute with bus would be the Brompton. However, if you can't afford one, then a Dahon would be a good choice since the parts are better than most cheap 20 inch folders. Have you checked the inside of the cabin of the bus? Does it look like a city bus in the picture below?

If that's the case, there's plenty of room in front of the back door. However, if the bus looks like a commuter coach see picture below, you might have trouble with any folder.

TweedleDee

Commuter coach - which is partly why I'm asking. Not sure how to stow it. I have seen a large wheelchair area in the rear of one of the buses but we don't always get that one and I'm not sure I'd be able to use it. There is a two bike rack on the front but I've seen it fill up on busy mornings. These observations are based on a month of commuting (without bike) a few years ago. Things may be a little different now. I plan to ride a week without a bike to see what's new. The good news is that I called today and they DO allow folding bikes on the bus.

Brompton is not possible. I have seen a couple Dahon's come up in my area so that is definitely a possibility.

Lalato

The easiest thing in your situation is to get a carry bag for the folding bike. Just bring it on board the bus in the carry bag. You shouldn't have any issues. With the bag, it's about the size of a piece of luggage... and plenty of people bring luggage onto a bus. You don't absolutely need the bag, but I would bag until you get to know the bus drivers.

Dahon.Steve

As someone said, make sure you have a cover/bag for the bike because things can and will get ugly if they even think it's a biycle. Don't let the driver know it's a bicycle either because rules on a packed bus can change in a minute.

I've seen commuter buses in New Jersey have an compartment outside the bus where the driver can open it and store your bike. This is similar to what Greyhound does when it stores everyone's luggage. Ask if they have one where you can possible store the bike.

Does the commuter coach have an overhead rack? You may not be able to squeeze a 20' inch Dahon folder there but look at the side because sometimes a "Stick" folder like the Strida can fit there. A Strida is thin and won't take up too much room if you have to place it in the middle of the isle. However, the Strida is not cheap.

If all else fails, you might have to do what others do and that's leave a junk bicycle close to the bus stop. Make sure it's not at the stop but in a location away from foot traffic.

Another option would be roller blades.

TweedleDee

Good suggestion. Thanks.

TweedleDee

This, actually, may be doable. There is a large parking structure nearby that I may be able to park my junker overnight. Will have to investigate.

TweedleDee

With a little research I found out there are bike lockers in the area for a pretty reasonable price. I'm probably going to go that route. Thanks.

john426

Any folder would do, but I suggest a 20" wheel for your height. Also the bag is a very good idea. This way the bus driver might not balk at the thought that you might get grease on passangers.

Also a cheap folder will work. I got a $ 200 new folder and took it on a bike tour in Canada last summer. Rode 50 miles a day (with fully packed panniers) and had no problem. John