Recommendations for a tall, heavier rider
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: NYC
Posts: 94
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Recommendations for a tall, heavier rider
Hey folks. I'm looking at getting a folder for my commute, one that I can squeeze onto the often crowded bus and subway when necessary. The catch? I'm 6'4" and 200lbs during my lighter months, and that's without carrying my work computer and files Any recommendations? Good experiences? Something your looking to get rid of? I'm hoping to buy used, and keep it under $1000. Thanks!
#2
Senior Member
If money weren't an issue, I would recommend a Bike Friday Tikit (which is what I have at 240 lbs), but since it is... check out Dahon and Tern. Both have bikes with max rider weight around 230 lbs.
#3
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,322
Bikes: 9+,...
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1112 Post(s)
Liked 845 Times
in
589 Posts
Tern tends to have a higher weight limit. 110kgs-242lbs for their 20 inch folders. I opted for a Xootr Swift due to the 260ish weight limit. The fold is almost non-existent, but it's stability and ride quality are what I was seeking. Otherwise I'd go with a tern.
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Henrico, VA
Posts: 1,480
Bikes: Origami Gazelle, Origami Crane 8, Origami Cricket 7
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 452 Post(s)
Liked 405 Times
in
241 Posts
The Origami Mantis is designed for riders up to 6'5" and 240 pounds and is well under your price point brand new.
Warning: The preceding was posted by the owner of Origami Bicycle Company.
Warning: The preceding was posted by the owner of Origami Bicycle Company.
__________________
Paul Pinigis
Owner of Origami Bicycle Company
Paul Pinigis
Owner of Origami Bicycle Company
#6
Senior Member
That Pocket Llama looks like it could take on the world! Love the Halloween themed colours...
#7
Banned
Just the Travel packing fold will not do, for a crowded bus , it stiff... and really only suitable,
to fold at ends of tours.
to fold at ends of tours.
#8
Part-time epistemologist
Hey folks. I'm looking at getting a folder for my commute, one that I can squeeze onto the often crowded bus and subway when necessary. The catch? I'm 6'4" and 200lbs during my lighter months, and that's without carrying my work computer and files Any recommendations? Good experiences? Something your looking to get rid of? I'm hoping to buy used, and keep it under $1000. Thanks!
https://brompton.zendesk.com/entries...-rider-weight-
Products_MING CYCLE INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.-STRiDA SX-Orange STRiDA SX > STRiDA SX
If you're like me and the distance to the Metro and the amount of stuff are modest -- I ride about a mile to the station and fit everything I need at work into a messenger bag -- then I'd strongly recommend a STRIDA. It's cheaper, easy to maintain, rolls much better while folded and has a tiny footprint.
__________________
A narrative on bicycle driving.
A narrative on bicycle driving.
#9
Banned
Brompton H bar setup raises the handle bar, Telescoping and extended seat post options raise the saddle .
But The current prices , particularly in NYC, at retail will exceed your wish-ful budget.
nyce bikes will let you try the bike i suppose..
See : 2014 Brompton H3L, White/White, Marathon-tire https://www.nycewheels.com/brompton-folding-bike.html
But The current prices , particularly in NYC, at retail will exceed your wish-ful budget.
nyce bikes will let you try the bike i suppose..
See : 2014 Brompton H3L, White/White, Marathon-tire https://www.nycewheels.com/brompton-folding-bike.html
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: NYC
Posts: 94
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks for all the input here folks! Bike Friday, obviously, is out of my price range. So, one of my biggest concerns is side-to-side flex with how extended the seat and handle bar will need to be to fit me. Is this a needless concern? If not, which of these options do you think offers the stiffest ride at the maximum height? Strida?
#11
Part-time epistemologist
Thanks for all the input here folks! Bike Friday, obviously, is out of my price range. So, one of my biggest concerns is side-to-side flex with how extended the seat and handle bar will need to be to fit me. Is this a needless concern? If not, which of these options do you think offers the stiffest ride at the maximum height? Strida?
__________________
A narrative on bicycle driving.
A narrative on bicycle driving.
#12
Banned
.. I'm 6'4" and 200lbs during my lighter months..
consider the whole bike a consumable .
the cost of getting to the job and back .. get a few years out of one , then get another ..
lower the expectation of permanence..
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 912
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
There are a number of folders which can accommodate 200 pounds. That's not really your problem. Your problem is that you are 6'4". You're going to have a problem with reach.
Most folders are one-size-fits-..., well, short people. They don't have a proper reach for anyone your size. To put this into context: Bike Friday, which makes folders properly sized to fit you, makes the Tikit in sizes small, medium, and large. You're definitely a Large. But... the Brompton is slightly shorter reach than a *small* Tikit. And most Dahons are about half-way between a small and a medium Tikit.
To make matters worse, a great many folding bikes don't permit modification to their ahead stems so you can't easily customize the reach. At best you can push forward an inch or two with custom aftermarket stuff like the AberHalo on the Dahons. And some, like Bromptons, don't even permit you to change to more sensible handlebars. These are the compromises you make in order to fold.
This isn't to say there aren't tall people who haven't adapted to the size constraints of a folding bike. But at your height you'll be so upright that you may want to give this another thought. I have a friend at 6'3" who rides a Dahon P8 with an AberHalo stem and just grins and bears it.
Bikes which will likely fit you: a Tikit (or other Bike Friday). A Montague. Maybe a Swift? A Dahon Vector P30 with a custom-length stem perhaps?
Most folders are one-size-fits-..., well, short people. They don't have a proper reach for anyone your size. To put this into context: Bike Friday, which makes folders properly sized to fit you, makes the Tikit in sizes small, medium, and large. You're definitely a Large. But... the Brompton is slightly shorter reach than a *small* Tikit. And most Dahons are about half-way between a small and a medium Tikit.
To make matters worse, a great many folding bikes don't permit modification to their ahead stems so you can't easily customize the reach. At best you can push forward an inch or two with custom aftermarket stuff like the AberHalo on the Dahons. And some, like Bromptons, don't even permit you to change to more sensible handlebars. These are the compromises you make in order to fold.
This isn't to say there aren't tall people who haven't adapted to the size constraints of a folding bike. But at your height you'll be so upright that you may want to give this another thought. I have a friend at 6'3" who rides a Dahon P8 with an AberHalo stem and just grins and bears it.
Bikes which will likely fit you: a Tikit (or other Bike Friday). A Montague. Maybe a Swift? A Dahon Vector P30 with a custom-length stem perhaps?
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: NYC
Posts: 94
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ug. You're voicing some of my greater fears about height. Thanks for the tip on the Bromptons - I had been looking at some used models and was getting tempted, but with such a short reach, it doesn't seem worth it. But, the fold on the Swift is pretty unimpressive, and the Montague's are huge. Which model Dahon P8 is your friend on? Do any Dahon owner's know if I might be able to add some Vector-like TT bars onto other Dahon or Tern models and extend my reach, or is there some proprietary (ie, weird and rare) sizing going on there at the clamp. Thanks again for all the help!
#15
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,322
Bikes: 9+,...
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1112 Post(s)
Liked 845 Times
in
589 Posts
My Xootr Swift comes in different frame sizes, and is easier to customize via standard bike parts. I swapped out the handlebars & stem for my rotator cuff injury, to bring me closer and more upright. And the funny thing is I've got some really long arms!
Xootr Swift Folding Bicycle | Xootr Urban Transport
Xootr Swift Folding Bicycle | Xootr Urban Transport
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: NYC
Posts: 94
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just bumped into a Dahon Speed Pro TT on the 'bay. Since it was the earlier model of the Vector, anyone know if that can fit my 6'4" frame decently as is or with a few modifications?
#18
Part-time epistemologist
My Xootr Swift comes in different frame sizes, and is easier to customize via standard bike parts. I swapped out the handlebars & stem for my rotator cuff injury, to bring me closer and more upright. And the funny thing is I've got some really long arms!
Xootr Swift Folding Bicycle | Xootr Urban Transport
Xootr Swift Folding Bicycle | Xootr Urban Transport
The frame is one size ... no?
Swift Folding Bicycle Sizing | Xootr Urban Transport
__________________
A narrative on bicycle driving.
A narrative on bicycle driving.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: York UK
Posts: 3,027
Bikes: 2X dualdrive Mezzo folder,plus others
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 107 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
You shouldn't have fit issues on a tt from my estimates. Except seatpost lenght maybe. But telescopic dahon post s are availbe. Else ebay have some in different frame widths.
#20
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,322
Bikes: 9+,...
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1112 Post(s)
Liked 845 Times
in
589 Posts
Believe me, it'll fit a larger person quite well. I'll post a picture of myself standing over the Xootr later. I'm 5'11".
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
Last edited by tds101; 07-11-14 at 12:37 PM.
#21
DancesWithSUVs
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Griffin Cycle Bethesda,MD
Posts: 6,983
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
At your size,most folders and mini velos really aren't for you. Even if you can make them fit,the weight distribution is going to be off and effect the handling. I'd really suggest going with Bike Friday since they are sized and can do custom fit.
__________________
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: NYC
Posts: 94
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Alright, I give, Bike Friday it is. I'll keep my eye on that Pocket Rocket currently on the 'bay (and any others that pop up in the future). I wish the seller had the size listed at first, I'd have probably jumped on the buy it now .
In the meantime, anyone have any opinions on this New World Tourist on CL?
Bike Friday Folding Bike
I have a friend in MN who could take care of buying and shipping, but I don't know much about age and it seems rather oddly equipped, like some better parts were harvested and some junk was put on in its place. I mean, triple crank with no FD? Seems at minimum the drivetrain, seatpost, and saddle need replacing. Is this a deal at 550 + shipping anyways or a pass given the oddities?
Thanks again for all the help folks - I'll stop harassing you with this thread soon, I promise
In the meantime, anyone have any opinions on this New World Tourist on CL?
Bike Friday Folding Bike
I have a friend in MN who could take care of buying and shipping, but I don't know much about age and it seems rather oddly equipped, like some better parts were harvested and some junk was put on in its place. I mean, triple crank with no FD? Seems at minimum the drivetrain, seatpost, and saddle need replacing. Is this a deal at 550 + shipping anyways or a pass given the oddities?
Thanks again for all the help folks - I'll stop harassing you with this thread soon, I promise
#24
Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Manhattan, NYC
Posts: 40
Bikes: Specialized Crossroads
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
these Xootrs really intrigue me.
Xootr Swift Folding Bicycle | Xootr Urban Transport
I'm going to see if I can try one out here in NYC at one of these dealers:
Where To Buy | Xootr Urban Transport
The geometry looks like it would be sturdier for a tall person. I'm 6'2".
And it gets very positive reviews from owners:
Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Xootr Swift Folding Bicycle - Blue
Seems like a nice folder for someone like me who lives in a tiny studio apartment. But it doesn't fold as small as most others, which would make it a drag to take on crowded subway cars.
Xootr Swift Folding Bicycle | Xootr Urban Transport
I'm going to see if I can try one out here in NYC at one of these dealers:
Where To Buy | Xootr Urban Transport
The geometry looks like it would be sturdier for a tall person. I'm 6'2".
And it gets very positive reviews from owners:
Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Xootr Swift Folding Bicycle - Blue
Seems like a nice folder for someone like me who lives in a tiny studio apartment. But it doesn't fold as small as most others, which would make it a drag to take on crowded subway cars.
Last edited by peskypesky; 07-11-14 at 10:37 PM.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Albany, WA
Posts: 7,393
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 321 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
The Swift may not appear to fold very small but folded it has a nice short and narrow footprint. Up against a wall or bulkhead it sits well out of the way.