Folding Bikes
So I'm contemplating buying a folding bicycle. Mostly for storage reasons at home and to be able to bung it in the car for jaunts in the countryside.
Now, I don't know much about the folders out there other than Brompton who, whilst being shiny, are also relatively expensive.
Does anyone know of any other folding manufacturers which provide for the slimmer budget, or is it just best to pony up the cash for a trusted brand?
mr_tom, how's your Brompton working out? Anything you'd change to the spec?
Now, I don't know much about the folders out there other than Brompton who, whilst being shiny, are also relatively expensive.
Does anyone know of any other folding manufacturers which provide for the slimmer budget, or is it just best to pony up the cash for a trusted brand?
I'll be keeping an eye out for good ideas in this thread.
I'll have a poke around the range and see how it compares. Thanks. :)
My Brompton is going just fine - I've made a couple of modifications to it though. (Tightened up the rear suspension, put a decent saddle on, added bar ends)
Folded size and ride-quality were the most important factors to me, and the Brompton is the neatest folded package, by far. I find that folded Dahons are a bit unwieldy.
If you're not going to be folding/unfolding as part of a multi-modal commute, you could have a look at the Airnimal[1], Moulton, Bike Friday. They won't be much cheaper than a Brompton, but are much more like proper bikes. If you're doing weekend jaunts, that'll be more important. Or you could have a look at getting a proper bike with S&S couplers fitted.
Can you do the Cycle to Work scheme? That's an instant and sizeable saving.
[1] I would have had one of these, if the fold was smaller and quicker
Also: given that you're a *ahem* solidly-built fellow, you might find that some folders won't be sturdy enough. I found that I was on the cusp of some of the upper recommended weight limits.
I bought a bike the other week. I seem to ride it to the farmer's market and Tesco. This combination of activities worries me. I did ride down the canal a couple of times...I need to up my percentage of non-food related rides.
http://www.foldsoc.co.uk/sandw.html
www.Dahon.com
In fact i think my mum wants to sell hers. I will try and find out if its a unisex bike if you like - although you might not be interested as its in York!