Fold-up bike

penexpers

Hey,

Looking to buy a fold up bike. Willing to spend a bit of cash on it as well. Anyone got any recommendations or what I should look out for?

Thanks.

Itsfixed

Brompton - folds up into the neatest, smallest package. Great piece of engineering. Not the cheapest though.

Dahon make nice ones too, but don't fold up as compactly.

daymobrew

If you were looking for a bargain, Wheelworx in Clondalkin has a Raleigh Phillips Promenade display model marked down from 300 to 230.
I just noticed that it is all steel and therefore heavy - 13kg!

penexpers

Alot of fold up bikes, even the Brompton ones are made of steel.

The brompton ones look very very nice, but expensive. Dahon have a full size one, might have a look at that one.

GlennaMaddy

Brompton are without a doubt the best folders if compactness is your main requirement. If it's comfort (read -> distance) you require, then I'd recommend the Downtube VIIIFS, I'm using one of these and while they don't fold as small as Dahon or Brompton they are very comfortable

gzoladz

Brompton all the way. Now you can even order it with Titanium bits that make them lighter.

I use it to tour around the country and I've cycled 60+ km on it in one go.

Dahon are ok too, but way behind.

But before you should decide what your priority is and what you are going to use it for: portabillity, riding quality, weight, folding size, etc.

Rule of thumb with any of them: never ever lock leave the on the street. When you buy it, think about something that you will have to take with you everywhere.

memorex

Not sure how easy these would be to source buy Strida folding bikes look pretty interesting. http://www.strida.com/

gzoladz

memorex wrote: »

Not sure how easy these would be to source buy Strida folding bikes look pretty interesting. http://www.strida.com/

Crappy!

Capt'n Midnight

http://www.pashley.co.uk/lists/pashley-moulton-tsr.html not cheap SRP : £1350.00


Pashley Moulton TSR30 DB S Drop Handlebar (Separated)

memorex

gzoladz wrote: »

Crappy!

Just curious here - have you tried one or heard any reports on them? They look a little odd, the seating position is different, but they seem a _lot_ less cumbersome than a typical folding bike.
-mem

RedTea

I got a dahon (speed 8) and would highly recommend them. You wouldn't want to have to fold them up a couple of times every day, but what they lack in foldability they make up for in ridability. Wheels on most models are 20 inch which is a bit bigger than a brompton as far as i know (correct me if i'm wrong).

you can fold them in about 30 sec..not as fast as other, but it's still easy enough but a bit awkward if you want to hop on and off the luas/dart a couple of times a day.

I did the wicklow challenger 100km on it earlier this year...didnt see any bromptons there

If you happen to be in china for any reason, you'll pick one up there for half what you pay in this part of the world. Can fit them into a large suitcase and bring it home with you.

skidpatches

It all depends on how you value compact/speedy folding versus quality of ride. There are models at both ends of that scale and lots in between.

Of the folders that are not cheapos and that you could actually ride in relative comfort:
Brompton - excellent for quick folding, compact folded package, decent ride.

Birdy - a more comfortable and faster ride than the brompton. doesn't fold as small, but folds pretty quickly.

Bike Friday (excluding the tikit) - better ride than the Birdy, doesn't fold as quickly or as small. bike friday build bikes that you want to ride far and often, but don't fold quite so often.

Moulton / Pashley Moulton - the best ride by far. Better than most normal bikes too. It has held a world speed record (for all upright bikes, not just folders) for over 20 years, and have been ridden in comfort around the world. Doesn't fold though - has a nifty separation mechanism. Good for sticking into the back of your car occasionally but not for taking on the train every day.

The bike friday tikit is the new kid on the block - folds super fast, and rides pretty well, though not like their other models. more brompton / birdy like. check out the video on their website.

There are cheap folders and there are ultra compact folders (like strida and sinclair) but I dont think they're worth a crap. Dahon are worth a look, but I personally would pick from the above list.

doozerie

Airnimal (www.airnimal.com) is another brand that might be worth considering. Again, they are likely to be a compromise of comfort, speed, and convenience, but whenever I have seen them mentioned (magazines mostly) they tend to get quite a bit of praise.

The Cycling Plus website can be a useful place to check for reviews. The reviews in their monthly magazine tend to be comprehensive, and seem fair. Not all of these reviews are accessible via the website though, but here is some info (not their typical kind of review, unfortunately) on some of the Dahon options:

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/dahon-launch-lightest-ever-folder-12312

scaldybelt

memorex wrote: »

Just curious here - have you tried one or heard any reports on them? They look a little odd, the seating position is different, but they seem a _lot_ less cumbersome than a typical folding bike.
-mem

I have one, a STRIDA 2 I bought on eBay last year.
To be honest I've never ridden it far (finished up working in the city shortly after), but after getting used to cycling it I could see how it would be beneficial for doing shorter trips in and around towns/cities. Also, it's possible to buy a bag to store it in which would be handy for walking onto trains or buses (available on their website).

PM me for more details.

RedTea

http://www.dahon.com/us/folding-bicycles-us-utility.htm

Just noticed that the dahon video promo was filmed in Dublin...is there any place here that actually stocks a selection of dahons?

Shaymoboy

It depends on your budget. The Brompton although expensive have a good resale value.

mmalaka

Hi

I am thinking about buying a Fold-up bike to use from Castleknock Station to Rosemount Buisness Park in Blanchardstown

Looking for advice on what bike should I use for this and what other accessories and gears I would need ??

Regards

GlennaMaddy

:mad:

GlennaMaddy wrote: »

Brompton are without a doubt the best folders if compactness is your main requirement. If it's comfort (read -> distance) you require, then I'd recommend the Downtube VIIIFS, I'm using one of these and while they don't fold as small as Dahon or Brompton they are very comfortable

There is was going on about my folder only the other day and then some s**mbag nicked it
Please keep and eye out for a white Downtube VIIIFS, it has front and rear suspension, and very narrow tyres.
PM me if you see it

mcgratheoin

Isn't there a company out there that turns regular bikes into foldable ones? AFAIK you send them your bike and they do the whole job - cut the frame, and put in connectors for the brakes and gears I think.

blorg

mcgratheoin wrote: »

Isn't there a company out there that turns regular bikes into foldable ones? AFAIK you send them your bike and they do the whole job - cut the frame, and put in connectors for the brakes and gears I think.

You are probably thinking of S&S Couplings. You can have an existing bike cut, but only if it's steel. Not cheap either, certainly easier to order with the bike. More for ease of aircraft travel, etc. as far as I know- the bike will still be big and I believe the reassembly is a little more involved than a typical folder. Assembled it is exactly like a traditional bike in every way though. Folders make other changes (wheel size being the most obvious) to improve compactness.

nakano3153

I've got a few brand-new Dahon models for sale: 2007 Cadenza, Glide and Smooth Hound. I've just shot another series of videos (indoor only) for the company and it's not really worthwhile shipping them all the way back to Taiwan. You can find info at www.dahon.com. I only have a price for the Smooth Hound so far (500 euro inc. VAT), that's about half of retail in Europe. I guess the price for the Glide and the Cadenza will be at a similar discount.

blorg

I'd be interested in the Smooth Hound- sent you a PM regarding it.

nakano3153

I finally finished my video work for Dahon and I'm ready to sell these bikes:

Smooth Hound 450 euro
Cadenza 420 euro
Glide 400 euro

They're all 2007 models but still current and obviously in perfect condition (out of the box only for indoor shooting). You can check the spec at dahon.com.
Anyone who contacted me before gets first dibs at these, my apologies for the wait. You can call me at (01) 4930 179.

nakano3153

You can see the actual bikes in these little demo videos at:
http://www.vimeo.com/user377148/videos

nakano3153

Update: Just remembered I have other Dahon stuff to get rid of: Carry bags and a case. El Bolso Bag, Sling Sack, and the big AirPorter wheeled suitcase. I'll throw in the appropriate bag with the bikes, but I need something for the AirPorter- it normally retails for 169 sterling, I'd take 80 euro ONO.

nakano3153

The Airporter case is now sold.

nakano3153

I have an ad for the bikes on adverts.ie, I'd prefer to deal with buyers over there rather than be accused of going 'off the board'. Thanks.

penexpers

I got the Smooth Hound off Tom and rode it for first time tonight. What a sweet bike it is.

blorg

It's a nice bike all right, I was out with Tom and test-rode it myself. Quite a bargain, enjoy!

nakano3153

Penexpers - I shot a video on how to break down the smooth hound frame, etc., for transport, but Dahon changed the case and now it will never see the light of day. If you like I can post it to vimeo for you.
-Tom

RedTea

bit of an aside, but why are they making dahon videos in dublin when they dont really see them here for sale? Is there an official Dahon dealer int he country?

is this your work again on the mini bike
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOo18LU6nfo

nakano3153

Yes, that's another one of mine. Why did they make it here? Because I live here! My main work is as a bike industry 'journalist' for magazines in Japan and Europe and I know the people at Dahon for many years.
-Tom

nakano3153

I don't think any bike shops here in Ireland deal with Dahon bikes, officially at least. I'm surprised because the level of interest we got when shooting those videos around Dublin was astounding. I would consider selling them myself, although it has to be said that the retail prices are pretty high, maybe too high for the Irish market, which has traditionally been a dumping ground for excess and out-of-date inventory from the UK.

gzoladz

RedTea wrote: »

bit of an aside, but why are they making dahon videos in dublin when they dont really see them here for sale? Is there an official Dahon dealer int he country?

is this your work again on the mini bike
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOo18LU6nfo

Nice shot, but this is not really Dublin:

1. I very much doubt such a bicycle will be there after being left unlocked in Dublin. They should have included a few little scangers spotting the bike at least.

2. Where are those massive pot-holes that we cyclist are so much used to?

3. I had expected at least one scene of a TGV or BusEireann nearly crashing the cyclist.

4. The guy should have gone for beer. Not for milk.

5. It is not raining.

and last

6. Bromptons are still a way ahead of Dahon. But this is personal preference.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3tgdlk8xlc&feature=related

nakano3153

gzoladz wrote: »

Nice shot, but this is not really Dublin:

1. I very much doubt such a bicycle will be there after being left unlocked in Dublin. They should have included a few little scangers spotting the bike at least.

You're dead right, but I'm thinking part of the appeal of a folding bike is you can bring it into your office or wherever you work. My beautiful Custom Cannondale got nicked five years ago under my nose in Dublin and I still haven't gotten over it.

The problem with those videos is that some of the 'talent' couldn't ride with the seatpost in the correct position (despite previous assurances that they were keen cyclists) - we were stuck with them on the day!

punchdrunk

hi Tom thanks again for the bike,I love it!
went out today and got some fancy lights,toolkit etc for it
should have it set up by next weekend,so i'll report back to everyone then how I find it (but I'm a complete novice BTW )

nakano3153

Dahon has announced that certain seat post bolts on its models will be replaced free of charge, since the Cadenza and Smooth Hound are involved, I am arranging to get the replacement bolts and will pass them on to Punchdrunk and penexpers as soon as I receive them.
http://www.dahon.com/support/safety.htm

penexpers

Thanks Tom! I'll drop around to pick up the bag at some stage too.

RDM_83

Just out of curiosity is that the wide foot bridge near IFSC that your not meant to cycle on-if it is its a perfect Dublin scene (pedestrians and bikes sharing space due to planning).On that note I'm going to cycle behind some bus shelters on the way home from UCD

nakano3153

To be honest I can't remember where that bridge is - all of those videos were shot in 2006! I think it might have been around the IFSC alright.

gzoladz

It is actually. That's the new bridge that actually everyone cycle on.

nakano3153

I now have the replacement bolts for the bikes, buyers please contact me to arrange handover.
-Tom