Which Folding Bike to buy him for Christmas?

LordSutch

My wife's brother commutes everyday into dublin by train, and apparently he's always complaining about the bloody walk at the other end (Tara St - Wood Quay), its not that far, but his wife is thinking of getting him a 'surprise' folding Bike in a bag for Christmas to take on the train with him!

Obviously the Brompton is at the top of the tree, but the price is out the window (what are they now? €900 or something mad like that)? Then you have the Dahon's of this world in the €600-650 range, then you have Halfords bikes, then you have various Bicycle websites that do all manner of folding bikes for really great prices! Yes we know that "you get what you pay for" but considering his short cycle every day on a flat tarmac surface, would it matter if she bought him a 16" wheel folder online for under €200.

Help needed.

kenmc

Dublin bike subscription .€10 . done

LordSutch

What? you mean like bike sharing?

mbiking123

Hello

I have been told by someone who owns a Brompton that the bike's with smaller wheels are alot harder to control than a conventional bike. This person broke a bone in his hand when he went over the handelbars, he does alot of cycling/running and never came off a conventional type bike. he ended up getting a fold up mountain bike in Argos (for holidays).

Bike with 26" wheel for example you can lean left right to turn, however with brompton you dont have the same control and if you turn handlebars too much you'll go over the handlebars

LordSutch

mbiking123 wrote: »

Hello

I have been told by someone who owns a Brompton that the bike's with smaller wheels are alot harder to control than a conventional bike. This person broke a bone in his hand when he went over the handelbars, he does alot of cycling/running and never came off a conventional type bike. he ended up getting a fold up mountain bike in Argos (for holidays).

Bike with 26" wheel for example you can lean left right to turn, however with brompton you dont have the same control and if you turn handlebars too much you'll go over the handlebars

Thanks for that, but will they let a big bike like that (26" wheels) on the DART?

Folding bikes come in a bag, hence the interest + he can put it in the boot of his Nissan Micra!

tomasrojo

mbiking123 wrote: »

I have been told by someone who owns a Brompton that the bike's with smaller wheels are alot harder to control than a conventional bike.

I've had one for about two years and I've never had any trouble with them, except that they're harder to steer with one hand (or no hands). It's not that you have less control; it's just that the steering is more sensitive. You actually in some senses have more control, as you have a very tight turning circle.

They're excellent bikes. If you go for a very basic model (steel, 3-speed, standard saddle, no extras) you can get one for E800 or so.

Basically, with folders you have two criteria, and the more you satisfy one, the less you satisfy the other. One criterion is an enjoyable ride, and other is how well it folds (ease of fold and compactness of final fold). The Brompton scores highly on the second, and modestly on the first. For that reason, it's generally regarded as the best folder.

Maybe have a look at
http://foldsoc.co.uk
or http://www.atob.org.uk/folding-bikes.html
for other options.

Be very careful before buying a cheap one. They're usually incredibly heavy, not very robust, a pain to cycle, and don't fold very well.

tomasrojo

LordSutch wrote: »

What? you mean like bike sharing?

It does sound as if a DublinBike subscription would be the optimal solution.

Unless the racks near Tara Street are always depleted in the morning. Anyone know?

Tonyandthewhale

mbiking123 wrote: »

Hello

I have been told by someone who owns a Brompton that the bike's with smaller wheels are alot harder to control than a conventional bike. QUOTE]

I'd be more inclined to describe the handling as 'super-fun' rather than diffcult or dangerous. It is very sensitive so you have to pay attention but you still have complete control over what direction you're going in same as with any other bike.
I have a dawes metropolis which is a re-badged dahon with an internal 3 speed hub. It's awful but I only paid 30e for it (second hand) and i've kind of come to love it. I've modified it extensively (even structurally) but it still has its limitations so I'd hate to think how much work a super-cheap argos or ebay folder might take to get it truly road-worthy since (I think) my bike was pretty middle of the road price-wise. Then again my folder's pretty old so maybe they'ce come on since then.
I still wouldn't bother buying the cheapest one I can find (first hand anyway) just like I wouldn't with any other bike. Doesn't matter how short of simple the ride is, if the bike's bad enough it'll be more fun to walk.

kenmc

LordSutch wrote: »

What? you mean like bike sharing?

yep. brilliant scheme.

penexpers

Having used folding bikes a good bit, my opinion on which one to get can be summed up by this phrase: Brompton ftw.

For short distances to/from offices it's the best all round option. Mine folds up small enough to fit under my desk in work and I don't really notice that it's there. I don't think my Dahon Speed would have done the same.

CramCycle

LordSutch wrote: »

What? you mean like bike sharing?

http://www.dublinbikes.ie/

This might be more helpful if you have never heard of it before.

kenmc

OP, you've not mentioned if the lad actually wants one of these at all. Does he cycle anyway? If not, then it's entirely likely he's not going to use this at all.... I reckon the DB scheme is the way forward for him, esp as he's working in town and there are bike stations near his start and end points.

loyatemu

800 lids?!

you could get a serviceable second-hand (non-folding) bike for 150 and leave it locked up at Tara St.

tomasrojo

loyatemu wrote: »

800 lids?!

you could get a serviceable second-hand (non-folding) bike for 150 and leave it locked up at Tara St.

Yes, 800 bones or clams or whatever you call them is quite a lot. You wouldn't buy it specifically for this purpose.

However, if you were making many and varied journeys on public transport, you can't have a beater bike in every location. (People who do this: how bad does the bike get through exposure to the elements, and how quickly?)

Dublinbikes sounds the best solution to this.

Shhh

Check Rothar in Phibsboro - I gave them a brand new folding bike as a trade in about a month ago. (it belonged to a family memeber who never used it..)

It just might still be there and if it isn't they may have another one. they are really reasonable for reconditioned bikes. Then, if cycling works out for him he can upgrade to a fancy one if he wants.

Lumen

According to Google Maps, this journey is 1.3km. That's a 13 minute walk or a 4 minute cycle.

Add a minute at each end for folding/folding the bike and you've saved seven minutes per journey.

If you value your time at average industrial wage at €22/hour, that's €5.13 per day, so an 800 quid folding bike would pay for itself in only 31 weeks.

LordSutch

kenmc wrote: »

OP, you've not mentioned if the lad actually wants one of these at all. Does he cycle anyway? If not, then it's entirely likely he's not going to use this at all.... I reckon the DB scheme is the way forward for him, esp as he's working in town and there are bike stations near his start and end points.

Thanks for your help, but they're not interested in the bike share scheme at all, (she wants to get him a folding bike) that will fit snugly into the boot of his Nissan Micra, he can then cycle from his house to the DART station, pop his little bike into its bag, then hop off at Tara St (or anyother station) and be free to cycle to his destination. If money was no object, then 'The Brompton' (16" wheels) would be the one, but they are soo expensive & too rare here to even find a 2nd hand one!

So, its down to the original question in post#1 really )

kenmc

LordSutch wrote: »

Thanks for your help, but they're not interested in the bike share scheme at all, (she wants to get him a folding bike) that will fit snugly into the boot of his Nissan Micra, he can then cycle from his house to the DART station, pop his little bike into its bag, then hop off at Tara St (or anyother station) and be free to cycle to his destination. If money was no object, then 'The Brompton' (16" wheels) would be the one, but they are soo expensive & too rare here to even find a 2nd hand one!

So, its down to the original question in post#1 really )

And this is something he wants too, or she wants him to want it? Just cos it's a lot of money to spend if it's just going to sit there.

Bluefoam

OP, I get the feeling that if he was interested in cycling from the station to the office, he would have already discovered the Dublin Bikes and would be using them currently. For me the hassle of carrying a bike to the train and on the train would negate the 7 minute time saving at the other end. Sorry if I'm putting a negative slant on this, its not my intention to spoil the idea.

BTW when I did work in Dublin city centre my favourite part of the day was the 25/30 walk from the train to the office and back in the evening. Although, I did keep a bike in the office for getting to meetings around town and for getting away from the office at lunch time to meet friends in places that I couldn't have got to without the bike...

niknaks

http://www.bicycles4u.com/index.php

Im having the same problem. Trying to find a relatively cheap folding bike for my other half. The main problem is storage space hence why he wants a fold up bike. I found the website above and was wondering if you could tell me if any of the bikes listed are any good?

LordSutch

I started this thread in the hope that we would be guided towards a selection of recommended folding bikes with 16" wheels, but its proving to be a difficult ask :cool: > This is the Cycling Forum, so surely there must be someone out there who has experience of folding bikes?

kincsem

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/SearchResults.aspx?Search=folding

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/?s=folding

reviews
http://www.bikeradar.com/search/?sortBy=relevancy&searchTerm=folding&searchType=siteAdvancedSearch&searchResponseHeader=false&rows=20&page=1&searchIndex=bikeradar&type=review

Holyboy

Dahon do a single speed 16" I think its called an Uno, but their finish quality isnt great IMHO, Giant halfway is my favourite of the cheaper folding bikes but its still about 500 euro I think, but if you want something that actually works thats the minimum you should really be spending!

penexpers

Holyboy wrote: »

Dahon do a single speed 16" I think its called an Uno, but their finish quality isnt great IMHO, Giant halfway is my favourite of the cheaper folding bikes but its still about 500 euro I think, but if you want something that actually works thats the minimum you should really be spending!

This. The entry point for a decent folding bike is higher than a normal bike. I owned a Dahon (spent about 350 euro on it) and it started falling apart after about 3 months of daily usage. I've had a Brompton and I have used it almost daily for more than a year and it's holding up to the abuse very well.

If there is confidence that it would be used every day, then a Brompton is well worth the investment. Is it possible to use the bike to work scheme to get the bike?

tomasrojo

Holyboy wrote: »

Dahon do a single speed 16" I think its called an Uno, but their finish quality isnt great IMHO, Giant halfway is my favourite of the cheaper folding bikes but its still about 500 euro I think, but if you want something that actually works thats the minimum you should really be spending!

What's the Brompton single-speed cost? Must be less than the 3-speed. It's definitely lighter, from what I remember.

wireit2me

Dahon Speed Pro TT 2010. Look around on the net. You will get one at good price (600-800 euros) - the new Vector X 27 2012 replaces it and is due in next few days. The TT is a excellent bike, fast, stylish folds quick, light. It ticks all the boxes IMO - . It "snaps" necks when you Zoooom by on this beauty. I dont know yet how to post photos. I have one I picked up for a song from a UK site...

The Lucan Collective

http://www.staggcycles.com/index.php/clearance-bikes/giant-clip-folding-bike-detail

Giant Clip / Stagg Cycles

LordSutch

Just came across this site http://www.bicycles4u.com/ Looks interesting to me, I do understand that the quality will be reflected in the (very cheap) price, but considering the spec required, maybe one of these will fit the bill? I notice the same frame on other websites too, (Proteam SP1055 for example) /lower spec, no dynamo lights, and no folding pedals either, but the Bicycles4u version has all features required inc correct dimensions for Micra boot + a choice of four colour schemes too!

Can anyone say if Bicycles4U are any good? or are they total rubbish?

Bluefoam

LordSutch wrote: »

Just came across this site http://www.bicycles4u.com/

Can anyone say if Bicycles4U are any good? or are they total rubbish?

That site has already been linked above.

The general consensus from this thread and from other reading I've done online is that Brompton is no. 1. If you are serious about using a folder and plan to get lots of use from it, buy a Brompton. If your budget will not allow that & you are still serious about a folder, get a Dahon, they are not as well put together or as well designed, but they are of decent quality. Below that that lavel, Giants are worth looking at as are a couple of others at a similar price point.

IMHO, it's not worth buying anything cheaper than that. I haven't seen anyone recommend cheap folding bikes & there is a reason for that. There is also a good reason that Brompton get such good recomendations.

You seem to be pushing the issue here, expecting someone to come on and give high praise to a folding BSO - it hasn't happened yet & I think its unlikely to happen.

LordSutch

Bluefoam wrote: »

You seem to be pushing the issue here, expecting someone to come on and give high praise to a folding BSO - it hasn't happened yet & I think its unlikely to happen.

Yes, I most definately am pushing the issue (thank you Bluefoam), we want to make sure that all opinions have been aired before the money is parted with, whether its €250, €600, or €1000, its hard earned money! This folding bike thread will be very useful to others who wish to buy a folding bike this Christmas. So I'll 'push off' now and stop asking for any more advice.

Anyway, I guess that this thread has run its course . . . .

Many thanks to all contributors.

CramCycle

LordSutch wrote: »

Yes, I most definately am pushing the issue (thank you Bluefoam), we want to make sure that all opinions have been aired before the money is parted with, whether its €250, €600, or €1000, its hard earned money! This folding bike thread will be very useful to others who wish to buy a folding bike this Christmas. So I'll 'push off' now and stop asking for any more advice.

No reason to stop the thread, you are correct, it is alot of money and in the current climate many people cannot afford as much. I really think your best bet is scanning the classifieds or heading over to Rothar etc. to see what you can find.

Alot of people ride BSOs and survive fine on them. The person for whom the bike is for is not doing huge mileage and may be perfectly fine with that. I still think a decent 2nd hand bike is a better option.

That said if you look around (here for example), you may find exactly what you want. It may still be available.

maninasia

Bluefoam wrote: »

That site has already been linked above.

The general consensus from this thread and from other reading I've done online is that Brompton is no. 1. If you are serious about using a folder and plan to get lots of use from it, buy a Brompton. If your budget will not allow that & you are still serious about a folder, get a Dahon, they are not as well put together or as well designed, but they are of decent quality. Below that that lavel, Giants are worth looking at as are a couple of others at a similar price point.

IMHO, it's not worth buying anything cheaper than that. I haven't seen anyone recommend cheap folding bikes & there is a reason for that. There is also a good reason that Brompton get such good recomendations.

You seem to be pushing the issue here, expecting someone to come on and give high praise to a folding BSO - it hasn't happened yet & I think its unlikely to happen.

Dahon and Giant make excellent folding bikes too, there are so many different designs and quality levels out there and like all bikes it would be better to see it and try it before purchasing.

Lumen

CramCycle wrote: »

A lot of people ride BSOs and survive fine on them

If someone buys a BSO and has no problems with it, then it's not a BSO but just a decent cheap bike. Unfortunately they're aren't many reliable sources of information about decent-ish cheap-ish new bikes.

CramCycle wrote: »

in the current climate many people cannot afford as much

The main argument against BSOs is purely economical - while they're more financially accessible they're more expensive over the long term (a bit like loan sharks or hire purchase schemes). Therefore the "current climate" makes the case against BSOs stronger rather than weaker.

In our current economy the cost arguments for and against various bikes are heavily skewed by the high value of professional maintenance (local labour) compared to manufacture (foreign labour). The cost of maintaining a bike in regular use probably exceeds it's purchase price after a handful of years, but I've never read a TCO analysis of various designs of bike.

So we come back to the most common ownership models, which are (a) spend a decent whack of money and pay a bike shop to maintain it for a few years, and (b) pay almost nothing and junk the bike when it stops working or (more likely) gets stolen due to the €20 "lock".

The option of buying second hand and doing your own maintenance requires some knowledge and patience, both of which are terribly inconvenient to acquire compared to throwing €150 into the bin via Halfords.