Folding Bike Suggestions and Considerations
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Alan Ortiz on -
Funny you should ask... I'm trying to figure that one out myself and would love to hear various perspectives on that. I'm down to two brands -- Bike Friday and Dahon. What have you been looking at Key? My needs are a combo of loaded touring and business trips.
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Permalink Reply by mindfrieze on -
It depends a little on what you plan to use it for.
I have a friend who bought a folder for commutes by bike/Metra. He wanted something extremely compact and quick to fold. He claimed he could collapse it in 8 seconds. Great for when you're running late for the train.
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Permalink Reply by Anne on -
a folding bike will not hold up to loaded touring; 20" wheels, cheaper components, etc.
You can get a full-size bike with couplers that allow you to break it down and pack it into a case. Ritchey makes the Breakaway, but many manufacturers offer the "S&S Coupler" as an add-on option. http://www.sandsmachine.com/
Alan Ortiz said:Funny you should ask... I'm trying to figure that one out myself and would love to hear various perspectives on that. I'm down to two brands -- Bike Friday and Dahon. What have you been looking at Key? My needs are a combo of loaded touring and business trips.
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Permalink Reply by Michael on -
Personally, I love my Dahon. It is not a high-end bike, but it is perfect for bike-transit combos where the cycling portion is ~5 miles or less. Although I have ridden the folder distances greater than 10 miles, I would consider a higher-end folder if I planned to do a significant amount of distance riding on it.
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Permalink Reply by Pete M on -
I prefer to roll mine>
JKT said:Actually, Bike Friday makes custom, high end folders specifically designed for touring (check out their New World Tourist model, or NWT). Not cheap, but they have a pretty loyal following and their bikes get rave reviews.
Anne said:a folding bike will not hold up to loaded touring; 20" wheels, cheaper components, etc.
You can get a full-size bike with couplers that allow you to break it down and pack it into a case. Ritchey makes the Breakaway, but many manufacturers offer the "S&S Coupler" as an add-on option. http://www.sandsmachine.com/
Alan Ortiz said:Funny you should ask... I'm trying to figure that one out myself and would love to hear various perspectives on that. I'm down to two brands -- Bike Friday and Dahon. What have you been looking at Key? My needs are a combo of loaded touring and business trips.
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Permalink Reply by JKT on
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Actually, Bike Friday makes custom, high end folders specifically designed for touring (check out their New World Tourist model, or NWT). Not cheap, but they have a pretty loyal following and their bikes get rave reviews. I ride a Dahon commuter bike myself and it works great for the purpose it serves.
Keep in mind that generally there's a trade off between folding compactness and ride quality. Do you prefer a quick fold, small footprint, and the ability to easily multi-mode commute? Consider a 20" Dahon, Bike Friday Tikit, or Brompton. Or do you favor the ability to tour or ride faster and longer? Then consider a Bike Friday NWT, Bike Friday Pocket Rocket, Swift/Xootr, Birdy, or higher end Dahon. Best of luck!
Anne said:a folding bike will not hold up to loaded touring; 20" wheels, cheaper components, etc.
You can get a full-size bike with couplers that allow you to break it down and pack it into a case. Ritchey makes the Breakaway, but many manufacturers offer the "S&S Coupler" as an add-on option. http://www.sandsmachine.com/
Alan Ortiz said:Funny you should ask... I'm trying to figure that one out myself and would love to hear various perspectives on that. I'm down to two brands -- Bike Friday and Dahon. What have you been looking at Key? My needs are a combo of loaded touring and business trips.
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Permalink Reply by Alan Ortiz on
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Hey All... lots of great comments/info. Much appreciated. I'll be checking it all out and having fun -- or maybe twisting in agony about having to make the final choice. LOL
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Permalink Reply by vxla on -
I've got a Dahon folder for sale on the cheap. Message me if interested.
Folders are great bikes, and they're extremely comfortable. I was always happy to ride mine, but now have little reason to keep it.
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Permalink Reply by Julie Hochstadter on -
Anyone have the Dahon Espresso?
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Permalink Reply by djm on -
Anne said:a folding bike will not hold up to loaded touring; 20" wheels, cheaper components, etc.
Ive done extensive loaded touring on 20" wheels (BF) and they have held up well.
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Permalink Reply by spacemodular on -
At Rapid Transit Cycleshop we stock Bike Friday, Brompton and Dahon. If you like, you can come in and test ride different models and discuss options such as touring with a folding bike.
Thanks,
Nick
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Permalink Reply by Lee Roy Carrier on -
I have made short rides pretty loaded with my Dahon D7. The low
center of gravity keeps it pretty stable. Again, less than 5 miles.
djm said:Anne said:a folding bike will not hold up to loaded touring; 20" wheels, cheaper components, etc.
Ive done extensive loaded touring on 20" wheels (BF) and they have held up well.
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