slingshot folding bikes and public transportaion

I like the idea of owning a full sizes folding bike. slingshot bikes look cool , are expensive and exotic- just musing . Does any one know if a slingshot frame can be conveniently loosened to fold for city train rides and would they be too large to be admitted at rush hour?

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Permalink Reply by JKT on March 2, 2009 at 7:41pm

Not sure about the Slingshot folding bike, but there are many choices for full-size and small-wheel size folding bikes. I own a 20" wheel Dahon folder myself and often take it on public transit. Dahon (www.dahon.com) has several 26" wheel folders. Their website specifies the folded dimensions. Montague is another maker of full-size folders. Some folding bike resources to check out:

The Folding Society: http://www.foldsoc.co.uk/
The Folding Cyclist: http://www.foldingcyclist.com/
A to B Magazine: http://www.atob.org.uk/
Treehugger: Treehugger.com (has many articles and reviews on folders)

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Permalink Reply by jonathan on March 2, 2009 at 10:19pm

I have visited those sites and watched a video of a slingshot being taken apart which looks fairly straight forward and great for long distance packing. I'm waiting to hear from a rep at slingshot as far as partially loosening the frame for short commuter trips. I haven't heard of anyone trying to use like I would. I did a tour ten years ago in Moab and the guide rode a slingshot it definitely looked sturdy. Thanks for the input The Airminal looks sweet too. I met a Birtish pilot at bike the drive ridding one .

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Permalink Reply by RodimusPrime on March 3, 2009 at 9:53am

I agree, I've taken way bigger things on those trains and its just a matter of everyone having to accomodating them like anything else. I'd hate to have ANYTHING on a rush hour train though. In fact i hate being on a rush hour train. that's why I bike

M.A.R.K. said:

I dont think size is an issue with either the CTA, Pace or Metra, idk about Amtrak. Especially if you got it tucked away in a bag. I mean, look at all the people who shop and bring all their bags on the train, or people traveling with multiple suitcases.

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Permalink Reply by Abio Bikes on March 3, 2009 at 11:13am

Very interesting folder!

The way it folds using the seat tube as pivot is actually a very good way to maintain the strength of the frame. I like that.

I am however skeptical about the cable in place of the down tube - I believe the Puma folder (via OEM Iomega) has something similar and they are a bit weak. The folding steps would definitely take some practice!

If I were to bring onto the train or bus, I would throw it into a bag but my concern would be damage to the loose parts that are just dangling. Looks like a cool bike though!

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Permalink Reply by RideTHISbike on March 3, 2009 at 3:33pm

I like the looks of the Slingshot too but the price - ouch.

The Montague folds in essentially the same way (via a swing arm type frame) but the Montague's a sturdier machine. It has the military pedigree going for it (design was funded by the Pentagon and it's been used overseas by special forces) and the Montague folds faster (drop the front wheel, flip a quick release, swing the frame).

Now, having said all this, I prefer using small wheel folding bikes on mass transit. It's a lot easier to get a small folder on and off a packed train or bus. Plus, some transit agencies have unusual requirements. For example, in New Orleans, folding bikes are supposed to be bagged and placed on the floor below the seat...

Folders that are ideal for use on mass transit include the Brompton, CarryMe, Mobiky or Strida. They look different but for multi-modal commutes of a few miles, nothing beats their convenience.

Larry
RideTHISbike.com