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Folders

Group for owners and fans of folding bikes. Webspace for discussion of issues, advice, stories, history, ideas etc about folding bikes.

Members: 50
Latest Activity: Jan 11, 2022

Discussion Forum

Brompton Riders Chicago

Just thought you might like to know that I started another group, specifically for us Brompton riders. With any interest, I'm hoping we can get together for a ride or two, and share our B's history…Continue

Started by Marcusn Jul 17, 2014.

accessories 6 Replies

Would anyone care to share their experiences (good and bad) with various folder-specific accessories?Continue

Tags: accessories, bike, folding

Started by Anne Alt. Last reply by L.Park Nov 16, 2013.

Advice on folders for a Metra UPN commute 15 Replies

I'm beginning initial research on folding bikes for a commute. I take Metra's UPN from Ravenswood to Davis and onto Northwestern University (north campus). I'm looking forward to a reasonable…Continue

Tags: commuting, metra, bikes, folding

Started by Richard. Last reply by Richard Sep 21, 2012.

Folding on the South Shore RR 4 Replies

I'm considering a folder specifically to take on the South Shore Railroad.  I know this line has a history of being hostile to bikers.  Anyone have stories to share?  Their official policies allow…Continue

Started by Michael. Last reply by Anne Alt Feb 18, 2012.

Comment Wall

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Comment by Thunder Snow on November 29, 2012 at 10:30am

Brompton's got a new animation of its fold:

Comment by Richard on November 27, 2012 at 1:11pm

If anyone is looking for a cover for a folding bike, I bought this the Tern folding bike carry on cover. But it doesn't fit my bike. I'm selling it if anyone is interested.

http://www.nycewheels.com/tern-folding-bike-carryon-cover.html

Comment by Jing M on October 25, 2012 at 1:57am
I have a tern folding bike but not that $3000 verge x20
Comment by Thunder Snow on October 25, 2012 at 12:00am

This Tern looks nice.  Really nice.

Comment by Allen Wrench on August 28, 2012 at 9:28pm

So, in answer to the question "what folder could be used to carry on Amtrak and carried off and used to tour, 100-200 miles or so? Special panniers? Special handlebar bags? What should I look for?" which was just sent to the group, I guess as usual it depends.

I think you can rig up a decent enough pannier setup on most folders, using a standard mountain bike rack or smaller and Ortlieb frontroller-type panniers; you have space for a rack bag then and a handlebar bag if needed. I'd try it out first to be sure it doesn't affect handling too badly. So the choice boils down to "which folder do you want to sit on for 200 miles?" 

Bike Friday specializes in this stuff, costly, disassemblable not foldable really, good for amtrak since fits in a suitcase, then you carry your stuff in the suitcase as a trailer. Comfy. Not a good commuter later though since takes 5-10 minutes to fold into its box and isn't a nice package to carry when folded. Racks available but costly. Much more customizable fit and features than others.

Brompton can carry more than you think with frontrollers on the rack and the Brompton T-bag (huge, doesn't affect handling much), not really a touring bike but not awful either. You could get one with sportier handlebars, limits size of front bag a bit. Commutes well. Folds in no time and I've brought mine on Amtrak, fits overhead fine. Limited features but elegant and works well. Might need higher gearing to go faster on the flat depending on model, check ratios.

Birdy rides well, carries panniers fine with rack. Disassembles into a suitcase but no trailer thingy unless you make one. It's more like a Friday than Brompton. 

Tern and Dahon not my expertise, if they ride well empty I bet you can get them going fine with panniers.

Comment by Thunder Snow on January 16, 2012 at 5:08pm

From the same practicabiking.org article (see below)

Comment by Thunder Snow on January 16, 2012 at 5:06pm

Nice article about riding folding bikes in general and riding Bromptons in particular:

http://practicalbiking.org/2011/08/why-i-ride-a-brompton-folding-bi...

Comment by Thunder Snow on October 1, 2011 at 12:45pm

 

Bike race across London on two of the most compact folders out there, the A-Bike & the Strida.  Fun!

Comment by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on September 7, 2011 at 7:27pm
I just rode a folding bike this week, it's so fun!  Thanks Willow for the awesome gift!
Comment by Bill the Cat on August 12, 2011 at 1:29pm
I am thinking about the Edgewater Mass ride tonight.
 

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