Folding Bikes ....any good ? [Archive]

the engine

23-08-2012, 06:12

keiths

23-08-2012, 08:38

There was a feature on folding bikes on "The Cycle Show" on ITV4 on Monday 20/8

http://www.itv.com/itvplayer/video/?Filter=323536

Take a look!

Clive

23-08-2012, 08:48

I suppose whether folding bikes are any good depends on how serious you are about cycling and how much you need them to fold.

A probably unfair comparison would be is a USB turntable any good? Well vs the TTs we discuss here then no. But they serve a purpose.

sq225917

23-08-2012, 09:13

Like any bike, you largely get what you pay for.

http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/

Consider that the top end excluding the lack of Moulton. The cheap end of the scale is probably something like Dahon. http://www.dahon.com/folding-bicycles

the engine

23-08-2012, 09:23

Erm...I don't really know how to add more than my original post...
It's for fun....and exercise.....and probably a bit of gentle sight seeing..y'know with a bag of grub and such.
Maybe 10 miles a weekend and more if we travel with them.
So Clive I assume your saying they are as bad in comparison as a usb deck to a gyrodec....If they are so inferior to a non folding bike as that then maybe I 'll forget it.

That's dashed my hopes. I thought they might be fun.

Clive

23-08-2012, 09:50

That's not really what I intended to say. If you aren't into serious biking and I assume you're not as you wouldn't have asked the question if you were - then they'll be fine if your priorities are portability and a bit of fun. If you want to cycle 25 miles over hills then no, they aren't great, you need a better bike.

Clive

23-08-2012, 09:57

Another thought....if you are interested in cycling you might want to consider getting off the roads as they are not safe nowadays. I too am in my 50s, my 17 year old keeps me less unfit by dragging me mountain biking. You can find gentle and much harder trails depending on what you want. You won't find a good folding mountain bike though. If you have a tow hook you could put a rack on the back of the car easily. I use roof bars. 400 to 500 quid gets you a decent hardtail bike.

sq225917

23-08-2012, 10:11

What folding bikes have you used Clive?

the engine

23-08-2012, 10:17

Oh right...cleared up mate.
My misses on mountain trails !!!!!!!
What's that gonna do to the prada trainers ?.....no I think riding round the lakes tarmac'll do us.
Mmmmmm, does Roberto cavelli or le'boutin do a line in helmets ?....that could be another problem.

Clive

23-08-2012, 10:34

What folding bikes have you used Clive?

I've riden some on demo days, they weren't the best balanced bikes (far from it) and some were rather heavy. As with USB turnatables I don't care enough to remember the models. I'm sure if you throw enough money at a folding bike or a USB TT then it must be possible to get a decent one.

the engine

23-08-2012, 10:40

Clive

23-08-2012, 12:00

Brace yourself C .....the one I 'm looking at is down from £600 to £297.....and weighs 12kgm.
Can't get a link on my phone to go on here but it's called a Oyama ... 'rockaway '
from a dealer called 'chainreaction'
Cool looking thing....chou !
We used chain reactions all the time, they are set up in Ireland and befit from great tax breaks and they are huge.

12kg is ok, it's 1kg more than my mountain bike but 2 kg less than my son's downhill bike.

I was going to suggest you check the geometry to ensure it suits you as bikes & people vary but you won't be able to as it's mail order. Still for £297 you can't go far wrong.

keiths

23-08-2012, 12:49

Brace yourself C .....the one I 'm looking at is down from £600 to £297.....and weighs 12kgm.
Can't get a link on my phone to go on here but it's called a Oyama ... 'rockaway '
from a dealer called 'chainreaction'
Cool looking thing....chou !

Chain Reaction are good - I've ordered stuff from them at 6pm in the evening and received it a 9am the following morning.

Your bike appears to be discontinued and not in stock though :(

the engine

23-08-2012, 17:23

Bugger !

Jason P

29-08-2012, 15:09

I've a Ridgeback folder (same as Dahon Vitesse only cheaper) and it's fab. Very comfy over a 4 mile commute with a surprising turn of speed, thanks to a 7 speed hub (worth the extra over a 3 speed or Derailleur version IMHO). Stability is fine, if you're a competent rider and don't try hands free riding. They can feel twitchy at first but once you're used to it they're very manoeuvrable. They also accelerate well too.

Don't expect a cheap one to be great, but the mid-ranged Dahons are good value for money IMHO.

MikeMusic

29-08-2012, 15:14

I'm thinking of getting a couple of bikes for me and it as a hobby and also a way of us fifty year olds to keep fit. We fancy the idea of folding bikes as we are not into lycra or racing....just a fun pastime. I like the idea of a folding bike so we can bung em in the motor and set off for a weekend in the lakes or whatever. Even take them abroad. I also think they'r pretty cool looking .
But I don't want to spend a grand each really.
So.....are they ok and which reasonable priced ones are the best ?
I have er, 4
I have a generic old folder I used to take to London and pull out of the Cortina to go from Regents Park as far south as Convent Garden and around.
Weighs a ton, but saved me hours and loads of money
Also have 2 Bickertons which flex all over the place but are light for carrying.
I was persuaded that a Brompton was a good bike. While better than the Bickertons it is heavier and to my mind not a nice ride. I prefer a racer.
Check how easily and how small they fold. Test ride
I love the Bickerton as it makes me smile it is so flexy.
A real bike feeling folder will cost you a few bob.
Ebay or 2nd hand somewhere could be a good move. Maybe your local bike shop has some to try

the engine

29-08-2012, 17:24

Thanks both...those bromptons are damned expensive from what I've seen....and they do look like little 'serious' ...We just want some fun but not something that will fall to pieces after ten miles.

goraman

30-08-2012, 05:19

I did a 2 mile ride on an Italian folder bike,I don't remember the name but it was a very light alloy mostly,it locked up really tight with no play and was pretty comfortable to my surprise.
I didn't ask the price as it was used mostly for bus hopping and riding around downtown.
some parts seemed pretty space age, I think the rims where polypropylene and some parts where carbon fiber, and titanium. It didn't look of feel cheap. The nice thing is when I got to the liquor store I just carried it in so it wouldn't get stolen,I didn't even have to fold it as it is still pretty small.
Got back and finished drinking with a couple of my friends.
He called it his clown cycle.
Knowing Vince a lot of the parts where custom fabricated he was really into toys.
I tried to find it on line but I don't see one with plastic looking mag wheels just spokes. This one looks close. http://www.foldingcyclist.com/CMK-folding-bike.html
I like this one though,it looks well made.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/expressway/9018/48865/

the engine

30-08-2012, 05:50

That 2nd one just does Look cool...very cool....me like !

MikeMusic

30-08-2012, 06:43

Thanks both...those bromptons are damned expensive from what I've seen....and they do look like little 'serious' ...We just want some fun but not something that will fall to pieces after ten miles.

My ancient generic could outlast us all, but it only folds on the frame. The more folds and convenience you have the more to go wrong.
Doubt you need a Brompton. Not cheap even 2nd hand

the engine

30-08-2012, 06:56

You got a pic of that beast of yours ? Lol.

MikeMusic

30-08-2012, 07:01

You got a pic of that beast of yours ? Lol.

I'll dig it out at the weekend and take a pic
Currently behind loads of stuff and my car

the engine

30-08-2012, 09:08

Bloody hell ....don't have to go to those lengths.....but ta anyway .

MikeMusic

30-08-2012, 09:18

Bloody hell ....don't have to go to those lengths.....but ta anyway .
Coincidence
I was going around the place last Sunday pumping up tyres on all unused bikes and I thought....
We need space - I need to sell some of this stuff
I'll start with Sally's cheap MTB and the old folder
I'd like to hang onto them all but having 9 bikes is a bit daft when they could go to a good home

the engine

30-08-2012, 10:04

9 bikes is not ' some bikes '
9 bikes...is a fecking ' Fleet ' !!!

MikeMusic

30-08-2012, 10:18

9 bikes is not ' some bikes '
9 bikes...is a fecking ' Fleet ' !!!

Ooh hang on, I forgot one, er 10.
- My original Palm Beach I've had since I was 11, rode home from Curries I think in Aldershot
I look at each one and say, I'll have to keep *that* one
:)

isuckedmandelsonslemons

30-08-2012, 10:51

We used chain reactions all the time, they are set up in Ireland and befit from great tax breaks and they are huge.

12kg is ok, it's 1kg more than my mountain bike but 2 kg less than my son's downhill bike.

I was going to suggest you check the geometry to ensure it suits you as bikes & people vary but you won't be able to as it's mail order. Still for £297 you can't go far wrong.

12kg is OK for a folding bike and for what you are proposing it will be the gear ratios that will have the greatest impact when it comes to getting up hills. Worse case scenario is you get off and push on the hardest bits.

Let's hope the cycling experience makes you want to go faster and further. Cycling is a great sport and I know quite a number of very good riders in their 60s and 70s.

If you do 'get into' be prepared to shell out serious money. My best road bike weighs 6.8kg and for the same money I could have bought a good hifi system, a home cinema system and still had change for a few good nights out.

Enjoy the bike.

isuckedmandelsonslemons

30-08-2012, 10:53

9 bikes is not ' some bikes '
9 bikes...is a fecking ' Fleet ' !!!

The perfect number of bikes is one more than you already have. I'll see your nine and raise you two. Nowt wrong with having 11 bikes IMHO.

MikeMusic

30-08-2012, 11:22

The perfect number of bikes is one more than you already have. I'll see your nine and raise you two. Nowt wrong with having 11 bikes IMHO.

I need more space so it's not just some of the bikes that have to go

Jason P

30-08-2012, 13:46

MikeMusic

30-08-2012, 14:09

Have a look at these Mike....

eBay Linky... (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-Dahon-Vitesse-D7HG-Folding-Bikes-350-each-or-600-together-/221116698944?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item337b951140#ht_500wt_1104)

Looks perfect for you!
I need *less* not more !
Although they could be... must stop myself !
I'm really into cycling fast around country roads on the Giant TCR 0
The folders are perfect for trips to the station and around towns and cities, to take in the back of the motor and then pootle
Just checked what Bromptons go for. I could actually make money on what I paid...
Now I wonder about a recumbent
:)

Jason P

30-08-2012, 14:29

I need *less* not more !
Although they could be... must stop myself !

Ooops! That post was meant for the OP who was looking for a pair of bikes. Sorry to put temptation in your path!

MikeMusic

30-08-2012, 14:32

Ooops! That post was meant for the OP who was looking for a pair of bikes. Sorry to put temptation in your path!
I can quit anytime <cough>
:)

goraman

30-08-2012, 16:13

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq-tS7VtPpY

This seems to be the folder that gets all the love, in reviews.*****

Here is a new one on ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-GIANT-EXPRESSWAY-2-WHITE-FOLDING-BIKE-/330783951800?
pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d04428bb8#ht_2085wt_1135

After reading about positive lock up and dependability it's the one I'd get. I don't want to think about parts collapsing or unlocking at 20miles an hour.
Something you break down and reopen like a Transformer has a lot to fail,I wouldn't go cheap.

daytona600

01-09-2012, 16:47

Do you want my triumph daytona motorbike It now folds up thanks to a kind lady applying her lipstick while driving her mondeo

goraman

01-09-2012, 17:33

Do you want my triumph daytona motorbike It now folds up thanks to a kind lady applying her lipstick while driving her mondeo

Oh that is bad.
Hard to get in the U.S. but I want one of these, a 418 lbs.paint shaker for running around town.
The one in black.
http://www.royalenfield.com/motorcycles/motor-cycles-models.aspx?model=10
My last bike was a 79 Triumph Bonni 750.
Just what I'd expect from anyone who would drive a Mondeo.

MikeMusic

13-09-2012, 14:35

Bloody hell ....don't have to go to those lengths.....but ta anyway .

Mr. Reliable here
I eventually got the bike out of the back of the garage, more work than I thought.
Camera batteries needed charging
Charged
Took pics
Camera to download pics - batteries flat (?!)
Pics are in camera and I can't get them out
Assume camera is terminal
Technology ......
Even turning off and on as well as gently tapping doesn't work :(