"Toby F., Manager" (itsmefromhr)
08/14/2018 at 23:40 • Filed to: None
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"Toby F., Manager" (itsmefromhr)
08/14/2018 at 23:40 • Filed to: None | 0
| 17 |
Anyone have experience with folding bikes ? Dahon, Brompton, etc? I’m interested in buying a n ew bike for a few reasons: I miss the thrill of riding, I’ve put on weight and am out of shape, I need a hobby, and I may be moving to a new job in a new city (urban/downtown environment).
I currently own a 29er ( which I haven’t used in maybe two years and is in storage ), but would like something more compact and nimble, “cheap,” and a bit more comfortable to ride on long distance.
Any input is appreciated.
HammerheadFistpunch
> Toby F., Manager
08/15/2018 at 00:00 |
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is your 29er steel or al?
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Toby F., Manager
> HammerheadFistpunch
08/15/2018 at 00:16 |
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Steel. It was purchased new 4 or 5 years ago and needs some TLC.
Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
> Toby F., Manager
08/15/2018 at 00:20 |
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Bromtoms are cool but I don’t think you would want to ride one more than 10 miles or so due to the tiny wheels. I would probably put some city tires on the 29er and just ride that. You should be able to find something in the 40c width range that would work well.
Most people I know who work in the city ride older road bikes or cyclocross bikes. I don’t see to many folding bikes.
TheRealBicycleBuck
> Toby F., Manager
08/15/2018 at 00:22 |
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How heavy is heavy? Folding bikes are a compromise and many of them have relatively low maximum loads. Ironically, smaller wheels are usually stronger, so the weakness comes with the frame and its ability to fold. Oh, and the ridiculously long seat post and stem.
For urban riding, I prefer a mountain bike with slicks or a cyclocross bike. A folding bike might make i t easier to load onto a train or bus, but a lot of public transportation is designed to accommodate bikes. I’d check on that before I bought a folder.
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HammerheadFistpunch
> Toby F., Manager
08/15/2018 at 00:30 |
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I was going to suggest looking into S&S couplers but they might be more than you want to spend.
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Toby F., Manager
> HammerheadFistpunch
08/15/2018 at 00:37 |
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Just Googled what that is , and while it’s neat, I think that’s beyond what I’m looking for at this time.
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Toby F., Manager
> TheRealBicycleBuck
08/15/2018 at 00:43 |
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Are you referring to the bike or my personal weight? I’m looking for a bike that’s easier to transport without the need of a rack , as well as able to be lugged around into my cubicle . The bike also would serve more as a way to get more cardio and unwind at the end of the day, than for long distance commuting (however it would be nice).
I’ve read about the cons with the latching system with folding bikes, which has me looking for alternatives, but at the same time I’d like to own something more compact than a 29er.
SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media
> Toby F., Manager
08/15/2018 at 02:04 |
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One mad but good option is Bike Friday. They are a US made bike brand based on small wheels for all sorts of riding activities. They’re not cheap but they are quality and they are amazingly comfortable...
This is the Pocket Llama which is one of their touring bikes. I’ve experienced this one.
They also do a city bike that they call Pak-it which looks like a hoot...
Otherwise, try sourcing one of the Dutch style city bikes which are more of a step through kind of frame or have a low standover which means they are easier to get on or off.
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TheRealBicycleBuck
> Toby F., Manager
08/15/2018 at 06:57 |
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“... I’ve put on weight and am out of shape...”
I’v always been a fairly big guy (they call us
Clydesdale
) and I’ve managed to destroy my fair share of 26"
rear wheels just throwing
my weight around. “You need more finesse,” they said. “Hulk smash!” I’d reply.
A folder is a more delicate thing. The wheels will be fine because they are small, but the frames, with all their folding and latching points, are not. Just watch a few of the promo videos. I’ve never seen one with a fat guy on their little bike.
Of course, putting on a little weight is a relative thing. If you’re starting at 150, you might be fine. I’m considerably heavier than that and wouldn’t trust a tiny folder to get me down the block.
OPPOsaurus WRX
> Toby F., Manager
08/15/2018 at 07:55 |
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maybe drop back down to a 26". when I was riding in B oston I had a 26" mountain bike. It had the quick release wheels, which seems pretty standard now. I could take the wheels off and push it under my desk no problem.I feel like a folding bike would get loose at the joint after a while but i’ve never owned one so I dont know. I would also think a folding bike would be trash for long distance but maybe better for a short commute.
this is interesting:
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OPPOsaurus WRX
> TheRealBicycleBuck
08/15/2018 at 07:57 |
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i’m with you on the mountain bike. I used to ride one in B oston. The suspension helped with the shitty roads and beefy tires when th e oblivious tourist walks in front of you and you need to jump onto the sidewalk.
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TheRealBicycleBuck
> OPPOsaurus WRX
08/15/2018 at 08:16 |
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I found beefy tires were plenty. I pressed my Super-V into commuting duty when I could only have one bike. Plush. After I graduated, I moved to an old non-suspension MTB with slicks. The only squish came from the tires, but I was fine with that. It was easier to maintain speed and I was less worried about it being stolen since I had to lock it up outside.
BJ
> Toby F., Manager
08/15/2018 at 08:40 |
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I can’t help you on folding bikes, but I’ll nonetheless give you an opinion on a regular bike!
If you have a bike rack, but are worried about theft, I would suggest a beater steel-framed mountain bike and a set of all-purpose touring tires like this: https://www.continental-tires.com/bicycle/tires/city-trekking-tires/contact-plus .
You’ll have a s olid, comfortable, and uninteresting bike as far a theft goes. Paint it flat black, or some god-awful neon colour, and then throw some bricks at it to bang it up a bit, and no-one will bother stealing it from you.
Bonus: install a rear rack and a
baby seat. The baby seat is convenient for your backpack - your back will be less sweaty after a long ride
-
and makes the bike even less interesting for theft.
Depending on what you drive, a quick-release front wheel might be enough to make the bike fit into your car when you need to move it around.
bhtooefr
> Toby F., Manager
08/15/2018 at 08:50 |
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I need to swap the saddle on my Dahon Boardwalk (bottom-of-the-line model, although I’ve done some upgrades ) , because it’s not shaped right for me, but this is my folder:
If you want comfortable for long distance, you probably want something other than a folder, although there are absolutely people who tour on them.
Also, I’m above the maximum weight, but I’ve not had a weight-related problem with this one.
Spanfeller is a twat
> Toby F., Manager
08/15/2018 at 09:20 |
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I seccond RBB, but if you’re a big boi like myself (220lb) get a 27” rim , 29”s are just too maintenance intensive.
just-a-scratch
> Toby F., Manager
08/15/2018 at 10:50 |
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Is bringing the bike into the cubicle a must do? If yes, I understand the want of a folding bike. Otherwise there are probably better options out there.
Nom De Plume
> Toby F., Manager
08/15/2018 at 17:20 |
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No personal attack intended. If you are 5'5" and 180 lbs a folding bike will be fine. 6'2" and 300lbs you need to start seeking other alternatives.
Based on your description I think you need to review your options in a broader sense. Bringing a bike into your cubicle is the least desirable option. Office closet, sure.
Is there a locker room or other place to get cleaned up and dress for the ride home on either end of the day? Does a nearby parking garage or other business offer bike storage (including your own place of employment) ? Would a fendered + saddle bag mounted road bike that fits 30-45mm tires be the best all around or do you really need the mobility of a folding bike?
One thing to keep in mind is a folding bike will almost certainly be more expensive than a lockable road bike. The latter of which is a quietly competent survivor requiring little maintenance.