Folding Bikes

[Pauline]

I know there was a thread on here last year about these but as new products often come out I thought I would start a new thread.

We are thinking of getting a couple of low price folding bikes and wonder if anyone has any advice or recommendations?

We only need something for very short journeys, mainly on cycle paths or very quiet lanes. Something for when walking is a bit too far but taking the van out is too much trouble.

Something that folds easily too

[maryinoxford]

"A to B" magazine does a lot on folding bikes. If you look on their website here: www.atob.org.uk/why_fold.html
-- you'll find some general information.

Folding bikes get more expensive with lighter weight or a more compact fold. If you're not too worried about weight or bulk, you should be able to find a basic fold-in-half bike quite cheaply.

Mary

[lunnie]

I still have my folding bike and all the bits up for sale including the bag which alone cost £20. for sale at £75 lights carrier locks the works. cost me just short of £200 only used about 4 times

[peterholden]

We have 2 folding bikes from www.bicycles4u.com

We bought them 2 years ago and we take them in our Outlook in summer. we store them in the Luton. We bought 16" wheel versions, mine has gears and Vicky's doesn't. They are fine for the occasional use that we give them. We went to the place to get them instead of mail order so that we could try them.

Peter

[barry5933]

Oct 27, 2009 21:53:47 GMT Pauline said:

I know there was a thread on here last year about these but as new products often come out I thought I would start a new thread.

We are thinking of getting a couple of low price folding bikes and wonder if anyone has any advice or recommendations?

We only need something for very short journeys, mainly on cycle paths or very quiet lanes. Something for when walking is a bit too far but taking the van out is too much trouble.

Something that folds easily too

Simply, you get what you pay for!

We have a number of folders in the family, ranging from a second hand 16" wheel Dahon, about £50 quids worth, up to 6 speed Bromptons (£600 plus!)

Cheap bikes will always be fitted with cheap components that will not stand much use or abuse before going out of adjustment or breaking and they are often hopeless to ride and fold.

Proper Dahons are good riders and reasonably well built but expect to spend about £300 plus for reasonable quality (new). Bromptons are the king of folders for compact and easy folding, excellent quality of build and componentry, they ride reasonably well, but they are EXPENSIVE.

for a bit of fun -

www.brompton.co.uk/bwc/2009/

play the video ;D

It all depends what you want it for. I would not like to ride a cheapie for any more than a couple of miles, but 35 miles on a Brommie has been done before now from a campsite.

Try before you buy, then you pays your money and takes your choice

[johns1]

As a Dimension owning folding bike user i have to agree with everything that Barry wrote.
Bromptons would clearly be the best option for the reasons stated. The small size when folded makes them particularly suitable for transporting in the Dimension but even these will be judged a nuisance at times when travelling.
In view of the expense of a new Brompton you could consider buying a used one and Ebay is a good place to look to get an idea of prices etc. - there are a few on there at the moment.

[Pauline]

Thanks everyone, some great info and food for thought there.

Will take a look at the various links, I must admit that they will only be used for very short trips and possible quite infrequently so don't want to spend too much but agree with the thoughts on 'you get what you pay for'.

Joan, thanks for letting us know about your bike, we will bear it in mind as we do our research

[robin]

Did you ever get one Pauline?