CHEDECH: Quest to design the ultimate folding bike!
Comments
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If I were physically stronger and didn't mind arriving to work with a little sweat, I'd probably stick to a Brompton. It's built like a tank and is reliable! Sadly, I have neck issues, and I work closely with people. I need to arrive to work feeling fresh. Therefore, having the lightest folder is what I'm after. If you are like me, chedech might be worth further investigation.
Hmm, I think you're overplaying the weight savings here.
You said yours was about 8.5kg.
A Brompton starts at 10kg.
Also, with the lack of mounting points/rack then you'll be wearing a backpack so you'll arrive with a sweaty back and probably the weight of the backpack will give you further back problems :twisted:
No need to invent a bad back/neck etc for the sake of 1.5kg
Every kg helps me, but admittedly, I'm an extreme case. I recently had to donate a travel size guitar because it was too heavy for me. I might take advantage of the android-ability of chedech and see if I can make it even lighter. I heard about the development of CF wheels, which promise to be surprisingly strong.
Also, I need a smooth ride to prevent my head from bobbing around, which causing neck inflamation. I do not have the latest chedech prototype, but based on the engineers assurances, I'm confident the ride will be smooth, yet stiff enough and not too bouncy.0 -
Only about 5-6 years ago.....they are very strong and proving very reliable, although weight saving versus a lightweight aluminium are small, my allow rims (26") are 320g each and that is the same as most the XC carbon rims.I heard about the development of CF wheels, which promise to be surprisingly strong.Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.0 -
Only about 5-6 years ago.....they are very strong and proving very reliable, although weight saving versus a lightweight aluminium are small, my allow rims (26") are 320g each and that is the same as most the XC carbon rims.I heard about the development of CF wheels, which promise to be surprisingly strong.
I totally see your point. In order to consider buying CF wheels, they must be cost effective, substantially lighter, and/or stronger than other materials. More investigation is required! ;-)0 -
I would suggest approaching a reputable rim maker (ryde (nee Rigida), Mavic or Stans for example) about making a rim in the size you need from an extrusion they use for a good quality 'full size' wheel. The Mavic open Pro for example would be a good basis.Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.0
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Unless used with disk brakes, carbon rims as currently available are pretty inappropriate for a commuting bike. They require special brake pads, have reduced braking performance in the wet, are too susceptible to wear, and are expensive to replace. Even aluminium rims, which are quite a lot harder-wearing, are regarded as consumables by many commuters. As Rookie said, you can get very close to the same weight saving with a well-chosen aluminium rim.
Only about 5-6 years ago.....they are very strong and proving very reliable, although weight saving versus a lightweight aluminium are small, my allow rims (26") are 320g each and that is the same as most the XC carbon rims.I heard about the development of CF wheels, which promise to be surprisingly strong.
I totally see your point. In order to consider buying CF wheels, they must be cost effective, substantially lighter, and/or stronger than other materials. More investigation is required! ;-)Pannier, 120rpm.0 -
The next big innovation in folding bikes needs to be about the wheels and not the frame. Beyond the wit on man to fold a wheel?You only need two tools: WD40 and Duck Tape.
If it doesn't move and should, use the WD40.
If it shouldn't move and does, use the tape.0 -
Probably quite a few people on here who've managed that particular trick...The next big innovation in folding bikes needs to be about the wheels and not the frame. Beyond the wit on man to fold a wheel?Pannier, 120rpm.0 -
The next big innovation in folding bikes needs to be about the wheels and not the frame. Beyond the wit on man to fold a wheel?
Well, the frame is the reason we created chedech, but it shouldn't stop there. I think each and every part can be optimized for weight, durability, flexibility, etc.0 -
Probably quite a few people on here who've managed that particular trick...The next big innovation in folding bikes needs to be about the wheels and not the frame. Beyond the wit on man to fold a wheel?
Indeed, it's the unfolding that's the problem0 -
I'm relocating to Portland, Oregon next week. Chedech should be perfect for cycling to the MAX line, folding up, carrying onboard, unfolding, and then zipping around the city centre. I'm hopeful the lighter weight will be easier on my neck.0
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chedech is running a cool event with a prize: https://www.facebook.com/chedechbike0
