I'm thinking of getting a folder

Clever Pun · February 2008

mainly as a laugh and to make sure I get my full allocation of my cycle to work scheme.

there are times when it'd be useful and it folds so it doesn't take up much space... The missus might even use it

I'm thinking Brompton, do you guys have any recomendations, suggestions or warnings?

cheers

alfablue · February 2008

I think the Bromptons are generally held to be the best, I must say some Dahons look a bit more sporty, but I gather the folding is not so good. Airnimal models are probably more like regualar bikes, with fewer compromises, though the fold is boigger. Sorry, I am soeaking from relative ignorance, as I want one, but can't yet justify the expense. There is a buyers guide here and Avon Valley Cyclery (folding bikes uk) have a good range of makes and models to browse.

squired · February 2008

I would say that it depends on how you plan to use it. My commute (when using the train) includes a 10 minute walk to the train station and then a 20 minute walk to the office. Due to the timing of trains and consistent late arrival at London Victoria I got myself a Dahon Speed (the version that is £399). I can't tell you how pleased I am to have got it. This bike offers an advantage over Bromptons in the form of slightly bigger wheels.

Actually, I rode on my racer (Specialised Roubaix Comp) a couple of days ago and when on my Dahon today I got to appreciate how decent a ride it gives considering the price.

In terms of folding, its not the smallest, but that depends on your situation. For me it is fine. I wouldn't want to carry mine far folded (not even through the tunnel between platforms) due to the size/weight. For the price of a Brompton you could probably get something like a Dahon speed pro, which I've heard very good things about.

secretsam · February 2008

Don't

Get a bike at each end of the journey

Bent Birdy Boy · February 2008

Brompton Schmompton ! I know there are loads of them out there. And I know that they fold quickly and easily. But . . . .

Have a test ride on the Uber Stylish Birdy. More expensive, but full suspension, lighter than a Brompton, slightly bigger wheels and they ride and look brilliant.

C'mon people. Let's show some flair and imagination in our cycling and commuting.

jostle · February 2008

I've got a Dahon Vitesse which I mostly like. Plus points is it rides and handles well, its fast, decent 20 inch wheels and is quick to assemble (if I don't put the saddle down <10s).
On the minus side, the quick release for the handle bar is quite weak, I've bent one, and the hinge for the handle bar stem needs frequent tightening. It's not so easy to carry as a Brompton when folded.

If you can try before you buy - I had a go on a Birdy and while it maybe stylish I found it a very unstable ride. Personally I think suspension on a folder is waste of time - extra cost and slows you down.

Clever Pun · February 2008

thanks guys, I guess I'll have a look around and see what's what

Sam it's not about commuting as I cycle the whole way, it's about random times where a bike is useful (and I can put it in a bag for example)

plus the missus might use it on the tram occasionaly, and they look fun to ride

tardington · February 2008

I got my little sis a foldy for her birthday - 40 quid single speed second/fifth hand from the BikeStation in edinburgh, but she loves it! A fiddle (well, 3 levers to pull) to fold and only the one gear, but it is fun to ride, definately. Plus, you can ride it around the house. (I did get into trouble for that one)

towedhaul · February 2008

Bent Birdy Boy wrote:

Have a test ride on the Uber Stylish Birdy. More expensive, but full suspension, lighter than a Brompton, slightly bigger wheels and they ride and look brilliant.

Wow! No-one's ever said my rat-birdy is uber stylish before. Mind you, kids do shout "Cool bike mister" when I ride it. Then there's the cruel pleasure in cruising past the Lycra guys on my way to work on what they think is a shopper 8)
I don't find it at all twitchy (unlike Bromptons) and I think it's to do with the suspension keeping the wheels on the floor. It's not like MB suspension!

Positron · February 2008

I've got a Brompton and it was great when I was doing a train + 4 miles commute but I kinda agree with Bent Birdy Boy that they're not that good at the actual cycling bit. When ever I've done anything getting on for 10 miles it's really hard work. But it's is great for a few miles and fits on trains really well. Also, at times I try to keep it at work so popping to the shops a miles or two is simpler than going all the way to the "real" bike parking.

Don't get me wrong I love the Brompton and wouldn't get rid of it but the sun doesn't shine...

Random Vince · February 2008

tardie wrote:

I got my little sis a foldy for her birthday - 40 quid single speed second/fifth hand from the BikeStation in edinburgh, but she loves it! A fiddle (well, 3 levers to pull) to fold and only the one gear, but it is fun to ride, definately. Plus, you can ride it around the house. (I did get into trouble for that one)

ride round the house ehy?

tempted...

andrewc3142 · February 2008

When working in Europe I find mine good to take on the Eurostar to give some more freedom and the ability to get out and about in summer evenings.

For a while I used it at either end of my Woking/London commute when working in the office but then struck by the bleedin obvious I started missing out the train bit (which I certainly wouldn't want to do on a Brompton!).

The Bromptons are well made, etc but the main thing is that they actually do quickly fold down small enough to always fit easily on a train, go through the detectors at the Eurostar terminal, etc. Certain of the ones that ride better are a fiddle to fold and/or are rather big when folded.

Folders do have a role in life and if it means more people ride, if only the mile or so the station, that's got to be a good thing and shouldn't be knocked or sneered at. However, given a choice it would be the road bike for me every time.

Professorlandslide · February 2008

I've got a not-dahon specialized with 20" wheels. I think it rides well but then i used to ride BMX... I wouldn't touch a brompton, i'd be afraid of the back folding under when i hit a speed bump... OK, the fold's better with a brompton, but you also have to ride it..

orv · February 2008

if its for occasional folding consider one of the airnimals...

rampax · February 2008

I have got a Brompton and a Dahon Jack.
The Jack is a far superior ride but very fiddly to fold, the folded package is huge and hard to carry.
Yes, the handling on the Brompton is a bit "iffy" but you get used to it.

When I used to cycle the full 10 miles to work, the brompton was just too much hard work, so I bought the Jack which was much better. Then (due to injury) I started splitting my commute with a section of train use, to reduce mileage. For this purpose the Brompton is SO much handier, as you dont even need to find the section of the train for bikes - you can easily fit them into the standard luggage places, which is great on packed peaktime trains.

I will probably be selling the Jack, but will never sell the Brompton (unless its for another one).

TheBoyBilly · February 2008

I've got a Trek F400 which is great. However it doesn't fold down so small as a Brompton, though I suspect it is a far better ride, as I seem to make better progress away from the station. Trek don't seem to do folding bikes anymore but as my F400 is largely Dahon designed I would recommend one of their models if price was the deciding factor. But for a bike for life I would buy a Brompton everytime.

russwparkin · March 2009

i have just ordered the dahon mu uno- single speed, pedal brake no cables and 20lb- cannot wait!

simple_salmon · March 2009

I've got a Dahon Speed Pro TT and I've happily used it for training, speedwork and a 100 mile ride.

I will agree with other comments on here that it's not the best for folding (quick but still quite bulky). Fine for the car boot; poor for the train IMHO.

shoulder_of_orion · March 2009

I've got one for sale silly little german thing would suit small beginner. £100, it's had a full service.

biondino · March 2009

The bike has no brakes other than a coaster? It's not legal!

prawny · March 2009

Why would you need a coaster? doesn't it have a bottle cage?

coffeecup · March 2009

brompton folds smaller but looks crap and isn't as quick as a dahon IMO

dahon is sportier and the fold is faster, but not as small as the brompton. I've an MU SL which I use occassionally as a bike-train-bike commuter and also take on holidays in a (big) case. It's got a 9 speed sram and weighs in at less than 9 kgs

I got my mum and dad a pair of dahon ciaos last summer which they absolutely love!! low step over and 8 speed. They chuck them in the car and love taking them with them on bright fresh days

good luck, whatever your choice.

attica · March 2009

Err CP, are you on some particularly strong drugs for your illness?

I'm sure your sig used to proudly proclaim you as a "Bearded Bromptonite"
Best lay off the Rohipnol old chap

I'm thinking of getting a folder

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