Can anyone tell me where you can find information on the folding bikes? I think I saw an article in the Blue Berret or Vintage Airstream magazines last year. If so has anyone used them and what is your opinion.
Actually, this is kind of a perennial subject here. There are a number of brands out there that are excellent, and tons of bikes from manufacturers who are no longer in business. You don't say what your price range will be, but probably the best reasonably priced bikes out there are the Dahons, and there are tons of models to choose from. I have a Giant Halfway that I absolutely love. I've also had a Bike Friday that I really enjoyed, but they are a higher end bike. Brompton is one of the more popular bikes that fold quite small for carrying, but they're also expensive in the U.S. and they're a little too small for my liking at 6'5" tall.
There are also a number of later entries into the market that folks are saying nice things about. Do a Google search on "folding bikes" and you'll be surprised what you find.
Roger
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...If so has anyone used them and what is your opinion.
We have switched over from full size bikes on the roof of the truck to 20" wheel folding Dahon's in the back of the pickup truck and don't regret it. They open and close in about 15 seconds, are lightweight, and stay clean and dry in the cap of the truck.
Our 26" wheel Dahons were about the price of base model Treks, fold down small and are rock solid. They also have the benefit of mostly using standard parts, so it's easy to fix things here and there (i.e. you break a chain, strip a bolt, need new pedals, etc.)
We have the Jack (size LG for me) and the Espresso (in brushed aluminum!) for Melissa, and haven't regretted it at all.
Prices have gone up in the last couple years, but at www.thefitnessstore.com where we bought ours, the Espresso costs $357 and the Jack costs $405. That's the cheapest price I can find anywhere.
The Montague Paratrooper bike looks far cooler, but is also WAY more pricey.
We use Downtube folders (Folding Bikes, Award winning Folding Bike Suspension Designs for travel) it's a small company that makes folders that are very good value for money. Ours have 20" wheels which is a good compromise between compactness and riding comfort. What really sold me though is the Sturmey-Archer 8-speed internal gear hub - no more bent derailleurs!
__________________ John
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If you are looking for something to get around the CG on and a leisurely pedal around town, any of these are fine. If you are a more serious cyclist, check out a Ritchey Break-Away
If you are looking for something to get around the CG on and a leisurely pedal around town, any of these are fine. If you are a more serious cyclist, check out a Ritchey Break-Away
Second on downtube. I have a mini, 16 inch wheels and folds up tight in the truck bed with the undercover top. It has a shimano 9 speed and very handy when doing the hills. All aluminum and very light. Looks like something out of a circus, the gang guys in huntington beach loved it, "that the ticket man" almost got worried at times how interested they were in it.
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way cool folding Trikke
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