Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Folding Bicycles


I've wanted a folding bicycle for quite a while now. I'd like to take it along when I travel. I travel light so it would be my second piece of airline check-in luggage or it would easily fit in the trunk on car trips.

I used to have a Hon (before they were Dahon). It was the most flexible bike in the world and made of stainless steel tubing. The new ones I've ridden are in a different league of stiffness than my old wobbler. I've also noticed within the last couple of years, some manufacturers of mainstream bicycles have offered folders too.

I occasionally read A to B magazine. It's about commuters, folders, electrics, and work bikes. Their writers seem to love the Brompton as the all-around best folder. Dahon has recently introduced the "Brompton killer." We'll see about that.

I'll attend this weekend's Bicycle and Travel Fitness Expo. I heard it will include a test track. If I'm lucky, one of the Expo vendors will have a folder or two to try.

4 comments:

Jeff Moser said...

I like the idea of a portable bicycle, but I think I'd have a hard time being seen on one. They're kind of goofy looking. I think I'd rather be seen riding a recumbent!

Jim Thill said...

I had a Breezer folder at the shop for awhile. It was pretty solid for $399. The kids in the neighborhood were obsessed with it. Alas, none of them had $399 to spend, and I donated the bike to charity.

A friend of a friend was a road racer who travelled a lot for his job. He set up his folder to be similar to his racing bike and competed in local races held in places where he travelled. Apparently, he did a lot of crits on it, and developed quite a fan base in several places.

rigtenzin said...

I already have a recumbent so I got used to the goofy thing already.

Once I broke myself of that, I was OK to ride anything. I now ride a women's bike to the grocery store and to pull the tag-along thing.

One of the readers of this blog rides a folder when he travels, which is always. He calls me from remote locations while riding his little bike and it sounds really nice. Of course, he dons his big red nose before he rides the bike with the tiny wheels.

Jackrabbit Slim said...

I'm still waiting for you to buy me some big floppy shoes and a redder nose than the one God gave me.
My Dahon has treated me very well. I have no idea how many miles I have on it, but it needs new tires after three seasons. It sure has made traveling for a living much more enjoyable.

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