Folding bikes

Talk about anything.

Moderators: Bearbonesnorm, Taylor, Chew

User avatar
BigdummySteve
Posts: 2974
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2016 9:16 pm
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow

Folding bikes

Post by BigdummySteve »

I’m very interested in getting a folding bike, mainly for little trips while working away. I’ve a possible trip to Serbia and Venice and taking a full sized bike is impractical. Also I could use it on central London gigs ( unless I need 200kg I’d test weights)

Obviously the Brompton has come to my attention but is it worth the premium? Are there any other options which are worth considering?
We’re all individuals, except me.

I woke up this morning but I’m still in the dark
Owen
Posts: 36
Joined: Sat May 11, 2013 4:58 pm

Re: Folding bikes

Post by Owen »

Can't comment on "other" folders but I've had a Brompton for 9 years, it's ace. Does ride differently to a normal bike but I don't notice it really.

I use it everyday for commuting, train to Oxford then about 3 or 4 miles to work. But I've also ridden a couple of bridleways around Sheffield and roads in the Peak District, canal towpaths, loaded with camping/bivy stuff. It's great.

But..... they are expensive. And heavy, which might be a consideration if you're flying? No bother on the train to London though, no restrictions on that.
Rasta
Posts: 398
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2018 9:33 am
Location: Sussex & France.

Re: Folding bikes

Post by Rasta »

There are some bigger wheeled folders. See Alee's website Cycling About. He has used a few and done some touring.
ssnowman
Posts: 497
Joined: Mon May 11, 2015 1:38 pm
Location: London

Re: Folding bikes

Post by ssnowman »

It's worth the premium. After looking at the cheaper alternatives, I went for the Brompton and haven't regretted it at all.

It's a lot more capable than I thought it would be. Also, it's a lot more comfortable than my road bike and on my 9 mile commute it's just as fast.
May satan walk with you
User avatar
JohnClimber
Posts: 3907
Joined: Fri Feb 17, 2012 10:41 pm

Re: Folding bikes

Post by JohnClimber »

Steve, I'll be taking my folding bike to the Pack Rafting weekend if you want to have a go on it.
For occasional riding they are great, you can't ride them no handed as they do wobble a bit.
I got my single speed one 12 months ago from Decathlon for just £140

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/tilt-100-fo ... 00541.html

For the use it gets from me it wouldn't be worth me buying something more bling and I've also used it on the packraft

Image

Image
User avatar
benp1
Posts: 4051
Joined: Sat Dec 07, 2013 7:36 pm
Location: South Downs

Re: Folding bikes

Post by benp1 »

Definitely recommend a Brompton. It's given me so many memories and opportunities to ride. Works great with kids too

Other folding bikes will surely work great too. But i chose a Brompton as I wanted a folding bike and is the smallest and the quickest to fold
User avatar
RIP
Posts: 9008
Joined: Wed Nov 12, 2014 7:24 pm
Location: Surfing The Shores Of Sanity Since 1959
Contact:

Re: Folding bikes

Post by RIP »

Yep, echoed. Worth every penny/pound/grand. Mrs Perrin: "it's either the Brompton or me". Hmmmm.....
"My God, Ponsonby, I'm two-thirds of the way to the grave and what have I done?" - RIP

The sign outside the asylum is the wrong way round.....

"At least you got some stories" - James Acaster
User avatar
BigdummySteve
Posts: 2974
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2016 9:16 pm
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow

Re: Folding bikes

Post by BigdummySteve »

RIP wrote: Wed Aug 28, 2019 11:39 pm Yep, echoed. Worth every penny/pound/grand. Mrs Perrin: "it's either the Brompton or me". Hmmmm.....
Wisdom of masses accepted, Picking up an immaculate M3L on Friday :-bd
We’re all individuals, except me.

I woke up this morning but I’m still in the dark
User avatar
benp1
Posts: 4051
Joined: Sat Dec 07, 2013 7:36 pm
Location: South Downs

Re: Folding bikes

Post by benp1 »

That's exactly what I have (orange M3L). For me outs the best balance of all the options. Definitely get a bag mount and a bag, it's one of the things that make them so good

So much for one bike then eh?
User avatar
voodoo_simon
Posts: 4037
Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2013 9:05 pm

Re: Folding bikes

Post by voodoo_simon »

These are excellent value for anyone looking at Brompton
https://www.brompton.com/bikes/b75-bike

3 speed, brand new Brompton for £750
User avatar
BigdummySteve
Posts: 2974
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2016 9:16 pm
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow

Re: Folding bikes

Post by BigdummySteve »

benp1 wrote: Thu Aug 29, 2019 7:58 am So much for one bike then eh?
This one is easy hidden :wink: :???: also it will fit in a suitcase, also it’s my 50th tomorrow and I’ll get bugger all I want from anyone else, also I’m worth it :-bd

One downside.....huge amount of tempting goodness available for Bromptons =P~
We’re all individuals, except me.

I woke up this morning but I’m still in the dark
User avatar
benp1
Posts: 4051
Joined: Sat Dec 07, 2013 7:36 pm
Location: South Downs

Re: Folding bikes

Post by benp1 »

You know those are all excuses right? :-)

Check out http://www.brompfication.com
restlessshawn
Posts: 1459
Joined: Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:04 pm
Location: Scottish Borders

Re: Folding bikes

Post by restlessshawn »

Could you put drops (midge) on a Brompton and it still fold reasonably?

Planning a camper van sabbatical next year and taking a full size bike will be tricky
ssnowman
Posts: 497
Joined: Mon May 11, 2015 1:38 pm
Location: London

Re: Folding bikes

Post by ssnowman »

restlessshawn wrote: Thu Aug 29, 2019 10:15 am Could you put drops (midge) on a Brompton and it still fold reasonably?

Planning a camper van sabbatical next year and taking a full size bike will be tricky
I can’t see that working as the bars need to be flat in one plane in order to fold. I have the flat S bar, which gives a much more forward sportier feel than the upright shopper style bars.
May satan walk with you
restlessshawn
Posts: 1459
Joined: Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:04 pm
Location: Scottish Borders

Re: Folding bikes

Post by restlessshawn »

ssnowman wrote: Thu Aug 29, 2019 10:48 am
restlessshawn wrote: Thu Aug 29, 2019 10:15 am Could you put drops (midge) on a Brompton and it still fold reasonably?

Planning a camper van sabbatical next year and taking a full size bike will be tricky
I can’t see that working as the bars need to be flat in one plane in order to fold. I have the flat S bar, which gives a much more forward sportier feel than the upright shopper style bars.
I suspected that might be the case, thanks.
User avatar
BigdummySteve
Posts: 2974
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2016 9:16 pm
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow

Re: Folding bikes

Post by BigdummySteve »

benp1 wrote: Thu Aug 29, 2019 8:51 am You know those are all excuses right? :-)

Check out http://www.brompfication.com
Yes, yes I know :-bd

Check out http://www.brompfication.com......,naughty :-bd

I was fate, was served a cup of coffee by today’s client in this mug

https://flic.kr/p/2h7hcMe
Last edited by BigdummySteve on Thu Aug 29, 2019 11:46 am, edited 2 times in total.
We’re all individuals, except me.

I woke up this morning but I’m still in the dark
wriggles
Posts: 798
Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2014 9:52 am
Location: Dumfries & Galloway

Re: Folding bikes

Post by wriggles »

restlessshawn wrote: Thu Aug 29, 2019 10:15 am Could you put drops (midge) on a Brompton and it still fold reasonably?

Planning a camper van sabbatical next year and taking a full size bike will be tricky
If you go on the Brompton Hacks fb group https://www.facebook.com/groups/7961904 ... SEARCH_BOX there are a few posts from people who have fitted bullhorn bars.

eg
https://www.facebook.com/groups/7961904 ... 057125400/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/7961904 ... 594006773/
User avatar
Bearbonesnorm
Posts: 23904
Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2011 8:53 pm
Location: my own little world

Re: Folding bikes

Post by Bearbonesnorm »

This post has just reminded me how much I like the space frame Moultons - anyone got one. How could you not love one of these?

Image
May the bridges you burn light your way
User avatar
benp1
Posts: 4051
Joined: Sat Dec 07, 2013 7:36 pm
Location: South Downs

Re: Folding bikes

Post by benp1 »

I think Dr Nick has a Moulton or two
User avatar
BigdummySteve
Posts: 2974
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2016 9:16 pm
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow

Re: Folding bikes

Post by BigdummySteve »

Bearbonesnorm wrote: Thu Aug 29, 2019 12:33 pm This post has just reminded me how much I like the space frame Moultons - anyone got one. How could you not love one of these?

Image
:X
We’re all individuals, except me.

I woke up this morning but I’m still in the dark
restlessshawn
Posts: 1459
Joined: Tue Jan 31, 2012 2:04 pm
Location: Scottish Borders

Re: Folding bikes

Post by restlessshawn »

Bearbonesnorm wrote: Thu Aug 29, 2019 12:33 pm This post has just reminded me how much I like the space frame Moultons - anyone got one. How could you not love one of these?

Image
Yeah there was one on a Midsomer Murders* rerun the other day, I commented on how cool it was and I'd like to try one though herself thought I was joking

*guilty pleasure
User avatar
BigdummySteve
Posts: 2974
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2016 9:16 pm
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow

Re: Folding bikes

Post by BigdummySteve »

As posted in cheery Friday I picked up the Brompton and indeed it was pristine, first impressions are it folds really small, dead clever.
Rides surprisingly ok for such small wheels, I’ve only been for a few short spins, up and down the road and to the shop ( quicker to unfold than move my lads bike and extract the Fargo) the gearing is fairly high, can’t imagine I’ll be climbing anything steep.

Just ordered a bag and carrier block so should be good for some gig packing (TM Reg)

It’s a strange bike, relatively heavy for what it is, low tech but I’m oddly smitten by its charm, it has a definitely eccentric British character, I can understand why people love them so much, it’s really quite something to unfold the compact bundle into a functional bicycle.

On my shopping trip a few young lads shouted “nice bike” obviously they could have been taking the piss but it’s never happened on the Fargo l.

I think I’m going to have fun on this odd contraption :-bd
We’re all individuals, except me.

I woke up this morning but I’m still in the dark
User avatar
RIP
Posts: 9008
Joined: Wed Nov 12, 2014 7:24 pm
Location: Surfing The Shores Of Sanity Since 1959
Contact:

Re: Folding bikes

Post by RIP »

BigdummySteve wrote: Sat Aug 31, 2019 9:45 pm I think I’m going to have fun on this odd contraption :-bd
You certainly are :smile:
BigdummySteve wrote: Sat Aug 31, 2019 9:45 pm should be good for some gig packing (TM Reg)
Ah, now funny you should mention that. It's a bit of a way off but my next bit of Brommie gigpacking (TM Me :wink: ) is likely to be the Rezillos at Northampton Roadmender next February 21st - Reg's birthday! Bivi in the local woods as per last year. You won't need any sleeping earplugs cos you'll be deaf after the gig. You'll need to practise some off road Bromming though beforehand for the small-wheeled rough stuff - 'tis a hilarious jape though! All comers also welcome obv, although there's the small matter of the £1022 ticket price (*).

(*) £22 for the Rezillos and £1000 for the Brompton :wink:
"My God, Ponsonby, I'm two-thirds of the way to the grave and what have I done?" - RIP

The sign outside the asylum is the wrong way round.....

"At least you got some stories" - James Acaster
User avatar
BigdummySteve
Posts: 2974
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2016 9:16 pm
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow

Re: Folding bikes

Post by BigdummySteve »

Allowed out two weekends in a row? :???: if so Half Man Half Biscuit are playing in the 15th Feb
We’re all individuals, except me.

I woke up this morning but I’m still in the dark
User avatar
RIP
Posts: 9008
Joined: Wed Nov 12, 2014 7:24 pm
Location: Surfing The Shores Of Sanity Since 1959
Contact:

Re: Folding bikes

Post by RIP »

I'd better start the pass application process now then :smile: . Peely favourites of course. How could one not like a number entitled 'The Trumpton Riots' ?! Or 'Knobheads On Quiz Shows' for that matter (title surely invented by Stu). Wonder what biscuit they were half of? Abbey Crunch I reckon. edit: and where's the other half gone... maybe the remaining half man ate the other half biscuit....
"My God, Ponsonby, I'm two-thirds of the way to the grave and what have I done?" - RIP

The sign outside the asylum is the wrong way round.....

"At least you got some stories" - James Acaster
Post Reply