Cheap folding bike that won't fall apart with an 18st bloke sat on top of it?

[Bimble]

I don't have a long commute - 3 miles - so it isn't worth getting togged-up for such a short ride to work, and I thought a folder might be ideal as I can hop on and off it in my work gear and if I take it steady I shouldn't get too hot and sweaty.

I can go up to about £300 tops, but the main thing is that I'm quite heavy and would need something that can take the weight. I'm 5ft 11 (and three quarter) inches tall and 18st.

I'm guessing that the smaller 16" wheels are not going to be strong enough and I'll need 20" wheels, so what would you recommend I put on the shortlist?

 

[MichaelW2]

Only use a folder if you need the folding feature. They are always weaker than normal bikes and an 18st rider is already pushing the envelope.
A town bike such as Raleigh Pioneer 3 speed comes with chainguard, mudguard and rack for 300.

 

[vickster]

If the 3 miles are not too hilly, take a look at a full size single speed. A vintage steel frame with decent wheels would be plenty strong enough

 

[Bimble]

Thanks for the advice. Sorry I should have mentioned that I want a folder specifically because of the sit-up-and-beg riding position. I realise I could get a good hybrid that would be faster but then I'd be flashing my builder's bum at everyone and I don't want to be the cause of any accidents or sickness on my way to work.

Once I've got rid of some of the chub I'll upgrade to something slicker, but for now I just want a folder so I can hop on and off easily and pootle to work at a steady pace --- to get me moving.

 

[MichaelW2]

Pioneer 3 comes as ladies step-thru frame and both models are fairly upright.
Dahon rate their standard models (Vitesse) for 230lbs

 

[Katherine]

You don't have to get a folding bike to be able to get on and off easily. Look at other step through styles.

 

[Dogtrousers]

But a folder is handy if you want to get the bus home. And a hybrid won't fit under your desk.

That said, folding comes at extra cost so if on a budget I'd think hard if that's what you want. The ride position on a folder isn't particularly different to a hybrid. You can certainly set up a hybrid so the position is as upright as you like.

For a 3 mile commute I'd suggest ordinary clothes and any old second hand bike.

 

[Bimble]

Thanks guys. I'll have another look. Aren't those Dutch style ones expensive though? I also don't think I'd get one in the lift up to the office and there is nowhere to lock it outside.

Whilst I'm sure such togs would be ideal to hide my posterior cleavage, I really don't fancy a change of clothes to cycle such a short distance, it'll be too time consuming. I'd rather hop on, hop off, and be done (and straight on to brewing a giant sized coffee to kick-start the day).

 

[Dogtrousers]

Thanks guys. I'll have another look. Aren't those Dutch style ones expensive though? I also don't think I'd get one in the lift up to the office and there is nowhere to lock it outside.

In which case a folder would be handy. Have a look at the Decathlon range. I have no experience or knowledge of them but Decathlon bikes are generally well thought of and I often see them out & about in London and I haven't seen one disintegrate yet.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/C-847975-folding-bikes

You would of course be on the receiving end of sneery condescending looks from us Brompton riders

 

[Bimble]

Hey, they look good, thanks.

A thing of beauty those Brompton folders, but a bit outside my shopping budget for the moment. You never know though. One day ... one day ...

 

[Bimble]

The b-fold 320 looks good but says 100Kgs which is about 15 stone - would I be taking a risk riding it or do you think it would cope with the bit of extra okay?

 

[Dogtrousers]

I'd have thought you'd be fine. But I'm a random nobody off the internet.

 

[OskarTennisChampion]

Would you be prepared to up your price ?
There is a folder in a mountain bike mould called a Bickerton Docklands.
26" wheels,24 gears and a plenty strong frame.
Pricey I know at about £550/70,but it would serve you well

 

[vickster]

The b-fold 320 looks good but says 100Kgs which is about 15 stone - would I be taking a risk riding it or do you think it would cope with the bit of extra okay?

20kg isn't a bit extra, it's 20% more

Go to decathlon and talk to the staff. I expect however if anything went wrong, you'd have no come back or warranty (but read the warranty Ts and Cs)

 

[vickster]

Or this is well within budget and more than adequate for 3 miles, SS bike tend to be light too. I'm sure @biggs682 would supply a weight. Although may be a little small for a 6 footer

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/peugeot-professional-single-speed.195620/#post-4141899