Folding bikes?

[Tdotol]

Would anyone recommend a folding bike as being suitable for anything more than a short commute? I am interested in finding out the opinion of a people on here as I have heard mixed reviews... I know Montague make full size folders, but never ridden one though.

 

[slowmotion]

Welcome Tdotol.
Here's some posts from others...
http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/recommend-me-a-cheap-ish-folding-bike.140251/#post-2669085

 

[mattobrien]

I am sure plenty people will rave about Brompton's. Last year we hooked up with a group which included on Brompton on the Dunwich Dynamo (112 miles), so it was good for some distance.

I am lucky enough t have other bikes for other purposes, so the Brompton only get used for short stuff, but is very capable of much, much more.

 

[StuAff]

Apart from the Brompton, any of the higher spec 20" Dahon and Tern models are more than up to the job. 26" folders lose out big time in terms of convenience and weight.
Also: Pacific Reach models, Airnimal Joey & Chameleon......

 

[Gravity Aided]

I see a fellow on a Montague, riding to work every day, seems to suit him just fine. Fuji also made one in 26" wheels, I believe for Marlboro Cigarettes. Turned in enough packs, and you got a folding bicycle, as part of your rewards for being in the "Marlboro Adventure Club".(!) Fuji bicycle, Marlboro headbadge. Would have been a while ago, but they still show up quite a bit in the States. Montague is lighter, faster, better.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Someone has done lejog on a Brompton (I think)

 

[Kies]

Would love to try commuting on a folder,as I have an easy and cheap mainline into Paddington (off peak mostly), but bromptons are so darn expensive

 

[Sara_H]

Would love to try commuting on a folder,as I have an easy and cheap mainline into Paddington (off peak mostly), but bromptons are so darn expensive

I use a decathlon Hoptown which is a 20" wheel when I;m going on train and its fine.

 

[T4tomo]

Would love to try commuting on a folder,as I have an easy and cheap mainline into Paddington (off peak mostly), but bromptons are so darn expensive

not if you factor in cycle to work scheme discount and saving by not having a zone 1 travelcard. Pays for itself in a year or two.

 

[avalon]

I have one of these and find it just as enjoyable to ride as any of my big wheel bikes.

 

[MarkF]

I had a Dahon D7, I used it for long rides when it was a new novelty to me, 40/50 milers. I was amazed at how similar it felt to my "normal" bikes. People have done seriously long tours on them, loaded.

I bought it for City breaks really, only to find that every place I visited had umpteen bikes for rental. I sold it and miss it, wish I had a need for another.

 

[Tdotol]

I have one of these and find it just as enjoyable to ride as any of my big wheel bikes. View attachment 29932

Thanks for all the suggestions. That MiniMax bike looks interesting, any suggestions on where to buy them in the UK?

 

[TheDoctor]

I've done a weekend tour on a Brompton (45 mile days, so not as arduous as all then) and I've seen them on longer rides. Yes, they're pricey, but they really do hold their value.

 

[avalon]

Thanks for all the suggestions. That MiniMax bike looks interesting, any suggestions on where to buy them in the UK?

I had a look at their website www.hasa.com.tw but it doesn't look as if they have a UK importer. Could be a great business opportunity for somebody around here.

 

[slowmotion]

The Tern Verge X30 looks like it could be a whole lot of fun.
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