Recommend me a new folding bike

[HelenD123]

I'm not soliciting for money on his behalf, just pointing out what you can do on a Brompton (Mersey Roads 24hr, weekend just gone).
https://www.justgiving.com/team/24hoursonabrompton

That's astonishing! And very interesting to hear his story. I definitely need to try out a Brompton. I was thinking of getting one from one of their hire locations to be able to do a long test, unless my LBS will lend me one for a good few hours. I need to feel confident on whatever bike I get.

The friend I did my Spanish tour with was on a Brompton, albeit it overloaded with a dog on the front and lots of luggage on the back. She struggled much more than me on the hills but she did cycle top to bottom of Spain through the mountains over four weeks.

 

[HelenD123]

New bike itch is fine, we're all human, but it will likely have similar geometry to the Joey if its a 20" folder. Ff you put the two side by side Joey and Spa, can you do anything to get the saddles, BBs and H-bars roughly aligned so it takes the pressure of your wrist when on the folder too?

Good suggestion. Maybe I'll try other folders and won't find anything better. I feel the need to try out some options though.

 

[HelenD123]

What's your budget ?

I'm happy to splash the cash for the right bike. I could potentially go down the Cycle to Work route and have an allowance up to £2500 for that.

 

[CaptainWheezy]

I'm happy to splash the cash for the right bike. I could potentially go down the Cycle to Work route and have an allowance up to £2500 for that.

You could just about get a 12 Speed P-Line with a rear rack with that budget. Swap out the chainring for a 44 tooth one and you should be able to get over most hills (depending on how much luggage you carry!). You'd also have the flexibility to add a front dynamo and lights further down the line. I've done some pretty big hills in Mallorca on a 6 speed with 44 tooth chainring, but not touring so no luggage other than a few spares / extra water bottle etc in a handlebar bag.

 

[Kell]

I definitely think you should try a Brompton - as much to rule one out as rule one in.

The only issue with the B hire bikes is that they do (or did) only come with the upright bars. This may work into your favour as it could alleviate pressure on your wrist.

Positives are obviously things like provision for plenty of luggage. New 12-speed would make touring easier.
Negatives are tiny wheels and a lot of OEM parts. So (some) specialist knowledge required and lack of availability of parts around the world.

I always liked the airnimals, but don't really see them as a regular commuter due to the removal of the front wheel. They would seem to make more sense as a tourer though. Bigger wheels for a better ride. I'm guessing you can get luggage and mudguards if you could adjust yours to make it more bearable.

 

[TheDoctor]

They are much less twitchy with a load on the front block

Can confirm. I happily took a 6 speed Brommie one touring round Provence, including a certain Mount.
Once you're used to them, the twitchiness isn't an issue, and they seem to get more stable at speed anyhow.
I've had 50mph out of mine and lived to tell the tale.
If you were nearer I'd lend you mine for a bit.

 

[T4tomo]

You could just about get a 12 Speed P-Line with a rear rack with that budget. Swap out the chainring for a 44 tooth one and you should be able to get over most hills (depending on how much luggage you carry!). You'd also have the flexibility to add a front dynamo and lights further down the line. I've done some pretty big hills in Mallorca on a 6 speed with 44 tooth chainring, but not touring so no luggage other than a few spares / extra water bottle etc in a handlebar bag.

View attachment 739229

top of the climb out of Sa Colabra

 

[annedonnelly]

That's astonishing! And very interesting to hear his story. I definitely need to try out a Brompton. I was thinking of getting one from one of their hire locations to be able to do a long test, unless my LBS will lend me one for a good few hours. I need to feel confident on whatever bike I get.

The friend I did my Spanish tour with was on a Brompton, albeit it overloaded with a dog on the front and lots of luggage on the back. She struggled much more than me on the hills but she did cycle top to bottom of Spain through the mountains over four weeks.

When I got my Brompton the LBS offered a 24 hour hire. The payment (about £40 at the time I think) was deducted from the purchase price if you decided to buy one. I was able to try it out on the route I planned to use for my commute.

 

[HelenD123]

Can confirm. I happily took a 6 speed Brommie one touring round Provence, including a certain Mount.
Once you're used to them, the twitchiness isn't an issue, and they seem to get more stable at speed anyhow.
I've had 50mph out of mine and lived to tell the tale.
If you were nearer I'd lend you mine for a bit.

I can safely say I won't be attempting 50mph .

I remember you doing Mount Ventoux.

I'll get myself to my LBS at the weekend and see what I can try out.

 

[Kell]

I can safely say I won't be attempting 50mph .

I remember you doing Mount Ventoux.

I'll get myself to my LBS at the weekend and see what I can try out.

If you're anywhere near a Brompton Junction, they're quite good at letting you ride all the variants.

Before I got mine I wanted the S-type (flat bar at the time) but it really didn't fit me well. The M-type was then too high at the front end.

In the end, I actually ordered an H-type and put low-riser MTB bars on it. It was a bit of risk, but after a fair bit of googling, I found this site and saw someone else had done something similar. Worked well and gave me a ride height in-between the S and M versions (circa 2015).

 

[HelenD123]

If you're anywhere near a Brompton Junction, they're quite good at letting you ride all the variants.

Before I got mine I wanted the S-type (flat bar at the time) but it really didn't fit me well. The M-type was then too high at the front end.

In the end, I actually ordered an H-type and put low-riser MTB bars on it. It was a bit of risk, but after a fair bit of googling, I found this site and saw someone else had done something similar. Worked well and gave me a ride height in-between the S and M versions (circa 2015).

Sadly not near a Brompton Junction but my local dealer claims to be the biggest in the north.

 

[wafter]

I have experience only of my Brompton and can't comment on its suitability for your application (although people do seem to like touring on them).

If you'd like to read far more than you'd actually like about mine, it has its own thread here

 

[HelenD123]

So I had a productive afternoon at my LBS. For all you Brompton fans, I did take one for a spin but it wasn't my favourite. It's currently a toss up between a Tern Verge S8i and a Birdy Touring. They also have a Birdy Rohloff but it's an eye watering £3,979 . Leaning towards the Tern as I like the idea of a hub gear and belt drive for ease of maintenance and the fatter tyres would be better for rougher trails. Both take full panniers on the back, have disc brakes and dynamo lights. The Birdy folds down neater though. Decisions 🤔.

 

[Kell]

I must admit, the Tern looks more promising to me. Like you say, the belt drive and hub combo should make for pretty much maintenance-free travelling.

Good luck making that decision.

 

[mustang1]

I have a Brompton but I don't ride it much these days. I used to though so from that point of view, if anyone asks for recommendations on a folding bike, I always shout out to get a Brompton. IMHO the only reason not to get one is because they're expensive.

But if you want a good folding bike, the money comes down and the Brompton rolls out of the shop. Brompton, there is no substitute. (Well, there's Porsche, but we're not going there).

Edit: btw take the above with a pinch of salt as I haven't ridden any other folding bike.