Folding bikes

[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?

[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]

There are some bigger wheeled folders. See Alee's website Cycling About. He has used a few and done some touring.

[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.

[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

[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

[RIP]

Yep, echoed. Worth every penny/pound/grand. Mrs Perrin: "it's either the Brompton or me". Hmmmm.....

[BigdummySteve]

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

[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?

[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

[BigdummySteve]

So much for one bike then eh?

This one is easy hidden 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

One downside.....huge amount of tempting goodness available for Bromptons

[benp1]

You know those are all excuses right?

Check out http://www.brompfication.com

[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]

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.

[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

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.

[BigdummySteve]

You know those are all excuses right?

Check out http://www.brompfication.com

Yes, yes I know

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

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

https://flic.kr/p/2h7hcMe

[wriggles]

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/

[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?

[benp1]

I think Dr Nick has a Moulton or two

[BigdummySteve]

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?

[restlessshawn]

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?

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

[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

[RIP]

I think I’m going to have fun on this odd contraption

You certainly are

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 ) 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

[BigdummySteve]

Allowed out two weekends in a row? if so Half Man Half Biscuit are playing in the 15th Feb

[RIP]

I'd better start the pass application process now then . 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....