folding bike accessory question

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Permalink Reply by Thunder Snow on March 10, 2012 at 9:15pm

I don't have a rack on my Dahon Mu XL Sport, intentionally.  The last thing I want for my folder is added weight and folded size, as I use it primarily when hopping on and off Metra trains and Pace buses.  It's strictly a backpack or messenger bag for my gear when I'm on the folder; if I want to use panniers, I drag out the Trek Soho hybrid, which has a rack.  Sorry to be unhelpful in this.

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Permalink Reply by Allen Wrench on March 11, 2012 at 12:04am

I've put racks on lots of folding bikes but never on a Dahon. There have been special short racks for the small wheel (no idea of the brand) and regular Blackburn type ones to carry panniers. You can bend those stainless strips in the front lots of ways to make them fit. The Raleigh 20 came with a 20 inch wheel Pletscher which is actually really nice but might be hard to install on a Dahon - I imagine it's still something you can order.

Bike Friday makes exorbitantly expensive high-strength folding racks for their bikes that might fit well on yours.

On up to 20 inch wheels you can get the Ortlieb Frontroller front panniers to work with only occasional scrapes on the ground (through the channel in an alley speed bump, for example). But there's no room for regular panniers on  a low rack. You can of course put a rack bag on top easily. There's a lot of room for stuff back there with such short wheels. A tall rack like the Blackburn carries full sized panniers but the weight distribution or center of gravity or something gets funny and messes up the handling. 

The luggage system on the Brompton with a frame mounted clamp on the head tube is worth copying if you can - I think there used to be a German or Dutch company making aftermarket things like that. The weight really isn't noticeable when it's carried there.

Good luck

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on March 11, 2012 at 9:27am

I use my Dahon for many types of trips.  Sometimes I'm carrying it on and off Metra (or up stairs at El stations) and want to minimize weight.  Sometimes I want to use it for trips where I'd rather have a rack than carry stuff on my back.

When I really want to carry weight, I use my mountain bike, but for some trips that utility tank bike is heavier than I want, hence the idea of adding a rack to the Dahon.

Thanks for the suggestions.  I'm open to other ideas if anyone else has some to share.

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Permalink Reply by LarryN on March 11, 2012 at 9:55am

My Dahon came with a rack as original equipment. It looks quite similar to the Arc Rack. I can't even imagine noticing its weight. No problems with folding or bagging (although my Dahon bag is intended for a larger model; the recommended bag was really tight). If anything, the rear of the rack provides a convenient place to momentarily grab the bike when manipulating it.

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Permalink Reply by Bradford Smith on March 11, 2012 at 3:32pm

I have the ArcLite on my folder and have found it quite useful in carrying various items, a trunk bag or just a u-lock. It doesn't cause me any problems with the fold and gives another handhold when carrying the bike.

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on March 12, 2012 at 11:11am

Thank you.  I didn't think the rack itself would add significant weight, so much as whatever is loaded on it.  Good to know about the Arc and ArcLite.

My mountain bike weighs over 10 lbs more than the Dahon.  Between that and the much smaller space occupied by the Dahon on the train (whether folded or not), the Dahon definitely offers an advantage for multi-modal trips when I don't need to carry a lot or ride a long distance.

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Permalink Reply by Lee Roy on March 12, 2012 at 11:29am

I have the Dahon D7, and it came with the Arc rack. I found that my panniers would not fit due to it's compact size. I upgraded to the Traveller rack. The weight was not an issue, and the size of it did not affect it's folding or overall folded size. This (Traveller) is a great rack! I can fit my panniers and a rack trunk on the top of it. I use it a lot on the Metra, CTA, and Pace. I commute a long way at times, and not stopping at home before heading out for the weekend I need the xtra baggage capacity.

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on March 12, 2012 at 2:26pm

Very helpful info.  Thank you!

Lee Roy Carrier said:

I have the Dahon D7, and it came with the Arc rack. I found that my panniers would not fit due to it's compact size. I upgraded to the Traveller rack. The weight was not an issue, and the size of it did not affect it's folding or overall folded size. This (Traveller) is a great rack! I can fit my panniers and a rack trunk on the top of it. I use it a lot on the Metra, CTA, and Pace. I commute a long way at times, and not stopping at home before heading out for the weekend I need the xtra baggage capacity.

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Permalink Reply by Ash L. on August 19, 2012 at 9:58pm

Bumping this thread. 

I'm going on a camping trip three weeks from now and would love to borrow a front pannier rack to fit my Bike Friday. I'd only need it for two days and would return it promptly with a six pack thank you. I'd also be game to buy one given that it installs well and isn't the cost of a new Bike Friday rack. 

Dahon's front touring rack looks great and should be workable to attach via the v-brake bosses on the Friday. 

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