Folding bike recommendations - The Chainlink2024-03-29T05:21:35Zhttps://thechainlink.org/forum/topics/folding-bike-recommendations?commentId=2211490%3AComment%3A86962&feed=yes&xn_auth=noI've had a Dahon Speed for a…tag:thechainlink.org,2009-06-03:2211490:Comment:869622009-06-03T11:45:29.288ZAnne Althttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Anne91
I've had a Dahon Speed for a few years. I did test rides of several different models before choosing. I bought mine specifically to be able to take it on Metra at rush hour. I agree about it being a good value for the money. It takes a little practice to get the hang of folding it quickly and accurately, but with that practice, I can get it folded and bagged to take on the train in about a minute.<br />
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Wheel sizes for folders range from 12" to full size. The smaller the wheel size, the more…
I've had a Dahon Speed for a few years. I did test rides of several different models before choosing. I bought mine specifically to be able to take it on Metra at rush hour. I agree about it being a good value for the money. It takes a little practice to get the hang of folding it quickly and accurately, but with that practice, I can get it folded and bagged to take on the train in about a minute.<br />
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Wheel sizes for folders range from 12" to full size. The smaller the wheel size, the more sensitive it is to road imperfections, bridge grates, etc. Test rides are a very good idea to see how the ride feels to you and how the bike folds. Folders that are designed more for travel (when quick folding is not as critical a feature) may not be as suitable for commuting.<br />
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With Schwalbe Marathon tires and fenders, you could have yourself a sweet little ride. I'm currently riding an Abio…tag:thechainlink.org,2009-06-03:2211490:Comment:869042009-06-03T02:02:28.562ZE Ahttps://thechainlink.org/profile/EA
I'm currently riding an Abio Verdion and it's a zippy little folder. The company's relatively new to the folding bike market, but it's a good value. They specialize in chainless folders - one model is a belt drive and the other model is a shaft system.<br />
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Check 'em out: <a href="http://www.abiobikes.com/models.html">http://www.abiobikes.com/models.html</a><br />
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Plus... compatible with Dahon accessories.<br />
(don't suppose anyone has a rear rack for a Dahon??? I'm seeking one temporarily)
I'm currently riding an Abio Verdion and it's a zippy little folder. The company's relatively new to the folding bike market, but it's a good value. They specialize in chainless folders - one model is a belt drive and the other model is a shaft system.<br />
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Check 'em out: <a href="http://www.abiobikes.com/models.html">http://www.abiobikes.com/models.html</a><br />
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Plus... compatible with Dahon accessories.<br />
(don't suppose anyone has a rear rack for a Dahon??? I'm seeking one temporarily) I have had a number of folder…tag:thechainlink.org,2009-05-30:2211490:Comment:853602009-05-30T14:52:55.902Zrbhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/rb
I have had a number of folders- a Dahon Picolo, a Dahon Speed and a Raleigh 20 folder.<br />
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The Picolo was a 16" folder and was great for short commutes. The Speed is much better especially since I upgraded to some Schwalbe Stelvios and some fenders. I have gone as far as 50 miles at a stretch on the Speed, but my fave is the vintage Raleigh 20. The Speed flexes a bit under heavy pedaling and also due to my size.<br />
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The 20 is heavy, but it does not flex when I need to take it for a longer…
I have had a number of folders- a Dahon Picolo, a Dahon Speed and a Raleigh 20 folder.<br />
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The Picolo was a 16" folder and was great for short commutes. The Speed is much better especially since I upgraded to some Schwalbe Stelvios and some fenders. I have gone as far as 50 miles at a stretch on the Speed, but my fave is the vintage Raleigh 20. The Speed flexes a bit under heavy pedaling and also due to my size.<br />
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The 20 is heavy, but it does not flex when I need to take it for a longer spin.<br />
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Dahons seem to offer a decent value for the money, though if price is not an object, The Bike Friday Tikit is an incredible piece of engineering.<br />
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Rapid Transit has always been my place for folders- they have them all in stock and are very helpful. Without a doubt, a used Dahon…tag:thechainlink.org,2009-05-30:2211490:Comment:852752009-05-30T00:58:11.120ZMatt M. 18.5KMhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/MattM
Without a doubt, a used Dahon Speed D7 is the best option for the money. Naturally I want to put a trailer on it to haul more gear.....
Without a doubt, a used Dahon Speed D7 is the best option for the money. Naturally I want to put a trailer on it to haul more gear..... Dahon makes pretty good folde…tag:thechainlink.org,2009-05-30:2211490:Comment:852692009-05-30T00:36:50.323ZJKThttps://thechainlink.org/profile/JKT
Dahon makes pretty good folders and they have a large range of models from 16" to full-size ones. I commute on a Dahon Speed D7. It's a great mid-range folder with 20" wheels. It has a cromoly steel frame, so it's not the lightest (about 27 lbs), but it includes fenders and a rack. Folding time is less than 20 seconds with practice.<br />
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Bike Friday makes an awesome 16" urban folder called the tikit. Folding time is 5 seconds with the Hyperfold model, or less than 15 seconds with the regular model.…
Dahon makes pretty good folders and they have a large range of models from 16" to full-size ones. I commute on a Dahon Speed D7. It's a great mid-range folder with 20" wheels. It has a cromoly steel frame, so it's not the lightest (about 27 lbs), but it includes fenders and a rack. Folding time is less than 20 seconds with practice.<br />
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Bike Friday makes an awesome 16" urban folder called the tikit. Folding time is 5 seconds with the Hyperfold model, or less than 15 seconds with the regular model. It's a bit pricey at over a grand, but it's considered one of the best high-end commuter folders.<br />
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Your coworker should definitely stop by a shop to try some out. Rapid Transit and Kozy's in Chicago both carry folders. He should also visit the Folding Bikes discussion group on BikeForums.net - great resource. If he's going to multi-modal commute via train/bus, I strongly suggest a 20" or smaller model vs. a full-size model. Folding and lugging around a full-size bike every day will be pain in the ass. Just something to consider. I believe Metra's policy is a folding bike must be in a bag. Dahon and Bike Friday offer optional bike bags/covers.<br />
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Your coworker is welcome to contact me if he has any questions about folders.