Folding Bikes on the Metra

I am looking into getting a folding bike. I would have to bring this bike on the Metra, and it would only be used for a very short distance, to shorten a 20 min walk to a 4 min ride. It would have to be very light and compact. Any suggestions on which one to get to fulfill this criteria?

Also, are folding bikes allowed on the Metra during rush hour? Do folding bikes apply to the no bikes during rush hour rule? If they aren't allowed, then this question is moot. 

I know there was a discussion on this before, but it got too long and convoluted to find exactly what I was looking for, so I thought I would start a fresh one.

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Permalink Reply by Jared on November 26, 2012 at 9:25am

I believe folding bikes are always allowed on Metra as long as they are in a bag.

Permalink Reply by Matt Talbert on November 26, 2012 at 9:26am

Thanks, Jared. It seems ability to fit in a bag is now an additional criterion.

Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on November 26, 2012 at 9:32am

Are you going with the commute or the reverse commute? I commute out to work in the burbs (live in the city) and I use my regular bike. I believe the rules are different for the commuters travelling into the city for work.

In the warmer months it can sometimes be tricky if there are already too many bikes on the train. I recommend looking on Metra's website for specifics about travelling with a bike. I believe it depends on the train line and the direction you are heading. Good luck! It's a great way to go to and from work. 

Permalink Reply by Matt Talbert on November 26, 2012 at 9:34am

Thanks Yasmeen! It will be on the Union Pacific Northwest, and I will be going from Burbs to the Clybourn Station (on Ashland and Courtland). Since I am much more likely to be on a crowded train, one of my main bikes will probably not be an option.

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on November 26, 2012 at 9:55am

Black out dates do not apply to a folding bike as long as you have a bag/cover for it.

Brompton is the smallest/lightest/fastest to fold but it comes at a price premium.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on November 26, 2012 at 10:27am

Dug is correct. You can bring a folding bike on any Metra train at any time as long as it's folded and bagged.  I bought a basic Dahon model (Speed - 8 speeds, about 25 lbs) several years ago specifically for this purpose. It's not the absolute lightest option, but it's relatively affordable.  I know this model has evolved somewhat since I bought mine, and I haven't tried the current models.

With a little bit of practice, you can fold/unfold and deal with the bag in a few minutes.  A Brompton is a faster fold and lighter.  A Bike Friday Tikit is a faster fold - not sure how the weight compares.  There is a price vs. weight vs. convenience trade-off between various folding bikes. 

Another factor you may want to consider is wheel size.  Compact folders typically have wheel sizes of 20", 16" or 12".  Smaller wheel = more compact folded size, lighter weight and greater sensitivity to road imperfections - another trade-off.  I recommend a test ride or two to see how a specific model's handling suits you, and how the folding process for each model works.

Permalink Reply by Chuckchuck on November 26, 2012 at 11:15am

I did the Metra commute for a of years with a three speed Dahon.  I had a Ikea bag with a hole for the seat post and I would just drape it over the bike, looked bagged and I never was hassled.  That was the first bike that paid for itself in saved bus fares and parking fees  I had to commute from the north shore to 18th street. I tried to get on a train early and find a seat near the bathroom so I could stash it where no one would knock into it.  It was t 16 in model.

Permalink Reply by Brad Adams on February 4, 2013 at 10:15am

I recommend you get Montague Folding Bikes. Even with full size wheels, when it’s folded, it’s very compact. Although for the moment you just need a bike for a short ride, in a future you may need it for longer distances. These bikes are great for that.

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