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Folders

Group for owners and fans of folding bikes. Webspace for discussion of issues, advice, stories, history, ideas etc about folding bikes.

Members: 50
Latest Activity: Jan 11, 2022

Discussion Forum

Brompton Riders Chicago

Just thought you might like to know that I started another group, specifically for us Brompton riders. With any interest, I'm hoping we can get together for a ride or two, and share our B's history…Continue

Started by Marcusn Jul 17, 2014.

accessories 6 Replies

Would anyone care to share their experiences (good and bad) with various folder-specific accessories?Continue

Tags: accessories, bike, folding

Started by Anne Alt. Last reply by L.Park Nov 16, 2013.

Advice on folders for a Metra UPN commute 15 Replies

I'm beginning initial research on folding bikes for a commute. I take Metra's UPN from Ravenswood to Davis and onto Northwestern University (north campus). I'm looking forward to a reasonable…Continue

Tags: commuting, metra, bikes, folding

Started by Richard. Last reply by Richard Sep 21, 2012.

Folding on the South Shore RR 4 Replies

I'm considering a folder specifically to take on the South Shore Railroad.  I know this line has a history of being hostile to bikers.  Anyone have stories to share?  Their official policies allow…Continue

Started by Michael. Last reply by Anne Alt Feb 18, 2012.

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Comment by Marcusn on January 11, 2022 at 2:10pm

Brompton has a fine line of bicycles. I owned one for years back when I commuted around Chicago. All their bikes take a front rack and there are all kinds of different sized bags available. The larger ones do catch wind, so not ideal for long trips at all. Surly Long Haul Truckers (a fine touring bike) come in a 2 piece frame option which would be better for LONG trips, Brompton for the quick ones.

I'm not sure who sells either in Chicago, but Surly and Brompton sites should have store locaters.

Comment by Bob Kastigar on August 2, 2017 at 12:33pm

I'm starting to consider a folding bike, and I'd like suggestions

about (1)what to buy, and (2)where to buy it.

I want to go visit in Wisconsin for two or three days, via Amtrak. So I'd like something that Amtrak would find acceptable and would be able to carry small panniers for 2-3 days of clothing. 

I'd like to ride to Union Station (or take the Brown Line) then Amtrak to Wisconsin Dells.  Ride around town for 2-3 days, then return to Chicago via Amtrak and home (or again maybe the Brown Line).

I wouldn't mind spending an arm OR a leg, but I don't want to spend an arm AND a leg on this.

I'm listending; thanks.

Comment by Cori K on April 15, 2014 at 7:07pm

Hello folders...I just acquired this vintage sears folding bike. Any info or help to get this back on the road would be appreciated. <3's

Comment by Andrew Bedno on August 6, 2013 at 2:56pm
Comment by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on July 2, 2013 at 10:26am
Charlie- you can test out mine if youd like. Cant even remember the make and model right now since it was given to me.
Comment by Charlie Short 2.9 on July 2, 2013 at 10:10am
Hey ya'll-

I just moved and need to add a folder to my stable. I'd like to spend between 300-600. I'm thinking about the novara flyby. I also was looking at the citizen folding bikes, but I'm not sure about those. There's always craigslist, but that's hit or miss. Give me your ideas!
Comment by Thunder Snow on March 25, 2013 at 1:32pm

I got my Dahon folder covered in mud riding last week.  To clean it, I was able to fit it folded in my shower at home, then rinse and sponge off as much sandy clay as I could.  I don't have access to an outside sprinkler hose at my apartment, so this was the best I could do.  My shower stall was a mess afterwards, but the bike came out clean enough to park in the living room, after it had dried.

My El Bolso carrying bag got completely muddied when I set the muddy bike inside it to go to work.  I wasn't sure how to clean it, but I took a chance and ran it over to the laundromat on gentle cycle with detergent, then dried it on low.  It came out just fine, cleaner than ever.

Comment by Thunder Snow on March 25, 2013 at 12:36am

JimmyD--I like how you've strapped your folder to the rear rack of your other bike!  Does that make riding the non-folder tough to balance?

Comment by JimmyD on March 22, 2013 at 12:36pm

Sweet... I didn't notice this group before?!  I just found out about it through that thread on the main forum page about the used Dahon sale.

I'm a folding bike commuter. I ride a Riese & Müller Birdy BD1 bike.

It's pretty much stock right now and needs a bit of tuning, as I bought it used last fall. I've been slowly buying replacement / upgrade parts for it. I had the intent of tuning it up (as best I could) while there still was a bunch of snow on the ground, but I haven't gotten to it yet. 

Here's a few pics:

Comment by Andrew Bedno on January 16, 2013 at 9:16pm

I guess I've gotta sell my vintage folder.

Landlord limits to one in the bikeroom, I have five, figure he'll compromise at three, so it's the folder or my beloved BMX, and my GF already has a great folder (with carrybag even).

So...

There's a good pick and full details here:
http://bedno.com/body/bike/mine/folder

It's Italian, decades old but in good condition.  I overhauled it and always keep my bikes ready to ride.  You can even have the lights and lock I added.

I'd let it go for just a few dozen dollars.  Giving chain linker's first crack.

 

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