Folding bikes

[kid's inheritance]

There are a few threads on these but has there been any new ones that anyone can recommend. The land around the home marina is pretty flat but some of our planned destinations are quite hilly so I guess fairly large wheels?
TIA
Rob

 

[Hurricane]

We bought a couple of these two years ago.

http://folding-bikes.net/asbikes/el....html?osCsid=6617b6d50a8e020a70b11810296d8c90

Cheap electric bikes - the 36v version - slightly more powerful than the 24v ones.
I know its cheating but they are great.

SWMBO doesn't use the electric bit - she says she likes to pedal manually.
No problem though - if we go a long way, it gives me the opportuiny of swapping the batteries over!!!

Actually, it isnt a problem, the batteries last a long time - 15 miles from memory.
We've used them to go out onto the delta - very flat but (believe me) the electric bit is much appreciated when its hot.

Whatever you get though, I thoroughly recommend buying something with panier bags on the back and handle bar baskets.
Like these http://folding-bikes.net/asbikes/front-bag-p-42.html
and these http://folding-bikes.net/asbikes/rear-pannier-p-38.html

These bikes with the panies score a fat zero for street cred but they have prooved to be one of the most useful bits of kit we've bought.
You will often see us whizzing round the marina and town on these bikes. We do all the shopping with them - you will be surprised how much thos paniers will hold - the beer and wine we drink plus the food. The Mercoadona supermarket has an underground carpark where we lock the bikes and bring the shopping trollies right to the bikes. We can then unload the bikes on the pontoon right beside the boat.

And they are folding - we often put them in the lazerette when we go cruising. They will definately be going with us to the F1 this year - I know where the Mercadona is in Valencia and we will be shopping for a full boat so they will be used hard there as well.

They are only cheap far eastern imports but, so far, they have been reliable. One bike failed (motor I think) after we had unpacked it (in SC!!) but there was absolutely no quibble from this supplier - he just sent me a new wheel.

We also locally bought a couple of VERY cheap conventional folding bikes. They work (just) but I wouldnt recomend them at all. The electric ones are really good though.

 

[Croc]

You don't say if you are doing the bike thing on the cheap....if you are I have no advice.
If you can afford it buy Bromptons. Quality build, stable, comfortable ride for short or long distances...loads of luggage options.Only downside a little heavy unless you buy the latest aluminium ones.

 

[Rigger Mortice]

There are a few threads on these but has there been any new ones that anyone can recommend. The land around the home marina is pretty flat but some of our planned destinations are quite hilly so I guess fairly large wheels?
TIA
Rob

The size of wheels won't make any difference in hilly areas. The gearing will.

 

[kid's inheritance]

The size of wheels won't make any difference in hilly areas. The gearing will.

There shows my engineering ignorance, I should have helped my father in the garage doing blokey things instead of going fishing!
Thanks for all the help

 

[Kaste]

There are a few threads on these but has there been any new ones that anyone can recommend. The land around the home marina is pretty flat but some of our planned destinations are quite hilly so I guess fairly large wheels?
TIA
Rob

We have two for sale in the buy/sell section of these forums. We bought ours a couple of years ago they are the Seasure ones with 20" wheels and loads of gears. Recently fully serviced and in tip top condition with wheeled carrying bags.

We used them all the time but as we intend to take a break from boating no longer need them. They may suit your needs.

Steve

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

I've been looking at folding bikes recently because I'm going to buy a couple for our boat this season. Looking at bikes on the internet is all well and good but it's not until you see them in the metal that you notice the differences. Firstly, by and large, you get what you pay for, both in quality and foldability. The cheaper bikes tend to have painted steel frames which will rust on a boat where the paint is damaged whereas the more expensive ones have aluminium frames. The cheaper bikes will probably only have a folding point in the middle of the frame and some of the folding hinges I looked at didn't look as though they'd last a season. Then there is the question of wheel size which determines rideability and foldability. There are full size folding bikes on the market with 26" wheels but unless you remove the front wheel, the folded size is very large. There are bikes with very small wheels which fold down very small but for me they are not very rideable. SWMBO and I decided that 20" wheels were a good compromise but others might think differently. As for makes, IMHO Bromptons are pretty much top of the pile; they are beautifully engineered and fold to a very small size but the cheapest ones are near £1000. Personally I didn't want to spend that much on something that was only going to be used a few times a season and will probably get nicked anyway. FWIW, we decided that Dahon represented a fair compromise on quality and value and I'll be buying a couple of 20" models shortly. Its definitely worth shopping around because different suppliers have varying prices according to their stock situation

 

[Stork_III]

I've been looking at folding bikes recently because I'm going to buy a couple for our boat this season. Looking at bikes on the internet is all well and good but it's not until you see them in the metal that you notice the differences. Firstly, by and large, you get what you pay for, both in quality and foldability. The cheaper bikes tend to have painted steel frames which will rust on a boat where the paint is damaged whereas the more expensive ones have aluminium frames. The cheaper bikes will probably only have a folding point in the middle of the frame and some of the folding hinges I looked at didn't look as though they'd last a season. Then there is the question of wheel size which determines rideability and foldability. There are full size folding bikes on the market with 26" wheels but unless you remove the front wheel, the folded size is very large. There are bikes with very small wheels which fold down very small but for me they are not very rideable. SWMBO and I decided that 20" wheels were a good compromise but others might think differently. As for makes, IMHO Bromptons are pretty much top of the pile; they are beautifully engineered and fold to a very small size but the cheapest ones are near £1000. Personally I didn't want to spend that much on something that was only going to be used a few times a season and will probably get nicked anyway. FWIW, we decided that Dahon represented a fair compromise on quality and value and I'll be buying a couple of 20" models shortly. Its definitely worth shopping around because different suppliers have varying prices according to their stock situation

We have Dahon Speed 6 (now Speed 7) with 20" wheels, 7 years. Very comfortable rides, we often do 20km. Recommended.

 

[Richard Shead]

Look up montague bikes( think that's right spelling) I have the hummer version ( not the small one !)which is an amazing bit of kit. Not cheap but the best folding bike there is.

 

[oceanfroggie]

We've had a pair of bromptons on board for past 7 seasons. Pricey but very happy. A good compromise on wheel size v compact foldability. Will last a lifetime.

 

[Rigger Mortice]

IMHO Bromptons are pretty much top of the pile; they are beautifully engineered and fold to a very small size but the cheapest ones are near £1000. Personally I didn't want to spend that much on something that was only going to be used a few times a season and will probably get nicked anyway. FWIW, we decided that Dahon represented a fair compromise on quality and value and I'll be buying a couple of 20" models shortly. Its definitely worth shopping around because different suppliers have varying prices according to their stock situation

I've got a Brompton, but I use it a lot so it was worth the money. I also fully agree with your comments about the Dahon range. They might not be quite so durable but they are still good bikes and the range is much wider so there are plenty of options to choose from. They are well worth looking at.

I don't agree about 20" wheels as the 16" wheels of the Brompton work perfectly well. It's more to do with the overall geometry of the design but, having said that, 20" wheels will be fine. I certainly wouldn't want to fall out with somebody over just a 4" difference!

 

[Cardo]

...IMHO Bromptons are pretty much top of the pile; they are beautifully engineered and fold to a very small size but the cheapest ones are near £1000.

That's a bit of an exaggeration. My Brompton cost me under £800 new.

 

[dash300]

We have 2 Bromptons with 3 speed gears and they are fantastic. The equivalent to a 'Leatherman' in bike form. Made in Brentford Middx and they are in great demand all over the world. They export 75% abroad. Nice to ride something designed and built here.
Not cheap but hold value extremely if you look at what they go for on ebay!

 

[Rigger Mortice]

The basic model is now listed at £840. It's unlikely that there are any discounts available off that price.

 

[Cardo]

The basic model is now listed at £840. It's unlikely that there are any discounts available off that price.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/brompton/m3l-2011-folding-bike-ec026411
£759.99 for an M3L. Says it's a 2011 model, but still...

 

[timbad]

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/brompton/m3l-2011-folding-bike-ec026411
£759.99 for an M3L. Says it's a 2011 model, but still...

We sent a fair bit of time a few years ago on this loved the British made bromptons but just didn't ride as well as the larger wheel Dahons so bought 2 of the speed 7s very pleased with them

 

[kid's inheritance]

Thank you all
Regards
Rob