bobgarrett
Well-Known Member
Anyone got any experience of these: either the lighter aluminium one (windward stowaway) or steel (windward)? We don't want to spend a lot, and we need something small. On paper they look quite good.
Force 4 Folding Bikes
- Thread starter bobgarrett
- Start date
Thedreamoneday
Well-Known Member
Bigger selection in www.marinescene.co.uk might be worth a look (doesn't really answer your question though)
LadyInBed
Well-Known Member
These from Halfords are good for the price
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_237731_langId_-1_categoryId_165577
I've had one for about 4 years.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_237731_langId_-1_categoryId_165577
I've had one for about 4 years.
upcountry2
Well-Known Member
I would agree with that, I bought two, after researching the alternatives, and came to the conclusion that I did not want to spend stupid money for a pair of bikes that would only see occasional use.
In practice, they ride extremely well, the supplied saddle is a bit harsh, fine for short periods, but I changed my wife's to a more comfortable gell type, which she is a lot happier with.
I knew they were only ever going to be used infrequently, and so it has proved to be, but there is a good solid feel to them,the folding mechanism is positive and secure,and they are not too heavy.
Have now sold my boat, so no longer needed.
Less than two years old, only ridden a handful of times, still got the bobbles on the tyres, carry bag for one, indestinguishable from new.
I will be putting them on the for sale forum shortly, if anyone is interested.
Regards...
sailorgirl
Well-Known Member
We tried cheaper bikes first but had a nasty scare when the skipper hit a pothole a couple of days into ownership and the tubing broke - we managed to get our money back on both bikes but basically the lesson was look for something robust if you are a little larger than average. In the end we found a pair of folding bikes by Dutch company Giant in a sale in La Rochelle and ten years later they are still going strong and looking good despite little maintenance so highly recommended by us both. They've carried us many miles and live under the sails in forepeak in their bags when we are sailing. They are an older model of this one: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-in/bikes/model/halfway.1/11570/56073/
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MoodySabre
Well-Known Member
Having borrowed a couple of folders for a trip to Holland my problem was that the pedals didn't fold so that was the widest part. Difficult to drop down the companionway and into the aft cabin. That would be a feature I would look for.
bobgarrett
Well-Known Member
I dismissed halfords as they did not give folded sizes (companies need to understand what factors are important!) but will look again though 20in wheels may be better but also makes the bikes bigger.
bobgarrett
Well-Known Member
A good point. It is strange how folding bike suppliers list all sorts of details like head angle etc. but dont give their size when the whole point of folding is to store it in a small space!
dunedin
Well-Known Member
We got a great Rayleigh branded, but from the components I think Dahon built, alloy framed bike from Halfords for under £200. All the ones we saw had folding pedals, but this discontinued model had the best frame locks and build quality
Laurie
Well-Known Member
I think? some of the bikes offered by F4 are from bikes4u, and are cheaper by far at bicycles4U.
These bikes are fine for occasional use, but change the saddles!. The 20" wheeled variants are better for the longer legged, 35" max. The steel variants benefit from a WD40 spray over when bagged as the finish isn't too hot...but then they are only a little over £100. The alloy cranks can strip at the pedal...mine has, but can be replaced.
All in all, I would love a Brompton, but I can have 10 of these for similar money....? They have been fine for purpose (summer cruise and weekending)
Bicycles4U despatched the bikes very quickly too. 6speed, lights, mudguards, rack, stand. Bags available.
www.bicycles4u.com
These bikes are fine for occasional use, but change the saddles!. The 20" wheeled variants are better for the longer legged, 35" max. The steel variants benefit from a WD40 spray over when bagged as the finish isn't too hot...but then they are only a little over £100. The alloy cranks can strip at the pedal...mine has, but can be replaced.
All in all, I would love a Brompton, but I can have 10 of these for similar money....? They have been fine for purpose (summer cruise and weekending)
Bicycles4U despatched the bikes very quickly too. 6speed, lights, mudguards, rack, stand. Bags available.
www.bicycles4u.com
Sailfree
Well-Known Member
Like everything in life (boats!) even folding bikes are a compromise.
Montague are one of the top of the range. Have a look at one and compare with cheaper bikes and decide on what compromises are worth it to save money. We initially bought DiBlasi Stainless Steel bikes but now only use them at Centre Parc and use Montague bikes for cycling - both from the boat and at home as they are fold up mountain bikes.
Quality is so good I would not want to leave them out of sight for too long in dodgy places!! eg saddle has an amount of suspension in tube but with quick release its easy to steal!
Montague are one of the top of the range. Have a look at one and compare with cheaper bikes and decide on what compromises are worth it to save money. We initially bought DiBlasi Stainless Steel bikes but now only use them at Centre Parc and use Montague bikes for cycling - both from the boat and at home as they are fold up mountain bikes.
Quality is so good I would not want to leave them out of sight for too long in dodgy places!! eg saddle has an amount of suspension in tube but with quick release its easy to steal!
