Discussion
a couple of years back my old man bought a cheapo, unbranded 20" wheel folding bike off ebay for £50, it was pre-owned, but still had its proective wrapping on the frame, so was effectively new. I new it was going to be awful. When i rode it though, i was truly surprised at how bloody terrible it was, scarring me. I have always regarded folding bikes as a bit of a joke, and now i had a reason. The drum brake on the back was as useful as blowing on a massive forest fire through a kiddies plastic straw.... NOT COOL. he has ridden it once since buying it.
My dad returned home a couple of weeks ago though, and rung me up immediately to tell me the good news that he had ordered a new one through the "cycle to work" scheme. My immediate reply was, why have you wasted even more money on a rubbish gimmick that they pass off as a bike, especially as this time he spent several hundred pounds on it (a Dahon Jack Dee 24)
It arrived two days ago and he managed to persuade me to ride it. I am actually, very impressed. It obviously doesnt fold down as small as a 20" wheel bike, but it feels surprisingly nice to ride. Very similar in fact, to a Carerra Subway 1. Not quite as fast because the cassette is larger, but surprisingly smooth nonetheless.
The moral of the story-
I guess it is you get what you pay for, but dont knock foldig bikes untill you have tried a decent one!
My dad returned home a couple of weeks ago though, and rung me up immediately to tell me the good news that he had ordered a new one through the "cycle to work" scheme. My immediate reply was, why have you wasted even more money on a rubbish gimmick that they pass off as a bike, especially as this time he spent several hundred pounds on it (a Dahon Jack Dee 24)
It arrived two days ago and he managed to persuade me to ride it. I am actually, very impressed. It obviously doesnt fold down as small as a 20" wheel bike, but it feels surprisingly nice to ride. Very similar in fact, to a Carerra Subway 1. Not quite as fast because the cassette is larger, but surprisingly smooth nonetheless.
The moral of the story-
I guess it is you get what you pay for, but dont knock foldig bikes untill you have tried a decent one!
I've recently restored a Bickerton from the early 70's. These things are super light, mine weighs in at about 9kgs. All aluminium construction and folds up to a decent portable size. I use mine to get to work after a considerable night before, schlep to the station, fold up, bear public transport and sundry oiks, get off train, fold out bike, ride the 2 kms to work. Brilliant!
AyBee said:
How easy is it to fold down and carry? I want one 
pretty quick, I can do it in about 30 seconds. Here's a vid of a jap owner who demonstrates the careful way to do it!http://youtu.be/uOPHUhwPyOc
there was one on eBay last week that went for 100 quid or so, best bet is to contact Derek at Poole Bay Folders, he can hook you up with one or build you one from spares.
Cheers
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