Folding Bikes

Great bike, unfortunately does not work that well with human.

^ why not?

Technically speaking, folding bicycle are allowed, the Dahon Espresso fit in that description, they're talking shite AFAIK there's no restriction on wheel size.

No restriction on TFL, but there is on some other lines. First great western only allow those with a wheel size of 18 inches or less.

^ And that's what I am unfortunate enough to have to travel in on... Ta for the clarification Cake.

^ why not?

Alex have designed the perfect bicycle, with one small flaw - he forget that human aren't a perfect engine, and I find it's sometime hard to work with the bicycle, especially when climbing (as well as the whole rotational mass malarkey).

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Very nice unfortunately that would be more money thanI've spent on my new LOOK.

Anyone have any experience with Airnimal's

You can check them out, even test them at Bikefix in Lamb Conduit Street, they're an excellent shop too.

Oh I intend to ride several different ones to get a feel for what's right. The Airnimal Joey, despite the name, looks really good but is a proper chunk of money.

Anyone have any experience with Airnimal's

You rang?

Yes! How do you find it Howard?

**Pros:
**It rides like a normal road bike and can be folded up and bought into an office or a train. Angers Brompton riders as you glide past them on the drops. Will carry a shit-load of luggage. Strangers will salute your choice of ride. Packs into a brompton flight case for plane travel.
**
Cons:**
Fold is unintuitive and fiddly. Mudguards not integrated like Brompton. Cannot be coat-checked like a Brompton. Costs more than a Brompton. Stiff, uncompromising ride with road tyres. Limited tyre choice. Not allowed to be raced in the nocturne folding bike race.

Ultimately it's a fast bike that folds, rather than a folding bike.

More like a Moulton than Brompton then.

Awesome thanks. Yeah I like the idea of not compromising too much from my road bike (within reason). Cost is a consideration but hopefully it'll get years of use so happy to outlay to get the right thing. This is first on the test ride list. Thanks for the mini review!

More like a Moulton than Brompton then.

Yeah, except it does actually fold. If you do it regularly you can fold it down in a minute.

It fills the niche between the Birdy and bikes like the Ritchey Breakaway. A British Bike Friday.

So best value for money, no nonsense folder is a Dahon Mu Uno?
Ready to order that (rational purchase) or a TSR2 (vanity purchase).

I'd be using it to go to the shops and 2 short commutes (<4miles each way) a week.

I was considering a Mu Uno, and Senor Bears upgraded one in current projects tipped me over the edge.

Super fun! Twitchy initially, but now it just feels nimble. It is a bit slow though at 57GI and SS. Fixed hub is in transit so after the wheel re-build I can dial it up a bit. Seatpost/saddle and pedals next on the list. Going with BMX plastics and feetbelts/jol straps or something so anyone can use it for a little trip to the shops or whatever.

Actually... I've not ridden my big bikes since it arrived.

It looks fucking stupid though... especially with my spokey-dokeys

Thanks Balki!
Starting to get convinced, like the idea of a coaster brake, running it fixed with bmx pedals and straps is another option. Also liking the Tern Verge Duo.

Well if you want a SS folder with coaster brake and with a retro look then get the Kansi F20, it comes with Blue Skyway's on it.

If you dont mind a bike thats a bit loud colour-wise then it should be a lot of fun

PS: So many to choose from to suit some individual taste, I ended up with a Brompton S6L Barcelona for commuting (that was the idea) and now my 'brand new' fun folding bike is a Dahon Jetstream EX, with front and rear suspension, which for me is super-cool but I know others will disagree.

Eurobike 2013 - Dahon has concept folding fixie on display - see back end of the video...
http://www.foldingbiketravels.com/2013/09/dahons-new-product-highlights-at.html

I really like the look of this Btwin Tilt. Belt drive and automatic 2 speed hub for
£370

http://www.btwin.com/blog/fr/files/2013/01/Tilt-edition-limitee.jpg

http://www.btwin.com/blog/fr/files/2013/01/Tilt-pli%C3%A9.jpg

Dredging this thread up as I immerse myself in the world of folding bike travel. Here’s mine that I’ve slowly been making my own. My wife and I “inherited” matching Bike Fridays from our neighbour who can no longer use them. We’ve yet to travel with them but intend to soon.

Any others on here travel/tour/commute with a folding bike?

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