Folding 700C commuter project

I commute into London by train, and hate the Jubilee line, so needed a bike to get me from London Bridge to work. I was looking for a decent used Brompton for ages, but the size of the wheels just didn't sit right with me.

So I have bought a folding 700c bike that doesn't split on the frame. It should let me get on the train and give me a ride I can enjoy, if I modify it.

So over the next few weeks I will be documenting my journey to transform the components on this thing to lighter and better ones. Any advice or suggestions welcome.

My advice is don't spend too much money on it, just try it out for while first

I think you may soon realise why the brompton is the leader for folding bikes tbh

What about trying one of the cheap decathlon folders to see if the small wheel size is really an issue for you?

Good idea. Easy to get carried away and I might hate it and end up selling.

I was gonna jump in with the 20inch or smaller rule for folding bikes on trains, but it seems like those rules have been dropped
I was thinking of doing the opposite with a mini-velo but with a ritchey breakaway type system. But that would be insanely expensive and would it make enough difference over a Brompton?

Even without a specific rule I think you’re going to get comments and possibly aggro from station staff / fellow commuters on full rains.

It also looks like a pain in the arse to fold/carry twice a day.

But I hope it works out…

If you don't get on with this and still want something with 700c wheels to commute on, would it be an option to buy a cheap beater and some decent locks to leave at whichever station you commute in to?

Go for it dude, don't listen to the naysayers. It might turn out shit and not work but at least you tried and it was an interesting project.

But ye probably try it first before you sink loads of money into it.

/\ what he said! I've had a Brompton for a long time but was always interested in larger wheels folders, Airnimal and similar, would be good to hear your thoughts!

Looks interesting, I take it the rack is proprietary and integral to the fold?

Wonder what the time to fold and remove/fit the wheel is like compared to folding a Brompton.

I did this, tbh I’ve only done it a couple of times. But it wasn’t too much of a pain.
http://www.lfgss.com/conversations/376896/#comment16562150
It’s so much nicer to ride a proper bike.

This is similar to my line of thinking. The main difference between our frames is that mine doesnt require removal of back wheel to compact down. Will stick on folding pedals too

The Montague is not too heavy at 13kg with the cheap stock components and hybrid wheels. If the experiment works out I should eventually be able to shave a bit of that off with lighter wheels and groupset.

Keep a bag in my backpack and if anyone says anything turn it into a piece of luggage.

Mine doesn't come with the rack. Was going to get one of those cheap two leg aluminium kickstands to keep it upright when folded.

These type of projects are the best, just have to make sure it fully spirals out of control. Carbon disc fork would be my first step.

Carbon fibre track wheels, tri spoke, and aerodynamic fairing