Shut UpJoined: 03 Aug 2014Posts: 566Location: Beacon Hill
I'm traveling a bunch for work and it's tough to bring a full size bike with me so I'm thinking about a folder. One of the people I recenlty met through spinlister had a brompton that packed up to the size of a carry-on bag, and had a rack that carried a carry-on size bag. So I'm thinking of something like that. Primary use would be commuting / general Thursday night style (albeit likely solo) joy riding. Does anyone have experience with these things? Any advice? What shop should I visit to give them a test ride?
TL;DR: If, n + 1 = Folding Bike, what's important to know and where does one start shopping?
Alex
Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2015 7:56 pm
Joined: 18 May 2006Posts: 3128Location: Roosevelt
G&O and Folding Bikes NW both sell the Brompton.
I have a Brompton and rode 20 miles on it on Sunday. It's a functional bike that folds quickly to a very small size. It isn't legal carry-on size (though plenty have gotten away with it), but it checks easily and gets into the suitcase in just a few minutes. It's brilliant if you want to go for an hour or two ride after work and not worry about packing up the bike the next day.
I don't like riding it much longer than 20 miles. The cockpit is a little cramped, it's twitchy (especially when climbing out of the saddle), the tires suck (and there aren't good options, the best tire in that size won't fit on the Brompton), the 6sp gearing system is stupid, and almost all of the parts are non-standard. So if I'm going to be doing long rides I'd rather bring a Bike Friday (which takes way longer to pack, but rides incrementally better) or a S&S bike (much longer again to pack, but rides like a standard bike).
The Brompton sounds like it is probably the best bike for your needs.
rob
Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2015 7:49 am
Joined: 28 Jul 2007Posts: 1315Location: Columbia City
Montlake also sells Bromptons.
This reminds me, I need to overhaul my Swift Folder's internal gear hub and start riding it or sell it.
TorreyK
Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2015 10:50 am
Joined: 02 Sep 2009Posts: 1116Location: White Center/Burien
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Shut Up
Joined: 03 Aug 2014
Posts: 566
Location: Beacon Hill
Joined: 18 May 2006
Posts: 3128
Location: Roosevelt
Joined: 28 Jul 2007
Posts: 1315
Location: Columbia City
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 1116
Location: White Center/Burien
