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So..I have been here before but have to do it this time. I had a Mobiky Genius which was ok for around a couple of miles but anything longer was a struggle especially as I need to go up a few hills. I then had a Montague Paratrooper this was great for riding but not the best for getting somewhere on the train. So I'm here again and after something which folds up pretty nice but has nice riding capability to do around 12miles. Any recommendations?
Birdy or Airnimal for a folding bike that's good to ride
Brompton for a bike thats fun to ride and bloody good at folding
(I have the latter, as I already have enough bike to cover the former)
I had a Dahon Vitesse 6sp inhub. It was a bit heavier than a Brommie, didn’t fold as flat or small as aBrommie but it was more sturdy and did fold enough to get between the seats of Southern Trains. Used it for just under 3.5 years then sold it to a mate who still commutes on it.
My commute was 4 miles/train/2.5miles each way.
Birdy or Airnimal for a folding bike that’s good to ride
Brompton for a bike thats fun to ride and bloody good at folding
Agreed, although an eBrompton might be a tempting option given the distance.
[Unstealthy stealth ad] I'm selling my Tern Link Uno if you're not far away. It was great for on the train, bit heavier than a brompton but has 20" wheels so soaks up bumps more easily.
I did a 100+ mile ride on a Dahon with 20 inch wheels.
would reccomend 🙂
I've always sort of hankered after one of the larger wheeled Tern bikes - these things - but fortunately I work from home, so there's absolutely no need for it.
CFH - agreed. The Brompton e bike has been a long time coming but I'm presuming they will have nailed it (on the basis they haven't rushed into it)
Are there rules about folded size?
I used to use a 20" Dahon with Nexus hub gear for my train in & pedal across London commutes. It had mud guards, rear rack, lights etc. Was a great piece of kit. Also used a Specialized Globe 20" folder that was superb, but no longer made.
I had a Ridgeback Attaché (a re-badged Dahon Vitesse) with 7-speed Nexus gears , and now I have a 6-speed Brompton. The Brompton folds quite a bit smaller and is a bit lighter, but the Ridgeback's bigger wheels gave a slightly smoother ride and the Nexus gears were great, much easier to use than the slightly Heath Robinson arrangement on the Brompton. They both ride pretty well. The big difference is the price - you'll pick up a or Ridgeback for a heck of lot less than a Brompton.