MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
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Hey everyone! I'm totally new to cycling. I had to google the answer to the spam question (what attaches the handlebars to the bike... oh man!). I have a 15 year old bike (no laughing) which I just blew the cobwebs off for the first time in all that time and I loved it! I'm thinking of getting a folding bike, with small wheels to squeeze it onto the train. But I want to know is it easier to fall off a bike when it has small wheels, and a long stem (the word I just learned, but not sure if I have now used it correctly!!)? Small wheels, and the seat is so far above them... will I fall off? Also. My boyfriend has a 'full size' montague folding bike - are they allowed on the train? I've read some of your previous comments, they have provided me with lots of happy reading and laughs out loud so far, but unfortunately nobody seems daft enough to have asked if they will fall off a small wheeled bike, so now I am asking it 🙂
Thanks guys!!
Laura xxxxxx
Welcome to the forum Laura.
Will you fall off? Almost certainly.
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/when-was-the-last-time-you-fell-off
Hi Laura. I have a 16 inch wheeled folding bike and it feels very stable when riding. I think you'd be fine.
Oh dear me - I just read a load of the posts in the 'last time you fell off' topic - I have a lot to look forward to!!!
Infidel, do you go on the train with yours? How easy is it? I want to go on virgin trains and they say to book in advance but that I'd have to get on the phone and do it for every journey - I'm commuting so want to avoid this if possible... If I had a smaller bike that folds up tiny would I have to call the number? xxxx
If it's a proper small folding bike, like a Brompton then you don't need to book. Just fold it up and walk on, it's hand luggage. The full size folder should be the same, though a job's-worth guard may object. If you put that in a large bag there should be no problems.
I used to own a Brompton, brilliant bike. I do think they are a little less stable than a full size bike, if you are worried practice in a quiet area or a park for a while, and you'll get used to it in no time.
No reason why you should fall off a small wheel bike. I've a Brompton and have toured Holland on it ( amd didnt fall off 8). Theyre brilliant on trains. As tthew say, you just fold it up and carry it on.
A montague might be more of a problem on a busy commuter service as it doesnt fold down so small.
I use my Brompton on the train most days to work and I love it to bits. As people have already said, they are a tiny bit more 'twitchy' than a big bike but nothing you won't get used to in about 10 minutes.
Try to find a folding bike that has mudguards, especially as our weather has been a bit crazy this year.
Have fun!
Rachel
Thank you so much everyone, this is all really useful!! Puts my mind at rest a lot about going on the train with it!! And then knowing I probably won't fall off it any more than I would fall off a normal bike 😉 Can I ask a bike maintenance question now?? The brakes on my normal bike are really really loud - the pads are new, I've sanded them down, I've toed them in, I've taken the lever off and cleaned/greased them, and ran it past a guy at halfords - they are fine in the shop and fine at home, but when I'm actually on it, going fast then the noise is HUGE! Any ideas what I can do for that?! xxxx
Hi Laura - something is vibrating.
It's almost always toe-in. So triple-check that.
The pads need to touch towards the front of the bike slightly before (but not too much before) the back.
They should also be nice and square to the rim vertically.
If you have a local bike shop that isn't halfords, you'll probably have more luck.
Also make sure the wheel rim is clean. A rub down with some brake cleaner and kitchen towel should sort it.
I used to ride a folder that I took on buses. Some drivers were fine with it, some weren't. It helped to have it in a bag.
I fell off it, mostly on ice....