Folding bike

[darmstadt]

You're a contractor, man up. From home to the station:



From station to work:

[aoxomoxoa]

Bromptons

I have a Brompton which cost about £750 a few years ago. Also, got it through the Cycle To Work scheme which was very cost effective (was a permie at the time).

As someone said earlier in this thread you tend to get better made components etc the more you pay. True, but the other factor is how easy and quick the bike is to fold up and unfold, which if you're rushing to get on a train is a key consideration IMO. With a bit of practice I reckon on no more than 30 seconds at most to fold up a Brompton.

I mostly use mine for getting from Marylebone station to the City as and when I need to be there which fortunately is not too often these days. The ride took a bit of getting used to compared with "proper" road bikes which is my preferred mode of cycling, but even with a front pack holding a laptop and work clothes it's not too bad.

The other reason for getting a Brompton is to avoid looking like a loser on a piece of cheap tulip.

[Bellona]

Also, a folding bike counts as "luggage", so if it it is a packed commuter train or a "bikes by reservation only" peak time train, and there are any questions re the number of bikes on board, the fold on still gets on

[greenlake]

Anyone got one?

Seems standard size bikes on trains can be a bit of a nightmare if you get a stroppy guard etc. Folding bike seems the ideal solution to getting it on the train and then getting last mile or two to client site.

Or just get a very small one....

[darmstadt]

Subsidised travel as well I believe:

[psychocandy]

Also, a folding bike counts as "luggage", so if it it is a packed commuter train or a "bikes by reservation only" peak time train, and there are any questions re the number of bikes on board, the fold on still gets on

Yep. Mate of mine got stranded with bike at destination once. Like you said if its full you might not get it on board.

[psychocandy]

I have the 2012 model of this:
Link D8 | Tern Folding Bike and Folding Bicycle Accessories | Worldwide

Cost me just under £400. 20" wheels so never going to be as compact as a Brompton but half the price and fits in the boot of the car.

I use it for commuting and cycling recreationally. I use it to get into central London, taking it on the train during rush hour with no hassle. I normally cycle all the way home on it (about 19km, which takes me about an hour).

Vey happy with it. It's quite agile and I've had it over 30mph on a downhill although it loses speed quickly on a flat and struggles with serious hills.

It weighs 12KG so you wouldn't want to lug it for a long distance. Saddle is ok but you can upgrade it. Ride us fine, if a little stiff. You're going to want to avoid potholes but the same is true of any smaller wheeled bike.

12Kg not too bad. Seen some for 23kg which is a bit much. As long as I can lug it across platform onto train, then off train, ride to site, then carry it to desk thats cool by me.

Only problem is though I probably need to use in conjunction with rucksack for all my stuff. So that ruckie and bike to carry into hotel etc.

[psychocandy]

Harsh ...but true

LOL. I'm sure it would. However, main consideration at the mo is to arrive at client not looking like some sweaty, red-faced fat twat. :-)

[aoxomoxoa]

LOL. I'm sure it would. However, main consideration at the mo is to arrive at client not looking like some sweaty, red-faced fat twat. :-)

I thought your main consideration was finding said client. Red-faced fat twat avoidance scheme comes next.

[TheCyclingProgrammer]

12Kg not too bad. Seen some for 23kg which is a bit much. As long as I can lug it across platform onto train, then off train, ride to site, then carry it to desk thats cool by me.

Only problem is though I probably need to use in conjunction with rucksack for all my stuff. So that ruckie and bike to carry into hotel etc.

It's not heavy. Getting it on the train is fine. I just wouldn't want to walk more than 100m with it.

It comes with a luggage rack and you can by a connector and handle bar mounted luggage so you have options. You can get special rack bags that click on or use the bungees that come with it - I've transported my laptop bag on the rack (inside a waterproof cover) secured with the bungees many times without problem. Or you could get a decent messenger bag.

After a few goes, you can fold/unfold it in about 15s.

Evans sell the 2013 model for just over £400 although I'm not sure if it comes with the rack.

I do recommend it.