Reply to: Folding bike

[psychocandy]

It is true that the small wheels make it less stable. Even scratching your nose can be a wobbly operation.

You could just get a cheap full-size bike and park it at the destination.

Looking at this now. Folding bike and take on train or normal bike and leave at train station. But, of course, if its pretty much permanently locked at train station theres good chance it'll get nicked and not sure whether stations let you leave bikes overnight. (although I guess no-one would ever notice).

[SueEllen]

Well that doesn't need a folding bike - cycle to the station and use the cycle racks? Ok it might get knicked, or they are full up...

Some people cycle at both ends hence the need for a fold up.

However the people I know with a 20 mile or less journey will just cycle the whole of it.

[d000hg]

....unless you get the one just returned by this chap....

A bit NSFW really.

[aoxomoxoa]

....unless you get the one just returned by this chap....

It's the only way you'll be able to do skidmarks on a Boris Bike!

[greenlake]

Never used a Boris bike, but I gather they're OK....

....unless you get the one just returned by this chap....

[aardvark]

EDIT - cool. Just saw an electric bike. Great I don't have to pedal! Or won't it carry my large butt without pedalling a bit?

Is this you and PC junior?

[MPwannadecentincome]

Lots of people start of in areas where they are no Boris Bikes and have to cycle to the station to get on the train.

Well that doesn't need a folding bike - cycle to the station and use the cycle racks? Ok it might get knicked, or they are full up...

[OwlHoot]

Noticed a few posters using their folding bikes in London - isn't the Boris Bike any good then? Obviously not for taking on trains...

Never used a Boris bike, but I gather they're OK unless you're a minute late putting them back in a rack.

If that happens, I think it means a £300 fine

[SueEllen]

Noticed a few posters using their folding bikes in London - isn't the Boris Bike any good then? Obviously not for taking on trains...

Lots of people start of in areas where they are no Boris Bikes and have to cycle to the station to get on the train.

[Mich the Tester]

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



From station to work:

1; 8/10, tasteful car with decently turned out chauffeur, let down by the flashy tie and ugly house

2; 0/10 American car with chauffeur wearing US cut suit, very poor effort.

Suggested replacement;

[expat]

I've asked here before on what extra you get for the more expensive ones, but nobody seemed to have a clue.

as aoxomoxoa says the Brompton is better quality, and it folds faster. It also folds smaller, has fewer snagging projections, and has a couple of tiny "stabiliser"-type wheels so you can wheel the folded object along the platform. All-round better design.

I'd have one if that mattered to me, but it doesn't, not in my folding bike at least, so I have a cheap and cheerful 200€ model, and that does the job. Doubtless the Brompton does it better.

[TheCyclingProgrammer]

It's heavy and not very well geared but it's ok. Used it several times before I had my own.

[MPwannadecentincome]

bike in London

Noticed a few posters using their folding bikes in London - isn't the Boris Bike any good then? Obviously not for taking on trains...

[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.

[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.