Folding bike advice for heavy rider

[Kelly P]

Hi there,

I have read lots of threads on this forum, which has been a massive help, but I'd like some advice if possible.

I am looking for a folding electric bike for my 6 mile each way commute. The return is mostly up an incline.

I love the way the Woosh Gallego folds and then is wheel-able (like a Brompton) - but I worry I may exceed the weight limit as I am around 115kg.

I also have been looking at the Kudus Secret and Volt Metro but prefer the fold of the Woosh.

The reason for a folding bike over a standard is that I would prefer to take my bike into the office as bicycle parking is limited and also, space at home is limited to store the bike.

Because I want to carry/wheel it into work, I am looking for a bike around the 18kg - 20kg mark and also under the 1k mark.

Can anyone comment on the suitability of the mentioned bikes or offer any other suggestions?

Thank you

 

[trex]

yes, I think the rear wheel is not strong enough. If you buy it, you should ask Woosh to replace the rear rim with a much stronger one like the Brompton 16" double-wall.

 

[Kelly P]

Trex - do you think it would be pricey to update the rear wheel?



A little dearer, but here are a few others I've looked at that I'd like some opinions on:

FreeGo Folder Light 7.8ah
http://www.northwestelectricbikecentre.co.uk/electric_bikes/show_a_bike.aspx?item=240
(will take my weight but quite pricey)

V'lec Pocket Plus
http://www.batribike.com/vlec/pocket-plus
(great as it's lightweight and has the fold i like but 100kg weight limit)

Kuo+
http://www.wearea2b.com/uk/e-bike-collection/a2b-kuo-plus
(can't find a weight limit on this one)

along with my other shortlised...

Volt Metro
http://www.voltbikes.co.uk/metro-folding-electric-bike.php

Kudos Secret
http://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/Item/Brands/Kudos_Electric_Bikes/Kudos_Secret_Folding_Electric_Bike.aspx

Woosh Gallego
http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?gallego

 

[trex]

I like the look of the Freego Folder Light but it's not very light nor compact when folded. The common problem with all the 2-fold bikes is when they are folded, their wheels form a V shape, impossible to drag them along or to pick up and carry. The Gallego is the only 3-fold among your selection.
The Pocket Plus is original, comes from a well respected trade member but little is known about its motor. It could be a light assist (small 160W motor, 24V, very small battery capacity, not suitable for hilly terrains). Its biggest plus is its lightweight, should be very easy to carry.
The Kuo is similar to the Freego, well built but relatively heavy, from the pictures appear to be better finished than the Freego but there is not much between those two.
The Volt Metro is a good solid contender, several members have bought it before and seem to be happy with their purchase. It's major advantage is better equipment, you have good motor, controller, LCD, gearset and choice of battery. The price does reflect the higher level of equipment. Its opposite number is the Woosh Gale with 13AH battery.
The Kudos Secret is also a well known folder, bought by many members in the past and they seem to be happy with their purchase.

 

[Kelly P]

Thank you for your advice Trex - that really helps!

Ooooh lots to think about!

 

[Kelly P]

I have sent Woosh a message about changing the rear wheel.

Do you know any other 3 fold electric bikes?

 

[trex]

This Kwikfold Pro 16" seems to do it:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kwikfold-Aluminium-Electric-Folding-Bicycle/dp/B013KBAKJG?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAJLYL4XVIIFYSIEHA&tag=cooltshirtd0f-21&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B013KBAKJG

it looks a bit flimsy and the battery looks small too.

 

[Kelly P]

Yeah I found those the other day but I couldn't find much in the way of reviews but I love how they fold.

 

[Yamdude]

It wouldn't bother me at all going 15 kilos over a bikes supposed max weight.
But its your call.

 

[Kelly P]

I spoke to Woosh today, and they have said it's not possible for them to change the wheel. So I've had to rule that out which is a shame as it was my fave.

I think my options are a Volt Metro or perhaps this?
http://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/Item/Brands/Byocycle/Byocycle_Chameleon_LS_Electric_Folding_Bike.aspx

Neither are as portable though.

 

[Kelly P]

Can I throw another into the mix to ask your opinions on?
http://www.ebikeshed.co.uk/products/bh-easygo-volt.php#.VvMtDX8birW

 

[trex]

nice bike, good specs, seems well put together, a bit lighter than the other 2-fold bikes, battery capacity on the smaller size.
I think it's a tad expensive for what it is though.
By the way, has anyone seen the Gadget Show Episode 4 taking the Gallego to the London Underground? it's in the last 10 minutes of the show and quite entertaining. The shoot includes a race between a white van, the GreyP, the Qwic Urban and the woosh Gallego.

https://www.my5.tv/the-gadget-show/season-23/episode-4

 

[Kelly P]

Thanks Trex - I really enjoyed watching that!
I wish the Gallego could take my weight - it would be ideal!

 

[DAJ]

I also would not let the weight limit put me off, if the maximum rider weight is 100kg there also has to be an allowance for luggage as it does have a rack and pretty much every rack for a bike is sold with a 25kg limit. Will you need to carry that much luggage?

Things will wear out on your bike through normal use. You could upgrade the wheel rims as and when they wear out, any half decent bike shop will be able to do that for you.

So long as you don't abuse the bike by riding off kerbs and the like I would anticipate no problems. I have ridden over the weight limit on light weight Mavic Wheels for 15 years and they haven't even needed re-tensioning!

Plus think positive, with all that commuting you are bound to loose a little weight naturally not to mention the improvement to your stamina and strength where you will be able to provide more power yourself relying less on the pedal assistance, increasing range.

If the Woosh fits the bill in every other respect go for it!

 

[Kelly P]

I think I was put off as when I phoned Woosh, they said I'd brake the spokes regularly.
As someone with very little bike maintenance experience, this put me off.

The kudos secret is still a very likely option, but just researching things before I take the plunge.

Been looking at conversions like this:
http://foldingbike.biz/epages/7665e38c-067c-4fa0-9037-afac2266f927.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/7665e38c-067c-4fa0-9037-afac2266f927/Products/DAHCURVED3ELECTR

 

[DAJ]

Well I can"t say it won't happen, but I doubt it will be a regular occurrence and as much to do with a badly tensioned wheel as your weight. If you are concerned buy the bike and take it straight to a shop that builds wheels and get them to check the spoke tension, shouldn't cost much over £10-£15.

If the spokes do break just have a better wheel made up in the future. You could even select a 20" BMX rim and just look how they are treated.

All other bikes in the same range and style will have similar quality wheels so may as well buy the bike you want and improve it as you need.

You will have to learn some bicycle maintenance as they need occasional feteling. Adjusting brakes/gears changing tyres and tubes etc but it is all easy stuff. I built my first pair of wheels last summer, it is real easy so with a little desire you could learn to change a spoke and true a wheel if necessary.

Or go and sweet talk the mechanic in the local bike shop .

 

[DAJ]

Coyote connect at Halfords has 120kg limit, plus is only £550 and you can get their premium bike care plan for 3 years for only £60. Might be worth calling into your local Halfords for a look.

 

[Kelly P]

Thanks DAJ