Folding or flipping handlebars for hallway bike storage.

[Pedalo]

While researching folding bikes (http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/charging-post/11437-anyone-tried-montague-folding-bike.html) which I thought would ease my bike storage problem, I came across a set of handlebars that can easily rotate 90 degrees (http://flipphandle.com/). Flecc pointed me at an alternative (JoeWentworth.co.uk) which also include a lock for added security.

I think either of these would suit my purposes but I'm struggling to find anywhere that sells them. It looks like the Flipphandle failed to get the necessary funding to take the concept through to product.

Does anyone know where I might get hold of these or a similar product?

 

[KirstinS]

well, you could try

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/humpert-ahs-superlight-adjustable-handlebars-580-mm-wide-254-mm-clamp-prod24406/

perhaps not as elegant but at least you can actually buy 'em !

 

[Pedalo]

I just got an email back from Joe Wentworth saying his handlebars are not in production. He's working on a new design but it will be some time before they are available.

These look like another possibility:
anddutch - Beixo folding handlebars

 

[Pedalo]

And yet another option - these look to be best so far:
N'Lock

already discussed on these very forums:
http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/3867-nlock-folding-handlebars-security-device.html

 

[Pedalo]

Well the n'lock stem does seem to be available, or at least I hope it is as I've just ordered one!

Now the quest begins for a decent set of folding pedals. At least there seems to be a lot more choice for these.

 

[Pedalo]

I got my n'lock stem and fitted it a couple of weeks ago. I'm happy to say it works a treat and makes our hallway seem much larger!

I've done a bit of a write up here:

Corridor Bike Storage – Folding Handlebars - Bike Lights Review

 

[Arbol]

This is an old thread, but I subscribe myself.

Why aren't foldable handlebars more used? Is because of the price? Or because the fold is not that useful in practice? Or because they do not work that well?

 

[flecc]

This is an old thread, but I subscribe myself.

Why aren't foldable handlebars more used? Is because of the price? Or because the fold is not that useful in practice? Or because they do not work that well?

Probably a combination of low demand and lack of awareness that they exist.

Looking at Pedalo's photo just above, a folding pedal would help to improve access further, and they are readily available.

 

[Arbol]

I agree with the combo foldable handlebar + pedals.

Just surprising I do not see more than this.

The Humpert that KirstinS highlights is not that expensive, and it seems to do its job properly, doesn't it?

 

[flecc]

The Humpert that KirstinS highlights is not that expensive, and it seems to do its job properly, doesn't it?

The snag is that it doesn't fold as such, it needs an Allen key to collapse it down. So too slow for daily use and could start to fail if constantly loosened and tightened.

 

[Arbol]

Mmm. And the Beixo one? and the 'n fold? Do they need an Allen key too, or is there an easy mechanism for that folding?

 

[flecc]

Mmm. And the Beixo one? and the 'n fold? Do they need an Allen key too, or is there an easy mechanism for that folding?

No, the Beixo one is a true folding handlebar, no tools needed, I've read a good report about it.

The n-fold is also a tool free design, just uses the key to release and turn the handlebar into line.

 

[twinkle]

I got my n'lock stem and fitted it a couple of weeks ago. I'm happy to say it works a treat and makes our hallway seem much larger!

I've done a bit of a write up here:

Corridor Bike Storage – Folding Handlebars - Bike Lights Review

All you need now is a pair of folding pedals and you could hold a party in the hall ( lol)

 

[MikeyBikey]

Maybe this Humpert folds down ok? FHS2 foldaway handlebar. They it list under 'e-bike' too!
http://humpert.com/en/bikeparts/marke/produktart/einsatzbereich/produkt/?marke=ergotec&produktart=1&einsatzbereich=128
Trouble is they're £110 at Practical Cycles.
http://practicalcycles.co.uk/products/178331--humpert-fhs2-folding-handlebars.aspx
(mmm, at 110 + 36 + 38, quickly gets to half price of a decent folding bike, but if one wants to keep it for a special reason? Is there a steel quick release bolt long enough for a steel expander stem rotating in a steel steerer tube? It might allow repeated loosening & tightening without wearing out? I've never tried it tho).

For folding pedals there is Brompton at approx £36 lhs & £38 rhs for flattest fold (hope that includes the special rhs bolt at these prices! And fit jubilee clips on cranks to stop them folding in too far & gouging paint). Or try the basic commuter pedals for £15 a pair, with MkS in the middle..
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/mobile/page/find/?name=folding pedal&page=1

 

[Arbol]

Does the Humpert fold without tools?

 

[MikeyBikey]

Does the Humpert fold without tools?

The Practical Cycles site suggests so. its the adjustable angle one that seems to need a tool.
I was looking at folding handlebars as a front Yepp Mini baby seat seems to need a strong, standard thickness stem to clamp onto, and that left std handlebars sticking out!

 

[twinkle]

Folding suntour pedals

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Suntour-PL-NX70-Folding-Bicycle-Pedals-with-Reflectors-9-16-folding-bike-/201054991252?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item2ecfcfb394

£13 a pair

 

[Arbol]

Together, the suntour pedals and the beixo handlebar are not thaaaaaaat expensive.