Keeping your folded bike folded

[AshleyBrayson]

Do any of you have any tips for preventing a folded bike from 'flapping around' when you pick it up? It's a shame they don't come with some type of catch fitted to the frame and handlebar stem. A lot of thought has gone into how they fold but not keep them folded in transit.

Thank you

 

[wheeler]

Do any of you have any tips for preventing a folded bike from 'flapping around' when you pick it up? It's a shame they don't come with some type of catch fitted to the frame and handlebar stem. A lot of thought has gone into how they fold but not keep them folded in transit.

Thank you

I have a Ridgeback folder made by Dahon, it uses a magnet to keep the front forks stuck to the rears when folded. Maybe you could try to make up something similar. Other than that would a bungee not work?

wheeler

 

[Nealh]

As above a bungee or from Wilko for 2 or3 ££ a nylon web strap with simple spring buckle, from a local hardware store a meter or two of Double sided Velcro.

 

[Ocsid]

I use a couple of "toe clip straps" though I note these are harder to come by these days.

 

[Gubbins]

Same problem with wheelchair.. trying to lift it onto the car it tends to want to come open.. so easy to fix with a short price of webbing and 4 inches of Velcro. Made a wrap around strap that really does the job and can be wrapped around the frame when not in use. All available for a few pennies from your local market sewing stall.
Get friend, neighbour or someone in the family with a sewing machine to attach the Velcro..

 

[Gaz]

My Brompton M3L locks together and can't unfold. I didn't realise others didn't have similar. I'd probably use something similar to the straps you use to secure a bike on a car carrier:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thule-9502-9503-9402-9403-Spare-Strap-for-RideOn-Cycle-Carrier-34140-/391867381823?epid=16005782592&hash=item5b3d1db83f:g:QH4AAOSw5YNZqUlp

Gaz

 

[kangooroo]

My electric folder is too heavy to flap about but on my non-leccy folder a bungee cord does the job or a strip of self-gripping Velcro.

 

[MikelBikel]

Yes, Dahon Magnetix best if your bike has the mounting holes in the right place.
Brompton spring clip needs drilling and thread tapping to fit.
+1 for using a bungee as cheap fix, pick one same colour as bike.

 

[anotherkiwi]

I have a roll of cut to length velcro tape (like a cellotape distributor). Holds wires on frame too.

 

[TJS109]

Do any of you have any tips for preventing a folded bike from 'flapping around' when you pick it up? It's a shame they don't come with some type of catch fitted to the frame and handlebar stem. A lot of thought has gone into how they fold but not keep them folded in transit.

Thank you

FWIW I use a reusable cable tie and piece of sponge rubber to tie together the forks on my Expresso. Makes a big difference to how I can lift it in and out of the car.

 

[AshleyBrayson]

Thanks for the info everyone. Lots of great ideas.