Which folding bike?

[squimlet]

I am after a folding bike (I am sorry this is not strictly speaking an electric bike thing) which I can hop into the car. Much as I would love to have the electric aspect of it its is not essential. Needless to say that budget is the name of the game here.
TIA

 

[eddieo]

A Brompton...........Next!

 

[Kudoscycles]

I saw some superb non electric folders by Dahon on my China trips,they are so cheap ex-works China but the 48% anti dumping duty makes them less competitive on arrival in Europe-the Germans forced the EU to put this duty on bikes out of China to protect their market-ironically electric bikes were not perceived to be such a threat so these attract only 6% duty and in some circumstances 2.4%. So e-bikes can often be better value for money than non assisted bikes. There was a system to ship chinese parts to Tunisia and then assemble there to avoid the duty but the additional transport costs knocked much of the saving.
Oh what a tangled web we weave.....
Dave
Kudoscycles

 

[squimlet]

A Brompton...........Next!

**Sigh** if only my budget would allow for such a delight.

 

[BCM]

**Sigh** if only my budget would allow for such a delight.

Hi squimlet, I'm a folding bike fan, I've got a few and think there great, my dahon is excellent, I've got a wisper 806 alpino on the way soon, but I have to say although a brompton may seem expensive at first, they really are top worth every penny, save up for a brompton, honest there great!

 

[timidtom]

Brompton. Ours are yonks old - Mk 1s or whatever. Bomb proof.British engineering. Small. Light. 30 secs to assemble.
What else is there to know?

 

[eddieo]

**Sigh** if only my budget would allow for such a delight.

If you can afford to run, and pay for a car you can afford a Brompton.....its simply a matter of priorities

 

[jerrysimon]

I guess if its just for putting in the car then any mid fold generic folder would do.

Also depends how far you plan to ride it. Many cheap folding bikes are terrible to ride any further than a couple of miles.

Brompton provides a small folder package that will pretty much let you take it anywhere (bus, train, car etc) whilst maintaining ridable comfort for longer distances.

Here is mine when it was new

And fitted will a small assist motor on the front

Nearly two years later and having covered some 2300 miles on my 10 mile round trip commute to work, it has transformed my work commuting habit.

I purchased mine when they were only £600 and on our bike to work scheme. Having said that if it where damaged or stolen I would buy another one in a heart beat.

Regards

Jerry

 

[squimlet]

I totally appreciate what you are saying about a brompton but for the use that it would get, for my requirements it is not perhaps worth the inital outlay. I have my lovely giant electric bike which I love and use a lot, but I wanted something I could pop into the boot of my ancient golf when I take the children out (theirs go on the bike rack) and so I can join in with them rather than having to run like a loony after them. Even our (just turned) 2 year old is scarily proficient on her balance bike so I need to run to keep up with her.

 

[banbury frank]

Hi Lightweight folder on eBay only 10.5 kilos £209 or offers NEW different colors

eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

Frank

 

[eddieo]

Just buy used as Frank suggested....lots on evilbay and gumtree especially after the riots!

 

[banbury frank]

Hi The link was for a suppler with stocks off other colors NEW


Frank

 

[squimlet]

Just buy used as Frank suggested....lots on evilbay and gumtree especially after the riots!

Thanks loads and OMG i cant believe that about them being fs after the riots!!

Hi The link was for a suppler with stocks off other colors NEW


Frank

THanks will check it out.



quick question, do you think that these might be suitable for offroad(ish) use too? My giant bikes tyres are not good on tracks which are not tarmac

 

[banbury frank]

Hi Just out off interest they have some E bike conversion kits 20 inch wheel £399

eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

Frank

 

[Artstu]

On a budget I'd have one of these for the boot

Dahon Speed D7 Folding Bike 2011 - Folding bikes

 

[squimlet]

On a budget I'd have one of these for the boot

Dahon Speed D7 Folding Bike 2011 - Folding bikes

Have you one of these yourself? Are they suitable for very slightly off road? Thanks

 

[Artstu]

I've got one of these Dahon Mu XL Sport Folding Bike 09 - Gunmetal 20 inch Wheel and I do ride it on rough canal tow paths and old railway cycle trails, I rode it around the Derwent and Howden resovoirs the other day without trouble, half the route was unpaved. The quality of the folding catches etc is much much better than the usual cheap and nasty chinese stuff.

 

[banbury frank]

Hi I would buy the Dahon at that price £100 COOL


Frank

 

[squimlet]

Hi I would buy the Dahon at that price £100 COOL


Frank

I know I am probably being slow but where is it for sale at £100 please?

 

[banbury frank]

Sorry mistake it should off said £100 off RRP

Frank