Why are folders no good for communting?

[bikertj1981]

I have been reading lots of threads and have found a number of people saying don't go for a folder if you plan on commuting or traveling a good distance (20 miles or more) but I have failed to see why they have said this. Can someone enlighten me?

Thanks

 

[RobF]

Folders are not as comfortable as 'big wheel' bikes, although those on 20" balloon tyres come close.

Commuting is hard on the bike, not just the miles day in, day out, but the stopping and starting means accelerated wear on brakes, tyres and drivetrain.

The bike will usually be loaded with clothing, lunchtime sarnies, laptop, etc.

A quality push bike folder, such as a Brompton, can do the job.

They start at about £800, closer to £1,200 in full commuter spec.

A generic Chinese folding ebike for £700 does not have the quality for reliable commuting.

The fold itself is another consideration.

Folding ebikes are still heavy bikes, and the folded package is OK for lifting into the back of a hatchback, but no use for regularly getting on and off trains and public transport.

 

[Emo Rider]

There are folders out there that are quite capable of doing that distance. However, there are many, many other bikes that are far more suited for that kind of daily distance. Comfort being the main factor. Having said that, the seating position on most folders is quite good. Small wheels are no fun on rough surfaces unfortunately. If a folder is a must, it should have good front suspension and a quality sprung saddle. Another must is a high capacity battery, 15ah or more. A 10ah would require daily charging regardless of what type of bike you choose. Hope this helps. Safe journey.

 

[RoadieRoger]

Folders have their place , they are compact , lighter , will fold and in the event of a puncture can easily be brought home in a car . My Batribike has been faultless over 5 years, is comfortable but not fast . I ride regularly with my Brother on his Woosh SantAna and we both cycle at the same pace and he gains 100`s of yards on me every half mile . The 26 in wheels, higher wattage motor and more battery Ah makes the difference .
One of the later Woosh machines will easily do that Commute . You don`t need to spend a fortune on one of the fancy Continental machines that don`t seem all that reliable , judging by the experiences on this Forum .

 

[homemoz]

Hi,
I have been using electric folders since 2007 for commuting & find them more comfortable than a full size bike ( I am 5' 8"). From 2007 my commute was 12 miles in total & the bike a Dahon Mu P8 24v with 10 amp battery. The bike was used in all weathers and never let me down. The beauty of the Dahon is that it is lightweight with a good range of gears, meaning that it is reasonably easy to pedal above the 15 mph cut out on a flat surface.
I retired in 2013 & bought a full size electric bike (Woosh) which was a decent enough bike. The problem was that I just didn't enjoy riding it. Just felt too heavy & cumbersome after the folder. Anyway, it was sold after 6 months & I'm now back to folders.

Current bike is a Dahon Curve 16" wheel which I love. Maybe not as comfortable or as fast as the Mu but a good quality well balanced bike. I regularly do 20 mile rides over the Yorkshire Wolds on a 9amp battery & still have plenty of power left at the end. So I guess that it's down to experience & preference. For me, the crucial thing is to have a bike that is lightweight (the Curve is under 20kg) with a decent range of gears & is fun to ride. There is no front suspension or sprung seat post. The bike has Big Apple tires which in my view at least provide a very decent ride. At the end of the day, the thing is to find a bike that suits you. it really doesn't matter whether it's a folder or otherwise. Just try one or two before you buy.

 

[trex]

conversions are like forbidden fruits. Once tasted, there is no going back.

 

[bikertj1981]

Hi,
Just try one or two before you buy.

Great information, my main problem is the only shops that sell ebikes within 50 miles of me have ebikes out of my price range so I will have to buy offf the internet and buy blind just from advice. Its such a headache making a decision.

Thanks
Tracey

 

[eHomer]

I fitted a Q100 328rpm front hub motor to my old Dahon 20" folder last year.

It turned out to be a great combination.

25 mile range (assisted) from the 36v 10ah lithium battery unobtrusively carried in the single pannier.

It still folds easily, and is hardly any heavier with the battery lifted out.

The chunky Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres at 40 psi give a reasonable ride, and with no punctures so far.

The front bag is on a universal Rixen & Kaul carrier clip, so I can quickly switch between touring bag, wire basket, or shopping bag.

It was a practical commuter bike before I powered it, with the 7 speed derailleur and powerful vee brakes. Adding the motor hasn't detracted anything.