Bike Friday Tikit, from what I've read. Never used one myself but reviews are glowing.
http://www.cs.gmu.edu/~sean/stuff/tikit/
2011-03-30 16:59:42
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folding bikes - thoughts and recommendations?
I see that Megabus is poised to make Pittsburgh a hub city by adding routes to Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Buffalo, Toronto and other areas. I have had great experiences with megabus, so am looking forward to some nice weekend getaways this summer. But, I'd like to travel with a bike. I know Ian looked into it, and found that they would accept a boxed bike, but that seems like more work than I want to do for a 2-3 day weekend outing. In most cities I could rent, but those fees would add up quickly. I am wondering if a folding bike is a better solution. Any thoughts/recommendations on folding bikes in general, or folding bikes for this sort of travel application?
2011-03-30 16:44:11
I have an idea in the back of my head for a dirt cheap travel bike that is in my que to experiment with, idea was sparked by this:
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/08/full-sized-urban-bicycle-folds-flat-nearly-disappears-the-thinbike-slideshow.php
Start with a simple light road frame
Convert to single speed
Install a simple, short, flat handlebar
Install brakes, use short 2 finger levers
Install folding pedals http://www.amazon.com/MKS-Folding-Platform-Pedal-silver/dp/B001GSKTS8
Get a travel bag http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_174818_-1_201521_10000_202378#ReviewHeader
Carry a 15 mm box wrench and an allen wrench, and head for the bus. You could have something like that in and out of a bag and ready to roll in moments.
2011-03-30 18:11:56
I rode a Brompton around London for a few days and it was the best riding folding bike I've ever thrown a leg over. Dahon has some nice deals on folders out there right now too, namely the single speed coaster brake ones that make perfect no frills folders.
I still 1000% prefer my full sized S+S coupler equipped bikes for travel even if it requires more time to pack and assemble.
2011-03-30 19:07:44
Mine's a tikit.
2011-03-30 23:13:51
I recently test rode a Dahon Speed D7. Right now they're in stock at both REI on the South Side and the Trek store in East Liberty if you want to try one out.
Overall, I had the feeling the Speed D7 would be fine for my (not very demanding) purposes. However, if I lived in an apartment, or commuted by train, or worked in a small office, I would definitely want something smaller/lighter/faster-folding.
2011-03-31 13:13:28
Don't know about your price range/mechanical ability, but this is a foldable cross-check frame. Probably more expensive than some other options and you'd have to build it up, but worth the try as it's an awesome bike.
2011-04-07 20:41:36
Sorry, don't know html. You'll have to c + p... http://www.surlybikes.com/frames/travelers_check_frame/
2011-04-07 20:42:34
Most folding bikes are for short people and have 20" wheels. There is a paratroop bicycle from Montague that is adult size.
2011-04-09 02:22:23
stop saying that edward. this is the second time you have posted this and its not true at all. small wheels, yes, but not for just short people at all.
2011-04-09 02:27:55
I don't know anything about these, but the concept is cool.
http://www.montaguebikes.com/fit-folding-bike.html
2011-04-09 05:08:29
Here's an introduction...
http://www.bicycletimesmag.com/content/folding-bikes-welcome-fold
We'll also be testing some other folding bikes in the next months, probably starting with a Bike Friday Tikit.
2011-04-12 15:42:56
Oh yeah, that issue also has tests of the Brompton (I dug it), Dahon Ios P8, and Xootr Swift.
2011-04-12 15:44:24
These two are doing a loaded tour on Bromptons.
2011-04-12 17:37:48