Folded Bikes = Fast!

[Johnny5]

During my commute today, I saw a Folded Bike at the lights in front and thought I'll roll up next to him rather than behind him cos I though I'll just burn him off once the lights change. Anyway, we said Hello to each other and then off we went when the lights turned green. I rode ahead of him in a nice gear doing 20mph thinking I drop the guy at this speed! The guy just latched onto me and kept going as I could see the shadow of his head behind me, and he was giving it some too as it looked like he was creeping closer, so I moved up another gear to push 23mph just to drop him!

Lesson learnt today: don't underestimate the speed of folded bikes...especially the ones with little wheels!

 

[Twenty Inch]

Tee Hee.

I've surprised a few cyclists like that too. Next time you see one, have a look at the chain wheel. On my Dahon impulse, it's about the size of a dinner plate. And I've got 24 gears.

 

[ChrisKH]

During my commute today, I saw a Folded Bike at the lights in front and thought I'll roll up next to him rather than behind him cos I though I'll just burn him off once the lights change. Anyway, we said Hello to each other and then off we went when the lights turned green. I rode ahead of him in a nice gear doing 20mph thinking I drop the guy at this speed! The guy just latched onto me and kept going as I could see the shadow of his head behind me, and he was giving it some too as it looked like he was creeping closer, so I moved up another gear to push 23mph just to drop him!

Lesson learnt today: don't underestimate the speed of folded bikes...especially the ones with little wheels!

The number of times I have been overtaken by a Chav on a bike spinning madly (well it is a mountain bike usually) with his heels firmly placed on the pedals and his seat post too low only for me to overtake him. Uphill. On a folder obviously.

 

[hackbike 666]

Don't underestimate any bike.

 

[RRCC]

During my commute today, I saw a Folded Bike ...!

/pedant Folding bikes can be quick, but are best ridden unfolded

 

[hackbike 666]

True.

 

[thomas]

Don't underestimate any bike.

except maybe when I'm riding the bike

 

[Davywalnuts]

A few months ago I follwed some 40something on a Brompton for about 2 miles doing about 23mph all the way and he looked well comfortable doing it too! I didnt have the shallowness to drop him and I would have struggled too. Much respect! Much admit, they do bounce a bit!

 

[skwerl]

cheese knitters seem to have to prove to everyone that their folders aren't crap and slow, so ride everywhere at top speed

 

[hackbike 666]

except maybe when I'm riding the bike

Are you slow?B-)

 

[Amanda P]

This might be a good place to link to this thread.

 

[Origamist]

Tee Hee.

I've surprised a few cyclists like that too. Next time you see one, have a look at the chain wheel. On my Dahon impulse, it's about the size of a dinner plate. And I've got 24 gears.

Here's an oval 60t chainring I had on my birdy:

 

[Twenty Inch]

cheese knitters seem to have to prove to everyone that their folders aren't crap and slow, so ride everywhere at top speed

As the OP shows, folders aren't crap and slow, so your argument disappears up its own fundament.

 

[purplepolly]

Lesson learnt today: don't underestimate the speed of folded bikes...especially the ones with little wheels!

Uhm, that'll be because folders come with gears nowadays.

 

[HLaB]

Was it this Guy ?

He was too fast for my camera phone