Folding bikes

[Chrisal]

Hi everyone,
My OH and myself are newly-retired and want to buy folding bikes. For now need to fit into the boot of a VW CC but we also intend to buy a caravan or motorhome next year. We both own hybrids (mine's an 18 year old Dawes which I love), so the folding bikes would just be for getting around on holiday. Speed of folding up not so important, but good gearing and comfort would be. Don't really want to spend more than around £300?
Many thanks for any advice.

 

[vickster]

Something like this? http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=247924

 

[Pale Rider]

Something like this? http://www.fudgescyclestore.com/index.php?p=247924

I think you will struggle to find anything better for the money than the Dahon in Vickster's link.

Do not, under any circumstances, buy any of the cheap and nasty Chinese folders, like this one:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HI-TEN-ST...-SHIMANO-GEARS-BICYCLE-COMMUTER-/190633097023

 

[simon.r]

I can't recommend this as I've no first hand experience, but worth a look I think - http://www.decathlon.co.uk/bfold-7-folding-bike-id_8208019.html

 

[Sara_H]

Hi everyone,
My OH and myself are newly-retired and want to buy folding bikes. For now need to fit into the boot of a VW CC but we also intend to buy a caravan or motorhome next year. We both own hybrids (mine's an 18 year old Dawes which I love), so the folding bikes would just be for getting around on holiday. Speed of folding up not so important, but good gearing and comfort would be. Don't really want to spend more than around £300?
Many thanks for any advice.

Hello and welcome.
I have a Decathlon folder which is now no longer available, but it is the same as a Dahon Vitesse (there are various Vitesse models, It can be got cheaper than in the link.)
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_927367_langId_-1_categoryId_165577
My OH have both used it a lot and we both think it's fab! It's very versatile. I use it mostly for when I'm going somewhere on a train to make sure I won't be turned away if the bike spaces are full!
I've fitted a Klickfix basket on the front of mine and use a Basil Elements shoulder bag on the rack, so no problems carrying a fair amount of 'stuff'.

 

[mobi]

If you generally ride normal size bikes, you may be disappointed with folding bikes. If you buy caravan/motorhome why not ride normal bikes?

I bought the Dahon Vybe but was not happy.

My PERSONAL conclusion is that unless you really need to fold it often, one is better of with normal bikes.

My bike fits inside my car (Ford Focus size hatch) even without taking front wheel off.

 

[steveindenmark]

My advice is never buy a cheap bike. I have in the past and always regret it.

Bromptons are expensive but have a cult following. I think once they are bought they are usually kept forever.

Steve

 

[Kies]

Recommend the Dahon linked above by Vickster. i tried numerous folders before buying mine. The 20" wheels make lighter work of riding than the 16" wheels of the Brompton, but the fold of the Brompton is second to none. i guess you have to work out which is more important to you - ride or fold?

 

[shouldbeinbed]

the latest decathlon folders are as good as ever, the Tilt range are comfy capable rides, that would fit in a campervan. Albeit the frame flex if only rear braking takes you by surprise.

 

[srw]

If you really only want to spend £300, buy second-hand Dahons, but be prepared for a frustrating fold and expect to need to fiddle for the setup.

If you want a good-quality folding bike, cut the campervan budget slightly, buy Bromptons and ignore those who don't understand that 16" wheels are perfectly useable. Or else just strap the hybrids to the back of the campervan.

 

[StuAff]

Folders, more than other types are a compromise. Nothing folds like a Brompton, but they aren't a budget option unless you go down the (potentially dodgy) eBay/Gumtree route, or know a trustworthy seller (as I did with my TT... ). A cheap Dahon like the one Vickster linked to, or the equivalent Terns- Evans and others have similar deals on those- won't fold as small (though the fold is simple), but it'll be up to the job you want it for. @srw is right though, spending a bit more would widen your options considerably.

 

[TheDoctor]

I've got a number of folders, so my take is this ; -
Decathlon folders - I've got a Bfold 5 and it's a pretty good ride. The fold is not very neat or elegant, but it does come with a bag. You won't do better for £169 new.
Brompton - I've also got an M6R. Ride is a bit twitchier than the Bfold, but it's good enough that I've gone touring on it. Fold is second to none, but you're in a whole other league of expensiveness.
Cheap Chinese folders. Don't do it. They're horrid.