Got to buy a foldup

[johnnyb]

After a horrific weekend on the train with my hybrid - I'm still not sure that the railways are as friendly as they are supposed to be to cyclists - I have decided that I 'need' a folding bike. Now I have just bought a new road bike so really want to spend as little as possible on a 'bso' that can get me to and from the rlwy station at both ends a distance of no more than 8 miles in total, so no talk of Bromptons/Dahons etc, but does anyone have any suggestions on what I should avoid? Many thanks.

 

[Grendel]

Try second hand?

 

[johnnyb]

Don't mind s/h just can't seem to find anything. Saw one on ebay that actually looked decent but the guy resolutely will not post it and it's just to far to go. I honestly only need something basic.

 

[ChrisKH]

Why no talk of Dahons? Cadenza and its ilk are more than suitable for that commute and the fold is reasonable. A second hand one is my recommendation, though last year's model you should be able to pick up cheap about now as they sell them off.

 

[johnnyb]

Why no talk of Dahons? Cadenza and its ilk are more than suitable for that commute and the fold is reasonable. A second hand one is my recommendation, though last year's model you should be able to pick up cheap about now as they sell them off.

Hi Chris,

Having 'blown my brains' out on a new Trek I need to spend less than £100 !! Don't get me wrong, I would love a Dahon etc. it's just that I am unlikely to get one within my budget.

 

[top-tube]

Ebay - search for 'Ikea Bike' for a selection of Raleigh fold ups which were given as Xmas gifts by Ikea to staff in last couple of years. They are made by Raleigh, but not sure what model. Ebay completed listings show that these go for £60-£80, and they usually appear in cities which have an Ikea. 3 on there at the moment (Manchester - offering P&P at £26, Also Warrington, Hemel but collection required - you could always arrange your own courier).

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3984.m38.l1313&_nkw=ikea+bike&_sacat=See-All-Categories

 

[palinurus]

I've posted this before, not sure if they are still available but AtoB magazine used to rate this Compass Marine folder as worth a punt for a very low budget folder.

No personal experience of it myself.

 

[chap]

Skates?

I know this is rather unorthodox, but have you considered inline skates? They are surprisingly versatile, and can be used comfortably for short to rather longish (say 5 - 10 miles).

Fortunately, they are out of fashion at the moment, so you could get yourself a quality pair of recreational skates for less than £100. You would want rather largish wheels and softer wheels (think 70 - 90+mm at 78A).

 

[Slim]

Ebay - search for 'Ikea Bike' for a selection of Raleigh fold ups which were given as Xmas gifts by Ikea to staff in last couple of years. They are made by Raleigh, but not sure what model. Ebay completed listings show that these go for £60-£80, and they usually appear in cities which have an Ikea. 3 on there at the moment (Manchester - offering P&P at £26, Also Warrington, Hemel but collection required - you could always arrange your own courier).

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3984.m38.l1313&_nkw=ikea+bike&_sacat=See-All-Categories

FWIW - I got one for my wife to use when we take the kids to the park. To start with the fold isn't great and it's bloody heavy. It's fine to stick in the back of a car but if you need to lift it or carry it any distance you'll feel it. It'll get you where you need to go but you'll need a chiropractor when you get there. The only reason we fold it when we go anywhere is that it won't fit on the rack.

We managed to get ours for <£50.

 

[Twenty Inch]

Chap I know uses a Downtube - it's heavy but he seems pretty happy with it.


http://www.downtube.com/

 

[johnnyb]

Thanks for all of your replies - I still haven't made my mind up yet, but am getting closer. I just weighed my old ridgeback and it comes in at hefty17.5k and my trek 1.2 is around 10 kilos. I suppose anything up to 12/14 k in weight would be ok. I have looked at some aluminium Chinese import folders, with 6 speed shimano gears 20" wheels at £135. I'm also looking at a couple of steel ones with a rear drum brake around £70 new - not struck on the rear drum as I don't think you will get the spares. Want to have it sorted for Monday when the commute begins!

 

[TheDoctor]

Rear drum will probably outlast the rest of the bike!! They go on forever, those things

 

[BentMikey]

I know this is rather unorthodox, but have you considered inline skates? They are surprisingly versatile, and can be used comfortably for short to rather longish (say 5 - 10 miles).

Fortunately, they are out of fashion at the moment, so you could get yourself a quality pair of recreational skates for less than £100. You would want rather largish wheels and softer wheels (think 70 - 90+mm at 78A).

I like this, it's obv. close to my heart, but I'd recommend against it. The skill required to commute on skates is very high. Interestingly, I'd say skates are in fashion at the moment, this year has been the busiest for a long time.

 

[joolsybools]

I'm sure I saw a foldie on the Argos website for about £150. Yes here it is http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produ...c_3/3|cat_14419153|Leisure+bikes|14419167.htm (sorry can't do the nice clean linkys!). I'm not sure what the quality would be like though!

 

[joolsybools]

I like this, it's obv. close to my heart, but I'd recommend against it. The skill required to commute on skates is very high. Interestingly, I'd say skates are in fashion at the moment, this year has been the busiest for a long time.

I agree, esp in London. Plenty of skaters at Freewheel sorry Skyride too