I just joined the community and ride a mountain bike at the moment. I do not have a lot of knowledge on bikes but I have taken a final year project on designing a folding bike. The part that I am interested is the folding mechanism. I would like to start a poll and would like to know the responses please. The results will help me design the lock and hinge mechanism.
Hello, I am new and need a favour
- Thread starter Rajkumar
- Start date
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- Location
- Glasgow
Pro Tour Punditry
Guru
Just copy a Brompton
Yes please. I am new so don't really know how this works.
Ming the Merciless
There is no mercy
- Location
- Inside my skull
The most important aspect of the folding hinge is that it does not fold when you are riding. Not one of the available answers.
mickle
innit
- Location
- 53.933606, -1.076131
Er. Function.
Innit.
Innit.
Drago
Legendary Member
- Location
- Suburban Poshshire
Security of the mechanism?
mickle
innit
- Location
- 53.933606, -1.076131
ie function
Kell
Veteran
- Location
- High Wycombe/London
I think the answer will depend on who you ask and how they use it.
For me, it's the fact that the design of the fold allows the bike to go as small as possible.
Which is not one of your options.
I also wonder if you meant simplicity of the design rather than complexity. I don't know anyone would deliberately choose a more complex design over a simpler one.
Finally, I think you're concentrating on too small a focus point. The fold is, of course, important, but it's not the be-all and end-all of folding bikes. Whichever bike you choose is a compromise somewhere along the line.
Things to consider are:
Ease of use
This isn't just about how easy it is to fold or unfold, it also encompasses how easy it is to transport while folded. How do you pick it up? Can it be rolled along or does it have to be carried?
Type of use
Something which is only ever used on the flat in a city could be a single speed. But throw in touring capability and you're going to want gears. But then how many and what type? Derailleur? Chain pusher? Hub? CVT?
How it rides
Size of wheels affects this more than anything else. Bromptons and other really small-wheeled bikes fold smaller, but the ride over rough ground is compromised. There are 26" and 24" wheeled folders which are better to ride but don't fold as small.
Durability
Bromptons are very heavy, so they're not the easiest things to carry around for long distances. But they last a long time and hold their value. Aluminium bikes can be lighter (but not always) but then the frames don't last as long. Carbon gets very expensive.
Design/aesthetics
Arguably this is the least important factor (for me) when buying a folder as I think they all look silly. But it's function over form. I've seen comparatively better-looking folders, but they don't fold as small, or are more difficult to carry etc etc.
If I were in your shoes, I'd do a full review of all the folders out there past, present and in the pipeline, and try to assess if there's a gap in the market.
I think the cheaper end is covered off with multiple low-end bikes, but it might be that there's a massive market for ultra high-end lightweight folders.
HTH
For me, it's the fact that the design of the fold allows the bike to go as small as possible.
Which is not one of your options.
I also wonder if you meant simplicity of the design rather than complexity. I don't know anyone would deliberately choose a more complex design over a simpler one.
Finally, I think you're concentrating on too small a focus point. The fold is, of course, important, but it's not the be-all and end-all of folding bikes. Whichever bike you choose is a compromise somewhere along the line.
Things to consider are:
Ease of use
This isn't just about how easy it is to fold or unfold, it also encompasses how easy it is to transport while folded. How do you pick it up? Can it be rolled along or does it have to be carried?
Type of use
Something which is only ever used on the flat in a city could be a single speed. But throw in touring capability and you're going to want gears. But then how many and what type? Derailleur? Chain pusher? Hub? CVT?
How it rides
Size of wheels affects this more than anything else. Bromptons and other really small-wheeled bikes fold smaller, but the ride over rough ground is compromised. There are 26" and 24" wheeled folders which are better to ride but don't fold as small.
Durability
Bromptons are very heavy, so they're not the easiest things to carry around for long distances. But they last a long time and hold their value. Aluminium bikes can be lighter (but not always) but then the frames don't last as long. Carbon gets very expensive.
Design/aesthetics
Arguably this is the least important factor (for me) when buying a folder as I think they all look silly. But it's function over form. I've seen comparatively better-looking folders, but they don't fold as small, or are more difficult to carry etc etc.
If I were in your shoes, I'd do a full review of all the folders out there past, present and in the pipeline, and try to assess if there's a gap in the market.
I think the cheaper end is covered off with multiple low-end bikes, but it might be that there's a massive market for ultra high-end lightweight folders.
HTH
Last edited:
Drago
Legendary Member
- Location
- Suburban Poshshire
Lack of inclination to chop off a finger now and again?
CopperBrompton
Bicycle: a means of transport between cake-stops
- Location
- London
The question you have to ask yourself is: what will your bike offer that a Brompton doesn't?
Kell
Veteran
- Location
- High Wycombe/London
I'd dispute that actually.
Dahon uses the same folding mechanism across multiple bikes including 26" wheeled, 24" wheeled and 20" wheeled.
chriscross1966
Über Member
- Location
- Swindon
Yes that look that combines disgust with pity that Brompton owners use when encountering "lesser" folders is detailed in length in the Owners Handbook and has to be practiced as assiduously as the fold by new owners...Which you'll have to drink in your own, having been ostracised by civilised society.
Shortmember
Bickerton Cyclocross Racing Team groupie
mickle
innit
- Location
- 53.933606, -1.076131
My teeth are on edge just thinking how those bastards creaked.
