Hi Everyone, I'm thinking of getting a new bike and I was wondering if you'd please help me out choosing one.
Basically, I'm looking for a folding bike that I use for commuting on the tube on weekdays (no more than 4 miles) and take it out on weekends while I go on my photographing expeditions in central London (which also means it should have a rack so that I can carry my camera bag).
I'd also like to take the bike with me when I'm off to the countryside, which means it may see some long distance action (read no more than 20 miles) in hilly areas and roads that may not be ultra smooth
I'm of average height and weight (read less than 6' and 150lbs), so I guess I don't have any special requirements.
For me, riding position is important, I'd rather have a bike that I'm comfortable riding in. It also needs to be gentle on my bum too. The bike needs to be reliable too, need less to say!
Budget wise, I can fork up to a grand (thank you c2w scheme hehehe).
Anyway, when I started looking for one, it seemed that a 3 speed Brompton would be the way to go, but now I'm not too sure. It seems that Bromtons are quite the city bike and isn't meant to be taken out in clobbred paths or the occasional off-road. It also seems that replacement parts for Bromptons can be expensive too, given they don't use off the shelf parts...
Now, I've looked into Dahon and they seem to do some pretty decent ones too (usage of off the shelf parts a plus too, so is 20" wheels). The only problem is, there are far too many choices. I thought the Mu XL fitted what I wanted, but looks too heavy?! And then there's the Dahon rebadges, looksidentical but cheaper... I wonder what's going on there?
So, to cut a long story short, whatdoyathunk? Which one should I go for?
Cheers.
P.S. I hope I'v given enough information!
Basically, I'm looking for a folding bike that I use for commuting on the tube on weekdays (no more than 4 miles) and take it out on weekends while I go on my photographing expeditions in central London (which also means it should have a rack so that I can carry my camera bag).
I'd also like to take the bike with me when I'm off to the countryside, which means it may see some long distance action (read no more than 20 miles) in hilly areas and roads that may not be ultra smooth
I'm of average height and weight (read less than 6' and 150lbs), so I guess I don't have any special requirements. For me, riding position is important, I'd rather have a bike that I'm comfortable riding in. It also needs to be gentle on my bum too
. The bike needs to be reliable too, need less to say!Budget wise, I can fork up to a grand (thank you c2w scheme hehehe).
Anyway, when I started looking for one, it seemed that a 3 speed Brompton would be the way to go, but now I'm not too sure. It seems that Bromtons are quite the city bike and isn't meant to be taken out in clobbred paths or the occasional off-road. It also seems that replacement parts for Bromptons can be expensive too, given they don't use off the shelf parts...
Now, I've looked into Dahon and they seem to do some pretty decent ones too (usage of off the shelf parts a plus too, so is 20" wheels). The only problem is, there are far too many choices. I thought the Mu XL fitted what I wanted, but looks too heavy?! And then there's the Dahon rebadges, looksidentical but cheaper... I wonder what's going on there?
So, to cut a long story short, whatdoyathunk? Which one should I go for?
Cheers.
P.S. I hope I'v given enough information!
