Geoff Crowther
"... travel far, not fast", Ted Simon
- Location
- Hayfield, High Peak
Suggestions for a new folding bike please. I seem to have completely fallen out of love with my Airnimal Joey, to the point where I couldn't face getting on it and riding the Tissington Trail at the weekend. I had a bad accident on it a couple of years ago. The bike was unscathed but I broke my arm badly in three places and have taken 18 months to physically recover. Maybe there's a little PTSD lurking, not sure. I'm back on my Gazelle commuting to work and feel fine on that. The Airnimal position also now seems to aggravate the wrist that I broke. All told, it's time for a change. I'm hoping you wise folding-bike experts can give me some recommendations.
Requirements:
1. A bike I can tour on with full camping equipment. I love a folder for being able to spontaneously change my plans and jump on a train without the worry of booking.
2. Able to take the combined weight of me and luggage (95kg?)
3. Able to do reasonably long distances e.g. 40-60 miles
4. Super quick folding isn't a must. I take it on holiday in the car and do a few tours by train every year.
5. Something I could get repaired in a random bike shop while on tour (I'm no mechanic)
6. Ideally dynamo lights but this is a nice-to-have
I have a local dealer that sells Terns, Bromptons and Birdys.
Would I be crazy to look at one of the cheaper Decathlon options? One caught my eye at the weekend.
For an example of the type of trip I may do, check out the blog from my Spanish trip two years ago
Hit me with your suggestions
My friend swapped his Airnimal for a Brompton G line because it folds much better and he wanted to tour on rough tracks in Spain. He's been really pleased with it. So much so that I bought one too. It's brilliant on off road routes cos of the fat tyres. I love it.
