Ganymede
Veteran
- Location
- Rural Kent
That photoshoot ... Pure 'bent porn.....
There are other folders out there..................
- Thread starter Dirk
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
That photoshoot ... Pure 'bent porn.....
Ganymede
Veteran
- Location
- Rural Kent
I have a Spirit... I think I'd like a street machine too....
- Location
- The TerrorVortex
Have you ever weighed a chain? They're not that heavy.
Plus, the 'Brompton Fold' wouldn't really work with a belt drive. I think a belt would make the bike no lighter, but more difficult to pedal.
jay clock
Massive member
- Location
- Hampshire UK
Agreed, The main weight of a Brompton is the steel frame. But the compactness seems to make it easier to carry, and tbh if I have move it more than a short distance I unfold it and wheel it.
Shortmember
Bickerton Cyclocross Racing Team groupie
I've never ridden a bike fitted with a belt drive but I've always imagined that even if it was not a lot lighter than a chain it would at least be smoother and easier to pedal. It seems that the only advantage a belt has over a chain is cleanliness. Pity. Seems like I'll be trundling around on my trusty Bickerton Classic for a few more years yet.
shouldbeinbed
Rollin' along
- Location
- Manchester way
Limited playing on the B'Twin Tilt with the belt drive & I felt no particular difference from the chain drive options I played about on too. TBH, the chunky look of the belt itself I'd be surprised if it was that much lighter than a chain. I fancy one for the cleanliness of no lube or oil but I'm with The Dr above, the up and under fold of the Brommy would likely preclude a belt drive option. It is more the hinge in half folders that keep their chainline in tact that belts would be an easier option to factor in
- Location
- The TerrorVortex
Belts are worse than chains in every way, except for the lack of oil. There's good reasons why most bikes use a chain.
paddypete
Guest
- Location
- cumbernauld
about 15 years ago i bought 2 dawes folding bikes,from a charity shop in perth,for a whacking price £5 each i think ones still in the loft of my old house,mabe some day it might be rediscoverd
Shortmember
Bickerton Cyclocross Racing Team groupie
I think the charity shop overcharged you by £4.95 on each bike. Twelve years ago I had a Dawes folder, painted in British Racing Green, that was so heavy that it's tyres left a groove in the tarmac.
paddypete
Guest
- Location
- cumbernauld
hope you didn't have a big girl on the back
Shortmember
Bickerton Cyclocross Racing Team groupie
hope you didn't have a big girl on the back
With a face like mine the only girl I can get to ride pillion on my bike is Mavis, my inflatable friend; and she doesn't weigh much- or have headaches at inconvenient times.
paddypete
Guest
- Location
- cumbernauld
or nag,e,c,t
With a face like mine the only girl I can get to ride pillion on my bike is Mavis, my inflatable friend; and she doesn't weigh much- or have headaches at inconvenient times.
Kempston
Active Member
The title was meant to be a bit 'tongue in cheek' - Bromptons do seem to be a bit over represented.
Indeed. It's the default option for many without trying the alternatives. Comments above indicating they would only consider Bromptons as folders speak volumes. And for a lot of people they're almost a fashion accessory first and a bike second.
I wanted a full size 26" folder myself which is why I went for the Tern Joe P24. It's fantastic in black and red and at first glance it doesn't look like a folder. It's size can be awkward on packed trains but it's not too bad and is remarkably compact given it's size when unfolded, and unlike some other full sized folders, it doesn't require a wheel to be removed, the pain of which negates the point of a folding bike somewhat for me. In terms of the ride, it's in a different league to anything with 16" or 20" wheels. Important for me as I do a lot of miles.
Kempston
Active Member
The Tern's handlebars twist so they're parallel with the frame when folded, it has a spanner which slots into one of the grips specifically for this. But I don't bother with this as it's not been required on any train journey I've been on. I was given the option of folding pedals when I bought it but I've always found them unsteady, and not particularly good in terms of grip on the soles.
