Folding bicycles

[Genghis the Engineer]

I've been threatening for years to buy a lightweight folding bicycle that I can take in the back of an aircraft (or when travelling, less enjoyably, by train) to simplify transport and make life a bit easier at each end of a trip. This year I'm thinking that I might actually do so.

Is anybody else doing this?, and if so, can you recommend any good models / suppliers?

G

[DBo]

Brompton. It's the BoseX of the folding bicycle world. People may say others are better but it's the folding bike everybody compares theirs to. Nothing else folds like it & the ride is fine - I occasionally ride mine all the way home from work (18 miles) on a nice summer evening and on any local ride my full size bike doesn't get a look-in.

If you want luggage buy the front bag, and If you're an employee don't forget the government cycle-to-work scheme.

Dave

[LH2]

Is anybody else doing this?

I am not, although I did consider the idea. However, I have great aversion for those silly folding bikes, and to carry a proper one (read: 26" mountain bike) I would need a 182 type of plane, which is hardly economical. I reckon it'd be cheaper to buy a bike each time and have it delivered at the destination airfield.

Mind you, a 20" trials bike could be a possibility.

[Foxbat01]

Another vote for the Brampton.

It's light weight, folds down and easy to carry. On top of that is comfortable and easy to ride any distance.

I have the three speed version and the gear range is good for all the flat and hilly riding I do.

Probable not robust for off road but definitely road and aircraft friendly.

[paulryan1990]

+1 on brompton i have a s2l sl
s type
2 speed
l: mudguards
sl: Superlight

fantastic bike

[PH-UKU]

Me and Mrs PH get a couple of bikes in the back of the seaplane - fit through a 172 baggage hatch ... just.

Started with 2 Bike.in.a.bags (http://www.bikeinabag.co.uk/about.html), which I bought about 8 years ago for £150 each. Cheap and cheerful, bright yellow and no gears. The newer models have six-speed gears and for a short tootle about are perfect. Especially good for covering distances at airshows in record time :)

They've been to Islay, Fair Isle, France, Barra, Ireland and beyond - and still going.

2 years ago, upgraded one of them to a Brompton through the cycle to work scheme :} (very eco, cycling that last mile from the Flying Club :E)

You could buy 5 bike in a bags for one Brompton. The Brompton is actually slightly bigger and with the tiny little wheels (to help it stand when folded) is a bit bigger than the BinAB - it is quite an art to get it through the baggage hatch on a 172.

If money is no object get a Brompton., If it's for fun and a 4 or 5 mile scoot about, the BinaB is fine.

[jollyrog]

Brompton. Done hundreds of miles on mine, including 20 mile a day commute.

[ShyTorque]

Lightweight folding bicycles

I used to go out with a skinny contortionist until I realised that everyone else had, too...

Oh, sorry you obviously meant the other type :oh:

[Fly-by-Wife]

I have to say Brompton - a good friend is a cycle / rail / Sustrans nut, and his Brompton has stood up to the most unbelievable pounding (he's 6' 6 and 18 stone) and modifying (he uses plastic crates as front / rear panniers!) over the last decade, and still keeps going!

It's got to be the hi-lux of cycles - remember Top Gear where they couldn't kill it? The Brompton's the same!

FBW

[fisbangwollop]

PHUKU 2 years ago, upgraded one of them to a Brompton through the cycle to work scheme

I was thinking of doing that for future investment for my next yacht....From whom did you order yours through..........My pal has just bought two for his Najad 375 a bit pricey at over £2000 for the 2 but when the yacht cost's £300,000 WTF!!!!:cool:

[Genghis the Engineer]

Brompton sounds great - but at the cost of a year's microlight flying for something I'll use once or twice per month, it's a little hard to justify it to myself.

Anybody got any other recommendations for cheaper end bikes? - although the BiB does look pretty sensible.

G

[Mark1234]

90% of the brompton for a lot less money - a dahon. I got one with hub gears for maintenance and faff reduction, can't fault it. No, it's not as slick as brompton, but it does the job without the mortgage

This is the one:
Dahon Vitesse D7 HG Folding Bike (http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/dahon-vitesse-d7-hg-folding-bike-id46008.html)

[jxc]

What about a small electric scooter

[Pilot DAR]

Brompton all the way.

I bought two for my wife and I in 2002. We've flown all over with them. They fit in the back of the 150 perfectly, and still leave a little room for baggage.

We have taken them as far as the Bahamas, where we rode around for a few days. It's good there for cycling, 'cause it's flat! I could not be happier with the Bromptons, worth every dollar!


http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo252/PilotDAR/Family/JimandbikeonGeorgiabeach.jpg


http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo252/PilotDAR/Aircraft/BikesinCessna1502.jpg

[S-Works]

Brompton again. Fits perfectly in the back if my Cessna.

[athonite]

I used a 26in wheel full size folding mountain bike made by Montague for many years. The front wheel came out and the frame folded in half and it all went into a bag. This also had the advantage that you could take it on the train without being charged. It would fit in the back of a C152/C172/C182 and PA28. As a 'normal' size bike you could travel a decent distance on it. Another similar make is Dahon.

[athonite]

Further to my previous reply montague make a full size folding mountain bike, called the parachuter, is was designed for US airbourne forces, there's a shop in London who will do one for £340, this is also sold inder the Landrover badge. Dahon, also do the expresso at about £340, and the Jack, Jack 7 and Jack 27 (numbers indicate number of gears). The Jack series range from £340 to £750.

There are good deals on e-bay starting at £105, but beware these bikes are not designed for years doing the twenty mile daily communute, as the components (gears and brakes, are not the best), however the frames seem to be very durable. We have owned two montague folding bikes for 17 years with no problems, I've replaced some fittings on mine, and the anchoress' bike is original, except for a set of tyres, although she has travelled less distance.

Finally, it's worth getting a heavy duty bag, so you dont gash the aircraft upholstery. Also, mush less hassle if your putting it an airline hold, and then there is the train!

Any other questions IM me

[Ultra long hauler]

What about the A-bike??????

http://www.a-bike.co.uk/store/home.php

Experience anyone??

###Ultra Long Hauler###

[Tall_Guy_in_a_PA28]

I could not justify the cost of a Brompton for 2 or 3 sorties a year, so went for the cheaper Dahon Speed D7. I paid £299 (special offer about three years ago) but they seem to be closer to £399 now.

It easily fits in the back of a PA28 but is bulkier and heavier than a Brompton.

It is comfortable to ride with larger wheels than most folders, but with the obvious compromise on folded size.

The capability offered when one arrives at an airport a few miles out of town is fantastic, especially for someone like me with an aversion to taxi fares!
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu222/simon1h/misc/IMG_5019sm.jpg

[Gipsy Queen]

"I've been threatening for years to buy a lightweight folding bicycle that I can take in the back of an aircraft (or when travelling, less enjoyably, by train) to simplify transport and make life a bit easier at each end of a trip. This year I'm thinking that I might actually do so.

Is anybody else doing this?, and if so, can you recommend any good models / suppliers?"

Not really relevant to your situation but I spent several years wandering the world in a yacht. At the outset, I bought a pair of stainless folding bikes which spent a short time domiciled in the chain locker. A "short time" because simultaneously, my wife and I discovered that when you live life at sea level, everywhere is uphill! Be warned, should you land at Argostoli.

So we bought a Honda monkey bike and lashed it to the rail. Much better, but could be difficult to stow unless you have a PA32 or similar. I did get it aboard a Skymaster (Cessna, not Douglas) on one occasion. Oooooh - all that centreline thrust!

Gipsy Queen. :ok:

[IanPZ]

G, how about this from Argos

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3321377.htm

Not sure if the are any good, but at 199 it is cheap, and given its Argos, you can buy it, see if it will fit, and if it turns out its useless, take it back!

[magpienja]

Loads on ebay.

Nick.

[JimCrawford]

No question: Brompton. Quality machine, good to ride, robust and comfortable. One fits behind the seat in a Pup, or did until it was crashed - the Pup not the Brompton unfortunately. Get the kevlar tyres to remove the risk of punctures and they last for ever. I was so impressed after miles & miles of commuting and carrying it on the train, that I bought a second for my wife and the two Bromptons fit in the storage locker of the camper.
They are pricey but quality costs, and if you decide to sell later it will have retained it's value.
Exactly what you need for independant transport when on detachment with the 146! I took mine on the Herc (aahh! Snoopy) to Ascension and it was great fun.

Jim

[AR1]

I have the Dahon Vitesse D7 (the alloy version) 20 inc wheels, 7 gears. Had it for 4 years now. Not as jazzy as the Brompton in terms of it's folding mechanisim but the ride is excellent.