http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Tag: folding - Recent Posts en Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:56:29 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19183#post-293485 Sat, 13 Oct 2018 18:40:15 +0000 jcoutts 293485@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hi all. Got too many bikes so time to sell one - Tern Link C7 folding bike. Full details on<br /> <a href="https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/tern-link-c7-folding-bike/1317155695" rel="nofollow">https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/tern-link-c7-folding-bike/1317155695</a></p> <p>Frame a bit cosmetically challenged due to being white, but minor. Bike could do with new chain and block. £235 Ono. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-90982 Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:09:33 +0000 crowriver 90982@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>20" wheels are very strong. You may be surprised how much you can carry on a wee folder... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-90981 Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:07:16 +0000 Bhachgen 90981@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks Crowriver. I think that could well work, and shouldn't affect the fold. Would actually turn it into a bit of a load carrier! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-90980 Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:03:54 +0000 chdot 90980@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Folder at Porty"</p> <p>Looks good - very Dahon. </p> <p>"I don't think to check eBay for new things"</p> <p>Worth doing - just got some bargain 'unwanted' Contis. For sale in Edinburgh - "pick-up only". </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-90979 Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:56:34 +0000 crowriver 90979@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Maybe try a mini-rack attached to the front V-brake bosses?</p> <p>Like this:</p> <p><img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/MINI-BICYCLE-PANNIER-RACK-CARRIER-FRONT-OR-REAR-FIT-/00/s/MTkyWDI1Ng==/$(KGrHqN,!rkE-YmPUe!9BP1R+ZI5Lg~~60_35.JPG"></p> <p><a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bicycle-Mini-Pannier-Rack-Front-rear-pannier-rack-carrier-24-28-bike-luggage-/140748160201" rel="nofollow">http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bicycle-Mini-Pannier-Rack-Front-rear-pannier-rack-carrier-24-28-bike-luggage-/140748160201</a></p> <p>I have one on the front of the Globe hybrid, can attach a rack pack or just bungee a rucksac/bag of shopping/box to it... Even handier for a small wheeled bike. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-90977 Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:49:33 +0000 Bhachgen 90977@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Here's a pic for reference. And yes I do appreciate that the rack bag and seat-tool-pack are not doing anything to mitigate the front wheel lifting issue!</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarr3n/8160703694/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/8160703694_88494ba826.jpg"></a><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarr3n/8160703694/">Folder at Porty</a> by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/tarr3n/">Bhachgen</a>, on Flickr</p> <p>@crowriver yep Marathons were top of my list. For some reason I don't think to check eBay for new things (Retro cycling jerseys on the other hand...) so cheers for that tip.</p> <p>@fimm I could try a barbag as long as it was quick to put on and off. Would be putting that weight fairly high up though so could prove counter-productive. I think I just need to remember the danger and ride accordingly. Which will help me to arrive at my destination in a less out of breath and sweaty state. No bad thing given the types of journey the bike tends to be used for! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-90955 Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:52:33 +0000 fimm 90955@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>The front wheel is rather unweighted, and has a tendency to lift whenever you start getting the power down. </em><br /> My Brompton does this a bit - having the front pannier makes it a lot better. I don't know your bike, but is there some way you could put a bit of weight on the front? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-90947 Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:01:41 +0000 crowriver 90947@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I can recommend Schwalbe Marathons as good replacement tyres for 20" wheels. Pretty much bulletproof: had some Marathons on my Raleigh Swift (when I still had the bike) and they were great.</p> <p><a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Schwalbe-Marathon-Road-Bike-Tyres-/250832593817">Try fleaBay for some bargain prices</a>. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-90933 Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:23:03 +0000 Bhachgen 90933@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Time for some feedback on the Hoptown now I've had it for a while.</p> <p>First things first - and this is the worst bit - actually getting my hands on it. I quite like Decathlon. I've been in their shops in Edinburgh and Bolton. They're nice and bright, well laid out, and it's easy to find what you're looking for, as long as it's in stock. Their stuff is pretty good for the price, and their labelling makes it clear what kind of user the product is designed for.</p> <p>Unfortunately the bike I wanted wasn't in stock in any of the branches which I could realistically travel to. So I tried to order online. It turns out they don't have a central distribution centre for online orders. Two of their shops offer a "mail-order" service, Stockport and Surrey Quays. Which one you can order from online depends on your postcode. My postcode is covered by Stockport. Who didn't have the bike in stock! After a frustrating couple of days of sending online messages and leaving phone messages in different places I eventually spoke to someone in the Surrey Quays shop. She advised me to enter their postcode in the actual postcode field, and type my full address in the free "Address Line 2" field, to avoid being redirected to Stockport by the online system. Not ideal, and I read the other day that they are revamping their website and online ordering, so hopefully such problems will soon be a thing of the past.</p> <p>Pleased to say that the bike was worth the hassle. Nicely finished. Mostly white frame with some brown. Matte black handlebar/stem/seatpost/rack. Brown leather-look padded (but not too much) saddle, with matching grips. It looks pretty classy and I've had a few approving comments from other cyclists. No complaints about the build quality. It's not the lightest but then with the folding mechanisms, kickstand, a hub gear and a rear rack that would be a lot to ask. It will roll when folded due to some casters on the back of the rear rack, but for rolling more than a very short distance I tend to unfold it.</p> <p>The folding/unfolding process is pleasingly straightforward. Perhaps not quite as quick as a Brommie but I would say I can do it in about 20 seconds or so without particularly rushing. It locks in place nicely when folded, and actually came with a decent bag, which I fold up and fix to the rear rack in case of pernickety train guards (I haven't encountered one yet).</p> <p>The Nexus 7-speed hub gear is, to me at least, a revelation. No need to freewheel or backpedal, like the old Sturmey 3-speeds I experienced in the past. Change while pedalling, change when stopped, it's always smooth and quiet. Great for city riding and those short-notice stops when the lights change. Plus it's sealed away from the grime and there's no jockey wheel hanging there just inches from the road (especially taking into account the 20" wheels). Make sure you know how to remove and replace the rear wheel in case of a puncture before you hit the road. It's easy when you know how, but not entirely obvious. There are some good video tutorials on Youtube, which I found easier to follow than Sheldon Brown in this case.</p> <p>So with the hub gear it "goes" pretty well. I'm glad to say it stops pretty well too, which surprised me given the no-name (Alhonga? Who they?) v-brakes fitted. They are effective, but can be a little bit "grabby", which I suspect that a pad upgrade when this set wear out will probably improve.</p> <p>How does it ride? With a "one-size-fits-all" approach, common to most folders, there's a bit of compromise going on. I'm just under 6', and usually ride drop handlebar bikes. So I have the saddle pushed right back, and the handlebars as low as they will go. The seatpost has another 7cm before the maximum extension so even someone a fair bit taller than me could ride it, though you might start to feel a bit cramped lengthwise.</p> <p>Even with the bars right down, there's no hiding from a headwind, but if you normally ride a flat-bar bike anyway you won't really notice this. Handling is pretty skittish. The front wheel is rather unweighted, and has a tendency to lift whenever you start getting the power down. This tends to manifest itself when accelerating away from traffic lights which is all very well in a straight line but care is required when turning right at a T-junction or X-roads! Climbing is "fun" given that it's quite hard to control the bike if you stand on the pedals, but remaining in the saddle makes it hard to keep the front wheel on the ground. It's got the gear range to handle most inclines (I've done a couple of laps of Arthurs Seat on it) as long as you adopt a slightly comical position with the bottom at the front of the saddle and the elbows bent to allow the chin to approach the handlebar. </p> <p>One area that has really surprised me is how comfortable the bike is. Don't get me wrong, I'm not about to start taking it to Sportive or Audax events. But I would have no qualms in planning to spend the day dawdling around a city on it. On a recent visit to family in Wales I covered 15 miles on the Hoptown on country lanes in an hour before breakfast. Despite the small diameter wheels it soaks up the bumps remarkably well. Their must be a fair bit of flex in the non-triangular frame, along with the long seatpost and stem. Put this together with the 20x1.75" tyres and even Edinburgh's notorious cobbles can be tamed.</p> <p>This brings me onto the biggest failing - the tyres. The Kenda Kwests supplied are rated up to 65psi and roll along pretty well, capably dealing with the less than perfect surfaces we so often have to put up with in this country. Unfortunately they're not so well equipped to deal with all the crap that our less considerate neighbours are inclined to abandon on the roads and paths. P*nct*re protection is non-existent. Fortunately a wee bit of online research shows that Schwalbe and Conti (and no doubt others) are making 20" versions of some decent tyres these days. This will be the first upgrade as soon as I spot a decent "sale" deal on tyres. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-87552 Sat, 13 Oct 2012 10:49:10 +0000 LaidBack 87552@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Nexus 7 hub? The 8 is one I generally come across but sure it wil be fine.<br /> Folding bike market is highly competitive with only Brompton, Birdy and Airnimal staying out of the price-war zone generally. Be interested to know what you think of Decathlon. They're a recent addition to the market in Edinburgh. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-87547 Fri, 12 Oct 2012 23:22:52 +0000 crowriver 87547@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Nice! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-87543 Fri, 12 Oct 2012 23:00:44 +0000 Bhachgen 87543@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Went for B'twin Hoptown 7 in the end. It's a Dahon Vitesse in disguise. With 7 speed Nexus hub gear, rack, lights, bike bag included. Should be with me next week according to Decathlon. £399.</p> <p>Not feeling too bad about not buying from LBS as I've just spread nearly £200 across my 2 nearest on bits and work on my other 2 bikes! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-86474 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 16:14:05 +0000 crowriver 86474@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Very good value at that sale price, the Oyama. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559&page=2#post-86472 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:53:20 +0000 SRD 86472@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>that's really classy looking - and what a price! wow. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559#post-86471 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:48:30 +0000 bruce_mcadam 86471@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Since I was reviewing my bike for another forum, I will copy it here...</p> <p>I've been taking the Oyama St James on the train for the last 3 months. It's been an excellent purchase for the price, although it clearly falls below a Brompton in quality.</p> <p>Build quality seems fine (I guess similar to a Dahon). Some of the welds are messy, but the hinges are smooth, with no play or misalignment. I worry a little about getting replacement parts if one of the catches breaks (the catch adjustment depends on an M6 thread with a lot of extension force on it).<br /> The folding pedals are ok if you don't mind flat plastic pedals. The bottom bracket has adjustable bearing cups and headset is threaded -- I've adjusted both these bearings since buying the bike. One of the dustcaps on the crank fell out and got lost. Mudguards and rack are metal, well made and solid. Kickstand is the correct length and makes folding easier. The unbranded v-brakes have stayed correctly adjusted and the Alexrims DA16 rimmed wheels are still true. I changed the tyres for Schwalbe Marathon Racers but I don't think this was really necessary (I've still got the original presta valve tubes). Axles are nutted and the hub gear and magnetic catch on the nuts add extra steps to removing the wheels (I don't bother carrying tools and expect to fold the bike and take it on the bus in case of breakdown).</p> <p>The matching trim on handlebar grips and saddle is a nice touch (although I swapped the saddle).</p> <p>Folding is easy. I unfold quicker than Brompton users on my train, probably because the catches don't need screwing up. The handlebar folds between the wheels, and the wheels link with a magnetic catch. In order to get the brake levers to a comfortable angle I had to replace the long M5 screw that forms part of this magnetic catch with a longer one to make more space between the wheels. I've noticed on someone else's bike that this screw can get bent as it sticks out quite far. There are a couple of places where the frame rubs paintwork when folded (stem against down tube, brake lever against chain stay), the plastic stickers that were supposed to protect the frame came off in the rain so I replaced them with silicone sealant. The bike folds without having to remove lights.</p> <p>Steering is a little twitchy as the stem has no reach. I don't find it much slower than any other bike for hilly stop-start urban cycling (13th out of 90 people on Strava for my ride into town).</p> <p>Weight is fine for lifting the bike to a waist-high luggage rack on the train (so should be ok for putting in a car boot).</p> <p>I have the larger 20inch model but need the seatpost at full extension (for comparison, my Pompino is the 51cm medium size). Lots of height adjustment in the bars (but no reach, and no scope to change this).</p> <p>The rear rack carries an Altura Urban 17 briefcase pannier without heel strike. The rack is really solid and clearly made to fit the frame (the stays are not adjustable at all), I've taken 15kg on it. You could possibly put an SQR block on the folding stem or use a handlebar bag bracket to carry luggage up front, but I think the handling would be terrible. You could fit an Carradice SQR bag or saddlebag, get rid of the rack, and probably fold the bike without removing the bag.</p> <p>(I bought it at <a href="http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/oyama-st-james-item173258.html">http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/oyama-st-james-item173258.html</a>) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559#post-86406 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 21:13:41 +0000 wee folding bike 86406@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It's difficult, not impossible, to fit something bigger than a 54t on the front as it fouls the fork clip when folded. Dave Holladay has something like 300t on his chainring and a single speed.</p> <p>Some chainrings used to only be available in a 1/8" but think they're all 3/32" now.</p> <p>You need different sprockets for the SA and SRAM hubs which were fitted to about 2008. They use the old SA three tit version (I think that is the official name, sorry about that). Newer versions use the Shimano pattern. Brompton claim their sprockets have specially designed teeth to aid shifting but people do use other ones. They're not spendy. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559#post-86404 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 20:52:13 +0000 Smudge 86404@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I should point out that the chainring sizes are quoted from memory and should not be trusted without checking CRC's website or similar ;-)<br /> edit, just checked and brompton chainwheels are available in 54t, 50t, 48t, 46t and 44t, single rear sprockets are 12 and 13t or 14t on the 44t front only, double rear sprockets are 16/12t, 16/13t, or 15/13t... so there are a fair few options, of course if you wanted you could always fit a non Brompton chainwheel and extend the options further.<br /> As with most bicycles, the practical limit is probably the individuals own imagination and determination ;-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559#post-86403 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 20:31:51 +0000 wee folding bike 86403@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That might be the case for the three speed but the six has pretty much the same range as my normal bikes. There are no dupes and a fairly logical progression through the changes which isn't something you can say for 24 speed derailleurs. Actually I never bothered being logical with them, if it was too low I moved up and vice versa. I spent much of my school years rolling round Ayrshire on a 70" fixed wheel anyway.</p> <p>With my short wheel base M type it isn't lack of gears which causes problems on hills but the front wheel lifting off the ground. A biggish bag on the front holds it down. I don't have that problem with the other two but they are both long wheel base S types. Two variables changed so I can't tell if a long wheel base M type would still lift up.</p> <p>Changing the chainring should be easier with the new spider. You also need to change the length of the chain as there is a limit to the capacity of the tensioner.</p> <p>Two speeds come with a 54t chainring. You can also fit that to the hub gear versions to make the gearing a bit longer but I haven't bothered since the 6 speeds and particularly the BWR hub came along.</p> <p>Some parts of south east England are steep. I was chasing a fully lycra suited guy up Sydenham hill a few weeks ago. I was gaining on him but had to stop at a roundabout and guess which way was Crystal Palace. The transmitter mast was sited there for a reason. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559#post-86401 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 19:54:17 +0000 Smudge 86401@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yup, standard chainring on mine is a 50t iirc, but a 44t can be bought off the shelf and swapped in. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559#post-86398 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 19:33:32 +0000 crowriver 86398@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Flying start acceleration will make MAMILS (and their ilk) cry.</em></p> <p>This is generally true of small-wheeled bicycles: really zippy acceleration from a standing start. It fairly puts the wind up some cyclists and motorists at the traffic lights. Problem is top gear is usually no match for larger wheeled cycling brethren...</p> <p>Very good at climbing hills too, though I understand the 'standard issue' Bromptons have quite high gearing more suited to the south east of England. Presume you can arrange a bigger rear cog/smaller front chainring as a custom option on a new Brompton (for extra wonga?). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559#post-86387 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 17:22:15 +0000 wee folding bike 86387@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It wouldn't be as much fun on a proper bike. Doing it on a clown bike is the point.</p> <p>Actually if they knew what they were about they would spot I was spinning a 74" top gear and catch me. Being passed by someone in mufti on on a Q bike seems to take some of the fight out of them. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559#post-86364 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 13:36:31 +0000 Cyclingmollie 86364@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>WFB: "Flying start acceleration will make MAMILS (and their ilk) cry."</p> <p>Think what you could do on a proper bike. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559#post-86344 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:41:04 +0000 Roibeard 86344@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Sorry to add to the flood of Bromptonistas, but I've succumbed with the assistance of bike-to-work.</p> <p>Due to the Uni's delay in deciding I was eligible, it's going to cost me an extra £100, and not arrive until sometime in 2013, but it will have the new brake levers and chainring mentioned above.</p> <p>It should also be relatively light to address the weight concerns, but the small, neat fold and widespread availability (parts and dealers), weighted things in its favour.</p> <p>I also went for the 6 speed version (for hills), but my wife found this too highly geared as standard (contrary to the undergeared comment above). It is normally 33-100", but we're going for 29-88" instead.</p> <p>And yes, I'm hoping that we'll enjoy the quality long after we've forgotten the price...</p> <p>Don't tell the kids, but I couldn't persuade Ruth to accept the hot pink one I wanted (complete with pink Ortlieb to match), so we've ordered Artic Blue instead.</p> <p>Robert </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559#post-86335 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:07:24 +0000 Arellcat 86335@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Inthinkmthis was not a bottom end Dahon.</em></p> <p>In fact, it was second only to the 19lb Jetstream and a fairly scary amount of money back in 2005.</p> <p>Folders are always horses for courses. The smallest, neatest, most convenient package is the Brompton, followed by the Mezzo. The smoothest riding is the Birdy (though the Dahon Jetstream P8 is probably close). Dahon makes the lightest and fastest, and best budget folders. Bike Friday makes the most 'big bike feeling' folders with the most gears and options, and equal to the Birdy for pannier capacity. Birdy and Dahon fold to about the same size. Len Rubin makes the lightest, smallest, most convenient, and the most frighteningly expensive folder.</p> <p>Bromptons also have the best immediate availability of spare parts, followed by Bike Friday, and the best on-bike solution for luggage, although if you already have panniers and don't want to buy a S-bag, C-bag, O-bag or T-bag, there are a couple of non-standard ways to do it. My B has non-standard jacked-up handlebars and my C-bag holds a weekend away's worth of stuff. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559#post-86327 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 09:35:26 +0000 Bhachgen 86327@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Lots to think about here and in the other thread. Thanks so much for all the advice folks.</p> <p>I'm away to do some more shopping around and start to look into what's available 2nd hand. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559#post-86321 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 09:13:09 +0000 cb 86321@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If it's going to be used on trains regularly then size of fold and speed of fold are both important.</p> <p>I'd say no more than 20s to fold or unfold, but ideally sub 10s. It can make a difference when you're running late.</p> <p>Bromptons are often touted as the fastest to fold, but I don't think that's true really. They have an easy and clever fold but are hampered by the need to tackle the screw clamps on each main joint.</p> <p>Uberuce said as long as it's small enough to be allowed on as hand luggage, but the practicalities of stowing the bike on the train are important. I was amazed to discover that my Birdy can't fit upright into the lower luggage shelf in many trains. The folded bike will take up more space than you think.</p> <p>Also bear in mind that you may want/need to carry the bike down the aisle to another luggage area. Can you carry the folded bike in front of you without hitting people sitting in their seats. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559#post-86317 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 09:04:36 +0000 SRD 86317@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>i bought a rack for the Dahon which carries a full size pannier no problem, but prevents it fitting into bag when folded... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559#post-86314 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 08:49:05 +0000 fimm 86314@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>You've got my opinions on my Brompton on the other thread. I think I got a bit defensive on the discussion when it was suggested that you couldn't carry luggage on a Brompton!</p> <p>I only find it heavy when it is folded, but I carry it up three flights of stairs on a regular basis. I will unfold it to wheel it quite small distances, though. I find the gears fine for me. </p> <p>My colleague had a second-hand folder which did not fold so small as the Brompton, and was more awkward to fold and carry. She carried her luggage in a rucksack... but she paid £100 for it, and it did what she needed it to do.</p> <p>Edit: I'd encourage you to follow the link to the AtoB site on the other thread. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559#post-86313 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 07:39:26 +0000 wee folding bike 86313@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I don't think I'd claim wealth of experience, I don't mod them beyond changing the tyres to Schwalbe. I did have a SpeedDrive on one of bike but I broke two of them and gave up on that idea. The 6 speed BWR means there is less call for it now anyway. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8559#post-86311 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 07:25:04 +0000 wee folding bike 86311@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Strida?</p> <p>Clamps can suffer from stress fractures.</p> <p>Having the bolts for the clamps running in the frame rather than a replaceable bush of some kind doesn't seem like a good idea but my oldest one is 11 now and wear of the frame threads doesn't seem to be an issue.</p> <p>Some people have issues with the seat pin slipping. A wee tweak on the binder bolt can sort it or degrease the seat pin. </p>