Originally Posted by
Andy Thousand
... Modern manufacturing has introduced better materials and welding techniques. And the components have kept up or outpaced. What do you think?
Don't know if current materials and building techniques are any different or not available in the past years. I think it's more a case of price point.
Some manufacturer think the only way they'll sell bikes is to make them as cheap as possible. Here, I bought a Tobukaeru to take with me to China.
Was ok; but the drive train was really crappy. But it survived the flights and my few weeks of exploring:
I also experimented with the budget folder, Citizen Tokyo. Again, it did the job. Surviving getting packed in a suitcase and epxloring some sandy areas.
But the steel frame & components were heavy, gearing a bit low:
Currently very happy with my collection; 2 Bromptons, a Bike Friday pakiT, a CarryMe for my partner in crime. Bromptons are towards the upper end in cost.
But has served me well; over a dozen flights, all kinds of weather, 100 mile charity events, etc.
100 Miles(160 Km.) on a Brompton by
1nterceptor, on Flickr