Has folding bikes replaced normal bikes for anyone?
08-15-17, 08:21 AM
#26
Part-time epistemologist
Should I
- Supplement my existing bike by buying a Brompton for travel. I like it's ability to fold small and fast for city commute, but it won't be as comfortable or versatile for touring.
- Sell my bike and replace it entirely with a Pocket Rocket. Give up a bit on folding speed, ease and size. This is under the assumption the pocket rocket could come close to replacing my normal sized bike.
If you're a serious racer and regularly use gears well above 100", you'll want to keep your road bike. Otherwise, the folding bike choice might be better for you. Although I think that 406 wheels -- NWT or the Pocket Crusoe -- has better tire choices than 451 -- Pocket Rocket/Pro. Put on some decent components, go with the packable seat mast rather than the folding version, the appropriate swan stem, and maybe an aluminum or titanium seat mast, I think your bike will be at home with the club rides provided you like the ride and feel of the bike. The geometry will be somewhat different. It will take a test ride or two to figure out whether it's the best move for you.
If you really want something as small or convenient as a Brompton or a Strida or a few other models, you won't be happy with a PR Pro. If you really want something that rides well for touring and "spirited" rides like a PR Pro, you won't be happy with a Brompton/Strida. I think that they're generally poor substitutes for each other.
If you're a super serious roadie, I'd keep the road bike for serious club rides and races and get a NWT or some other 20" folder as the commuter, tourer, and "all-rounder" bike. If you're still looking for something small to take everywhere then I'd start considering a 16" wheel folder. If you really enjoy the all-rounder bike, then it would make sense to sell the road bike and go all in with a high end folder.
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A narrative on bicycle driving.
A narrative on bicycle driving.
