tds101 

Calling me grumpy old man, when that's only posted as humor, shows your lack of maturity. And tern STILL has issues with frame breakage, but you want positive posting about their products? NO! I don't' think so son,....I'm a tern owner, and I'll state my opinion, based on real world facts. If you don't like people who post comments based on facts you don't belong here. We're about posting the truth.

bingsu

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to respond. You've given me lots to think about, that's for sure!

As much as I want that Bike Friday, I'm afraid of going all in on such a high cost knowing that if something went wrong i'd have to ship it back to the US for warranty.

The Moulton looks wicked, and seems like a good, small, alternative, so that one is on my list to check out in the city. Haven't seen the price yet. The way it looks does definitely scream "STEAL ME", haha.

The Tern freaks me out to be honest after reading about those recalls, and Dahon's recalls too; thanks for sharing that. It's been a while since those happened, but it still freaks me out, heh. Looks like the MEC bikes are made by Tern too.

I'm going to go next week to check out the "Revelo Lift."
Can't share links, so Google it if yah want.
Was told it probably can't accommodate 2" width, but 1.75" might be okay. Also looked into adding seat post and handle bar suspension so that would probably help (with any bike as well). Nice to know that it's nearby tho in case of warranty.

Let's see where I land by the end of the month! Gotta outrun Corona.

​​​​​​On another note, hinge failure seems to be a big thing with those recalls. Anything I should be looking for when checking out the Revelo? I've only see the hinge system on their website so far and even then I'm not sure what to make of it. Can't share links yet, but googling "Revelo Lift Maintenance" brings up a page with one of the videos showing a close-up of how the hinge works.

Fentuz

Dahon jetstream...
https://forums.mtbr.com/folding-trav...e-1078640.html




Here is mine

Jipe

.Here an idea of the price of the Moulton XTB in the UK.

Note that its not folding but only separable.

You didn't consider the Birdy ? It seems to ma that its the one that fits the most your requirements : folding without hinge, able to do gravel, wide tires, easy to fold and carry. There is also a wide range of accessories: fender, rack, lighting...

For the Revelo Lift, be careful its a very small bike with a small wheelbase it could not fit an average male occidental cyclist.

bingsu

Definitely looked into the Birdy, but I'm having a hard time trying to find one for sale with a 20" wheel base.
The Revelo I'm hopeful for since there is the 20" version. Let's see how the test ride goes.

That Moulton is waaaay over my budget, hah. Thanks for sharing that.

bingsu

thanks for sharing these! Looks perfect for my needs. Although I can't seem to locate one anywhere. Wish they continued with a similar model.

Siu Blue Wind

>.<

Nyah

I originally thought that bicycles couldn't be upgraded later to disk brakes. However, I don't see why that has to be a rule. Any frame/fork could be made to facilitate both braking systems.

Look at the Dahon Speed 9:
Dahon Speed 9
I can't verify about the frame, but the fork looks as if it is made to accept either braking system:

tomtomtom123

There is nothing in this photo that hints at compatibility with disc brake. What part are you looking at?
The only thing I see is a slot for the steel plate for the folding magnet and an eyelet for fenders. Also, this fork is 74mm dropout and it will be difficult to find a hub this size that can use a disc brake. Unless you have a special fork with 100mm.
There are a few on eBay for$35 to$50 with disc brake attachments. I think there was an electric bike called izip made by Dahon that got discontinued an there are people selling the overstock forks. There was also loop wheel bike that ordered Dahon forks 100mm with disc brake mount and they are trying to get rid of them. I think thorusa also has them.

Nyah

Alright, I thought I saw a bracket for a disc brake-caliper on the fork. Thanks for the explanation of what those parts really are. I guess it's too good to be true that a company would make the bicycle frame/fork compatible with both braking systems, even though there is no reason for it not to exist.

Fentuz

look for 2nd hand or custom built from dahon specialist.
my local dealer has 3 on them for sale but in the UK
for info
https://foldingbike.biz/epages/7665e...40391f3da9cdf5

tds101 

Have you checked out the Dahon Launch D8? Great bike IMO.

bingsu

Awesome. Thanks for the link. These builds look great!

bingsu

The jigsaw design in that fold is really something! That means it could possible handle more force right? Gonna look for one in Canada.

bingsu

That's a real looker and good possibilities to upgrade! My partner is looking for a 16in wheel so this may work for her. Thanks!

bingsu

Hey y'all.

My update is that I ended up going to check out the Revelo Lift at the showroom/workshop here in Toronto.
I spent a couple hours there test riding and talking to the maker, Henry, who was very passionate and patient with all of my inquires.
It was also really neat to take a look around the workshop and get a sneak peek at the R&D projects Henry has in the works.
He designs them all in-house, and has patents on really neat designs like the Thinstem, which why the hell is that not a standard thing on bikes already??

The bike itself rides pretty well. The way the handle is designed, protuding forward, then upwards, does help it feel more like a standard bike IMO.
Asked if could install the Redshift Shockstop to the setup, but because the Lift uses the ThinStem folding technology to turn the handlebars independently sideways for convenience, it wouldn't have been possible.
He did instead offer to install a mini suspension at the base of the handlebar stem post that is normally used for electric bikes, so that's kinda neat!
No disk brake options, but they did have these Anti-Lock brakes installed which I tested thoroughly.
I also asked about a few other custom options, and ended up putting a deposit down so that he could start building it.

Overall it was a great experience having a 1 on 1 with the bike and the maker of Revelo, and I'm glad to be able to support the local talent, especially one with some serious design chops. Excited to see how it turns out when done!
Also appreciate all these other suggestions so far since my partner is also looking for a bike.


the 16 incher

folded. handle can go further down but we were using it to roll the bike when folded, like a suitcase.

tomtomtom123

Here is the superimposed comparison of the Revelo with the K3 16. It seems the K3 16 has a slightly longer chainstay, maybe 20-30mm. The distance between the BB and front axle seems to be the same. BB on K3 16 is maybe 10mm higher from the ground. The seat tube angle looks the same. Fork on the Revelo seems to be sloped back more with the handlebar further forward, I don't know what this does to steering.

The benefit of the K3 16 is disc brakes, smaller fold. Probably 135mm dropout so you might have an easier time with chainline if you want to install FD. Bad thing is symmetric/double parallel spoke holes on the rim that supposedly will eventually crack.
The benefit of the Revelo seems to be more stiff seatpost and stem, adjustable height handlebar post, ability to add front rack that might fit full sized panniers, possibly fit wider tires.

However, this is all assuming they're both using the same diameter wheels. Who knows whether they're 305 or 349mm.

Fentuz

I looked at the video and I cannot see the advantage of these. But then again, 30 + years ago, I used to find that it is fun to lock and control the skid modulating brake pressure and balance... And in a sport car, I prefer no ABS or servo...

bingsu

Nice comparison and GIF!
And indeed it does take wider tires. The 16" I rode with 1.75", and the 20" can use 2.0" tires.

bingsu

They were only installed on the front, so the benefit was that it wouldn't flip over if you happen to only squeeze the front brakes at high speeds, or in an emergency.
I went the fastest speed I could and hit the front brakes only and it gradually came to a halt. The back brakes are V's so I was still able to do some skids.

Jipe

The wheelbase of this 16" (ETRTO 305 I think) Revelo is much too small, much smaller than a Brompton for instance what could cause the "flip over" that never happen with a normal bike with good brakes and an experienced cyclist due to braking.
When this happens, its due to something else that blocks the front wheel like a deep pothole for instance and in such a case this anti-lock is useless.

The other cases of front wheel blocking is slippery surface and I wonder what this anti-lock will do in such a case ?

Its not normal that Revelo doesn't provide the geometry and sizing of their bikes.

unikid

The Specs section lists the following:

rear derailleur Shimano Altus 8 speed
FREEWHEEL Sunrace Wide Range 11-32 9-Speed

Freewheel? 9-speed?

bingsu

I know 2 bikers throughout my life who have flipped over because they hit the front brake faster than the back in an emergency. In those cases I definitely see the usefulness of the anti-lock. So wouldn't say it's useless.

When I get the 20" version I'd be happy to put it to the test. I rode it through the massive puddle in the parking lock during the test ride more like an hour and it worked fine. I'll try it after wetting the surface and report back.

Agree about the geometry comment missing from their site.

kayakindude

This is a really cool bike...thanks for pointing it out. Love that handlebar and folded design. That fold would work great on the train. Just needs screws on the headset for a brompton block adapter.

bingsu

I was sorta convinced when seeing these photos of it on the train but look forward to trying it in person.
Oh, that block adapter would have been an amazing addition! Wish it had a rear rack tbh. I'm going to ask about that possibility when I go pick up the bike.