Help with low end folder for a sailor?
#26
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Central, NJ
Posts: 12
Bikes: Kona Rove NDB, Greenzone 16
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I agree that this is a very reasonable way to go. I'll keep watching CL, but am not optimistic of finding a deal close enough to me.
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 536
Bikes: Vilano Urbana, DownTube FS9, Montaque paratrooper, Nano mini-velo, Motobecane CX, Raleigh 20, MIFA folder, ROG Pony, Iverson Grand Touring folder, Exclusiv German folder
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 168 Post(s)
Liked 191 Times
in
119 Posts
Downtube. 16" and 8sp internal hub.
#28
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Central, NJ
Posts: 12
Bikes: Kona Rove NDB, Greenzone 16
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
After you do your initial testing,...consider the Dahon Curl:
I think it's a bit overpriced,...but it's definitely another option. I'd get it over a Brompton, as upgrading a Brompton to an 8 speed internal geared hub is even more expensive. So, to me, the Dahon Curl is my bike of choice. Especially considering it's higher weight limit.
I think it's a bit overpriced,...but it's definitely another option. I'd get it over a Brompton, as upgrading a Brompton to an 8 speed internal geared hub is even more expensive. So, to me, the Dahon Curl is my bike of choice. Especially considering it's higher weight limit.
In any case, it's too expensive for me right now.
#30
Junior Member
Yes, the website does leave something to be desired. LOL. True, the wheels are 20" but the folded size difference between it and a 16" folder may not be that significant, but then again maybe it will be, what do I know? 20" wheels do have advantages though. Call/email them and I'm sure they'll be happy to give you the exact folded size.
Or you could go with Bruce's idea. $100 disposable bike. Can't go wrong with that. However, I would suggest dunking it in a vat of cosmoline first.
Or you could go with Bruce's idea. $100 disposable bike. Can't go wrong with that. However, I would suggest dunking it in a vat of cosmoline first.
#31
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,322
Bikes: 9+,...
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1112 Post(s)
Liked 845 Times
in
589 Posts
1 bike that's actually geared towards boat owners is the Downtube Mini. It's an 8 speed igh, and it's a complete package that's aimed at boat owners, RV'ers, and people who live in seaside environments, like me. I own 1, and it's quite good. I'm just waiting to have my knee surgery, so I can really get to ride it more. For $399 it's a solid deal. Downtube.com
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
#32
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Central, NJ
Posts: 12
Bikes: Kona Rove NDB, Greenzone 16
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
No problem,...I totally understand,...LOL!
1 bike that's actually geared towards boat owners is the Downtube Mini. It's an 8 speed igh, and it's a complete package that's aimed at boat owners, RV'ers, and people who live in seaside environments, like me. I own 1, and it's quite good. I'm just waiting to have my knee surgery, so I can really get to ride it more. For $399 it's a solid deal.
1 bike that's actually geared towards boat owners is the Downtube Mini. It's an 8 speed igh, and it's a complete package that's aimed at boat owners, RV'ers, and people who live in seaside environments, like me. I own 1, and it's quite good. I'm just waiting to have my knee surgery, so I can really get to ride it more. For $399 it's a solid deal.
Last edited by MooGroc; 02-19-19 at 06:48 AM.
#33
BikingYupik
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Portland Or
Posts: 198
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I have the Downtube mini, it's a good bike.
I would have gone with the Greenzone if I had known about it. $140 less than the mini when you add the shipping.
Also it looks like the Greenzone has a better handlebar stem that includes the quick release for the handlebar.
For folding, the position of the brake levers can be a pain. This handlebar stem takes care of that.
If front fender is important the Greenzone has one.
I would have gone with the Greenzone if I had known about it. $140 less than the mini when you add the shipping.
Also it looks like the Greenzone has a better handlebar stem that includes the quick release for the handlebar.
For folding, the position of the brake levers can be a pain. This handlebar stem takes care of that.
If front fender is important the Greenzone has one.
#34
Full Member
Hey Moogroc,
1. How tall/heavy are you?
2. What do you need for the bike to do? Just get you places in under 10 mi rides? Race?
3. Where are nearby ports?
Personally, I think any folding bike (Dahon or smaller, 20" or smaller) should work fine for you.
Buy a used one (if you're near ports, you can reach out ahead of time or look for used bike stores).
Use it.
Sell it at minimal loss.
Having had a Xootr Swift (rides really well, folds not great) and a Brompton (folds really well, rides decent), I'd say that it really depends on your needs.
If you can swing the space, any Dahon should work (except the non-folding ones).
1. How tall/heavy are you?
2. What do you need for the bike to do? Just get you places in under 10 mi rides? Race?
3. Where are nearby ports?
Personally, I think any folding bike (Dahon or smaller, 20" or smaller) should work fine for you.
Buy a used one (if you're near ports, you can reach out ahead of time or look for used bike stores).
Use it.
Sell it at minimal loss.
Having had a Xootr Swift (rides really well, folds not great) and a Brompton (folds really well, rides decent), I'd say that it really depends on your needs.
If you can swing the space, any Dahon should work (except the non-folding ones).
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: TX
Posts: 522
Bikes: Downtube IX NS&FS, Dahon Speed8Pro/Matrix/Curve, Brom S2L,Montague Para, ICE-XL w/Rollie/Schlumpf, Trident Spike, ebikes, BFSatRDay
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 172 Post(s)
Liked 95 Times
in
81 Posts
?How big a boat?
Downtube is best value, Brompton for size, Bike friday for ride, Citzen for cheap
20"if you can afford the space
20"if you can afford the space
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 3,462
Bikes: Trident Spike 2 recumbent trike w/ e-assist
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1321 Post(s)
Liked 374 Times
in
288 Posts
Bike Friday/Brompton are steel (there is a BF for $700 that comes up on craigslist near you). This, however is aluminum, very lightweight, and a very well regarded bike. https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/b...819168939.html If you can get to NY to test ride it, you might just love it. I personally own a Bike Friday as my main bike, but I snagged a Dahon Mu Uno (same as the one in NY except single speed) and I am astounded on what a great bike it is! Rock solid, lightweight, and it is now my rainy day bike since it is pretty much impervious to bad weather (saving my BF from getting wet). I just hose it off when I come back from a wet muddy ride and it shrugs it off with no ill effects. That's a great price on the Dahon Mu P8....they sell in my area (S.F.) for $600 used.
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 3,462
Bikes: Trident Spike 2 recumbent trike w/ e-assist
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1321 Post(s)
Liked 374 Times
in
288 Posts
Or, if you don't like that one, BF is selling a new OSATA (fully adjustable frame length) for $499! https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-b...ble-frame-bike
#38
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Central, NJ
Posts: 12
Bikes: Kona Rove NDB, Greenzone 16
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I ordered and received a Greenzone. It has been way too cold and snowy to give it
a proper test drive but based on what I see in my living room I'm happy with my
choice. I'm sure there are other options that would have also worked well.
I'll post some pictures and a review once I've had a chance to put a few miles on it.
a proper test drive but based on what I see in my living room I'm happy with my
choice. I'm sure there are other options that would have also worked well.
I'll post some pictures and a review once I've had a chance to put a few miles on it.
#39
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,322
Bikes: 9+,...
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1112 Post(s)
Liked 845 Times
in
589 Posts
I ordered and received a Greenzone. It has been way too cold and snowy to give it
a proper test drive but based on what I see in my living room I'm happy with my
choice. I'm sure there are other options that would have also worked well.
I'll post some pictures and a review once I've had a chance to put a few miles on it.
a proper test drive but based on what I see in my living room I'm happy with my
choice. I'm sure there are other options that would have also worked well.
I'll post some pictures and a review once I've had a chance to put a few miles on it.
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
#40
my nice bike is at home
What kind of sail boat? It seems like a wonderful plan... Hills are an issue in some coastal towns but usually it's nearly flat near the coast, so you might get away with a single-speed cog. In any case: use case... air tight to store the thing, to keep the salt air off of it..
__________________
BMC Race Machine / BMC Team Machine / Rossin Record / 80's Pinarello Traviso / Merlin MTB / Raleigh "Folding 20" / Ti-Swift (!)
Erikson w/C&C couplers / Trek's: 2300, 1200, 990 / Jamis 'Sputnik'
BMC Race Machine / BMC Team Machine / Rossin Record / 80's Pinarello Traviso / Merlin MTB / Raleigh "Folding 20" / Ti-Swift (!)
Erikson w/C&C couplers / Trek's: 2300, 1200, 990 / Jamis 'Sputnik'
#41
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Central, NJ
Posts: 12
Bikes: Kona Rove NDB, Greenzone 16
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What kind of sail boat? It seems like a wonderful plan... Hills are an issue in some coastal towns but usually it's nearly flat near the coast, so you might get away with a single-speed cog. In any case: use case... air tight to store the thing, to keep the salt air off of it..
I've taken the Greenzone on only a very short test drive and I think the 3 speed will
work well for me. The 16" wheels will take some getting used to but that was to be expected.
#42
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Central, NJ
Posts: 12
Bikes: Kona Rove NDB, Greenzone 16
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Greenzone Premium Edition 16 review
I have the bike with me on the boat and used it a several times already. Overall,
I'm very happy with my choice. It's exactly what I wanted - an inexpensive bike
for short shore excursions. It's perfect for exploring new villages and running
to the supermarket for supplies.
The only serious complaint I have is that while it was rated for a rider
up to 6'0, and I'm a average frame 6'0, I find it too small. I can't extend my knees
as far as I should. I could not easily do 10+ miles on the bike.
I've never had a folder before so I have nothing to compare it too. I suspect
something like a Brompton or Friday would be much higher quality but the
Greenzone is good enough considering the low price. The included bag, kick
stand and back rack are particularly useful to me.
I'm a happy customer. I hope it stands the test of time.
I'm very happy with my choice. It's exactly what I wanted - an inexpensive bike
for short shore excursions. It's perfect for exploring new villages and running
to the supermarket for supplies.
The only serious complaint I have is that while it was rated for a rider
up to 6'0, and I'm a average frame 6'0, I find it too small. I can't extend my knees
as far as I should. I could not easily do 10+ miles on the bike.
I've never had a folder before so I have nothing to compare it too. I suspect
something like a Brompton or Friday would be much higher quality but the
Greenzone is good enough considering the low price. The included bag, kick
stand and back rack are particularly useful to me.
I'm a happy customer. I hope it stands the test of time.
#43
Junior Member
I have been watching CL for months but haven't seen anything that meets my needs. Folding bikes on CL tend to be in bigger cities and that is
not at all convenient for me. I did go to Nycebikes in NYC (days before they went under) and test drove a Dahon. It is not easy to find folders
to test drive. I've concluded I will probably have to take a chance and buy online w/o ever having tested the model first. I understand the risks.
not at all convenient for me. I did go to Nycebikes in NYC (days before they went under) and test drove a Dahon. It is not easy to find folders
to test drive. I've concluded I will probably have to take a chance and buy online w/o ever having tested the model first. I understand the risks.
#44
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,322
Bikes: 9+,...
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1112 Post(s)
Liked 845 Times
in
589 Posts
You don’t really need to test drive a folder since most of them are “one size fits all”. Otherrwise the guidance in size based on height from the bike grands website usually works well. Fit is only super critical for roadies that spend hours in hunched over racing positions. What are your needs anyway? Do you need a small fold? Bigger wheels? Cargo hauling capacity?
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 536
Bikes: Vilano Urbana, DownTube FS9, Montaque paratrooper, Nano mini-velo, Motobecane CX, Raleigh 20, MIFA folder, ROG Pony, Iverson Grand Touring folder, Exclusiv German folder
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 168 Post(s)
Liked 191 Times
in
119 Posts
MooGroc,
Lack of seatpost height in folders is a problem for me also. 5'11" but ride tall. Super tall seatposts are not commercially available and if are are too expensive. I have a Metal Superstore near by and stopped in with my last bike and they fixed me right up.
Or go find a machine shop.
Have fun.
Lack of seatpost height in folders is a problem for me also. 5'11" but ride tall. Super tall seatposts are not commercially available and if are are too expensive. I have a Metal Superstore near by and stopped in with my last bike and they fixed me right up.
Or go find a machine shop.
Have fun.
#46
Junior Member
Tern makes an adjustable seat post for taller riders. It should fit most folders.
#47
Senior Member
That is a very curagouos statement. Tern seatposts have typically 33,9mm diameter and while this is common with Tern and Dahon bikes it is definitively not what "most folders" are using. There will no doubt be some using 33,9 as well but more where such a post won't fit. Checking the diameter of the existing post before going on the hunt for a longer one is the only valid option.
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 536
Bikes: Vilano Urbana, DownTube FS9, Montaque paratrooper, Nano mini-velo, Motobecane CX, Raleigh 20, MIFA folder, ROG Pony, Iverson Grand Touring folder, Exclusiv German folder
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 168 Post(s)
Liked 191 Times
in
119 Posts
I built an extended seat post for a Vilano Urbana
https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-b...ding-bike.html
Check out the #14 post on it (don't have the skill to have you link straight to it)
Note:
Common seat post sizes
27.2 mm = 1.07inch = 1 1/16
28.6 mm = 1.125984 = 1 1/8
30.4 mm = 1.19685 = 1 13/64
31.8 mm = 1.252 = 1 1/4
33.9 mm = 1.335inch = 1 21/64 (close to 1 5/16)Common shim sizes
Shim sizes
33.9 - 27.2
33.9 - 31.8
Miscellaneous lengths
600mm = 24"
640mm = 25 " ThorUSA LOOONG standard $38
https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-b...ding-bike.html
Check out the #14 post on it (don't have the skill to have you link straight to it)
Note:
Common seat post sizes
27.2 mm = 1.07inch = 1 1/16
28.6 mm = 1.125984 = 1 1/8
30.4 mm = 1.19685 = 1 13/64
31.8 mm = 1.252 = 1 1/4
33.9 mm = 1.335inch = 1 21/64 (close to 1 5/16)Common shim sizes
Shim sizes
33.9 - 27.2
33.9 - 31.8
Miscellaneous lengths
600mm = 24"
640mm = 25 " ThorUSA LOOONG standard $38