700c Folding Bike
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700c Folding Bike
I have reached the limits of my research and still can't decide because I can't find a single person who has ridden more than one folding bike with this size wheel. What is the most road capable folding bike available in the US? I'm 100% torn between the ChangeBike 702 and the Montague Navigator or Fit. It seems like one is a more polished experience, while the other has more bells and whistles. Is there even another option, at any price-point?
Appreciate your help.
Appreciate your help.
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I am completely curious as to why you would want a 700c folding bike? The obvious advantage - to me of course - of a smaller wheeled folder is clear, and one can get a fantastic ride with a Bike Friday Pocket Rocket/Pro. So what's the advantage of the 700c? Not being at all snarky or negative - I just really don't understand and I'd like to learn, thanks!
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Bottom line, I just need enough size reduction to fit in a trunk. Anything more is gratuitous for my needs at the compromise of the ride. Folding to help with commuting, but no need (IMO) for a wheel size reduction outside of a big city. Are these two brands the only options, at any price? Aware of and not interested in brake-apart style.
Last edited by OrigamiDad; 04-26-19 at 09:07 PM. Reason: Adding details.
#6
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Personally, I feel 20" is the sweet spot in ride for a folding bike. If it's good enough for Moulton...
I would personally recommend a xootr swift (secondhand), or a bike Friday (custom fit).
Fwiw, I would be sorely tempted to get a helix, but my used brompton is brilliant
I would personally recommend a xootr swift (secondhand), or a bike Friday (custom fit).
Fwiw, I would be sorely tempted to get a helix, but my used brompton is brilliant
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Why not use some S&S fittings on the 700c bike of your choice? https://www.ticycles.com/sands-coupling
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Thank you for the link. The frame is the wrong size for me unfortunately, so at least I don't have to complicate my decision with it.
I only care about getting the bike inside uncrowded ground vehicles (trains and cars) and buildings. For my situation, when it comes to wheel size, I'd rather have the better ride than the best compromise.
I only care about getting the bike inside uncrowded ground vehicles (trains and cars) and buildings. For my situation, when it comes to wheel size, I'd rather have the better ride than the best compromise.
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Not sure if you are totally locked into 700c or not. Any folding bike will be a compromise, the question is does the designer compromise more on portability or on rideability. Sounds like you do not want to compromise much on rideability but it does not need to be highly portable.
Airnimal makes a couple 24 inch wheel bikes if you are mostly looking for a bike that has a ride that is similar to a normal full size wheel bike, but is quickly foldable to put in a car trunk. But I do not know if there are any USA distributors at this time or not, I bought my frame and built it up over a decade ago. Their Joey is more of a commuter while the Chameleon is more racy.
When I first started riding my Airnimal Joey, I could feel the flex in either the stem extender or the seatpost mast, or both and it bothered me a bit. But after a few hundred miles, I got quite used to it.
Photos of mine at this link:
https://www.bikeforums.net/20336169-post735.html
The second photo shows the seatpost and handlebar stem still attached to the frame, but you can lower the seatpost much further or slide it out completely. And a quick release removes the stem extender from the top of the fork to make it much smaller than shown. To fold it you remove the front wheel as shown in the photo.
Airnimal makes a couple 24 inch wheel bikes if you are mostly looking for a bike that has a ride that is similar to a normal full size wheel bike, but is quickly foldable to put in a car trunk. But I do not know if there are any USA distributors at this time or not, I bought my frame and built it up over a decade ago. Their Joey is more of a commuter while the Chameleon is more racy.
When I first started riding my Airnimal Joey, I could feel the flex in either the stem extender or the seatpost mast, or both and it bothered me a bit. But after a few hundred miles, I got quite used to it.
Photos of mine at this link:
https://www.bikeforums.net/20336169-post735.html
The second photo shows the seatpost and handlebar stem still attached to the frame, but you can lower the seatpost much further or slide it out completely. And a quick release removes the stem extender from the top of the fork to make it much smaller than shown. To fold it you remove the front wheel as shown in the photo.
#11
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(My bike) Since you are specifically asking for a 700c folder:
Montague Boston 8 FOLDING Bike:
https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/6872398626.html
Montague Boston 8 FOLDING Bike:
https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/6872398626.html
#12
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Airnimal Chameleon. I have no issues with sacrificing ride quality on the road. No flex. 24 inch wheels. Hands down the best bike I ever bought and I have many. Frequently average 20mph and up on long group rides.
Bruce may still have one for sale...check out the selling thread at the top of the forum.
Bruce may still have one for sale...check out the selling thread at the top of the forum.
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The Chameleon was my dream bike a decade ago, even though it is more of an air portable frame than a commuter solution. Still want one when I get in better shape. If I had to pick a 20" it would be the Pacific Cycle Reach (maybe even the IF variant). But the foldingtales review of the 702 is a nice summary of my research - the best ride is on the bigger wheels. The standard bicycle is so awkward to transport and store because it mostly a long rectangle. Since the primary restriction in small spaces is the maximum dimension, not the volume, a single fold solves this problem for me. I'm on the fence between ChangeBike (through FlatBike) and Montague. Right now none of them seem perfect to me. Allston is probably the best commuter, 811k is probably the best quality, 702 seems like the fastest, and the navigator either is the best value or a very convincing BSO depending who you ask.
I have a >30 mile commute each way, followed by a long day chained to a desk. If I could bike 5-10 miles of it each day as a start I would be a lot happier, and closer to my overall fitness goals. Any compromise in the ride, at all, just isn't something I'm willing to do. I am willing to pay the premium for just the marginal portability boost, it's just crazy to realize I only know of two options in the whole world...
If that Boston was the right size (I'm 6') I'd be very interested, thank you for the link anyway.
I have a >30 mile commute each way, followed by a long day chained to a desk. If I could bike 5-10 miles of it each day as a start I would be a lot happier, and closer to my overall fitness goals. Any compromise in the ride, at all, just isn't something I'm willing to do. I am willing to pay the premium for just the marginal portability boost, it's just crazy to realize I only know of two options in the whole world...
If that Boston was the right size (I'm 6') I'd be very interested, thank you for the link anyway.
Last edited by OrigamiDad; 04-27-19 at 05:32 AM.
#14
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I use mine as a commuter by train and air. It is my nice weather long distance bike, I often jump off a station or two earlier to get a longer ride in. No issues on the train. I am 6'3".
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https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/bik...870614999.html If it is your size.... Or if you have the $, these guys build custom 700c already fitted with S&S couplings for easy breakdown https://www.rodbikes.com
#16
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He has explicitly said he doesn't want a break apart bike.
OrigamiDad, if you can, try to test ride a Montague. They're at least somewhat available in stores. Another option is something like Dahon Espresso (if you can find one) at 26inch wheels.
OrigamiDad, if you can, try to test ride a Montague. They're at least somewhat available in stores. Another option is something like Dahon Espresso (if you can find one) at 26inch wheels.
#18
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Have you considered something like Co-motion Cycles? Perhaps they're more intended for touring than your needs but they have frames with ss couplers, so that frame can be split in two. Not really the same mechanism like we used to in folding bikes, but certainly some sort of geometry change. Easier transport when travelling, airplane included.
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If none of us has any suggestions that are good enough for your very specific desires, and since cost is not a significant hindrance, maybe you should talk to a custom frame maker and see if the frame maker has any ideas on the best way to make it fold.
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Your forum wouldn't let me reply for 24 hours since I'm new...
I'm definitely interested in an Airnimal Chameleon. Going to talk with the seller once I can use PM's.
Now maybe my impression is wrong, but I thought breakaways took several minutes minimum per transition. Especially on the work end, that would be very awkward for me. Hence I ruled them out.
I'm going to test ride a Montague next week if still in stock. 3 hour drive, but big enough purchase to justify.
Tern Eclipse is an interesting suggestion. I had a 26" Dahon once upon a time and it looks like a very high end version. Since there are (limited) options for what I want, I haven't been including them in my search.
I'm definitely interested in an Airnimal Chameleon. Going to talk with the seller once I can use PM's.
Now maybe my impression is wrong, but I thought breakaways took several minutes minimum per transition. Especially on the work end, that would be very awkward for me. Hence I ruled them out.
I'm going to test ride a Montague next week if still in stock. 3 hour drive, but big enough purchase to justify.
Tern Eclipse is an interesting suggestion. I had a 26" Dahon once upon a time and it looks like a very high end version. Since there are (limited) options for what I want, I haven't been including them in my search.
#21
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Rinko set up bikes are all about making them easy to bag carry on trains , such as Japan's .. in a required Bag..
Bike Quarterly Magazine subscribers are all over this ..
Bike Quarterly Magazine subscribers are all over this ..
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My Dahon Espresso rides pretty well. It has a 2x10 drivetrain and Magiera hydraulic rim brakes.
It’s possible to convert this frame to 700c with a different fork.
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Sorry, that should read Magura!
this thread may be of interest:
https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-b...ops-sti-s.html
this thread may be of interest:
https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-b...ops-sti-s.html