Looking for a bike for college
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 11
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Looking for a bike for college
hello, I am going to be going back to college next year and I am looking to get a folding bike thats a little easier to carry around around with me
I have had a few different folding bikes; a dahon speed p8, a tern node D8, and currently im riding on some sort of zizzo (I forgot the model) and while I've enjoyed the ride on all of them, theyre not overly pleasant to carry around when folded up since I'm pretty short and not very strong. I think having a bike with a tighter fold and 16" wheels would be better
This will be my primary method of transportation, as I have a sensory disability that makes it dangerous to drive a car. I live in Colorado and the hills can get pretty rough so having a decent gear range will help, and durability is important to me as well. I've been curious about internal gear hubs, they seem convenient on paper but im worried theyre not as great in real life as it seems
my budget is set around $1000-$2000, affordability isnt the biggest concern so long as i know I'm getting a quality product
currently I had my eyes set on a bike friday pakit, brompton, and started looking at the dahon curl i8, but it seems like every time I lurk on this forum i discover another brand, and I'm open to suggestions, or input on the bikes I've been looking at already
while they all seem to have good reviews, its always hard to say if people still love them a few years later as much as they loved them out of the box
thank you for your input
I have had a few different folding bikes; a dahon speed p8, a tern node D8, and currently im riding on some sort of zizzo (I forgot the model) and while I've enjoyed the ride on all of them, theyre not overly pleasant to carry around when folded up since I'm pretty short and not very strong. I think having a bike with a tighter fold and 16" wheels would be better
This will be my primary method of transportation, as I have a sensory disability that makes it dangerous to drive a car. I live in Colorado and the hills can get pretty rough so having a decent gear range will help, and durability is important to me as well. I've been curious about internal gear hubs, they seem convenient on paper but im worried theyre not as great in real life as it seems
my budget is set around $1000-$2000, affordability isnt the biggest concern so long as i know I'm getting a quality product
currently I had my eyes set on a bike friday pakit, brompton, and started looking at the dahon curl i8, but it seems like every time I lurk on this forum i discover another brand, and I'm open to suggestions, or input on the bikes I've been looking at already
while they all seem to have good reviews, its always hard to say if people still love them a few years later as much as they loved them out of the box
thank you for your input
#2
Senior Member
The Brompton and Dahon Curl folds small. Both have itty bitty wheels. So you don't need to carry them, unless going up the stairs. If you have to take the bus/train a lot, then the Brompton or Dahon Curl is better. The Pakit is lighter I think. Also uses standard components. Maybe Linberl can chime in. Another option is the Dahoneezz, small bike but no itty bitty wheel. So you have to carry.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,694
Bikes: Trek 730 (quad), 720 & 830, Bike Friday NWT, Brompton M36R & M6R, Dahon HAT060 & HT060, ...
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 834 Post(s)
Liked 332 Times
in
247 Posts
Carrying any folder presents some challenge. Within what is possible Pakit was mentioned in this forum as easier to carry than other bikes. In the case of Brompton, you can make it maneuverable like a travel suitcase, with an addition of a couple of roller wheels directed to the side. The Sidewinder kit to accomplish this was offered on Ebay by a seller named doublesdave. While he has not posted that offer there recently, it might be possible to get such a kit by messaging him or one might turn to DIY as described here. Even a 6sp Brompton is insufficient for a surrounding with serious hills - more investment or DIY is needed in going beyond what is available as stock.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 3,460
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
I am 5'4" and not super strong either, so weight for carry really mattered to me. No matter how much you think you will just roll the bike, you end up carrying it up stairs, I found. Sometimes LOTS of stairs (like our public transit stations). I went with the Bike Friday pakiT. Because you can configure the bike exactly the way you want, you can determine the weight you will end up lifting and carrying. Just remember, less weight = more $, lol. My sweet spot was 19lbs, and the bike ended up a little over the top of your budget. If you can carry a few more pounds than I, you can end up much closer to $1400, around 22 lbs. The pakit comes with 8 speeds if you go with a rear derailleur (Brompton maxes out at 6). You can have it built up as a 10 speed if you want, which might be better in Colorado. You can get an internal hub if you want and a belt drive is an option as well. I went with the standard rear derailleur and chain because it's easier to fix flat tires and I don't mind shifting at all. BF service is fantastic and it's here in the US.
Consider also that you might be riding in snow in Colorado. I have no idea if one can put snow tires on a pakiT or a Brompton. If you call BF they can tell you.
Consider that bikes get stolen on campuses a lot - will you be able to take the bike inside everywhere you go or will you need to lock it up sometimes? A more expensive bike can be a target; be sure to purchase some form of bike theft insurance (maybe you can add a special rider to homeowner's insurance or renter insurance).
Feel free to reach out if you have any ? about the pakiT or BF in general, I'll be glad to share my experiences.
Oh...I should add...BF also has an electric motor kit for their pakiT in case those hills are just too much, lol.
Consider also that you might be riding in snow in Colorado. I have no idea if one can put snow tires on a pakiT or a Brompton. If you call BF they can tell you.
Consider that bikes get stolen on campuses a lot - will you be able to take the bike inside everywhere you go or will you need to lock it up sometimes? A more expensive bike can be a target; be sure to purchase some form of bike theft insurance (maybe you can add a special rider to homeowner's insurance or renter insurance).
Feel free to reach out if you have any ? about the pakiT or BF in general, I'll be glad to share my experiences.
Oh...I should add...BF also has an electric motor kit for their pakiT in case those hills are just too much, lol.
Last edited by linberl; 03-28-19 at 09:42 AM.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,694
Bikes: Trek 730 (quad), 720 & 830, Bike Friday NWT, Brompton M36R & M6R, Dahon HAT060 & HT060, ...
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 834 Post(s)
Liked 332 Times
in
247 Posts
Consider also that you might be riding in snow in Colorado. I have no idea if one can put snow tires on a pakiT or a Brompton. If you call BF they can tell you.
Consider that bikes get stolen on campuses a lot - will you be able to take the bike inside everywhere you go or will you need to lock it up sometimes? A more expensive bike can be a target; be sure to purchase some form of bike theft insurance (maybe you can add a special rider to homeowner's insurance or renter insurance).
Consider that bikes get stolen on campuses a lot - will you be able to take the bike inside everywhere you go or will you need to lock it up sometimes? A more expensive bike can be a target; be sure to purchase some form of bike theft insurance (maybe you can add a special rider to homeowner's insurance or renter insurance).
I have seen students taking folders into classrooms and I presume this is the goal for the folder here.
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 11
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am 5'4" and not super strong either, so weight for carry really mattered to me. No matter how much you think you will just roll the bike, you end up carrying it up stairs, I found. Sometimes LOTS of stairs (like our public transit stations). I went with the Bike Friday pakiT. Because you can configure the bike exactly the way you want, you can determine the weight you will end up lifting and carrying. Just remember, less weight = more $, lol. My sweet spot was 19lbs, and the bike ended up a little over the top of your budget. If you can carry a few more pounds than I, you can end up much closer to $1400, around 22 lbs. The pakit comes with 8 speeds if you go with a rear derailleur (Brompton maxes out at 6). You can have it built up as a 10 speed if you want, which might be better in Colorado. You can get an internal hub if you want and a belt drive is an option as well. I went with the standard rear derailleur and chain because it's easier to fix flat tires and I don't mind shifting at all. BF service is fantastic and it's here in the US.
Consider also that you might be riding in snow in Colorado. I have no idea if one can put snow tires on a pakiT or a Brompton. If you call BF they can tell you.
Consider that bikes get stolen on campuses a lot - will you be able to take the bike inside everywhere you go or will you need to lock it up sometimes? A more expensive bike can be a target; be sure to purchase some form of bike theft insurance (maybe you can add a special rider to homeowner's insurance or renter insurance).
Feel free to reach out if you have any ? about the pakiT or BF in general, I'll be glad to share my experiences.
Oh...I should add...BF also has an electric motor kit for their pakiT in case those hills are just too much, lol.
Consider also that you might be riding in snow in Colorado. I have no idea if one can put snow tires on a pakiT or a Brompton. If you call BF they can tell you.
Consider that bikes get stolen on campuses a lot - will you be able to take the bike inside everywhere you go or will you need to lock it up sometimes? A more expensive bike can be a target; be sure to purchase some form of bike theft insurance (maybe you can add a special rider to homeowner's insurance or renter insurance).
Feel free to reach out if you have any ? about the pakiT or BF in general, I'll be glad to share my experiences.
Oh...I should add...BF also has an electric motor kit for their pakiT in case those hills are just too much, lol.
i was looking at the 8 speed with the internal gear hub and belt drive, and as i built it the way i liked the price pushed to 2300, which i would still be willing to pay for the components i would be getting out of it
im still a little iffy on getting a hub instead of a derailleur. I want to be sure that if something goes wrong with it, it can be fixed, but the idea of having a bike without the chain grease sounds fantastic. I just have no personal experience with hubs
im not brave or resilient enough to ride in snow, so the bikes always get retired in winter time, no issues there
and yes, i will be taking my bike indoors with me, i would never leave a bike outside in general lmao
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 3,460
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
this is super helpful, thank you
i was looking at the 8 speed with the internal gear hub and belt drive, and as i built it the way i liked the price pushed to 2300, which i would still be willing to pay for the components i would be getting out of it
im still a little iffy on getting a hub instead of a derailleur. I want to be sure that if something goes wrong with it, it can be fixed, but the idea of having a bike without the chain grease sounds fantastic. I just have no personal experience with hubs
im not brave or resilient enough to ride in snow, so the bikes always get retired in winter time, no issues there
and yes, i will be taking my bike indoors with me, i would never leave a bike outside in general lmao
i was looking at the 8 speed with the internal gear hub and belt drive, and as i built it the way i liked the price pushed to 2300, which i would still be willing to pay for the components i would be getting out of it
im still a little iffy on getting a hub instead of a derailleur. I want to be sure that if something goes wrong with it, it can be fixed, but the idea of having a bike without the chain grease sounds fantastic. I just have no personal experience with hubs
im not brave or resilient enough to ride in snow, so the bikes always get retired in winter time, no issues there
and yes, i will be taking my bike indoors with me, i would never leave a bike outside in general lmao
Oh, and I will add that being short makes the pakiT a better choice than a bike that has only one frame size =).
Last edited by linberl; 03-28-19 at 01:10 PM.
#8
Senior Member
I'll second the PakiT having owned a few 16-inch-wheel folders, including Brompton. Brompton is hard to beat for a quick, compact fold, but PakiT wins on ride, gear range and most importantly..WEIGHT. I think the belt drive PakiT would be great.
#9
Banned
A College campus is Bike Theft Central .. so bear that in mind ... ..
..
..
Last edited by fietsbob; 03-29-19 at 10:34 AM.
#10
Senior Member
Yeah, when I was in college I bought a used road bike and locked it outside. I'm sure there are places in college where its impossible to take the bike with you. Hence you still need to budget for a solid U lock.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 3,460
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
Every u lock can be defeated and the lame insurance that supposedly comes with them is useless unless the broken lock is left at the scene (and it is often not). They don't pay off unless you have the busted lock for proof. A rider on a homeowner or renters policy isn't very expensive and can replace the entire bike pretty quickly. I never lock up my pakiT; I have a Dahon Mu Uno I use if I know I will need to leave the bike locked somewhere, but I also have my pakiT insured (bike theft happens on the street, inside apartments/houses, in offices, etc.).
#12
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 11
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i appreciate the concern, i know bikes get stolen frequently on campuses, but there is never a minute where i leave my bikes unattended. if i can't bring them on my person, i don't bring them, simple as that. that's what got me into folding bikes in the first place, before i simply preferred them for the ride
i won't be living on campus, I'll likely just be part time since i still have bills to pay at home, and have to keep my income steady. the main purpose of this bike is to get me to the train station then to campus, and back
all the details about bringing my bike inside and such will be sorted out before hand with my professors before the semesters start, and this has also been something i was able to sort out with my IEP in highschool. since im limited to bicycles and public transportation, this is basically my car
at most I've just been told to put it in a bag if i bring it inside. the pakit has a backpack option on it that ill look into if necessary, but no, its never going to be out of my sight
i won't be living on campus, I'll likely just be part time since i still have bills to pay at home, and have to keep my income steady. the main purpose of this bike is to get me to the train station then to campus, and back
all the details about bringing my bike inside and such will be sorted out before hand with my professors before the semesters start, and this has also been something i was able to sort out with my IEP in highschool. since im limited to bicycles and public transportation, this is basically my car
at most I've just been told to put it in a bag if i bring it inside. the pakit has a backpack option on it that ill look into if necessary, but no, its never going to be out of my sight
#13
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 11
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Every u lock can be defeated and the lame insurance that supposedly comes with them is useless unless the broken lock is left at the scene (and it is often not). They don't pay off unless you have the busted lock for proof. A rider on a homeowner or renters policy isn't very expensive and can replace the entire bike pretty quickly. I never lock up my pakiT; I have a Dahon Mu Uno I use if I know I will need to leave the bike locked somewhere, but I also have my pakiT insured (bike theft happens on the street, inside apartments/houses, in offices, etc.).
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 146
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Not sute if u r going to mines, cu, csu, cc, afa, ft lewis...., but a folder will work on campus in general. That said, using it for other usage may be limiting
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 3,460
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
i appreciate the concern, i know bikes get stolen frequently on campuses, but there is never a minute where i leave my bikes unattended. if i can't bring them on my person, i don't bring them, simple as that. that's what got me into folding bikes in the first place, before i simply preferred them for the ride
i won't be living on campus, I'll likely just be part time since i still have bills to pay at home, and have to keep my income steady. the main purpose of this bike is to get me to the train station then to campus, and back
all the details about bringing my bike inside and such will be sorted out before hand with my professors before the semesters start, and this has also been something i was able to sort out with my IEP in highschool. since im limited to bicycles and public transportation, this is basically my car
at most I've just been told to put it in a bag if i bring it inside. the pakit has a backpack option on it that ill look into if necessary, but no, its never going to be out of my sight
i won't be living on campus, I'll likely just be part time since i still have bills to pay at home, and have to keep my income steady. the main purpose of this bike is to get me to the train station then to campus, and back
all the details about bringing my bike inside and such will be sorted out before hand with my professors before the semesters start, and this has also been something i was able to sort out with my IEP in highschool. since im limited to bicycles and public transportation, this is basically my car
at most I've just been told to put it in a bag if i bring it inside. the pakit has a backpack option on it that ill look into if necessary, but no, its never going to be out of my sight
#16
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 11
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Every u lock can be defeated and the lame insurance that supposedly comes with them is useless unless the broken lock is left at the scene (and it is often not). They don't pay off unless you have the busted lock for proof. A rider on a homeowner or renters policy isn't very expensive and can replace the entire bike pretty quickly. I never lock up my pakiT; I have a Dahon Mu Uno I use if I know I will need to leave the bike locked somewhere, but I also have my pakiT insured (bike theft happens on the street, inside apartments/houses, in offices, etc.).
I don't know that I'd bother with the BF backpack; you have to remove the front wheel to use it. Instead, I highly recommend a simple cover you can slip over as it is very easy to carry by the frame. I use the Dahon Carry On cover, which I actually removed from the carry case that comes with it. it's just a nylon slip cover with a zipper across one end and a pull cord on the bottom. if you know anyone who can sew, it would be super easy to make one out of black ripstop nylon. i just wad it up in my sling bag when i don't need it, takes very little space. i just drop it over, and unzip enough to grab the frame through the top. it is clean, disguised, and slightly protected from scratches (but not very so i'm careful). Why carry a backpack which adds weight and requires you to remove the wheel? Just quick fold the pakit, drop the cover over the top, and done =). Leave your back for your bookbag/laptop backpack.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,694
Bikes: Trek 730 (quad), 720 & 830, Bike Friday NWT, Brompton M36R & M6R, Dahon HAT060 & HT060, ...
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 834 Post(s)
Liked 332 Times
in
247 Posts
all the details about bringing my bike inside and such will be sorted out before hand with my professors before the semesters start, and this has also been something i was able to sort out with my IEP in highschool. since im limited to bicycles and public transportation, this is basically my car
at most I've just been told to put it in a bag if i bring it inside.
at most I've just been told to put it in a bag if i bring it inside.
#18
Senior Member
Ok part time off campus is doable I guess. But still, if you have removable pedals, take them off. Makes it harder for the thief to cycle away with your bike.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 3,460
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
OP isn't going to lock up the bike, it is going to be taken inside to classes so n/p. I don't even have folding or removable pedals on my pakiT, because they weigh more than good lightweight fixed pedals. Never been an issue because the bike is always close enough that I can get to anyone who might mess with it. Just have to be careful when I carry it to position the pedals right so they don't scrape me.
#20
Senior Member
Most folders I've ridden - and I've ridden a bunch - are not at all limiting. You sit on the saddle and grab the bars and pedal the pedals and the wheels turn. Easy peasy.
#21
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 11
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
agreed, I actually really didn't like bikes until i tried my first folder. i actually prefer the smaller wheels and "twitchy" control on them, i just feel so much more agile, and not as locked in to the bike, if that makes sense. i used to ride 20 miles a day on my first dahon for work, i never considered it limiting at all
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 3,460
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
Agreed. I much prefer smaller wheels for city use, the bike is more nimble and accelerates from stoplights faster. And being shorter, I love the lower center of gravity.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 3,460
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
stairs along with backpacks or other weighted objects. Not to mention some folks have back problems or other health issues that might interfere. So - weight is a non issue FOR YOU.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 3,460
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
Smaller people are usually better with shorter reach - I found the reach on the brompton, regardless of handlebar, too far for me (my friends say I have t-rex arms, lol). I'm much more leg than torso. On a bike where you would probably be quite upright, I am riding at a 55 degree angle! OP mentions she is "pretty short" so for her, a smaller wheel bike with shorter reach might be fine. Also, she's considering a Bike Friday pakiT as well, which can easily be 10 pounds lighter than that brompton/dahon 20". Mine is just 19lbs and I didn't opt for the lightest components, more mid-range, to get that weight (which includes saddle/pedals, etc.). That's a massive difference in carrying weight.
I'm confused by your comments as you said "weight doesn't matter" in one post and now you seem to acknowledge that it does matter to the OP, which is what we should be talking about.
I'm confused by your comments as you said "weight doesn't matter" in one post and now you seem to acknowledge that it does matter to the OP, which is what we should be talking about.