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Grocery shopping with my new folding bike.
Bike is a Tern BYB P8 for those curious. I decided I was tired of trying to store my '80s touring bike in a crowded basement in a house with 5 adult occupants, and also wanted the potential to travel more easily with my bike, so I picked this bike up. This was my first run buying groceries with it, which was a real test of how well this bike is going to fit my day-to-day cycling needs. It passed the test with flying colors. It felt very stable with this moderate load, and the stock fenders do a great job keeping my feet and drivetrain dry on wet roads. The only downside is that the rack that the bike comes with will only take relatively small panniers, hence the ortlieb front rollers, but it could easily have handled the bags twice as full as they were.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f9c053836b.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2c92c08993.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...70a1fb2001.jpg |
I used to do my shopping on my hybrid bike with Ortlieb bike shopper panniers, still got the set up and looking forward to starting up again. I've never ridden a foldable bike but tempted to get one, though not really for shopping more commute. I recomment keeping your bike locked up well with two different types of lock. i've caught two thieves taking a look at my bike but then walking away with a third what look like an attempt at my lock but just dented the rubber on the d lock. so i was lucky so i'm getting additonal locks this time around.
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Just saying, the zero sugar soft drinks are slow poison. I mention it only because there appears to be some attempt at healthier eating displayed in the photo. The only non-sugar sweeteners that are not terrible for you are Stevia and Xylitol. Few mass market brands use them because, of course, they cost more than Sucralose, Aspartame, and etc. There are a couple of other 'natural' non-sugar sweeteners but they cause some people digestive issues. But that's not why I am writing. One of our tandems has a special quick release skewer that allows it to pull a Bob Yak single wheel trailer. That thing is boss for shopping expeditions. I got the same skewer in standard MTB length so my folding bike (Giant Expressway) can pull the trailer as well. I also have an insulated backpack box carrier like the Doordash couriers use and that can be seriously overloaded. I only dare use that on my cargo bike. Over the years I have had a number of seatpost failures with folders and I weigh 195lb. I wouldn't dare strap 50lb+ on my back and get on a folder. Some people (long distance tourers) say having weight on the front end helps the handling of folders and people have been known to just carry water (ballast) in front panniers on folders just so they handle better. FWIW.
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Originally Posted by Leisesturm
(Post 22514821)
Just saying, the zero sugar soft drinks are slow poison. I mention it only because there appears to be some attempt at healthier eating displayed in the photo. The only non-sugar sweeteners that are not terrible for you are Stevia and Xylitol. Few mass market brands use them because, of course, they cost more than Sucralose, Aspartame, and etc. There are a couple of other 'natural' non-sugar sweeteners but they cause some people digestive issues. But that's not why I am writing. One of our tandems has a special quick release skewer that allows it to pull a Bob Yak single wheel trailer. That thing is boss for shopping expeditions. I got the same skewer in standard MTB length so my folding bike (Giant Expressway) can pull the trailer as well. I also have an insulated backpack box carrier like the Doordash couriers use and that can be seriously overloaded. I only dare use that on my cargo bike. Over the years I have had a number of seatpost failures with folders and I weigh 195lb. I wouldn't dare strap 50lb+ on my back and get on a folder. Some people (long distance tourers) say having weight on the front end helps the handling of folders and people have been known to just carry water (ballast) in front panniers on folders just so they handle better. FWIW.
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Originally Posted by Leisesturm
(Post 22514821)
Some people (long distance tourers) say having weight on the front end helps the handling of folders and people have been known to just carry water (ballast) in front panniers on folders just so they handle better. FWIW.
Also, this note is for everybody: unasked-for dietary advice is rude. |
Originally Posted by willydstyle
(Post 22527480)
This folder is perfectly stable with the load on the rear, though I have also since added a front rack so I can carry more without using a backpack, it doesn't seem necessary for stability at all. I am very happy with my purchase of this BYB.
Also, this note is for everybody: unasked-for dietary advice is rude. |
I use a Tern Loader2 rack on my Dahon Speed in conjunction with a basket.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...58f97007c7.jpg I don't know how well panniers will work on this rack but, the Tern Cargo Rack builds on the design by allowing the height to also be adjusted. As for keeping one's bicycle safe while shopping, there's nothing more secure than keeping it with you. That also dedicates more weight capacity to cargo since it's not being wasted on a lock. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...501bb06b1d.jpg |
Originally Posted by Nyah
(Post 22531544)
I use a Tern Loader2 rack on my Dahon Speed in conjunction with a basket.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...58f97007c7.jpg I don't know how well panniers will work on this rack but, the Tern Cargo Rack builds on the design by allowing the height to also be adjusted. As for keeping one's bicycle safe while shopping, there's nothing more secure than keeping it with you. That also dedicates more weight capacity to cargo since it's not being wasted on a lock. |
Originally Posted by willydstyle
(Post 22531931)
I really dig your Dahon setup. That color is :love: too.
Since my original post, I've also been using a front basket, strapped to a typical generic front rack for folding bicycles. Looks a little tilted forward, and, I guess it is, but I use sturdy shopping bags that have handles, which I secure to the basket via a carabiner. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f067215a63.jpg |
I love the folding bike. I created a "mini-velo" using a bmx frame 20" and risers for the seat and bullbars. The most fun the ride. I also put the largest sprocket I could find on it. Actually pretty fast!
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Originally Posted by willydstyle
(Post 22500841)
...This was my first run buying groceries with it, which was a real test of how well this bike is going to fit my day-to-day cycling needs. It passed the test with flying colors....
Congrats! Many happy miles to you. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2de0ba550c.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ecdf368223.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9e9cad05e9.jpg
Originally Posted by willydstyle
(Post 22500841)
...This was my first run buying groceries with it, which was a real test of how well this bike is going to fit my day-to-day cycling needs. It passed the test with flying colors....
Congrats! Many happy miles to you. |
sharp set up
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Originally Posted by Nyah
(Post 22531544)
I use a Tern Loader2 rack on my Dahon Speed in conjunction with a basket.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...58f97007c7.jpg I don't know how well panniers will work on this rack but, the Tern Cargo Rack builds on the design by allowing the height to also be adjusted. As for keeping one's bicycle safe while shopping, there's nothing more secure than keeping it with you. That also dedicates more weight capacity to cargo since it's not being wasted on a lock. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...501bb06b1d.jpg |
I'd retrofit the BYB for a tall rack, designed for full-size bikes, you'll need that height to keep full-size panniers high enough to not drag on curbs when you ride close. If no attachment points on seatstays, use rubber covered stainless steel wire clamps, available at marine supply stores in various sizes. Look for rack that will hold the panniers far enough aft that their front edge is even with rear axle center, you need that for heel clearance; Racks like that are hard to find, but worth it. Due to that, you'll need super XL length rack stays, made by Jandd and others.
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I’m car free and take my tern vektron to Costco every other week. Fits 2 full grocery bags (one in each pannier) and I have a basket or bag for the rack and a backpack. So basically 3 large grocery bags full of stuff.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9002afc29.jpeg |
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