CHECHO

Hi there, I'm thinking about the possibility of having a bike for Christmas... Mainly to alternate it with my commute bike (2 speed dahon mu uno) when I want to do some exercise in harder roads with some climbs. Originally I thought about a full frame bike, but I've enjoyed so much the folding bike that I thought about a folding model ... I've seen some really nice hi-end models like the Tern Verge X20 or the Dahon Mu Ex Camibean (both in the 3K range). But I would like to know if you have had experience with any of them or any other folding that's appropriate to exercise... BTW, I'm thinking about something equivalent to a full frame road or hybrid bike... Thanks!

ShortLegCyclist

You mention you want to do come climbing, so what is your price range?

The best climbing folders will sacrifice high end speed in almost every case. The exception would be Rohloff folders, but that commands a price premium, which is why I ask what your price range might be.

shrooms

If wanted to make myself an expensive present then Pacific Cycles Reach T20 is the bike.

Amt0571

Or you can buy a folder with a DualDrive. Way cheaper than Rohloff and extremely wide range of gears even on small wheels.

My DualDrive Mu has both lower and higher gears than my road bike

I feel that I don't climb as fast or comfortable on it though due to the bike's ergonomics, which are limited by it's folding ability.

tds101 

https://youtu.be/rigr7MSlTEg

Amt0571

It's really nice, but having to remove the front wheel to fold it is not acceptable unless you don't intend to fold it regularly. In which case a full-size bike would make more sense.

Also, I don't like having suspension on a fast road bike. It just eats your power and adds unnecessary complexity and maintenance. Especially considering that most parts of the suspension are propietary. Moreover, most people ride those bikes over smooth asphalt, not bumpy trails.

tds101 

I have a TernJoeP24, and it's probably what you're looking for as well. I added fenders, a rack, and I changed out the handlebars. Works great on the street, and works great when I ride in the park by my house.

And if that doesn't interest you, have you considered a Montague folding bike? Hard core riding bikes!

fietsbob

Oregon made Bike Friday's build lists include the same components as on other bikes like your road or hybrids...

349 wheel tikit is a fast fold .. seat mast is hinged so saddle height remains as you set it,

and unlike any other folding bike you have frame size options ..

energyandair

I would look at Bike Friday and Birdy. Both are good bikes that ride well and are available with the gear range you want.

CHECHO

I don't want (actually I can't) spend more than 3K USD... i've seen some Rohloff models, even for full-frame bikes, and I really like the idea, my concern (beyond price) is that were I live there's none technical support for internal geared hubs, but a lot of knowledge for traditional gear systems, so I don't want to spend a lot of money in such expensive system without knowing that I'll be technically covered...

Now, about the climbing, where I live is pretty flat... actually in my daily office commute I only gain 15 meters... however, there are some hills around that I would like to explore in non-commute trips... That's what I thought originally in a hybrid full size...

CHECHO

Hi, thanks!!! is good to know that's life beyond tern/dahon!
I really like the Birdies! honestly, I haven't seen them before, I'm curious about the suspension fork design... what about durability/reliability? have you tested it?

CHECHO

me likey!!! so, this guys are the same that makes the Birdy right? what about reliability, durability, quality???

bhkyte

If you do consider a derailleir birdie they fold very small with the wheels removed,quickly and easily with the qr skewers. You can customise the suspension to be much firmer also.

rjdennis

see the discussions of ti swifts on this site

ThorUSA

Have you checked out the Dahon Aniversary replica .... They are on closeout pricing and pretty nice

CHECHO

Thank to all for your comments... I really think that those guys from Pacific Bikes have what I'm looking for. Now, what about the quality of the product? I'm asking this because no long ago I was considering a doppelganger bike (Japanese) and, according to some posts here in the forum, the quality and reliability were not so good (not to say anything else...) and, on the other hand, Dahon and Tern are well known because their quality. Please also consider that I'm from overseas, so any option I choose has to be maintained for me or a local "standard" bike technician.

CHECHO

yes, I did... actually I liked that very much... just wandered why Dahon didn't put dropout handlebars on that one... but yes, that's an option I'm considering... anyways, once I decide which model I want/can buy, I think that I have to open another thread called "how to overcome the 'ANOTHER BIKE???' question at home"

fietsbob

my M3L Brompton with the Schlumpf Mountain Drive 2 speed Crankset , in low gear, low range, is about a 17" gear.

by 'dropout handlebars ' do you mean road bike Drop Bars since a dropout is where the wheel, axle goes .

Answer : flat bars when folded take up less space.

and space reduction is why people buy folding bikes in the first place..

energyandair

We have 3 Birdys. Currently 2 in California and one in BC.

They have been very durable and very reliable.

Had a problem with one fork due to overtightening of clamping bolts (can't do that on any bike, particularly with aluminium or carbon frames!)

They are fast, comfortable and adjust to fit a very wide range of rider size and riding position.

They are very agile and definitely not a "hands free" bike (latest model might be) but so long as I have at least one hand touching the handlebar, I've had no control problem.

If I were were going on a cross country bike trip, I would quite likely take one of the Birdys rather than a standard size bike.

shrooms

According to many reviews Pacific Cycles bikes are higher quality than Tern or Dahon. They are in the same category with Bike Fridays except there is no customer support in the US. Also, for the price it would have been nice to buy it accessorized with a rear rack and mudguards. Still it maybe a personal opinion but the PC bikes designs are much cooler in term of look, simplicity and functionality than any other folding company came up with.

shrooms

Not many want to admit that Birdy, Tikit, Bromton, etc are super folders which in their own category have their own pluses and minuses. PC Reach can't fold in such the small sizes but it rides and looks like a mini-velo.

CHECHO

yes, that's what I meant... my mistake... English is not my native language...



Actually, I'm pretty sure that the Dahon Anniversary Replica has a (very bulky) bullhorn handlebar (I think that's how it's called right?) that folds to the outside... so that's why I mentioned about why Dahon didn't considered a Drop Bar… DAHON Bikes USA:*Anniversary Replica


Yep, I totally agree with you... that's why I choose a folding and I'm seeking for another one...

fietsbob

fold in half types are relatively wide, DaHon descendants are all that type.

Brompton fold directly under and hinge the front of the main tube

with the front wheel coming back on the right side takes up less room.

& covers the drivetrain..

bhkyte

Don't think it right to asume paffic is better than dahon/tern quality. They make some very nice stuff, I am not a dahon fan but I would alway consider one at the right price.
Re drop bars.
Droped bars don't fold well on folders but proxy bullbars do. See me of my threads. There are lots of photos on the dahon andros stem on Brompton.

fietsbob

You can always put a QR on the Brompton steering mast so the bars fold in.